| fzgjp Jiz

| tyk;g[hp tpehafh;
tl mbkhpf;f KUfd; Myak;
3

Chairmans Message
Dear fellow devotees of Lord Muruga,
I am pleased to inform you all the long-awaited great news that the
Rajagopuram project for our Lord Murugan in Washington DC area is in
the final stages and with His blessings we will celebrate the grand
Noothana Rajagopura Maha Kumbhabishekam from July 3 through July 10,
2016.
It is your financial and moral support that has made this great achievement possible. I want to thank all you from across this great country for your sustained support.
Since the inception of the temple in 1984, a number of Lord Murugan devotees
served as trustees and members of various committees. I thank all of them individually
and personally for their hard work, dedication and perseverance without which this event
would have been much harder to achieve. The current Board of Trustees consists of 14
trustees. The temple Executive Committee and various other committees have dedicated
volunteers. These teams have been working diligently in the past three years to plan the
construction projects and to celebrate this grand event.
Padmasri Muthiah Sthapathy of Tamil Nadu has been with us since the 1980s. His
team of talented silpis has been working tirelessly for more than two years to complete the
Rajagopuram and the beautiful architecture in the prayer hall. We are thankful to Thiru
Muthiah Sthapathy and his team for their great contribution.
The ground-breaking ceremony was blessed by beloved Thiru Muruga Kirupananda
Variar Swamigal and Sri Satchithanandha Swamigal; the 1999 Kumbhabishekam was attended by Sri Satchithananda Swamigal and Satguru Sri Subramuniya Swami and presided
over by the industrialist Pollachi N. Mahalingam. We will always fondly remember their
well wishes for the development of our temple.
The celebration of Noothana Rajagopura Maha Kumbhabishekam is a testament to
our firm belief that this great temple will be a remarkable legacy for future generations of
Lord Murugan devotees and will help preserve our great ethnic and cultural values.
Gopal Guruswamy, MD
Chairman, Board of Trustees, MTNA

Acknowledgment
Back Cover: Photo of Sri Murugan with Valli and Devasena is courtesy of Mr. Sathi Soma

Souvenir printed by Color Print Outlet

www.colorprintout.com

Thiru Muruga Kirupanandha Variar Swamigal

thH;j;J
kd;Dk; mbkhpf;fh th#p';ld; ew;nfhapy;
cd;Dk; bgUika[ld; X';fpna - gd;Dk;
moahh;f; fUs;g[hpe;J Mz;Lgythf
beonjh';fp thH;f epiwe;J
md;gd;/ fpUghde;jthhp

tl mbkhpf;f KUfd; Myak;

E}jd ,uh$nfhg[u kQh Fk;ghgpn#f tpHh
"hapW/ $^iy 3 - "hapW/ $^iy 10/ 2016
ngud;g[k; gf;jpa[k; kpFjpahff; bfhz;l gf;jg; bgUkf;fSf;F/

Ik;g{j

,zf;fj;jhy; ,a';Fk; ,e;j gpug";rj;ij ,af;Fk; nguUsha[k;/

bgUk; rf;jpa[k;/ "hdj;jpd; KGepiwthft[k;/ mUcUthf t[k; MWKfkhft[k;/
"hdrf;jpj;jd;ikapd; KG cUthft[k;/ jkpH;ehl;od; jdpg;bgUk; bja;tkhf
t[k;/ gHe;jkpH; kiwahk; jkpH;r;r';f E}ypnyna Mw;Wg; gil tPlhf vLj;Jg;
nghw;wg; bgw;w jkpH;g;bgUk; bja;tkhk; KUfg; bgUkhDf;F mbkhpf;f
ehl;od;
jiyefuhd th#p';ld; efhpy; jpUf;nfhtpy; mikf;fg; bgw;W
tHpglg; bgw;WtUk; jpU KUfd; jpUf;nfhtpypy; gf;jg; bgUkf;fs; bgU
Kaw;rpahy; kpf
E}jdkhf rpw;g rh!;jpug;go kQh
,uh$nfhg[uk;
mikf;fg; bgw;W/ tUk; Jd;Kfp Mz;L/ Mdp khjk; 26k; ehs; ($^iy 10/
2016) "hapw;Wf; fpHik ##;o jpjp/ cj;jpu el;rj;jpuk;/ mk;Uj nahfk; Toa
Rgnahf Rgjpdj;jpy; fhiy kzp 10:45 Kjy; 11:45 kzpf;Fs; FU nQhiuapy;
E}jd ,uh$nfhg[uk;/ | ts;sp njt ahid rnkj KUfg; bgUkhd;/ kw;Wk;
ghpthu \h;j;jpfSf;Fk; kQh Fk;ghgpn#fk; eilbgw ,Uf;fpd;wd.
bgUk; g[z;zpag; ngw;iw mUs;tJk;/ fhzf;fpilf;fhJkhd ,e;j kQh
Fk;ghgpn#fj;jpYk;/ ,jd; bjhlh;ghd Kd; g{i$fspYk; fye;J bfhz:Lk;/
jf;f bghUs; cjtp/ rhPu cjtp Mfpad bra;J vy;yhk; ty;y ,iwahk; jpU
KUfg; bgUkhd; jpUtUshy; vy;yh eyd;fSk; bgw;Wa;a gf;jh;fs; nfl;Lf;
bfhs;sg; gLfpwhh;fs;.

,';'dk;/
jpUg;gzpf; FG rhh;ghf
rptg;gpujp#;l gh!;fu Mr;rhh;a
lhf;lh;. v!;. j';f gl;lh;
,e;J nfhapy;
epa{ Mh;ypad!;/ Y}ap!pahdh khepyk;
mbkhpf;fh

thH;j;Jiu
cyfpy; cs;s gy;ntW ehl;L kf;fSk; ,ize;J thGk; ehlhft[k/; fy;tp
bry;tk; nghd;w ts';fis cila jd;dpiwt[bgw;w ehlhft[k; jpfH;fpwJ
mbkhpf;fh. ,j;njrj;jpd; rpfukhft[k; cyfpy; midtuhy; mwpag;gLtjhft[k;
tps';FfpwJ th#p';ld; efuk;.
,g;g[fH; kpf;f mbkhpf;f efhpy; ekJ fyhr;rhuj;ij btspg;gLj;Jk;
tpjkhf mHFw mike;jpUg;gJ |KUfd; jpUf;nfhapyhFk;. ,j;jpUf;nfhapypy;
nfho R{hpaDf;F ,izahd xspbghUe;jpatUk;/ vy;yh cyf';fSf;Fk; jiy
tUk;/ mt;t[yf';fs; njhd;w \yfhuzkhdtUk;/ mstplKoahj bgUik
cilatUk;/ vy;iyaw;W gue;J tps';FgtUkhd |KUfg;bgUkhd;
tPw;wpUe;J/ ntz;Lnthh;f;F ntz;Ltd tH';fp mUs;ghypf;fpwhh;.
,e;jf; nfhapYf;F nkYk; mHFk; bgUika[k; nrh;f;Fk; tifapy;
E}jd ,uh$nfhg[uk; mikj;J jpUg;gzpfs; bra;jpUg;gJ nghw;WjYf;Fk;
ghuhl;LjYf;Fk; chpajhFk;. kQhFk;ghgpn#fk; rpwg;gl
[ d; epfHt[k;/ jiyth;
cs;spl;l eph;thfj;jpdUk;/
gf;jbgUkf;fSk; vy;yh tsKk; eyKk; bgw;W
thH;th';F thHt[k; vy;yhk; ty;y |fw;gftpehafiug; gpuhh;j;jpj;J
thH;j;Jfpnwhk;.

