Baandhavya september 2014

Baandhavya ಬಾ೦ಧವ್ಯ Veerashaiva Samaja of North America

September 2014

VSNA Officers: President: Vijay Kumar Goud, NJ Vice-President: Channu Kambalyal, IL Secretary: Basu Mudenur, NE Treasurer: B.S. Nanjundappa, PA

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Board of Directors: Kotresh Neral, MI Yuvaraj Patil, Toronto Nandish Dhananjaya, IL Shivakumar Patil, NJ Roopa Maganahalli, CA Shivu Basavaiah, MA Board of Regents: Laxmi Hiremath, CA, Chair Nagabhushan Malakla, CA Dada Patil, CA Mamatha Hirannaiah, GA Rajiv Kumar, IL Rajeev Navayal, Toronto Local Chapter Presidents: Shivashankar Tumkur, AL Mrutunjay Hiremath, CA-Central Shiddaling Shettar, CA-North Manu Swamy, CA-South Deepak Patil, IL Suraj Kurtakoti, CT Nayanatara Swamy, FL Mahesh Rajaghatta, GA Savitha Tharakesh S., MD Karuna Hiremath, MI Irappa Arabhavi, NE Shivakumar Patil, NY Shivappa Palled, NC Amit Vagarali, OH Nitin Doijad, PA K. P Channabasappa, TN Anu Benakatti, TX-North Jagadeesh Halyal, TX-South Yuvaraj Patil, Toronto Raj Galagali, VA & DC Vivek Neginhal, WV

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Shree Siddaganga Matt, Tumkur, Karnataka, India on September 24, 2014 to seek his blessings. During this time Swamiji donated 25 lakh rupees to the Kashmiri flood victims. Watch - ‘YouTube.com’.

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Newsletter Team: Chief Editor: Supriya Antin Kaddargi, IL Basu Mudenur, MA Danashree Suresh, IL Sachin Suresh, IL-Youth Abhinav Reddy, IL Coordinator: Channu Kambalyal, IL

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Congratulations to VSNA - Texas – North Chapter For successful hosting of the 2014 VSNA Convention on July 4-5, 2014 in Dallas, Texas.

The convention videos can be viewed online via following links:          

VSNA Convention 2014 Dallas Texas Video 1 VSNA Convention 2014 Dallas Texas Video 2 VSNA Convention 2014, Dallas Texas Video 3 VSNA Convention 2014, Dallas Texas Video 4 VSNA Convention 2014, Dallas Texas Video 5 VSNA Convention 2014, Dallas Texas Video 6 VSNA Convention 2014, Dallas Texas Video 7 VSNA Convention 2014, Dallas Texas Video 8 VSNA Convention 2014, Dallas Texas Video 9 VSNA Convention 2014, Dallas Texas Video 10

The convention photos can be viewed online via following link:  2014 VSNA Convention Photos

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Table of Contents Editor’s Note ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4 President’s Message ............................................................................................................................................................... 5 Shivayoga Mandira.................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Vīraśaiva and Liṅgᾱyata .......................................................................................................................................................... 9 Kaayakave Kailasa ................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Akka Nagamma Aikyasthala .................................................................................................................................................. 12 Veerashaiva News around the World ................................................................................................................................... 16 Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Siddaganga Matt ................................................................................................... 16 Central VSNA Updates .......................................................................................................................................................... 17 37th VSNA Annual Convention – Highlights ..................................................................................................................... 17 Central VSNA 2015-16 - BOD & BOR – Election Results.................................................................................................... 20 VSNA Matrimony Site ....................................................................................................................................................... 20 VSNA Local Chapters Updates............................................................................................................................................... 21 VSNA – DC & Virginia Chapter........................................................................................................................................... 21 VSNA - Detroit Chapter ..................................................................................................................................................... 22 VSNA – Chicago Chapter ................................................................................................................................................... 23 VSNA North Carolina Updates .......................................................................................................................................... 24 VSNA Florida Chapter Updates ......................................................................................................................................... 25 Obituary ................................................................................................................................................................................ 26 VSNA – Publications .............................................................................................................................................................. 27

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Editor’s Note

Sharanu Sharanarthi!

Team Baandhavya wishes everyone a very happy Deepavali! The celebration of good over evil and enlightenment over darkness all around and inward, along with prayers for success have all been grand and sincere amidst us. Spiritual transformation is on the rise and by following Basavanna’s principles we all take along the fraternity with us in this progress.

