The Hindu Temple of Atlanta organized momentous, majestic joyous and spiritually suffused, ritual-studded Siva Temple Panchahnika Brahmotsavam celebrations from August 14 to 18, 2013. Pujya Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji of the Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad graced the celebrations with his august presence and presided over the purnahuthi of the celebrations
Brahmotsavam means a grand celebration. Despite inclement weather, thousands of devotees, guests and visitors thronged to this first ever Shiva Temple Brahmotsavam, a five day celebrations started on August 14 with Ankurarpana and Dhwaja Arohanam( The Temple priests chanted Vedic mantras as the flag bearing Siva’s vahana Nandi was hoisted on the Dhwaja Stambha facing the Siva Temple and adjacent to the Yagasala,to the accompaniment of drums and nadaswaram.The other elaborate rituals included Yagasala pravesam,Pradhana Kalasa Sthapana,Nitya Homams,Dolotsavam, Kalasabhishekam, Sri Parvatha Vardhini sameta Ramalingeshwara Visesha Kalyanam, and Maha Mangala Harathi. Also daily prakara Utsavam when Utsava murtis were taken in a procession around the Temple on vahanas like Hamsa Vahana,Gaja Vahana,Vrushabha Vahana,Ashwa Vahana and Ravanasura Vahana. There was also a spectacular Ratha Yatra,to accompaniment of musical instruments and chanting and singing by enthusiastic gathering.   
The grand finale of the celebrations on Sunday was marked with Ashtottara Sata Vasanta Rudra Kalasabhishekam, Trisula Avabhrutasnanam, Dhwaja Avarohanam(lowering of the flag), Maha Sayanotsavam,Maha Mangala Harathi and offering of Teerdha Prasada to all.
All the deities in the Balaji and Siva Temples wore a dazzling look in their ornate fineries and colorful garlands. The dedicated priests cheerfully performed archanas throughout the day blessing all the devotees who came to offer their prayers. A huge tent (yagasala)was erected on the Temple foreground under which the volunteers set up homa-kundas and imaginative, attractive and colorful display with an artistic blend of fruits, flowers, and other puja accessories .The temple’s resident priests, along with devotees, conducted homams , chanting Vedic shlokas, in front of the consecrated fires.
On Saturday, Swami Adhyatmanandaji , with a radiant smile was given a rousing reception, by the Temple Officers, priests and leading dignitaries.Swamiji was escorted inside the Temples where he offered his prayers and also blessed his devotees.
Swamiji is known for his selfless service, compassion and unreserved love for all. Genial and modest Swamiji is an articulate and eloquent speaker. In a short spiritually elevating discourse on power of Mantras, he said that Mantras are far superior to Haikus and are like sparkling diamonds studded in gold. They are internal and their sacred vibrations carry spiritual energy. They energize prana( and with correct chanting and breathing can help elevate one’s consciousness. God fulfills desires of all who chant the mantras with devotion, utmost faith and sincerity.
The Temple installed Parvatha Vardhini sameta Sri Ramalingeswara Vigrahas at the newly built Siva Temple on May 29,2004 and followed it up with Kumbhabhishekam on March 21,2008. Later, Dwaja Stambha was installed in November 2012 and the Temple was ready for its first ever Siva Brahmotsavam Festival.

Pic. by Mahadev Desai

Dr.Sujatha Reddy said that she was pleased that 0ver 90 devotees registered as a bone marrow donor to help Chirag Patel.
HTA President Narender Reddy who took an active part in the rituals, effusively thanked all the participants and commented,” I'm very thankful to the devotees, Board of Trustees and Executive Committee members and Swami Adhyatmanandaji who made the entire 5 day celebration a grand success.  Our Priests were working hard with a tight schedule and every event was held on schedule.  There were several volunteer devotees who helped us with their valuable time in every aspect. I'm grateful to all of them. My Sincere thanks to Pooja Committee Chairman Subbiah Emani and special thanks to Seshu Sarma, Food Committee Chair and her team of dedicated volunteers who kept the kitchen open till late hours to serve our devotees with delicious food. On a personal note, I consider myself very fortunate to be part of this first Siva Temple celebration.”
The festivities were truly awe-inspiring and will linger in devotee’s minds for a long time. Through such spectacular festivities,Atlanta’s iconic Hindu Temple is undoubtedly enriching the religious diversity and promoting international and multi-cultural image of Georgia.