Copyright 2016 Murugan Temple of North America

The content of the articles and the opinions expressed in them are the sole responsibility
of the authors and do not represent
the views of Murugan Temple of North America or the Souvenir Committee.

10

Message from Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami

Kauai Aadheenam, Hawaii, USA

Many blessings from the Kauai Aadheenam Pitham of the Kailasa Parampara to devotees of the Murugan Temple of North America on the occasion of the Noothana Rajagopura Mahaa Kumbhabishekam and
consecration of the new deities Sri Bairavar, Sri Chandikeswarar and Sri Markandeya Anugraha Moorthy that
will take place from July 3 - July 10, 2016.
Congratulations to all involved in this project: to the architect Padmasri Muthiah Sthapathy and his
team of talented silpis; to the temple committee members overseeing the details of construction, and to the
thousands of devotees who gave their unflinching financial support. Through this joint effort the exquisite
five-tier Rajagopuramwith seven gold-plated kalasams on the top of the tower and the architectural ornamental work in the prayer hall of the temple have been successfully completed.
We feel especially close to this temple as our founder Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniya
swami gave many suggestions regarding the temple to the initial temple leadership as well as was
present at the temple's Kumbhabhishekam in 1999.
Many blessings from the Kailasa Parampara for this grand event.
Satguru Sivaya

Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami

Jagadacharya Nandinatha Sampradaya
Kauai Aadheenam, Hawaii, USA

Subramuniyaswami

rptkak;
SIVAGAMA RATHNA SIVASRI K. GANESAN BHATTAR

Chief Priest Sri Murugan Temple

6300 Princess Garden Parkway, Lanham, MD 20706

ngud;g[ilaPh;/
,j;jpUf;nfhapy; irtj;jpw;Fk; jkpGf;Fk; bgUik nrh;f;Fk; tifapy; mike;Js;sJ.
ntz;Lnthh;f;F ntz;Lk; tuk; jUk; th#p';ld; KUfd; vd;Dk; jpUehkj;Jld; ts;sp
bja;thida[ld; fy;ahz nfhyj;jpy; MW mo cauj;jpy; fk;gPukhff; fhl;rp jUfpwhd;.
g{i$fs; kw;Wk; cw;rt';fs; rpthfk Kiwg;go ele;J tUfpd;wd. kw;Wk;
cs;gpufhu';fspy; totikj;Js;s KUfdpd; gy;ntW tpjkhd jpUf;nfhy';fs; v';Fk;
FQkakhff; fhl;rp jUfpwJ. 'jd;fld; monaida[k; jh';Fjy;/ vd;fld; gzpbra;J fplg;gnj'
vd;w jpUKiw thrfj;jpw;F Vw;g th#p';ld; KUfg;bgUkhdplk; mDjpdKk; g{$pg;gjpy;
mfkfpH;t[ milfpnwd;.
gf;jh;fspd; gpuhh;j;jidfs;/ neh;j;jpf; flid ghy;Flk;/ fhto/
Kofhzpf;if/ mgpn#fk;/ Rthkp g[wg;ghL
vd
elj;jp
tUfpd;whh;fs;.
,r;rkak;
gf;jbgUkf;fs; ,uh$nfhg[u Fk;ghgpn#f tpHhtpy; fye;Jbfhz:L fypa[f bja;tk;
fe;jg;bgUkhdpd; jpUtUshy; gy;ntW ey';fSk; ts';fSk; bgw;Wa;a ntz;Lfpnwd;.
md;g[ld;
rpt| fy;ahz fnzr gl;lh;
jiyik mh;r;rfh;
KUfd;nfhapy;

11

"Paniya yena valli padam paniyum,

Thaniya athi moha daya prane"
The above verse of Swami Arunagirinadhar in Kandar Anuboothi can be truly experienced
by the devotees of Murugan Temple of North America (MTNA). A divine vision realized in 1999
has been a blessing for countless devotees of Lord Murugan all across the world. The benevolent
grace of this Washington Murugan is beyond words and can only be experienced.
True to the words of Swami Arunagirinadhar, 'Guruvay varuvai, arulvai Guhane', our Washington Murugan as a Guru blesses His devotees . A guru, like a mother provides only what is good
for the child. Similarly, our Murugan bestows what is best for the devotees who worship Him at
the temple. The nitya aaradhana at the temple is done with utmost devotion and because of that
the bountiful grace of Lord Subrahmanya flows at the temple. Lord Muruga here is more than a
Kalpavriksha.
Countless devotees have shared their experiences of how Lord Muruga blessed them to get
over any obstacles like curing of illness, begetting progeny, removal of doshas, aabicharams etc.
This has been possible only due to the dedication of the priests in doing the poojas as prescribed
by the agamas and the righteousness of the trustees MTNA.
The idea of the trustees to invite and honor the current and previous priests of MTNA on
the occasion of the Rajagopuram Maha Kumbhabhishekam is very commendable. It shows the respect that the trustees have for Vedas and Saiva Agamas and their devotion towards Lord Muruga.
This idea is a first of its kind in USA.
The Rajagopuram Maha Kumbhabhishekam of the Murugan Temple of Northern America
to be conducted on July 10th is very special as it is being presided by two erudite Vedic scholars
Sri Picchai Gurukkal of Pillaiyarpatti and Sri Thanga Bhattar from Madurai Meenakshi Amman
Temple. In addition, the current priests of the temple are also scholars on Saiva Agama. They perform poojas with great sincerity which adds more sanidhyam to the Swami.
The priests of Sri Bhaktha Anjaneya Temple pray to Sri Hanumaan to bestow His grace
upon the trustees, the priests and congregation of MTNA and bless them with good health and
continued devotion towards our Sanatana Dharma. Also may Sri Bhaktha Anjaneya provide all
with inner peace, harmony and happiness.!
Jai Sri Ram!

SBA Temple

12

From the Editorial Team

We feel very fortunate and humbled to have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity
and the great responsibility to collect articles, photographs and other information and compile
them into a special souvenir for the grand Noothana Rajagopura Mahaa Kumbhabishekam of
our Murugan Temple. Lord Murugan's grace has guided the editorial team in the production of
this souvenir.
When we began this project about four months ago, we had a number of objectives for the
souvenir; it should a) appeal to young and old devotees; b) contain articles in Tamil for the Tamilspeaking devotees and in English for those who don't know Tamil; c) capture the development of
Murugan Temple of North America since its inception; d) be visually captivating; e) reflect the
Saivite tradition which is the fundamental premise and vision of the temple; f) respect and cherish
the hard work of all the devotees of the past and present; and finally, g) motivate the future generation of devotees to maintain the Saivite tradition of the temple and explore and expand ways to
spread the glory of Lord Murugan to multitude of devotees. We hope the readers will agree that we
have met the stated objectives.
The souvenir contains informative and interesting articles , some written by Murugan devotees in the US and some by Murugan devotees in India. A few of the articles speak to the personal
connection devotees feel with Lord Murugan and His bountiful blessings when they visit the temple. Some speak to the serenity and the spirituality they experience in the prayer hall of the temple. Some express their heart-felt appreciation of the variety of Murugan festivals organized and
celebrated at the temple. We hope the readers will see the depth and breadth of the articles and
sense the writers' motivation for their pieces. We further hope that the readers will appreciate the
literary flavor of the Tamil pieces as well.
We are confident that the readers will enjoy the pictorial history depicted by the myriad
photographs; it is hard to identify and acknowledge all the photographers whose work appears in
the souvenir. But, we are grateful that the photos are available for us to tell the story of the temple.
We would be remiss if we do not profusely thank the advertisement sponsors and Color Print Outlet without whose support it would have been fiscally harder to produce the souvenir.
If devotees who read the souvenir feel that it is worthy of the celebration of Rajagpuram
Mahaa Kumbhabishekam, then the credit goes to the writers, the devotees of Lord Murugan and
the Souvenir Committee. If there are any errors, glaring or even minor, the editorial team assumes
the responsibility for the oversight and requests the indulgence of the readers. The Chief Editor
heartily thanks the writers and the members of the Souvenir Committee for their time, sincere and
hard work and support.
Respectfully,
Editorial Team
Sridharan Iyengar, PhD, Chief Editor (Trustee, MTNA)
Aranganathan Shanmuganathan, PhD
Muthuvijayan Ramiah
Kalpana Ramiah, PhD
Manimekalai, PhD (Trustee, MTNA)