ಅಯ್ಯಾ, ನಿಮ್ಮ ಶರಣರ ದಯಸಕ ೋಹಕ್ಕೆ ಎನ್ನ ತನ್ುಮ್ನ್ಧನ್ವಲಸದಂತಕ ಮಯಡಯ್ಯಾ. ತನ್ು ದಯಸಕ ೋಹಕ್ಕೆ ಉಬ್ು​ುವಂತಕ ಮಯಡು, ಮ್ನ್ ದಯಸಕ ೋಹಕ್ಕೆ ಲೋಯವಹಂತಕ ಮಯಡು, ಧನ್ ದಯಸಕ ೋಹಕ್ಕೆ ಸವಕದು, ನಿಮ್ಮ ಶರಣರ ಪ್ರಸಯದದಲಿ ನಿರಂತರ ಆಡಿ ಹಯಡಿ, ನಕ ೋಡಿ ಕ ಡಿ, ಭಯವಿಸಿ ಸುಖಿಸಿ, ಪ್ರಿಣಯಮಿಸುವಂತಕ ಮಯಡು, ಕ ಡಲಸಂಗಮ್ದಕೋವಯ We would also like to congratulate the newly elected board members of Central VSNA and pertinent local chapters. The enthusiasm in coming forward to lead this august organization to greater heights is much appreciated by members far and wide.

We are excited to present to you the next edition of Baandhavya. We are very grateful to the keen members who have added spiritual value to this edition. As always, our efforts have been to present worthy articles for VSNA members and to keep one another connected and motivated. The Sharana spirit will only glow brighter with each other’s gracious company at every occasion.

Please continue to enrich this newsletter with your esteemed contributions. Kindly encourage the youth to make time to send their contributions as well by tapping their literary and artistic flavors.

Thank you and best regards, Supriya Antin Kaddargi

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President’s Message

Dear VSNA Members, I am pleased to announce the release of the third quarter VSNA Newsletter - Baandhavya. Our editorial team Supriya Antin and Channu Kambalyal have done yet spectacular job of releasing the VSNA newsletter. I do appreciate our writers for their invaluable contributions to the newsletter. I encourage others especially the youngsters to express their views and experiences in this newsletter. Let me emphasis that this is the medium wherein we can get connected. So please feel free to participate in Baandhavya.

Regarding the 2015 VSNA convention, we are yet to finalize on the chapter to host the convention. We are looking for a chapter that has not hosted for the last 10 years. I am confident we will be able to motivate and mobilize support from one of the large chapter.

I am glad to mention that the current BOD will be successfully completing their term on December 31, 2014. I take this opportunity to thank my fellow officers, BOD members, chapter presidents and other seniors for their support and guidance during the past 2 years.

The new team headed by Mr. Channu Kambalyal will take charge of VSNA starting January 1, 2015. I wish Channu and his team all the best for their future endeavors for the organization.

Sincerely Vijay Kumar President, VSNA

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Shivayoga Mandira Circa 1800’s: It had been more than 600 years since the revolution by Shivasharanas under the inspiration of Guru Basavanna. That revolution had magnetically set in a beautiful era with simple yet elegant practices of Lingayath philosophy but the wheel of time had rendered a much diluted society again where sustaining that same fervor of Basavanna and other Sharanas of his order had ceased to persist. Illiteracy was on the increase and superstitions were back and rampantly ingrained in the society. The legacy was already rich with the doctrines laid out, the literature enriched by Sharanas in the form of vachanas and shoonya sampadane and more than anything else, lingayaths had donned the ishta lingas or at least possessed the awareness of the philosophy. All the same, that legacy’s influence did not have the same bearing on the society as it once did. In the centuries traversed, there certainly must have been many ascents of spiritual gurus who attempted to resurrect the lost principles but the restoration of that good faith needed more than just a leader to keep the influence going. What was in need was institutionalizing it all over again from a grass-root level.

In such times of decline was born a superior sage, Sri. Hanagal Kumaraswamiji in Haveri district, Karnataka in the year 1867. It takes a lifetime to enlighten oneself and to take along the society as well on that path, and to realize a vision of sustaining it calls for a supreme visionary in a saint. Such was the distinction of this saint. His was a dream of the society progressing and for that progress he believed in the power of imparting Shivayoga as envisioned by Basavanna. Mutts were still the medium to enable this societal transformation but their focus was not in the direction of achieving social welfare. They had tended to becoming independent bodies with personal agendas overtaking the larger spiritual interest of the society. Cohesion was lacking between these mutts since there were no channels to interact with one another for enabling exchanges of spiritual ideas and scaling successful work to greater heights. Sri. Hanagal Kumaraswamiji who was widely traveling to meet with other seers of his time in his spiritual journey had concluded the need for reviving the mutts with proficient seers, whose orientation had to be to realign dharma to Lingayath principles to bring back the spirit of Dasoha, social equality, educate and uplift the society overall. Also to keep these mutts and seers coherent, Swamiji felt an establishment like Anubhava Mantapa was required again to engage in spiritual discussions and endeavors on a larger scale. Thence were founded two significant establishments by Sri. Hanagal Kumaraswamiji - Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha in the year 1904 & Shivayoga Mandira in the year 1909.

