“In religion, India is the only millionaire - the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.”- Mark Twain

These are some of the activities we are involved and participated during our visit to Bharat. We tried our best to engage in as many activities as possible and visit the Temples.

February 13   

Participated in the Press meet organized by Swami Paripoornananda to announce the date for the Bhumi Puja of Vakulamata Temple. P V R K Prasad, IYR Krishan Rao, Ghazal Srinivas and Prakasarao Velagapudi also spoke at the press meet about their involvement.

February 14   

Prem Diwas was organized by Sree Peetham of Swami Paripoornananda Swamiji to celebrate the Prema of different types to the humanity. Love for doing different things to the society is recognized and acknowledged. Five people were recognized for their love for what they do in different fields. One person was recognized for doing selfless service to the Leprosy patients for the last 45 years. Second person was recognized for his love for the country who was wounded and lost both legs. Third was recognized Organic farming and increased the production. Fourth was recognized for her love for doing anchor ship in the field of media. Fifth was the love for the motherland and efforts to protect dharma and Hindu Temples from the government. Prem Diwas 2017 Dharma Premica Award for Global Hindu Heritage Foundation President Prakasarao Velagapudi who was presented.

Prasad Yalamanchi and Satya Dosapati attended a mammoth gathering organized by Tapan Gosh of Hindu Samhati in Kolkata to highlight the plight of Hindu girls and how Muslims are wooing them through “love jihad” strategy. Tapan was asking all the Hindu boys to pally with Hindu girls to prevent them from falling in love with Muslims. He also cautioned that Hindu girls should not fall prey to the false names the Muslim youth use to attract them. Former bureaucrats such as K P S Gill and G D Bakshi appealed to the Hindus to go on the offensive and keep arms if necessary to save themselves from jihadi Muslims. Prasad and Satya of GHHF of USA also pledged their support to the Hindu case.

February 15   

Met with Mata Manjusree of Sree Seva Foundation to discuss the future collaboration efforts to organize her programs in USA in June and July.

Donated $2000 to support the Goshala of the ashram.

February 16

GHHF commissioned three great experts in the field of Temple Management to draft “A Hand Book for Effective Governance of Temples.” Dr R V S S Avadhanulu, Sri Kandukuri Veera Venkata Satynarayana and Kalanidhi Satyanarayana Murthy submitted the first draft of the three chapters for discussion and possible suggestions to improve the book. Following people participated in the discussion:

1. HH Sri Paripoornananda Swamiji
2. Sri Prakasarao Velagapudi, USA
3. Sri Prasad Yalamanchi, USA
4. Dr. RVSS Avadhanulu, CEO, Shri Veda Bharathi
5. Sri KVV Satyanarayana Murty, Shri Veda Bharathi
6. Sri RVV Krishna Rao, CEO, Bharat TV Studio
7. Sri C. Raghupati, Additional Commissioner (Retd), Endowments Department
8. Dr. Manikyachari, Former President, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Andhra Pradesh
9. Sri G. Srinivas, Advocate
10. Sri Ghazal Srinivas, Brand Ambassador GHHF
11. Sri P. Ramu, Shri Veda Bharathi
The authors agreed to revise and submit all the chapters by the first week of June for further discussions.

February 16

Sneha TV interview was conducted on the mission, activities and efforts to repeal the Endowment Act. It was shown on February 17^th.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8EpxcqpVwU

February 17

Reached Chennai, met with few of our friends and also had meeting with Sri Subramanya Sthapathi about Rajagopuram and Indianization of the outside the Temple walls.

February 18

Reached Kochin and had lunch with Kannan’s family members who were the main supporters of Sri Datta Aanjaneya Temple in Kochi, Kerala.  Kaarya Siddhi Hanuman Temple is also visited by hundreds of people every day.

In the afternoon, we reached Chemmanda Subrahmanya Temple, Mukundapuram. It is believed to have been built more than 500 years ago. Temple authorities approached Dr. Ghazal Srinivas and requested him to help in the renovation of the Temple. GHHF developed the website and also produced a 20-minute video for promotion of the Temple.