13

MURUGAN TEMPLE OF NORTH AMERICA

The following is the list of office bearers who serve the temple
at the time of Noothana Rajagopuram Mahaa Kumbhabishekam

The Board of Trustees

Dr. Gopal Guruswamy
Chairman
Mr. Krishnan Ramaswamy
Co-Chairman

Mr. Vijay Kandaswamy

Secretary

Mrs. Avayam Shankar

Dr. Mouna Selvam
Dr. Manimekalai Saravanan
Mrs. Puwaneswari Sachithananthan
Mr. Ramu Arumugam
Mrs. Saraswathi Ranganathan

Mr. Sivakumar Kareesan

Dr. Sridharan Iyengar
Dr. L. Srinivasan
Mrs. Sothi Vignarajha
Mrs. Suseela Krishnan

Executive Committee
Dr. Sridharan Iyengar
Mrs. Puwaneswary Satchithanandam
Dr. Manimekalai Saravanan
Mrs. Avayam Shankar
Mrs. Suseela Krishnan

President
Vice- president
Secretary
Treasurer
Joint Treasurer

Standing Committees of the Executive Committee

Committee
Chair
Cultural & Entertaiment
Sivakumar Kareesan
Education
Vayudeva Varadhan
Food
Saravanan Seetharaman
Fundraising
Mouna Selvam
Infra-structure
Suresh Packirisamy
Information Technology
Venkatt Guhesan
Public and Community Relations
Kalpana Ramiah
Religious
Puvaneswary Satchithanandam
Souvenir Committee
Sridharan Iyengar, Chair
Manju Ayyampalayam
Aranganathan Shanmuganathan
Manimekalai Saravanan
Palani Ramasamy

14

Kalpana Ramiah
Nigel Siva
Uma Vodela
Venkatesan Subramanian

GLORY OF LORD SUBRAHMANYAS DIVINE SPEAR (Vel)

R. Chandramouli
We all know that for every God, there is a special weapon (Astra) which the God/Goddess
uses to destroy demons and demonic forces in order to protect the devotees and the world from
the evils perpetrated by these demons. Some examples are the Trisool (Trident) for Lord Siva and
Sudarshana Chakra (Divine Wheel) for Lord Vishnu. For our Lord Subrahmanya, it is the divine
spear or the Vel.
The association between a God and his/her divine weapon is often brought out with one of
the names of the god stating this association. For example Trisoola Dhari is one of the names for
Lord Siva meaning the bearer of Trisoolam. Similarly we say Chakrapani for Lord Vishnu denoting
the fact that he carries the Sudarshana Chakra in his hand. For Lord Subrahmanya that special
name is Velayudha Swamy the lord who has the Vel as his Ayudha (weapon).
Lord Subrahmanyas divine weapon Vel, has a unique place among all weapons (Astras)
due to some glorious inherent gunas (attributes) associated with it. In many temple aradhanas
and festivals, we hear the fervent chants of devotees 'Veera Vel Muruga', 'Vetri Vel Muruga',
'Gnana Vel Muruga', 'Shakthi Vel Muruga' etc. The significant divine qualities of Vel that deserve
our attention and contemplation are: Veera Vel (denoting Valor), Vetri Vel (Victory specifically
the victory of Good over Evil), Gnana Vel (divine knowledge) and Shakthi Vel (the cosmic energy
responsible for creation, sustenance and destruction of the universe along with inherent Gnana
(divine knowledge) built into it.
While the adjectives Veera (Valor) and Vetri (Victory) appear natural for a weapon such as
Vel, the adjectives of Gnana (Divine Knowledge) and Shakthi (Cosmic Energy) appear specially
intriguing at first thought. However, when we look at the divine play (leela) of Lord Subrahmanyas birth and his deeds, the significance behind the adjectives Gnana and Shakthi become as
clear as a crystal. First, we will look at the Veera and Vetri aspects of our divine spear Vel and
then the Gnana and Shakthi aspects.
Veera Vel and Vetri Vel
One of the illustrious and perhaps the first in Tamil language, is the composition by name
Thiru Murugatru Padai on Lord Subrahmanya by the poet-saint Nakkeera Deva Nayanar. This
compendium of 64 songs (317 lines in total) was sung by Nakkeerar when he along with 99 others
was imprisoned in a cave by a demoness by name Karkimukhi. At the end of the song, Lord Muruga (Subrahmanya) appeared, killed the demoness and set all 100 people free. Since then Thiru
Murugatru Padai (which incidentally contains the praise of the Lord in his six special places of
pilgrimage (Aru Padai Veedu in Tamil) is being chanted by millions of Tamil-speaking people on
various occasions. An integral part of the Parayanam (devotional chanting) of Thiru Murugatru
Padai is the chanting of Pathu Venbaakal (10 songs composed in the Venba meter) which according to legend was either composed by Nakkeerar himself or one of the later poets. Two of the
10 songs of Pathu Venbaakal speak exclusively of the glory of Vel. In these songs, the Vel is explicitly glorified as one that has the inherent quality of Veera (Valor) and one that brings victory with
the phrases Veerathai udaiya Vel and Vetriyai Tharum Vel. These songs then go on to sing the
praise of Vel as: one that annihilates the power of demonic forces, one that set free all
the devas from torture and imprisonment, one that chased away the evil demon Soora Padma