Shivayoga Mandira, the result of that spiritual conception stands tall today as a Lingayath gurukul bejeweling the society with credentialed seers who receive exemplary training in all facets of Lingayath dharma along with regular education as provided in schools.

Situated along the banks of Malaprabha River near Badami in Bagalkot district, in a pristine setting, Shivayoga Mandira is the perfect grooming ground for sadhakas. The air in Shivayoga mandira brims with spirituality. Boys are admitted into this institute under the age of 12 years. Students aged 8 to 12 years are called ‘Vatus’ or ‘Aryas.’ The ones older than 12 years are known as ‘Sadhakas’ who go on to become ‘Deshikas.’ These students are residential and undergo a rigorous term in this gurukul. From 4 am to 10 pm, their daily routine spans practicing all the Ashtavaranas of Lingayath dharma which include Ishta Linga Pooja, yoga, studying vachanas, performing different duties as a part of kayaka, numerous dasoha activities, learning Sanskrit and various scriptures along with regular school subjects in Kannada. All the students are provided the all-round exposure to a life of a pontiff which helps them to be voluntarily inclined towards adopting the path of spirituality. In addition to advancing themselves on this path, they are also privileged to benefit from the company of senior pontiffs and saints who have made a mark in the spiritual field and keep visiting Shivayoga mandira. In any instance of a student showing an inclination towards leading a normal familial life, he is encouraged to return to his family. So, the core group of these students are sincere aspirants who have the spiritual spark in them. The students who are on the verge of completing this basic training are called ‘Maridevaru’ and when they are ready to serve the 6

society, different mutts and senior pontiffs select them to join mutts, where they learn administrative skills and serve the society in their own capacity. The exquisite training the students receive eventually gets translated to good work done through sustaining the tenets of Basava tatvas. So far many established mutts in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have appointed pontiffs from Shivayoga mandira.

Apart from the gurukul, holiness of cows is upheld in Shivayoga mandira too. Shivayoga mandira also houses a big goshala - shelter for cows. There is also a Vibhuti manufacturing facility on the premises where the vibhuti or bhasma is classically prepared using the dung from the goshala. These vibhutis are world famous since they are prepared traditionally with no adulteration of any kind.

Shivayoga mandira’s leading light is still Sri. Hanagal Kumaraswamiji’s blessings whose compelling integrity for a spiritually groomed society continue to influence the aspirants there.

Swamiji’s samadhi in Shivayoga mandira is a reassuring holy destination for us all.

Sri. Hanagal Kumaraswamiji

Swamiji’s Samadhi in Shivayoga Mandira

Students in the gurukul on their way to becoming pontiffs

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Goshaale & Vibhuti making facility in Shivayoga Mandira

References: 1.

Shivayoga Mandira, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PHZllOyCUg 2.

How is Istalinga, Vibhuti and Shivadhara Produced? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmRnl_VzjFc

About the author: Smt. Supriya Antin Kaddargi is banking professional and an active VSNA member from Chicago chapter. She has authored the book 'Spiritual Transcendence', a biography of Sri. Jadeya Shantalingeshwara Swamiji.

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Vīraśaiva and Liṅgᾱyata Linga Raju, M. D Plainview, NY Vīraśaivas are also called Liṅgᾱyatas, and the two terms are commonly used interchangeably. The question then arises as to why this is so, and whether there is any difference between the use of the two terms. Śūnya Saṁpᾱdane texts are considered as the main scriptures of the Vīraśaivas/Liṅgᾱyatas. The referenced Śūnya Saṁpᾱdane book (1) which has 1,543 original Vaĉanas, uses the term Vīraśaiva, and also the term Vīraśaivism, all over its five volumes. But the term Liṅgᾱyata does not appear there. The term Liṅga appears there more than 584 times; and the other terms such as Liṅgadhᾱraṇa, Liṅgapūja, Liṅgasthala, Liṅgavanta, Liṅgᾱṅga-sᾱmarasya, and Liṅgaikya, also come there, but not the term Liṅgᾱyata.

A good explanation of the two terms and the terms’ usage is given in Professor Sakhare’s book (2, 3). One chapter entitled ‘Vīraśaiva and Liṅgᾱyata’ in his book is dedicated for this purpose; it is as follows.