The most miraculous aspect of this temple is that a peacock visits almost every day to watch the Abhishekam of Lord Subramanya Swamy for the last 500 years. We reached the Temple sight about 5:00pm and to all our surprise Peacock and started dancing as if it was happy to us. The most beautiful bird spreading its’ wings and moving around happily. It is mindboggling to figure what was the arrangement the peacocks make to visit the Temple. How and who decides as to who should replace the deceased peacock. How do they make the decision to send peacock to watch the Abhishekam? Only one peacock visits. The temple also operates a school for youth who are taught Sanskrit. It is very gratifying to hear the youth converse in Sanskrit.

February 19

Visited the Sri Datta Anjaneya Temple. It was inaugurated in 1999 by His Holiness Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji. The painting of the Temples was beautiful.  We saw hundreds of people visiting the Temple at 7:30 am.

Left Kochin to Tirupathi.

February 20

Attend Dharmic Sadassu organized by Hindu Dharmic Parirakshana Trust and TTD in Tirumala. About 50 Swamiji’s and five activists in the promotion of Hinduism are also included. Some Board members and Chairman of TTD, Executive officer of TTD and former officials also attended. Prasad Yalamanchi and I were invited to attend the Sadassu. Among the prominent people who attended include Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, Sri Vishwamji, Swami Paripoornananda, Sri Ahobila Swami, Maata Ramya Yogini, I Y R Krishna Rao, J S V Prasad, Y. Anuradha, D. Samabasiva Rao, Chadalawada Krushna Murthy, Sri Vidya Shankara Bharati, and many more attended.

February 22 – 24

On 22^nd, we visited Sri Rajarajeswari Temple of Sri Kailash Ashram in Bengaluru. We met His Holiness Sri Jayendra Puri Mahaswamiji, the Peethadhipati of the Ashram. He asked Dr. Sridhar Garu to take us around the show the Ashram. We have seen different Temples, goshala, meditation hall and met with Veda boys. Then we discussed about different programs Sri Swamiji was planning and the importance of preserving Hindu culture. Then we were on the way to Mysuru.

In Mysuru, we attended Mahasivaratri celebrations at Avadhuta Datta Peetham. We also attended several activities planned for the occasion. The whole ambiance changed on the day of Shivaratri as Pundarika Sthala was changed to reflect Kailash Parvata image with replication of snow. Lighting and sound arrangements were superb. Dwadasha Jyotir Lingas were seen emerging from the Mount Kailash every ten minutes until Lingodbhava image popped out at midnight.  Many people were fasting on the day. Sri Swamiji sang bhajans and gave a discourse on the importance of Shivaratri. Everyone who was present was given the opportunity to do Abhishekam which started around 6:00pm. It was around 3:00am by the time everybody could do Abhishekam to Shivalinga.

Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji addressed the assembled devotees by saying that “Shiva is the Supreme Lord who creates, sustains, and annihilates all universes. Worshipping Him, fasting, staying awake all night, offering Bilwa leaf and performing water Abhishekam on Shivaratri bestows unlimited and unimaginable merit.”

February 25

Went to Bengaluru and Spent few hours talking to Ram Sharma and Rajesh Kamath who agreed to be active in working for the mission of GHHF. We have discussed about the strategies to recruit more people in our fight to protect our Temples and Hinduism.

February 27

In Vijayawada, we met with Sri Hariprasad Vemuri who is the advisor of the Chief Minister, Chandra Babu Naidu of AP. As many of you are aware that Hariprasad was the one who proved in 2009 that voting machines were tampered to assure the victory of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy. In fact, GHHF organized five lectures by Hariprasad in different cities in USA to make people aware of the election interference.

February 28

Went to Palakol and visited three nearby Temples along with Sri Srinivas Chowdary who hosted me for two days. As many of you may remember that GHHF under the leadership of Ghazal Srinivas performed Maha Kumbabhishekam to Sri Ramalingeswara Temple in Palkol, one of the Pancha Rama Kshetras and established Goshala with a cow and two calves donated by Sri Paripoornananda Swamiji. All the priests received us and expressed their gratitude for doing much needed Maha Kumbabhishekam.