15

from underneath the ocean (where he hid), one that eventually splits open the heart of that demon and finally one that broke the Krauncha mountain into pieces. The background for the last
two events can be found in Skanda Puranam. The evil demon Soora Padma after a long fight with
the Lord, assumes the form of a Mango Tree. Muruga then sent his Vel into that tree splitting it
into two. We all know how Lord Muruga, out of his infinite compassion, later transforms one of
the pieces as Mayura (peacock) making it his vehicle and the other as Kukkuta (Cock or Seval in
Tamil) making it his flag. In the episode of destruction of Krauncha mountain, there is a demon by
name Kraunchasuran who assumes the form of mountain with wings and wreaked destruction
everywhere. Lord Subrahmanya sent his Vel which pierced the mountain and pulverized it.
The Veera and Vetri glories of Vel in saving Nakeerar and 99 people in the cave, from the
horse-faced gigantic demoness Karkimukhi has been praised by Saint Arunagiri Nathar in several
of his Tirupugazh songs. Saint Arunagiri describes vividly how Lord Muruga first demolished the
entrance to the cave with his Vel and later on killed the demoness herself by piercing her chest
with his Vel.
Gnana Vel and Shakthi Vel
A sloka in Skanda Purana says that when Vedas assumed the form of Mayura (peacock),
the cosmic primordial sound OM (or Omkara - that forms the beginning, middle and end of all
Vedas) assumed the form of Lord Subrahmanya and Brahma Vidya (the supreme divine know
ledge that is the basis for Vedas) assumed the form of his divine spear Vel. Since Shakthi or the
universal divine mother Parvathy is the embodiment of that Brahma Vidya (she is called Brahma
Vidya Roopini) and since the Vel was given to Lord Subrahmanya by Shakthi herself (just before
the annihilation of Soora Padma), Adi Shankara in his seminal composition Subrahmanya Bhujangam always refers to Vel as Shakthi itself. In one sloka, he prays to Lord Subrahmanya that the
sharp tip of his Shakthi weapon should remove all diseases afflicting his body from all sources
such as animals, birds and insects. In another sloka he calls the Lord Subrahmanya as Shakthipani
(one who holds Shakthi in his hand). He also requests him to appear before him in Mayura Vahana (peacock vehicle) and Shakthi in his hand, when the angry Yama Dhootas (messengers of
Yama the god of death) appear before him to provide him the divine knowledge (Gnana)
through the Vel to remove the fear that will engulf him at that time.
The fact that the divine spear Vel that Lord holds is Shakthi is also reinforced in the following mantra (chanted in Gayathri meter) whenever Homa (fire worship) is performed for Lord
Subrahmanya according to Saiva Agama Sastras.
Shadananaya Vidmahe Shakthi Hastaya Dheemahi
Thann0 Shanmukha Prachodayath.
(The one whom I know as the six-faced one, I meditate on that (supreme being) that is holding
Shakthi in his hand. May that Shanmukha illuminate my intelligence).
Having seen the multi-faceted glory of Lord Subrahmanyas divine spear Vel, let us all
meditate on Velayudha Pani to acquire moral courage, dharmic victory and above all supreme
spiritual knowledge.
_____________________________________________
Bibliography
1. Thiru Murugatru Padai (Explanatory Text in Tamil) (2012) Murugan Thirvarut Sangam Chennai 600005.

2.

Sri Subrahmanya Bhujangam (Explanatory Text in Tamil) (2013) - Murugan Thirvarut Sangam Chennai 600005.

16

A HISTORY OF MURUGAN TEMPLE OF NORTH AMERICA

Gopal Guruswamy
The history and development of Murugan Temple of North America is a fascinating and
simultaneously heart-warming experience for those who have been involved since its inception. It
is a story to be told, read and preserved for posterity. It is the story that reflects the glory of Lord
Murugan and His immeasurable blessings to all His devotees, wherever they may live and worship
Him.
In the decade beginning 1980 myself and Dr. Baskaran were part of a small group that was
considering a temple for Lord Murugan. Around the same time, a group of devotees headed by Sri
Arumugam Saravanapavan were offering prayers to Sri Valamburi Vinayakar, generously donated
by Satguru Subramuniya Swami of Kauai Aadheenam, Hawaii, in an informal setting in Maryland.
The two groups with the similar thought met, discussed and decided as proposed by Dr. Gopal
Guruswamy to adopt the name 'Murugan Temple of North America' for the temple to be built.
The vision was to build an authentic temple for Lord Murugan on a national level near the US
capital, with the objective of preserving the cultural and ethnic values of our great people. A large
gathering of devotees unanimously selected me as the President of the congregation; we had just
$3400 as the seed money!
After an extensive search for about four years, in 1986 an area of 11.5 acres was purchased
at the current location of the temple. The determination and hard work of the officers at that
time resulted in the land purchase. In 1987, Sri Valamburi Vinayakar was moved to the premises
and the Balalayam for Lord Murugan was established to begin the process of planning the temple
construction.
A group of thirty devotees under the leadership of late Dr. Kumaresan of New York visited
the temporary site housing the deities and extended their unequivocal support to build the temple. A team of nine Trustees - seven from Maryland (Dr. Baskaran, Dr. Kulathungam, Dr.
Ravendhran, Dr. B. Subramanian, Mr. A. Saravanapavan, Dr. M. Krishnamurthy, and Mr. K. S.
Krishnaswamy), Dr. V.S. Gandhi from New Jersey, and Dr. Kumaresan from New York - were
elected under the leadership of Dr. Guruswamy as the President. Almost all the trustees continued their hard work until Kumbhabishekam in 1999.
His Holiness Thiru Kirupananda Variar Swami visited the temple and along with Sri
Satchithananda Swami conducted the ground-breaking ceremony on June 4, 1989.
In the succeeding years, fundraising efforts continued in many parts of the US, including
NJ, NY, Delaware Valley, Pittsburgh, and Chicago area. Despite the setbacks and failures for some
time, Lord Murugan showed us the way to obtain a building permit from the Prince Georges
County of Maryland to build the temple in Lanham. The issuance of county permit is a testament
to the tremendous efforts of Mr. T. S. Seshadri, Civil Engineer of the temple, and his Committee.
April 23, 1994 marked another milestone with the Vasthu Homam locating the exact place
where the shrine for Lord Murugan would be constructed. Undeterred by scanty financial situation, and with the unflinching help of Mr. Sriskanda Rajah as the construction engineer and others
in the team, temple construction was completed in 1998. But, 1995 and 1996 were bleak and dark
days due to lack of funds. Six devotees (Drs. G. Guruswamy, S. Baskaran, Ramaswamy, J. J. Gopal,

17

Uma Maheswaran and Vasantha Kumar) and their families rallied together and pledged their assets
as collateral to obtain a construction loan from Citizens Bank of Maryland. Late Thiru L. Jagadeesa
Mudaliar of Chennai established a Kumbhabishekam Committee in the early 1990s and coordinated
a major fundraising effort in Tamil Nadu. Through his unceasing efforts he was able to have bronze
statues of Lord Murugan and His consorts Valli and Deivayani made in Kumbakonam and shipped
to Murugan Temple in time for Kumbhabishekam.
At the time of Kumbhabishekam, the consecration of Lord Murugan, Valli and
Deivayani as main deities, and Sri Sundareswarar, Sri Meenakshi, Sri Palani Andavar, and Sri Valamburi Vinayakar as parivara murthys, was conducted. In May 1999, over 5000 Murugan devotees from
across the US and other countries gathered and celebrated Kumbhabishekam on an impressively
grand scale for Lord Murugan and other deities of the temple. The celebration was a phenomenal
success, to say the least. Food service was excellent under the leadership of Ms. Revathy Iyer.
Great saints Thiru Santhalinga Ramaswamy Adigal of Perur Aadheenam, His Holiness Gurudeva
Subramuniya Swamy of Kauai Aadheenam, and His Holiness Sri Sachithananda Swami of Lotus
Temple of Virginia graced the occasion. Arutselvar (late) Thiru N. Mahalingam from Tamil Nadu
presided over the entire ceremony.
It is important to note that in late 1999 temple had a loan of about $900,000. This is almost
completely paid off recently.
In January 2011 Sri Thurgai Amman was installed and a consecration ceremony was conducted; later in the year Ashtabandhana Jeeranodharana Kumbhabishekam was celebrated to mark
the 12th year of initial consecration ceremony of the temple.
Plans to build a Rajagopuram befitting the 'Washington Murugan' began earnestly in 2012.
Generous devotees donated about $2 million. The first Phase of the Rajagopuram project used up
the donations in order to build the five-tier tower and to decorate the interior (prayer hall) with aesthetically pleasing Indian temple architectural work. Mr. T. S. Seshadri again assumed the leadership of the Thirupani Kuzhu (Construction Committee), and along with Mr. K. Loganathan as the
coordinator of the project, the team worked diligently to bring the construction project to the extent that we could appreciate today. The Board of Trustees, the Executive Committe and the standing committees of the temple have been involved and contributed their service in every step of the
way to complete the project.
Phase two of the project is designed to include a kitchen, a dining hall, amenities for the
devotees, a Yaga Sala, and other facilities. Additional funds to the tune of $3 million are needed; we
are confident that Murugan devotees will continue their generosity and donate the needed funds to
achieve the goal.
A great deal of credit goes to Padmasri Muthiah Sthapathy for his vision, the design of Murugan Temple architecture and his leadership; the beauty of the unique interior architecture and the
majesty of the Murugan Rajagopuram are a testament to the outstanding skills of the silpis (temple
artisans from Tamil Nadu) and their leader Sri Srinivasan Sthapathy.
July 10, 2016 will mark a historic occasion for Murugan Temple of North America when we
celebrate Noothana Rajagopura Maha Kumbhabishekam and consecrate three new deities at the
temple. It will be a celebration that is sure to leave an indelible impression in the minds of the
devotees of Lord Murugan.