The term ‘Vīraśaiva’ has been etymologically defined and elaborately explained in treatises and literature of the religion. The term ‘Vīraśaivism’ is of the same age as that of the origin of that religion itself, whenever that might be. But the origin of the word ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ is not only obscure but also conspicuously absent in religious literature, and is neither defined nor explained therein. The term ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ is comparatively a later one to have come into vogue, and it prominently expresses the followers of Vīraśaivism, and signifies unmistakably those who wear on their bodies the holy Liṅga (Iṣṭaliṅga). The word ‘Vīraśaiva’ does not bring out the idea of Liṅga worn on the body as strikingly as the word ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ does. The term ‘Vīraśaiva’ is less common in ordinary language, but the term ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ is ordinarily more common and more known. That is why, Professor Sakhare says, the term ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ is used in the title of his book.

Professor Sakhare, then, gives his opinion and explanation of the origin of the word ‘Liṅgᾱyata’. He believes that it is derived from the Sanskrit compound word ‘Liṅgavat’ which means ‘one who possesses Liṅga’; the word ‘Liṅgavaṅtaḥ’, being the nominative pleural, applies to many individuals who possess Liṅga. The two Sanskrit words, he says, must have been first used by the educated few, but in course of time, it must have come to be used by the ordinary folk. As the language of the local people was Kannaḍa, the Kannaḍa word ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ must have been derived from those two Sanskrit words. He states that, such is his explanation, and that he cannot quote an authority on it in the books of the past times. He also states that the word ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ has been spoken of derisively by some, to denigrate the wearers of Liṅga.

He continues: the term ‘Vīraśaiva is more extensive because it includes Ᾱrᾱdhyas who form a class or a community, whereas the term ‘Liṅgᾱyata’ does not include the Ᾱrᾱdhyas. The Ᾱrᾱdhyas call themselves Vīraśaivas and not Liṅgᾱyatas; they profess the practice of Vīraśaivism, and in addition they retain some of the Brᾱhminical rites and rituals which are not accepted by the Liṅgᾱyatas. Professor Sakhare then states that when the terms Vīraśaiva and Vīraśaivism, and also Liṅgᾱyata and Liṅgᾱyatism are used in his book, they are used as coextensive and convertible terms, with the exclusion of the Ᾱrᾱdhyas.

Under the subtitle ‘Śaivism and Vīraśaivism’ in the same chapter, he starts by saying that Vīraśaivism is a division or a subdivision of Śaivism, and that it is an integral and distinct part of Śaivism. Then he states that Vīraśaivism has grown out of Śaivism, and has made itself a distinct religious entity. He states that Vīraśaivism/Liṅgᾱyatism, being a distinct entity, deserves to be counted and mentioned along with other major religions of the world.

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It is to be noted that Professor Sakhare does not use the term ‘Iṣṭaliṅga’ in this chapter; he exclusively uses the term ‘Liṅga’ to mean ‘Iṣṭaliṅga’ in his discussion.

References: 1. ŚŪNYASAṀPĀDANE. Volumes I through V. Published by Karnatak University, Dharwar, India.

2. History and Philosophy of Lingāyat Religion. M. R. Sakhare. 1978 Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnataka, India 3. Commentary on Professor M. R. Sakhare’s Book ‘History and Philosophy of Liṅgᾱyat Religion’ A Critical Review. Linga Raju, M. D., Sid-Asha Publishing Company, Edison, NJ 08817. 2014

About the author: Dr. Linga Raju, M.D. is VSNA life member, native of Davaṇagere, India. Dr. Raju is a prominent Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Diseases physician. He has written spiritual publications - “A Journey through Hindu and Vīraśaiva Concepts’, and ‘SIDDHĀNTA ŚIKHĀMAṆ; The one hundred one sthala doctrine A concise composition’.

“Pilgrimage…?”

Why go to holy places when you have the linga on your body?

If the linga on your body touches installed linga, I cannot say which is great, which small!

People perished not knowing the absolute that is beyond the reach of speech.

Your head becomes pure by bowing to the jangama; your hand becomes pure by worshipping the linga.

Do not show me a breaker of vows, who, ignoring the linga on the body, bows to a distant linga, Koodala Chennasangayya. -653 [*] [*] Number indicates at the end of each Vachana is from the book "Vachana", pub: Basava Samiti Bangalore 2012 .

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Kaayakave Kailasa Vinay Hiremath Detroit, Michigan

What does kaayakave kailaasa ‘Work is Worship’ mean in the religious sense? As Sri Basaveshwara wrote in the 12th century C.E., ‘yenna kaale kamba dehave degula shirave honna kaLashavayya sthaavarakkaLivuntu jangamakkaLivilla’ which means ‘My legs are the pillars, my body the temple, and my head the golden spire.

That which is immobile is transient. That which is mobile is not.'

Worship is typically described as a variety of ceremonies expressing the love and devotion attributed to a deity.