Then we went to see one of the oldest Temples in Kottalaparru know as Sri Kesava Swamy Temple which is supposed to be a Swayambhu Temple. It’s Kshetrapalaka is Lord Hanuman which needs renovation and raising the ground level to make it is at a higher level than the Moola (Primary) Deity.

Then we proceeded to visit Sri Adikesava Embaru Maanaar Swamy Temple in Narasapur, West Godavari District. The original Temple is in Tamil Nadu. In 1786 under the direction and guidance of Sri Ramanuja Swamy, Sri Muppalla Ramanappa Naidu constructed this Temple for the welfare of the people in the area. They strictly follow the Vaishnava tradition in maintaining the Temple.

March 1

Started early morning to visit Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple which is situated in temple town named Antarvedi of Sakhinetipalle Mandal, located in the East Godavari district of the Andhra Pradesh. It is located near a river which is said to have been brought by Maharishi Vashishtha, one of the Saptarishi (seven great sages) of Hindus. Its uniqueness is that it is located at the confluence or mergence of Bay of Bengal and Vashishtha River, a tributary of River Godavari. Visitors can have a darshan of the magnificent Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy with his Consort Goddess Lakshmi Devi on his lap.

Then we proceeded to visit Lord Menakeswara Temple in Pedapudi village. As the scriptures reveal the Menaka, one of the Apsarasas (celestial dancers), was assigned by Lord Indra to disturb the mediation of Sage Vishwamitra as he might become more powerful with his rigorous penance than Indra himself. It has a history of more than 300 years. GHHF donated ONE lakh rupees to construct the compound wall. They put a plaque on the wall recognizing the contribution. Spoke briefly about our efforts to protect Temples from the government interference.

Around noon, we left Pedapudi and went to Rajahmundry to witness Godavari Arthi. As you may remember that we were successful in 2013 in convincing AP to issue Karthik Purnima as Nadula (River) Arthi Day which would require all the Temples located on the banks of Krishna river, Godavari River and Penna river. It has become the attractive event drawing millions of Hindus doing Arthi to the rivers following a dip in these rivers. More than a year ago, AP government decided to do

Godavari Arthi every day around 6:30pm attracting hundreds of devotees to witness this grand event, similar to Arthi offering to Ganga in Varanasi. Few months ago, AP government also initiated KRISHNA river Arthi also.

Following Arthi, we went see Sri Datta Mukti Kshetram, founded by Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, which is located very close to the bank of Godavari. Lord Dattatreya, Crystal Shiva Linga and Saraswathi Devi were installed in the Temple. We offered Datta Biskhsa and participated in Kagadarthi

March 2

Reached Dwaraka Tirumala which is also known as Chinna (little) Tirumala. Some believe that it is even older than Balajai Temple in Tirupathi.  The front image of Lord Venkateswara is visible till the bust and the lower part, which is not visible, is considered as to be immersed in the Earth. It is considered as Swayambhu. The sacred feet of the Lord, are known to be worshipped in 'Patala' loka. One will see full size image of Lord Venkateshwara standing at the back of the main image. It is believed to have been placed by Srimad Ramanujacharya of the 11th century.

We have seen six of 12 different Temples dedicated to varied Gods and Goddesses in the radius of two kilometers. We went to the most cared for Goshala where they maintain about 200 cows and calves. GHHF has donated $1000 to goshala.

There is uniqueness about this Temple. All around the Temple will see somewhat rough tiles of light brownish color on the floor. They look somewhat outdated tiles. It is surprising to learn that anybody who is not supposed come enter the temple premise, flies from these tiles emerge and go around these people to indicate they cannot come to the Temple. Nobody is supposed come to the temple if there was death in their family for 11 days. Similarly, women at the time of their periods are not supposed to come to the temple. If any of these people enter, flies surround them. Security people immediately request them to leave the premise. These flies go back to the place where they came from once these people leave the premise.

March 3

In the morning, we reached Mangalagiri to have darshan of Lord Nrusimha Swamy who is known as Panakala Swamy. It is believed that after Lord Narasimha killing Hiranyakashapa in Krita Yuga, he was so ferocious that he was offered Panakam (jiggery water) to cool him off. Thus, jaggery water popularly called as Panaka is given as an offering to the Lord. The jaggery water is poured into the mouth of the Lord.