18

THREE NEW DEITIES OF THE MURUGAN TEMPLE

Kalpana Ramiah

Three new deities are being installed in Murugan Temple during the Rajagopuram Maha
Kumbhabishekam. It is a blessing to install and consecrate Sri Chandikeswarar, Sri Markandeya
Anugraha Murthy and Sri Bairavar on the day of Rajagopuram Mahakumbhabishekam. Each one of
the deities is part of the Saivite belief and rituals.
Sri Chandikeswarar is an aspect of Chandi in human form later elevated to the status of divinity, to signify the connection between Lord Siva and Goddess Durga. Sengalur, a village in
Pudukkottai area, Tamil Nadu is considered to be the birthplace of Chandikeswarar. According to
the legend, as a young boy, he spent all his time making Lingams out of sand. One day, his father
got angry and kicked the Lingam. The child got angry, and cut off his fathers leg, for daring to kick
his lord. Siva appeared from the Lingam and blessed the boy, giving him a permanent place in his
temple. He also gave his father his leg back. It is believed that Chandikeswarar forever lives in a
state of deep meditation, not realizing who comes to the temple. He is the one who keeps records of
our visits to the temple, and hence, it is believed that we should clap our hands or snap our fingers
outside his shrine so that he realizes our presence.
Markandeya is the name of a young boy who was saved from his death by Lord Shiva. Markandeya is the son of Mirkandu, a strong devotee of Lord Shiva. Sri Mirkandu prayed to Lord Shiva
for a male son. While granting Mirkandus prayers, Lord Siva gave an option to his devotee. He
asked if Mirkandu would desire to have a virtuous, wise and pious son who would live just sixteen
years or a dull-witted, evil-natured son who would live a long life. Mirkandu opted for a virtuous
son. This son was Markendeya. Markendeya was an intense devotee of Lord Shiva. When Markandeya turned 16, Yamas workers came to take Markandeya away from this world. Markendeya hugged
the Siva lingam asking for Lord Siva to save him. As Lord Siva answers every truthful devotees
prayers, he saved Mar kendeya from Yama and made him immortal. In Tamilnadu, when someone
turns 60 years or 80 years, or 100 years, special prayers are performed in Thirukkadayur where Sri
Markendeya Anugraha Murthy (Lord Siva) has a shrine. The stories about Chandikeswarar and
Markendeyar remind us that one who believes in Lord Siva is never let astray. Even an ordinary human could be elevated to divinity by gods grace.
One of my favorite deities in Hinduism is Sri Bairavar, also called Kalabairava, and in southern Tamilnadu called as Vairavan. Sri Bairvar is worshiped in Northern India as well; he is considered as a king of Kasi. Not only in Hinduism, Sri Bairavar is worshipped in various forms in Budhism
and Jainism. So, you will see idols of Sri Bairavar in Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia and Srilanka.
Sri Bairavar is believed to be the guardian of the temple -- Kshetrapalaka. In honor of this,
keys to the temple are ceremonially submitted to Lord Bairavar at temple closing time and are received from him at opening time. Why do we have a Sri Bairava Murthy in Murugan Temple? What
is the relation of Sri Bairavar to Saivites? Believe it or not, Sri Bairavar is the fierce form of Lord
Shiva and is considered as the best boon giver in the Kali Yuga. There is a belief that Ashta Bairavar

19

(eight forms of Bairavar) are the ones that hold this earth together in one form from all eight directions. Lord Bairavar is also the guardian of travelers. Before starting any trip, especially one
that involves travel during the night, it is a practice to pray to Sri Bairavar. Krishna Ashtami (8th
day after Full Moon day) is the auspicious day for Sri Bairavar. The Vahana (vehicle) of Lord
Bairavar is the dog named Shvana. Feeding and taking care of dogs is another way of showing
our devotion to Lord Bairavar.
In Hindu mythology, dogs are considered as auspicious. You may have heard the story in
Mahabharatham, that a dog was the only one who was allowed to enter the heaven along with
Dharmaraja (Yudhistra). The dog was the depiction of all the good deeds that Yudhistra had done
on planet earth. Sri Bairavar is also considered as guru of Lord Sani (Saturn). So, praying to Sri
Bairavar, in addition to Sani Bagawan on Saturdays is believed to help reduce the mal-effects of
Sani. Kala Bhairava is also believed to be the presiding deity of the planet Rahu. So, saying the
below mantra of Sri Bairava can get the blessings of three deities Lord Siva, Lord Sani, and Lord
Rahu. In addition, as Sri Bairavar was appointed by Siva to guard the 52 Sakthi Peetam, worshipping Sri Bairavar will also make goddess Sakthi happy.
Personally, I believe that lord Siva is teaching us a lesson by having a dog as his vahana. I
think he wants us to know that we have to be kind to all forms of life and treat animals with the
same respect and love as expected of other human beings. There is also a story about Sri Bairavar
biting the fifth head of Brahma. Some believe that this story demonstrates the fear, but it actually demonstrates that becoming egoistic is not a good thing even if you are the creator of this
universe.
Join me in praising the Lord Siva in the form of Sri Bairavar at the Murugan temple.
"Swarnat Vijaya Vidmahe
Sula Hastaya Dhimahi
Tanno Kala Bhairavaya Prachodayat
(Meaning: One with the dog and flag, I think about you holding the trident!
Come and enlighten me!)

Thank you for building

this palace for Murugan

Best Wishes for the Success of

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM

Mahaa Kumbhabishekam
Best Wishes

of
Murugan Temple of North America

from

EASAN KATIR

Amaranth Acres LLC

WEALTH
MANAGEMENT
LIVE DATASCIENCE

Locally Grown Organic Indian Vegetables

www.easankatir.com

West Harris Road, Dickerson

Montgomery County, MD 20842
301-916-6250

easan.katir@easankatir.com
1.530.320.3287

www.amaranthacres.com

20

ABOUT MURUGAN

- M.