An essential part of this definition is the love that the worshipper feels toward his or her particular God, which is known to us in Hinduism as the concept of bhakti. However, to what extent are these aspects of love and devotion towards a higher being able to be expressed in one’s work, and where is this applied in today’s world? As the Chinese philosopher Confucius once stated, ‘Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.’ The enticing nature of well-paying jobs is overshadowed by their respective downsides if you do not love the profession itself. As with attaining bhakti, truly loving the work you do, whether it be your profession or your hobby, requires an unwavering interest and craving to improve your skills. By studying this aspect alone, the similarity between work and worship is clear; both require devotion to what is being done, bringing truth to the phrase ‘work is worship.’

Another crucial aspect is the purity in worship itself that can be applied to work as well. Work should be done in the purest possible manner to earn an honest living. Instead of taking shortcuts, a personal code of work ethics must be practiced that remains unviolated.

Lastly, worship often brings a sense of pride due to its societal implications. When one worships dutifully, he or she becomes a respected member in the society. This evokes a sense of pride in the worshipper when the society recognizes this, which applies to work as well when it is done with supreme devotion and the thought that ‘work is worship.’ The outcome of such work done with devotion is superior to work done without such thought, and the process of performing this work is also immensely satisfying to the individual. Work done selflessly with pure intentions for the betterment of the society is, according to Sri Basaveshwara, to be considered equivalent or superior to worshipping God, and thus the phrase ‘work is worship’ is as relevant today as it was several centuries ago.

About the author: Vinay Hiremath is an active VSNA youth member from the Michigan Chapter. Vinay is alumni of International Academy in Bloomfield Hills, MI, a reputed school of Michigan, and was accepted into the prestigious High School Honors Science Program (HSHSP) hosted at Michigan State University.

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Akka Nagamma Aikyasthala [From the Blog post of Siddeshwar Prasad – Journeys across Karnataka]

Who is Akka Nagamma?

Akkanagamma aka Nagalambike was the sister of Jagatjyoti Basaveshwara and only daughter to her parents Maadarasa and Maadalambike of Bagewadi in present day Bijapur district. She had great influence over Basavanna. Naagalambike was married to Shivadeva, their only son is none other than Chennabasavanna.

Akka Nagamma was one of the leaders of Lingayath community. She was popularly called Akka ~ elder sister.

Akka was a guiding light to Basaveshwara who served as a minister in King Bijjala's kingdom in Kalyana (present day Basva Kalyana in Bidar district).

What was Akka's contribution to the Lingayath community and society?

Akka was an active participant in Sharana meetings and spiritual debates & discussions at Anubhavamantapa and Mahamane. Akka was instrumental in protecting Vachana Sahitya and organizing Sharanas escape from Kalyana when Bijjala's army rises against the Sharanas. Akka along with hundreds of Sharanas leaves Kalyana, travels south towards Ulavi, then a part of Kadamba kingdom. Akka, Chennabasavanna, Gangambike and Dohara Kakkayya lead group is chased by Bijjala's soldiers. Sharanas and Bijjala;s soldiers engage in a battle at Kadrolli, soldiers lose and retreat. Gangambike attains Aikya in Malaprabha river near Itgi village. Dohara Kakkayya is injured in the battle, he proceeds towards Ulavi via Alnavar route. Akka and Chennabasavanna lead another group towards Dharwad where they camp for few days at Basappana Gudda, presently known as Ulavi Basaveshwara Gudda. After a break they continue their journey towards Ulavi where Chennabasavanna camps.

Akka continues her journey southwards towards Banavasi.

Where is Akka's Aikyasthala?

Akka travels further south and attains Aikya at Yenne Holae near Tarikere in Chikkamagalur district. Legend says that Akka camped at a temple next a stream. There was no oil for the lamp but Akka used stream water instead of oil and lit a lamp. Hence the stream is known by the name Yenne Holae. Yenne means oil and Holae means stream or river.

Having visited Aikyasthalas of Basavanna at Kudala Sangama, Chennabasavanna at Ulavi, Gangambike memorial near Kittur,Neelambike memorial near Tangadgi and Dohara Kakkayya temple near Kakkeri I wanted to see Akka's Aikyasthala at Yeene Holae too. I heard about it from Dr. Manjunath. Also, Mom had told me Yenne Holae is on the outskirts of Tarikere but she had not seen the place herself. I had imagined a temple next to a stream.

March 17, 2014: I had camped at Badhravati at MPM Guest House Paper in Paper Town very close to our first home. The colony had hardly changed, I saw our house, the trees, our street.. it was like time had stood still there. Plan for the morning was to visit Tarikere to see Amruteshwara temple and Yenne Hole.

The state highway connecting Badhravati and Tarikere is in excellent condition, the drive was a breeze. At Tarikere, locating Yenne Hole required some effort because few people seem to know such a place existed.