Devotees do sankalpa to offer a certain number of gallons of panakam.  Lord Narayana takes only half of what is promised or pledged.  After that what is offered will be thrown back from his mouth that will be used as prasadam. While jaggery water is poured into the mouth of the Lord a gurgling sound is clearly audible.  This phenomenon happens every time comes with a pledge to offer Panakam.

Panakam is made on the hill itself – that is mixing water with jiggery and pepper. The floor on the hill is always wet since a glass of panakam is given to the pilgrims as prasadam.  The mystery is that we do not see flies or ants in spite of the jaggery water. Also, nobody can figure out where this jaggery water poured in the mouth of Lord Narasimha goes.

As per the scriptures, this famous shrine is recorded in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, which is one of our ancient Puranas. As per the legend that Lord Rama could not get liberation in spite of strict observance of the Dharma and therefore he was advised to visit this temple to get Mukti in Treta Yuga. The Kshetrapalaka of this place Lord Anjaneya.  As the story goes that Anjaneya wanted to follow Lord Rama to Vaikunta but the Lord advised him to stay at Mangalagiri with his blessings so that he may remain forever in the world for the Loka Kalyanam. Hence, Anjaneya is said to have taken Mangalagiri as his abode. Lord Chaitanya is said have visited this Temple in the year 1312 and his imprints of his feet are still seen in the Temple. Sri Krishnadevaraya had visited this temple as per inscription. Eastern Gate Gopuram was supposed to have been built by Vasireddy Venkatadri Naidu around 1807-09. Height of this tower is 153 feet and width is 49 feet.

Next, we proceeded to Panchayatana Temple in Chintapalli, Guntur District which is located on the banks of Krishna River.  Original Temple was in ruins. Dr. Ghazal Srinivas, Brand Ambassador of GHHF raised more than 20 lakh rupees for the construction of new Temple. Lord Venkateswara, Shiva Linga, Durga Devi, Ganapathi and other deities are installed in the shrines. Lord Hanuman is the Kshetrapalaka.

On the way, we also visited another Pancharama Kshetra in Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. Lord Shiva is known as Amaralingeswara Swamy. This temple located in Amararama of Amaravati town near Guntur City in Andhra Pradesh. The Shivalinga here is very tall. Priests mount a pedestal platform, and perform the daily rituals as well as Abhisheka.   The temple is situated on the southern bank of Krishna River. The consort of Lord Amareswara Swamy is Bala Chamundika. The Shivalinga at this place is installed and established by Lord Indra.

March 4

Reached Tirupathi to participate in the discussion of groundbreaking ceremony of Vakulamata Temple in Peruru village. Participated in the planning of the groundbreaking ceremony organized by Swami Paripoornananda Swamiji, Ghazal Srinivas, Bhanu Prakash Reddy, R V V Krishna Rao and others.

Also, attended a lecture by Swami Paripoornananda who is initiating Sandhya Gurukulam in selected villages in AP and eventually extend it other villages, mainly concentrating on the Dalit communities. It is being planned to offer afterschool tuition for all the students who will be required to start with chanting of Guru Vandana, sing patriotic songs, couple of bhajans, Gita chanting followed by one hour of tuitions by specially trained Hindu teachers. Then there will be physical exercises and chanting of Vandemataram and other songs. Every student is accepted irrespective of caste or religion.

March 5

By 7:00am, many thousands of people assembled to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony of Vakulamata Temple.   Steps to the top of the mountain were temporarily built and only about hundred people were allowed to climb because of the space limitations. Following the Puja, everybody assembled at the footsteps of the Vakulamata Hill and many Swamiji’s and other leaders spoke on the occasion.

Bhoomi puja was performed by Swami Paripoornananda, for Vakula Matha temple, at Tirumala. The temple of Vakula Devi, a mother-like devotee of Sri Venkateswara Swamy, was on verge of extinction, due to the mining activity on the hills where it stood. Global Hindu Heritage Foundation, Swami Paripoornananda, Ghazal Srinivas, Bhanu Prakash Reddy, R V V Krishna Rao and many others organized a relentless campaign for the revival of the temple until Bhoomi puja was performed on March 5. After the ceremony, all those who participated in it, had darshan of Lord Venkateswara, via Sarva darshan.