Krishnamurthy

At this momentous occasion in the development of Murugan Temple of North America let
us ponder on the mythology, and cultural history of Murugan worship by Tamils. On the one end
of Hindu Pantheon of gods is Perumaal (literally Big Man, Vishnu) who is very handsome in
appearance and bluish black in complexion, having been born as animals and humans to save
humanity from torture by the demons (asuras). On the other end is Sivan (literally one who is
reddish in complexion) who is never born nor died, with matted hair and adorning live cobra as
ornament! Within this range, Murugan is a very attractive youthful God with reddish complexion.
As saint Manickavasagar wrote for The God who has no name or form, we shall sing His praises
with a thousand names!
According to Thiru V. Kalyanasundaranar, a Tamil scholar, the name Murugan derived
from the word Murugu ; which means beauty in Tamil and thus we should worship one who is
beautiful to become beautiful. He is also called Saravanan [one was born in a heavenly pond
called saravana poigai]; Karthik or Karthikeyan [one who was tended by the six Krithiga stars (also
known as Pleiades); Sakthivelan [one who carries a lance given by Sakthi] Vadivelan [one who has a
beautiful lance], Kathirvelan [one who has a brilliant lance], Mayooran [one who rides a peacock],
Aarumugam [one who has six faces], Shunmugam [same as Aarumugam], Vallimanalan [one who is
married to Valli], Swaminathan and/or Guruswamy [one who taught Sivan], Devasenapathy [one
who is the commander of the army of devas]; Subramanian[one who is good to Brahmins], and
Kadamban [one who wears a kadamba flower garland] and many other names.
Devotees of Lord Murugan know very well the mythology relating to the background and
the battle between Murugan and Soorapadman. At the end of the fierce battle, Sooran begged Murugan to accept him in His service. Thus Murugan accepted the two parts of Sooran - the rooster in
His flag and peacock as His ride. This mythology is narrated in a play called Kumarasambhavam by
the great poet Kalidasa in 7th century. It is also narrated by Kachchiyappa Sivachariar in Tamil.
Oldest Tamil literature is made up of ten long poems and eight anthologies. While it is not
known who arranged the anthologies, a poet by the name Perunthevanar [this word is a true
translation of the Sanskrit word Mahadevan a name for Sivan in Sri Rudrum , a part of Yajur Veda]
wrote a prayer poem for many of them. In the last four hundred years or so this prayer is for the
God Vinayakar since He is the protector against all obstacles. But all the prayer poems written by
Perunthevanar were about Murugan! Some of those long poems are called Aattruppadai books. In
those olden days (sometimes even now) poets would sing the praise of the king (or a rich benefactor) and obtain wealth. Such poets may guide others where to go to obtain similar riches. Nakkeerar wrote Thirumurugattrupadai guiding folks to Murugan. In that long poem he wrote of five
temples where devotees can go and worship Murugan. He also added a sixth-kunruthoraadal to
the list. This poem is the earliest to describe various ways Murugan is worshipped on the hills and
mountains of which He is considered to be God. In one of these places those who practice Vedas
would worship Him with fire offerings; some common folks would offer Him live sacrifices even
today! According to at least one Tamil researcher, Murugan was The Love God and worshipped as
such. Even in Silappadigaram [2nd century epic in Tamil] tribal maiden sing and dance praising
Murugan.
Another popular poet in Tamil is Arunagirinathar. He lived about four hundred years ago.

21

His poetry collection is called Thiruppugazh [literally meaning the 'in praise of God' ]. Though this
collection of poetry is made up of then prevalent manipravala (came from alternating coral and
pearl) style mixing Sanskrit and Tamil, they are very popular for their rhythms. Other than the first
prayers which were dedicated to Vinayakar, all the poems were in praise of Murugan at various temples. Even when Arunagirinathar mentions praising other gods such as Sivan or Perumal it will only
be in the context of mentioning Murugan as the son of Sivan or nephew of Perumal. He even considers Thirugnanasambandar, a seventh century Saiva saint, as an avatar of Murugan. Thus the nineteenth century Saiva saint Ramalinga Swamigal began his education with worship in front of Murugan picture. Some believe Murugan appeared to him in that picture! Also in recent times such devotees as Kumara Kuruparar, Subramanya Bharathi and Pomban Swamigal have written in praise of
Murugan. Some of these are fantastic Tamil poems treating Murugan as a baby.
Of the many ways people worship Murugan one common thread relates His position as the
lord of the hills and mountains. While climbing the steep hills, people used to carry the pooja items
such as milk, honey, oil etc., tied to the two ends of a long piece of bamboo pole and carry the pole
across the shoulders. Such a set up is called a kavadi in Tamil. It has evolved into elaborately decorated units over time. At every Murugan temple only at Murugan Temples- kavadi is carried by
young and old. Sometimes people who carry these kavadi may also dance rhythmically and in ecstasy! In conclusion, Murugan worship and Murugan temples are traditionally a Tamil phenomenon
from time immemorial. May the tradition of Murugan worship live forever! Let us praise Murugans Golden feet so we can live a healthy life! May the Murugan Temple continue to flourish and
serve His devotees!

DIVINE VIBRATION IN THE MURUGAN TEMPLE

Sivaram Krishnan

There is an old Hindu saying which states that one should not reside in a place where there
is no temple. Large number of Indians come to the US for education & employment every year.
Once they acquire them, they want to get married & settle in US. That is where most people get into
trouble and they are not able to find suitable alliance for marriage. Many of those who get married
are also not happy as they encounter several conflicts due to the absence of spiritual connect in
their lives and presence of planets Mars, Rahu & Moon in unfavorable places in their horoscopes.
Mars dosha can be easily mitigated by the regular worship of Lord Subramanya or Murugan
who is the Adhi Devatha for Mars. Rahu / Sarpa dosha can be nullified by worshipping Rahu's Adhi
devatha Durga & Moons doshas can be mitigated by regular worship of Lord Siva. Temples built as
per agama sastra have immense powers to draw the cosmic energy from the Universe and retain it
in the premises. The devotee can feel this power of vibrations as soon as they enter these temples. One such temple in US, in my personal experience, is the Murugan Temple of North America
near Washington DC.
Lord Murugan can be seen in different depictions in different temples but in Murugan Temple, Maryland, He is seen with Valli & Devayani in Kalyana Thirukkolam (wedding) to grant a good
married life for the youngsters in US who come to worship HIM. Those who visit this temple can
also find Lord Siva & Durga. As Rajagopuram Kumbhabishekam is about to be performed in July
2016, blessed are those who can participate in that event!

22

thH;j;Jg;gh
fapiyg; g[dpjh; kUjhry mofs;
,isa gl;lk;/ ng+uhjPdk;/ ng+h;
nfhaKj;J}h;/ jkpH;ehL

njRjpfH; g{';fapiy btw;gd; jpfH;Ejw;fz;zpy; njhd;wp

fhrpdpiag; fhj;jUs fUiz Th; Kfk; MWld;
tPRfuk; Ke;ehd;Fld; tps';F brt;nts; bre;jkpH;f; flt[s;
khrpyhkyuo nghw;w kd;Dmbkhpf;f ehl;oy; mike;j KUfd;
nfhapy;
bghd;Dk; bka;g;bghUSk; g[fGk; g[td nghfKk;
vd;Dk; ey';fSld; VW}h;e;j bry;td; ,r;ir bfhs;Sk;
kd;W g[fH; jpUbewpa jkpHpy; gho xUika[ld;
,d;Dk; gy ew;gzpfs; ,Uepyk; nghw;wr; bra;J thHp
mUe;jkpH;f; flt[s; KUfd; thH;f* mUkh;e;J mUs;ey;Fk;
kUtpey; ts;spbahL bja;thidj; jpUtUs; jpfH;eJ
; thH;f*
bgUe;jt Ch;jpahFk; kapYld; nrtw; bfhoa[k; rpwe;J thH;f
xUika[ld; epdJ kyuo bjhGk; cj;jk moahh;fs; thH;f*

thH;j;Jf;fs;
tl mbkhpf;f KUfd; Myak;
bfhz;lhLk;