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With a small mistake in inquiring I almost went to Yenne Hole Matha, a Brahman matha. Anyway we managed to locate the place following the directions of an elderly person. First I wasn't sure if this place was the right location.. a small temple is pitiable condition.

To add to the plight, the shrine's door was locked. I decided to check it out; first I tried the door - no use.

Then went to the side, a window, through it could see a Shivalinga on a pedestal. Good to see the inside was clean and tidy, fresh flowers said that pooja was performed in the morning. Hope pooja is done daily, not just Mondays.

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This is a Shiva temple, fine but how do I know this place is indeed Akka's Aikyasthala? I looked down at the stone tablet, hoping to get some confirmation. Yes! The tablet does say this is MahaSharane Akkanagamma Shivayoga Samadhi Kshetra.

That's Ravi the cab driver. He too felt bad about this place. Very close to the temple was a Bilva Patri tree. Close to it were idols of Ganesha and Shanmugha, installed on pedestals in the open (see inset).

Akka's Aikyasthala is situated next to areca plantation and a mango orchard. Open space in the foreground is paddy field, barren during summer months.

On the way back, I took a shot of the board on the main road, pointing direction to Akka's Samadhi.

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Having done with the two spots at Tarikere we drive back towards Bhadravati, I was eager to visit my school St. Charles Borromeo Convent.

Source: http://karnatakatravel.blogspot.in/2014/09/akka-nagamma-aikya-sthala-yenne-hole.html

About the author: Siddeshwar Prasad is Information Technology consultant with two decades of

collective experience from managerial roles in manufacturing and information technology industries. Siddeshwar is a member of India blogger with contributions such as Journeys Across Karnataka.

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Veerashaiva News around the World Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Siddaganga Matt The Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Siddaganda Matt, Tumkur, Karnataka State, India on September 24, 2014 to receive blessings from Sri. Sri. Shivakumara Swamiji. During this time Swamiji donated 25 lakh rupees (as “Dhana Dasoha”) to the Kashmiri flood victims. (See video link on YouTube.com – Modi Visit ).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi later addressed the students of the matt to devote 100 hours per year of their time towards his “Clean India Campaign (Swachha Bharat Abhiyan)”, a concept aligned to “Kayaka”.

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Central VSNA Updates 37th VSNA Annual Convention – Highlights The Texas-North VSNA Chapter successfully hosted the 37th VSNA Annual convention on July 4-5, 2014 in Dallas, TX, with more than 500 attendees. Here are few photos from the convention. For numerous other photos and videos, please see links provided on the back cover of this newsletter. Also look forward to the Convention Souvenir that will be distributed via mail to all attendees and life members in the near future.

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Central VSNA 2015-16 - BOD & BOR – Election Results Following VSNA Officers and Members Board of Directors for 2015-2016 and Members, Board of Regents for a 3 year term. The election was supervised by election committee consisting of 3 members - G. Doddamani (MI), S. Munavalli (SC) and G. Budibetta (FL).

Board of Directors*

Board of Regents

1

Channu Kambalyal

President

IL

Laxmi Hiremath

2015 - 2018

CA

2

Mamatha Hirannaiah

Vice President

GA

Rajeev Kumar

2013 - 2016

IL

3

Leena K. Paul

Secretary

MD

Dada Patil

2013 - 2016

CA

4

Irappa Arabhavi

Treasurer

MA

Uma Sajjan

2015 - 2018

MI

5

B. S. Nanjundappa

Member

PA

Shylendra Kumar

2015 - 2018

MA

6

Neetha Dhananjaya

Member

IL

Jayashree Jagadeesh

2015 - 2018

MD

7

Yuvaraj Patil

Member

TO

Rohini Mensinkai

2015 - 2018

TO

8

Nayantara Swamy

Member

FL

(*) Two vacancies in Board of Directors are yet to be filled in.

VSNA Matrimony Site A new VSNA Matrimony Site was inaugurated by the Swamiji during the VSNA Convention. The site is now open and users may register online at: http://matrimony.vsna.org

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VSNA Local Chapters Updates VSNA – DC & Virginia Chapter Over 45 families with over 100 VSNA VA-DC chapter members attended the 'Ganesh Chaturthi' Celebrations on Saturday, Sept 20th between 5:00 to 9:00 PM held at 'Cascade Library' 46261 Cranston Street, Sterling, Virginia.

In this event we had few great programs - public speaking contest on our core theme of "Veerashaivism", quiz competition on Indian and American cultures, as well as fancy dress competition for Kids.

The chapter members paid the homage to our senior member for Mr. Sadanand Desai who departed us on June 19th. The event was concluded with tasty Dinner prepared by our chapter families.

