Brahmotsavam 2000 Report
Day 4: August 25th, 2000 - Ekadasi

Morning

8:30 a.m. - Garuda Vaahanam

Madhuri Sakhi - Premika Varadan were taken out for ½ km distance southwards in 'Garuda Vaahanam'. On return while entering the Ashram gates, Sri Swamigal sang Purandaradasar's 'Garudagamana Bandha..'

Garuda Vaahanam

Vishnu Sahasranaama and Sama Veda were chanted in the 'Bhagavatha Bhavanam' hall. This was followed by Naama Sankirtanam by Sumanth Bhagavathar.

11:00 a.m. - Sri Swamigal conducted Thirumanjanam to Madhuri Sakhi - Premika Varadhan and blessed all with 'Theertha Prasada'.

Evening:

4:45 - 6:00 p.m Sri Swamigal discoursed on the life histories of Paanduranga Bhakthas.

7:30 p.m. - 'Pushpa Pallakku'

Madhuri Sakhi - Premika Varadan were carried in a gorgeous palanquin of flowers(Pushpa Pallaku).

Pushpa Pallaku

'Gopika Jeevana Smaranam .... Govinda! Govinda!' rented the air as the procession started off. Madhuri Sakhi - Premika Varadan sat proudly and joyfully on the flower palanquin while Sri Swamigal led the procession, surrounded by Nadaswaram party, Bhajan 'Ghoshti' and devotees.

As the procession left the gates of the Ashram, the Nadaswaram party went ahead followed at a distance by Sri Swamigal and devotees in total silence. They were followed at a distance by the 'Pushpa Pallaku' carrying Madhuri Sakhi - Premika Varadan surrounded by the Bhajan troupe who sang loudly and danced around with deep fervour. The procession went almost upto 'Maahaanyam' village and then returned to the Ashram. 'Aarathi' was taken to Sri Swamigal and Madhuri Sakhi - Premika Varadan at the entrance of the Ashram.

9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Smt. Kalyani(Sister of Sri Haridas Giri Swamigal) and party conducted Divya Naamam.

11:15 - 1:00 am

Sri Swamigal conducted Divya Naamam with almost fifty Bhagavathars dancing in a big circle around Sri Swamigal. The 'Bhagavatha Bhavanam' Hall was filled with 'Govinda' Naama.

1:10 a.m. - Dolotsavam

Devotees sang 'Achanchala Bhaktim Dehi Thava Charane..."