E}jd ,uh$nfhg[u kQh Fk;ghgpn#fk;

kpfr; rpwg;ghf eilbgwt[k;
,e;j Myak; gy;yhapuk; Mz;Lfs;
ru!;tjp u';fehjd; FLk;gj;jpdh;

23

mUs;kpF KUfd; jpUf;nfhapy;

vk;. Kj;ijah !;jgjp

mbkhpf;fj;

jiyefh; th#p';ld; o.rpf;F mUfpy; nkhpyhe;J khepyj;jpy; kf;fs; kpfr;rpwg;ghfg;

nghw;Wk; tl mbkhpf;f KUfd; Myak; mike;Js;sJ. ,e;j ,lk; fhz;gjw;F xU Fd;W nghy;;
njhd;Wk;. jkpHfj;jpy; cs;s KUfdpd; mWgil tPLfs; nghy ,';F VHhtJ gil tPlhf KUfd;
bfhYtPw;wpUf;fpwhh;. jw;nghJ ,uh$nfhg[uk; fl;o Koe:J kfh Fk;ghgpn#fk; eilbgWk; ehSk; te;J
KUf gf;jh;fs; bfhz;lhl ,Uf;fpwhh;fs;.
,e;j Myaj;jpd; mikg;g[ nrhkh!;fe;jh; totpy; mikag; bgw;Ws;sJ. mjhtJ/ nfhg[u thriy
nehf;fp ehk; epw;Fk;nghJ/ tyJ gf;fj;jpy; rptDk;/kj;jpaj;jpy; KUfDk;/ ,lJ gf;fj;jpy; ckhnjtpa[k;
(| kPdhl;rp mk;kd;) ,Uf;FkhW mike;Js;sJ. \h;j;jpfspy; rpwe;jJ nrhkh!;fe;j \h;j;jpahFk; me;j
tpjj;jpy; ,e;j Myak;; mike;jpUg;gJ neh;j;jpahFk;. fUtiw/ mh;jkz;lgk;/ kQhkz;lgk;/ kapy;/
bfhof;fk;gk;/ gypgPlk;/ ,uh$nfhg[uk; Kjypad rpw;g rh!;jpu Kiwg;go mike;Js;sd.
gpuhh;j;jid kz;lgj;jpy; ieUjp \iyapy; rptDk;/ kj;jpaj;jpy; ts;sp bja;thida[ld;
KUfUk;/ tha[ jpf;fpy; ckh njtpa[k; mike;J/ <rhd;a \iyap[y; gHdp; jz;lha[jghzp nkw;F
nehf;fpa[k mf;dp \iyapy; fzgjpa[k; Rw;wp tyk; tUtjw;F
mikg;ghf cs;sJ. | Jh;fh njtpa[k;
tlf;F nehf;fpa[k;/ ehl;oa \h;j;jpahd | eluh$h; kw;Wk; | iguth; bjw;F nehf;fpa[k; rpW ghpthu
rd;djpfhsf mikf;fg; gl;Ls;sd. fhto vLj;J gpuhh;j;jidfs; epiwntw;w ,Lk;gd; tpf;ufKk;
gpujp#;il bra;ag;gl;Ls;sJ. cs; gpuhh;j;jid kz;lgj;jpy; rpk;kk;/ ehqjy;/ bfhotiy/ gl';F Kjypa
my';fhu ntiyg;ghLfSld; 16 mzpbthl;o J}z;fs; rpwg;ghf bra;ag;gl;Ls;sd. mj;J}z;fspy; 16
Rg;ukzpah; rpiyfs; bghUj;jg;gl;Ls;sd. ,e;j 16 Rg;ukzpah;fspd; bgah;fs; gpd;tUkhW:
1. | rf;jpju !;thkp
9. | rz;Kf !;thkp
2. | !;fe;j !;thkp
10. | jhufhe;j !;thkp
3. | njtnrdhgjp !;thkp
11. | nrdhjpgjp !;thkp
4. | Rg;gpukzpa !;thkp
12. | gpuk;krh!;j;U !;thkp
5. | f$thfd !;thkp
13. | ts;spfy;ahzRe;ju !;thkp
6. | rutzgt !;thkp
14. | ghy !;thkp
7. | fhh;j;jpnfa !;thkp
15. | f;bus";rngj !;thkp
8. | Fkuh !;thkp
16. | rpfpthfd !;thkp
,e;j gjpdhW jpU cUt';fis jpUf;fr;rpag;g Kdpth; jzpifg; g[uhzj;jpy; Fwpg;gpl;Ls;shh;.
KUfd; fUtiwiar; Rw;wp g";r nfh#;lj;jpy; fzgjp/ Rg;gpukzpah;/ jz;lha[jghzp/ Ffd;/
tpe;jpa thrpdp (Jh;if) Mfpa tpf;uf';fSk;/ rptd; fUtiwiar; Rw;wp bjw;fpy; j&pzh\h;j;jp/
nkw;fpy; yp';nfhj;gth;/ tlf;fpy; gpuk;kh Mfpa tpf;uf';fSk;/ mk;kd; fUtiwiar; Rw;wp knQ!;thp/
it#;ztp/ gpuhkp Kjypa tpf;uf';fSk; gpujp#;il bra;ag;gl;Ls;sd. KUfd; rd;djp/ rptd; rd;djp
Kd; Jthughyfh;fSk;/ kPdhl;rp rd;djpf;F Kd; Jthurf;jp tpf;uf';fSk; itf;fg;gl;Ls;sd. bjw;fpy;
'j&pnd gf;jp gpk;ghdk;' vd;gjw;fpz';f 63 ehad;khh;fs; tpf;uf';fSk;/ bjw;fpy; tlf;F nehf;fp
jpUf;fila{h; fhyrk;Qhu\h;j;jp tpf;ufKk; mike;Js;sd. fpHf;fpy; Ie;J epiy bfhz;l ,uh$nfhg
[uKk;/ tlf;fpYk; bjw;fpYk; rpwpa nfhgu';fSk; bra;ag; gl;Ls;sd. nkYk; tpHhf; fhy';fspy; tPjp cyh
tUtjw;Fk; kw;Wk; cw;rt';fs; bra;tjw;Fk; g";r nyhfj;jpy; g";r \h;j;jp;fshd | eluh$h;/ rptfhkp/
nrhkh!;fe;jh;/ rz;onfRtuh;/ fzgjp/ Mfpa tpf;uf';fs; bra;ag;gl;Ls;sd.
,e;j Myaj;jpw;F
Fkhuje;j;u Mfk Kiwa[ld; tiugl';fs; jahhpj;J/ fU';fy; rpiyfs; rh!;jpug;go mikj:J brd;id
nfsk;ghf;fk; rpw;g Tlj;jpy; bra;ag;gl;ld. ,it vy;yhnk KUfd; mUshy; mike;J/ ,e;j Myak;
mikg;gjw;F vdf;F mUs; bra;j jpUKUfdpd; fUizia ehd; nghw;Wfpnwd;.

24

bjhd;ik KUfd; tHpghL

- v!;. j';f gl;lh;

jdpj; jkpH;f; flt[shf mUs;kpF KUfd; tHpghL mike;Js;sJ.