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VSNA - Detroit Chapter This quarter, the Detroit Chapter started with the sad note of a farewell party for the Prabhu and Ashwini Patil family, who were longtime members of our chapter and were very actively involved in our chapter activities. We miss their presence here as they moved to Dallas, Texas, but we wish them good luck with their future endeavors!

In August, we organized a summer picnic at Stoney Creek Metro Park, and the weather was fortunately perfect with families including children enjoying the games and festivities. The highlight of the day was delicious Chaat, Pav Bhaji and Pakoda with Masala Tea. In September, we had a new addition to our VSNA family with the birth of Jovan Rai, born on September 2 to proud parents Nitya and Sukhi Rai and Grandmother Mrs. Dakshayini Ganesh of the Detroit Chapter. Also in September, we celebrated our chapter's Gowri Ganesha event with children’s entertainment including songs as well as an excellent presentation on 'Veerashaiva Philosophy' by Bharathi Sullabele and 'Our Journey of Sharanas' on Allama Prabhu by Prabhu Setru.

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VSNA – Chicago Chapter The VSNA Chicago Chapter celebrated 2 events this quarter - Annual Summer Picnic and Ganesh Chaturthi.

The annual picnic was held on Sunday, July 27th 2014, 11.00 – 3.00 at Deer Grove Park, Palatine, and over 100 members joined to enjoy the Chicago Summer. The event was sponsored by Srishail & Shilpa Hadimani, Basavaraj & Veena Hullur, Rajendra and Neelambika Hattarki, and Amit & Supriya Kaddargi. Some of the highlights (photos) can be viewed online at – 2014-VSNA-Chicago-Picnic.

The second event of the chapter was the Ganesh Chaturthi program on September 20, 2014, 6:00 to 10:00 pm at Itasca Park District. The event was sponsored by Dr. Chandramauli & Rajani Family in celebration of the birth of their grandson. The major event of the program was Hindustani Classical musical concert by Vidusha Radha Desai. Other highlights of the program were Linga Puja by Children under guidance of Srishail Hadimani, Convention Updates by Nandish Dhananjaya, Central VSNA Updates by Channu Kambalyal and Children programs MCed by youth – Meghana Basavaraju, Shailesh Vhasure, and Chaitra Kishore. The photos of the Ganesh Chaturthi program can be viewed online at – 2014-VSNA-Chicago-Ganesh-Chaturthi.

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VSNA North Carolina Updates VSNA-NC chapter members met at 4:30 P. M. on Saturday, September 6, 2014 in Dominion Park Clubhouse to celebrate the Gowri-Ganesha festival. The celebration began with prayers followed by the group Linga Pooja.

The Linga Pooja was led by Dr. Jayraj Kalmat. He also recited a Vachana and then explained the meaning of the Vachana and its relevance to our daily life. He also talked about the significance of each of the steps in the Linga Pooja. Then, the Ganesha Pooja was performed. The children and adults together sang the Lord Ganesha prayers. Nihaanth Kaggere and Ayush Sunil sang a Ganesh song. Praneel Hawaldar played the Thabala for the song. Moumitha Balakundi chanted a Ganesh Stotra. Pranav Yogeesha sang a devotional song. Aarati was done by the families. The ladies performed the Gowri Pooja. The Prasad was distributed to the members. The open forum began with a minute silence in memory of one of the founding members of VSNA NC chapter Mr. Sadanand Desai who passed away in June in VA. Dr. Shivappa Palled, President of the Chapter, summarized the 37th VSNA Convention that was held in Dallas, Texas on July 5 and 6, 2014. He also mentioned that the VSNA is looking for a chapter to host the next convention. He urged the members to think of hosting one of the future conventions. The main topic of discussion was the involvement of youths and children in the chapter activities. Several members spoke on this issue. Dr. Anil Tumbapura presented a proposal to get involve all children in the programs. The members liked his proposal. Dr. Anil Tumbapura, Mrs. Reshma Tharuvesanchi, and Mr. Ravi Kalmath volunteered for the project. Dr. Shivappa Palled introduced the new members and the visiting guests. The Members enjoyed the delicious dinner prepared by the ladies. The members also delighted by the 25th Anniversary photo slide show presentation. Dr. Shivappa Palled thanked ladies for cooking the delicious food. He also thanked Kiran and Girija Hawaldar for renting the Clubhouse and also for their contribution to the event. Finally, he thanked the NC board members and others for their help and support. The event ended at 9:00 PM. Submitted by: Shivappa Palled, President, VSNA – NC Chapter.

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VSNA Florida Chapter Updates

The VSNA Florida Chapter is pleased to announce the latest addition. Basavaraj & Shobha Devarashetty of Tampa, Florida were blessed with son, Sidhan on September 4, 2014.

