RAMA Atlanta Marks 354th Rayara Aaradhane with Devotion and Tradition

Ananthaadi Rayara Matha (RAMA) Atlanta celebrated the 354th “Rayara Aaradhane” to honor the great revered saint “Shri Raghavendra Swamy”. The celebrations spanned across three-days and were observed with great devotion, fervor and enthusiasm. Devotees came together on all the days, the first day known as Purva Aradhana, the second day, Madhya Aradhana and the third, Uttara Aradhana of the Mahotsava to offer their prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings from the saint . This year Rayara Aaradhane was observed from Saturday,August 9th to Monday,August 11th.

During Shri Raghavendra Swamy’s lifetime, he performed numerous miracles, composed devotional bhajans, and provided extensive commentary on the teachings of Madhvacharya. His influence and teachings continue to resonate with devotees across India and abroad.
 

Purva Aaradhane and Uttara Aaradhane were celebrated at the Matha. Devotees engaged in a number of programs like Pooja, Maha Mangalarti and Teertha Prasada.

An all-day event was organised on Madhya Aaradhane which was celebrated on Sunday, August 10th at the Gadhpuram Swamy Narayan temple from 8 a.m onwards. The devotees witnessed the traditional Kanakabhisheka, Mukhya PraNara abhisheka, Rayara pooje including Astottara seva, paaduka seva, panchamrutha abhisheka, Mangalarathi & Prasada, Pallaki Sevaa and Unjal Seva.

All the devotees were served prasadam which included delectable dishes like two varieties of Kosambari, Pickles and Palya along with Anna,Majjige Huli, Gojju, Saaru, Tovve, Kootu, Chutney,Mango Chitranna, Puliyogare, Assorted Bonda, Happala,Payasa, Hayagreeva, Majjige and Mysurpak. These dishes were prepared using home- grown Curry Leaves,Bell Peppers,Winter Melon,Ridge Gourds,Green Chillies and Beans which were offered by the devotees. Everyone was served in the traditional way on home grown banana leaves.This was followed by a number of cultural activities which were organized by the Matha.The students of Rama Gurukula, offered their obeisances to Guru Raghavendra Swamy by reciting the shlokas. The event was concluded with a Pallaki Seva in which the Utsava Murti (processional idol) of Sri Raghavendra Swamy was carried in a palanquin (pallakki/palkhi) around the temple precincts. This procession was accompanied by chanting and music by the devotees which magnified the devotional aura of the occasion.
 

The 3 day event garnered a crowd of about 500 devotees who came from different corners of the country. Devotees from states like Tennessee, Michigan, Maryland, South Carolina, Alabama and Ohio came to seek the blessings of their beloved guru. As the celebrations concluded, the spirit of devotion of the RAMA family and the blessings of Rayaru continue to create a spiritual upliftment in the lives of those who honor his memory. The Aradhane ultimately reaffirms the enduring faith in Guru Raghavendra Swamy as a source of strength, guidance, and divine protection for all who seek his refuge.