It was attended by many spiritual leaders, politicians and officers. P, Manikyala Rao, Chadalavada Krishna Murthy, P V R K Prasad, I Y R Krishna Rao, Medasani Mohan, Dr. Sudha Rani, Santosh Kumar, Ahobila Swamy, Sarveswarananda Swamy, Maata Ramya Yogini, Sat Swaroopananda Swamy, Neela Parayana Prabhu, Ghazal Srinivas, Prakasarao Velagapudi, Bhanu Prakash Reddy, C Bhaskara Reddy, and many more attended and spoke.

GHHF requested one of the artists to draw VAKULAMATA sketch which was accepted by Swami Paripoornananda and TTD. Using this photo, Shilpis will carve the image of Vakulamata to be installed at the consecration ceremony of the Temple upon its completion. Please see the photo image of VAKULAMATA.

In the evening, we went to visit the Guest house built by Avadhuta Datta Peetham on the hill in Tirumala. It is beautiful location which is very close to the Balaji Temple.

March 6

Met with Sri Ajaykumar and a group of people who are planning to establish the world’s first mythological and spiritual theme park known as DEVLOK. It is being developed at Tirupati by Vaishnovi Versatile Ventures Private Limited on 38 acres of land in Alipiri – SV Zoo Park Road, Tirupati. Ajay Kumar said that it is first-of-its-kind thematic experience destination where entertainment and enlightenment will be in perfect harmony. Devlok is the first attempt in man’s civilized history to bring the epics of Hinduism alive through a theme park, he said.

Devlok consists of Sriharidham — miniature replicas of 108 great temples of India, along with Asta Dasha Sakthi Peethams, Dwadasi Jyothira Lingas, live Vishnu Pancha Bhoomika, Shiva Bhoomika, Devi Bhoomika temples and world’s biggest diya, kundalini tower, moksha bell, nirvana, Bharat spiritual museum, spiritual library, spiritual gardens etc.

March 7

Met with TV9: At the request of TV9, Ghazal and I met with one of the senior officials of the Channel. We handed over the letter I wrote to the channel about the unfair treatment of Sri Chaganti Koteswara Rao and asked him to point out if there is something wrong I had written. I mentioned if there is anything I had written was wrong I wanted him to point out the mistakes. The senior official was apologetic and touched the feet and said that there is nothing wrong. They have done lot of research about GHHF and me and all the contacts we had with different personalities and gathered enough information to realize that we do not have any ulterior motive in writing this letter. Dr. Ghazal Srinivas was emphatic in pointing that he had worked with our organization for the last five years and he can vouch for their determination and firm commitment to preserve our dharma that is the backbone of Bharat culture. He said he was working very closely with me over the years that I do not have any other agenda other than protecting Hindu dharma.

We also expressed our concern as to why TV9 has abused several Swamiji’s and Hindu scholars and slighted Hindu way of life over the years. We said that if you undermine Hinduism and destroy the Hindu edifice, do you think you will be safer in a Muslim country? Why they have not shown similar segments on Christians and Muslims. They have been converting Hindus and terrorizing Hindu girls and the Hindu community, destroying Hindu Temples, declaring fatwas st Hindu leaders, etc.  Why TV9 has not addressed these deceptions and terrors of the other two religions? The senior official acknowledged our deep concerns and sympathized with our views. We get the impression that there may be some changes in their way of looking at the things. Let us hope.

Met with Kamadhenu Seva Trust (KST) members. About eight members of KST met with us to discuss the possibility of conducting Saurabhi Maha Yagnam for three days in each of the major cities in the United States starting with Dallas. I mentioned about all possible hurdles we may face because of insufficient time, lack of organizational support, absence of visibility of the organization and insufficient funds. I suggested that they should have at least one year time for planning, get the estimates of the cost for each city, raise funds and find a group of people in each city to execute the event.

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Donate at:  http://www.SaveTemples.org (click ‘Donate’ button on right side).

Where to send your DONATIONS?
Global Hindu Heritage Foundation
14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035.
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Any questions, call: Prakasarao Velagapudi 601-918-7111