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Concept of God A stone god is no god, a clay god is no god, a wooden god is no god, the god made of five metals is no god, the god in Sethu Rameshwara, Gokarna, Kashi, Kedara and such Eighty six million holy places is no god.

If a person knows himself realizes who he is, he is himself god Apramaana Koodalasangamadeva -2444* [*] Number indicates at the end of each Vachana is from the book "Vachana", pub: Basava Samiti Bangalore 2012.

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Obituary

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VSNA – Publications Note: For latest updates please visit: http://www.vsna.org

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Veerashaivism and Bhakti, Dr. Somashekhar Munavalli (Ed). Bel Air, Maryland, 1988 Veerashaiva Religion - An Introduction, Dr. S. Munavalli (Ed), 1989 Veerashaivism - A Collection of Essays, Dr. S. Munavalli (Ed), 1990 Veerashaivism - History and Fundamental Concepts, Dr. S. Munavalli (Ed), 1991 Veerashaiva Religion - Questions and Answers, Dr. S. Munavalli (Ed), 1991 Veerashaivism - Comparative Study of Allamaprabhu, Basava Sunya Sampadane and Vachana Literature, Sri Kumara Swamiji and Dr. S. Munavalli (Ed), 1993 7. Lingadharana, Smt. Vimala Channabasappa, 1993 8. Veerashaiva Sharaneyaru, Dr. S. Munavalli and Siddayya Puranik, 1994 9. In Seach of Shiva, Dr. Saroja Ullagaddi, Clifton, Virginia, 1995 10. VSNA Brochure - Questions and Answers, Dr. Saroja Ullagaddi, et.al., 1996 11. Life, Legacy and Lyrics of Devara Dasimayya, Prof. C. S. Bennur (Translator) Dr. S. Munavalli (Ed), 1998 12. Commemorative Volume - First World Veerashaiva Conference, VSNA Toronto Chapter, Dr. S. Munavalli (Rd), 2000 13. The Veerashaiva Religion, Its Practices and Principles, Dr. S. Munavalli, Sponsored by JSS, 2002 14. Cardinal Principles of Veerashaiva Religion, Dr. S. Munavalli 15. A Study of VSNA History, 2007 16. The Lingayat Dharma, Dr. S. Munavalli, 2007 17. ABC of Lingayath Dharma, Dr. S. Munavalli, 2007 18. Veerashaivism Made Simple, Sateesh Kavi, Farmington Hills, Michigan, 2007 19. Veerashaiva Religion for Preschoolers, Dr. S. Munavalli, 2007 20. 30th VSNA Convention Souvenir, VSNA Detroit Chapter, 2007 21. 31st VSNA Convention Souvenir, VSNA California Chapters, 2008 22. ARIVU - 32nd VSNA Convention Souvenir - Main, VSNA Chicago Chapter, 2009 23. ARIVU - 32nd VSNA Convention Souvenir - Supplement, VSNA Chicago Chapter, 2009 24. 33rd VSNA Convention Souvenir, VSNA Toronto Chapter, 2010 25. 34th VSNA Convention Souvenir, VSNA New England Chapter, 2011 26. The Maker's Mint, A Biographical Novel on Basavanna, Sadanand Kanavalli, VSNA & Basava Peetha Karnataka University, 2011 27. 35th VSNA Convention Souvenir, VSNA California Chapters, 2012 28. 36th VSNA Convention Souvenir, VSNA Florida Chapter, 2013 29. Siddanta Sikhamani, Dr. Linga Raju, 2013 30. A Journey Through Sacred Hindu Scriptures, Dr. Linga Raju, 2013 31. Origin of The People of India and The Vedic Culture, Dr. Linga Raju, 2013 32. Philosophy and Practice of Vīraṡaivas, Dr. Linga Raju, 2013 33. A Journey Through Hindu and Vīraśaiva Concepts, Dr. Linga Raju, 2013 34. Bhagavad-Gita, Dr. Linga Raju, 2014 35. Sunya Sampadane, 2nd Edition, Dr. Linga Raju, 2014 36. Evolution of Veerashaiva Concepts, Part-I, Dr. Linga Raju, 2014 37. Evolution of Veerashaiva Concepts, Part-II, Dr. Linga Raju, 2014 38. Evolution of Veerashaiva Concepts, Part-III, Dr. Linga Raju, 2014 39. Lingayoga, Dr.Linga Raju, 2014 40. Commentary-on-"History and Philosophy of Liṅgᾱyat Religion" by Prof. Sakhare, Dr. Langa Raju, 2014

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WITH BEST WISHES TO ALL VSNA MEMBERS

FROM VSNA Newsletter – Committee

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