"KJ" bkhHpahf jkpH;bkhHp rpwe;J epw;fpd;wJ. KGj;jkpH; ,yf;fpa E}yhdJ bjhy;fhg;gpak; ; ,jpYs;s
rpy Fwpg;g[fisf; bfhz;L "mfj;jpak; " vd;w gy E}y;fs; ,Ue;jikia Muha;r;rpahsh;fs; gjpt[ bra;fpwhh;fs;.
jkpH; "Kjw;r';f" fhyj;ij fp.K. 5300 Mz;Lfs; vd Muha;r;rp Fwpg;gpypUe;J cWjpahfpwJ. ,j[y; mUs;kpF
KUfg; bgUkhd; tHpghl;il jpUKUfhw;Wg;gil E}y; tpsf;Ffpd;wJ. jpUKUfhw;Wg;gilapnyna jpUg;gu';Fd;wk;/
jpUr;bre;J}h;/ jpU Mtpdd;Fo (gHdp)/ jpUntufk; (Rthkpkiy)/ gHKjph;r;nrhiy/ Fd;Wnjhwhly; (jpUj;jzp)
Mfpad Fwpf;fg;gl;Ls;sd. "Mw;Wg;gil" vd;w brhy; Mw;Wg;gLj;Jjy; vd;gjhFk;.
cz;ikahdJk;
cWjpahdJkhd tHpiaf; fhl;Ltnj Mw;Wg;gLj;Jjy; vd;whfpwJ.
nkYk; ,g;g{tyf njhw;w tHpia bjhy;fhg;gpak;/
'g[y;Yk; kuKk; Xuwptpdnt
ee;Jk; KuYk; <uwptpdnt
rpjYk; vWk;g[k; \twptpdnt
ez;Lk; Jk;gpa[k; ehywptpdnt
kht[k; khf;fSk; Ie;jwptpdnt
kf;fs; jhnk Mwwptpdnt'

vd;W TWfpwJ.

,jpy; cs;s fUj;ij ,g;goa[k; bfhs;syhk; - kht[k; khf;fSk; Ie;jwpthd 'czh;t['r; bray;fnshL
epd;WtpLfpd;wd. xd;iw bra;tJjhd; cah;t[; ",J bra;tJ rhpahdjy;y/ bra;af;TlhjJ" vd;w bjspitf;
bfhLf;ff;ToaJ MwhtJ mwpthd "hdk; Mfpd;wJ.
,jd; cUthf;fnk/ Ik;Kfk; bfhz;l gukdhd je;ijf;F MWKfdhf bgUkhd; gpuztg; bghUshd
'"hndhgnjrk; ' bra;jik Mfpd;wJ.

,g;gHk;bgUk; ghuk;ghpak; bgw;w |ts;sp bja;thida[ld; epj;a fy;ahz \h;j;jpahft[k;/ kapy;

thfddhfp gf;jh;fSf;F k';fs';fis thhp thhp tH';Fgtuhft[k; gf;jh;fspd; 'ghr' ePf;fk; bra;J/
btw;wp tontydhfp btw;wpnky; btw;wp mUs;gtuhft[k; tps';Fk; | KUfg; bgUkhDf;F mbkhpf;f
ehl;od; th#p';ld; khefhpy; jpUf;nfhapy; mikj;J tHp gLfpwhh;fs; KUf gf;jh;fs;.
,th;fs;
jpUf;nfhapiy KGikahf;f/ Mfk/ rpw;gf; fiytHpapy; kQh uh$nfhg[uk;/ bfhof;fk;gk; Mfpad
mikj;J/ ,t;thz:L $^iy 3k;njjp Kjy; 10k; njjp (Jd;Kfp tU#k; Mdpkhjk; 26k; ehs;) Mjpthuk;/
##;o jpjp/ cj;jpu e&j;jpuk;/ Rgnahfk; Toa Rgjpdj;jpy; kQh Fk;ghgpn#fk; | KUfg; bgUkhd;
jpUtUshy; bfhz;lhLfpwhh;fs;.
gf;jh;fns*
braw;fhpJk; fhzf;fpilf;fhjJkhd ew;gyd;fis gf;jh;fSf;F thhp thhp
tH';ftJkhd ,k;kfhg; bgUtpHhtpw;F j';fshy; ,ad;w bghUSjtp/ gz cjtp kw;Wk; rhPu cjtp
Mfpaitfisr; bra;Jk;/ tpHhf;fs;/ g{i$fs; ,tw;iwf; fz;zhuf; fz;Lk; fspj;Jk; vy;yhk;
ty;y ,iwahk; | KUfg; bghUkhd; jpUtUshy; vy;yh eyd;fSk; ts';fSk; bgw;Wa;ag; gf;jg;
bgUkf;fs; nfl;Lf; bfhs;sg; gLfpwhh;fs;.
"fy;ahz Fz rk;gd;dk;
fy;ahzhk; gu khJyk;
fy;ahzP ee;jdk; !;fe;jk;
gf;j fy;ahzjk; gn$."

25

Fk;ghgpn#fj;jpd; kfpika[k; gyDk;

|jh;

Ik;g{j';fshd

Mfhak;/ fhw;W/ beUg;g[/ ePh;/ epyk; Mfpait ,iwrf;jpia nfhapy;fspy;

tPw;wpUf;Fk; \h;j;jpfsplk; nrh;f;f cjt[fpd;wd. me;j g[dpjkhd fhhpak; Fk;ghgpn#fj;jpd; nghJjhd;
epfH;fpwJ!
Mfhaj;jpypUe;J Kjypy; ,iwrf;jp fhw;W tHpahf me;je;j flt[Sf;Fhpa g[dpj
ke;jpu';fshy; rh;trhjfh;fs; eph;zapf;Fk; Kiwapy; FUkhh;fs; ntj ke;jpu';fis Xjpagona bea;
Cw;wp tsh;f;Fk; ahf beUg;gpy; nrh;fpwJ. ntj ke;jpu';fspd; xypf;F ,z';fp ,iwrf;jp beUg;gpy;
nrh;fpwJ. mLj;J ahfrhiyapy; itf;fg;gLk; fyrePhpny me;j ,iwrf;jp nrh;tjw;Fk; g[dpj ke;jpu';fs;
cjt[fpd;wd. epyj;jpy; mothuk; mikj;J cUthf;Fk; nfhapy; kw;Wk; nfhg[u tpkhd';fspYk;/ nfhg[u
fyr';fspYk;/ nfhapYf;Fs;ns - epyj;jpypUe;J mika[k; fUtiwapy; ,Uf;Fk;; \h;j;jp tot';fspYk;
fyrePh; nrh;f;fg;gLk; jUzj;jpy; ,iwrf;jp KGikahf me;j \h;j;jpfis milfpd;wd. xt;bthU
Kiwa[k; nQhk jputpa';fSk; bea;a[k; beUg;gpy; nrh;f;Fk;nghJ ke;jpuj;:Jld; '!;thQh' vd;W
Kog;ghh;fs;. !;thQh vd;gJ mf;dp gfthdpd; kidtp. !;thQh vd;W brhd;dhy;jhd; ke;jpuj;jhy;
cUthFk; rf;jpia bja;tk; Vw;Wf;bfhs;Sk;. ,e;j tuj;ij !;thQht[f;Ff; bfhLj;jnj jpUKUfg;
bgUkhd;jhd;! rpw;g rh!;jpug;go rpw;gpfs; kl;Lnk \h;j;jpfis mikf;fpwhh;fs;;.
Mdhy; ,e;j
tot';fSf;F ,iw rf;jpia bfhz;LtUtJ Mfk rhj;jpuj;jpy; njh;r;rpbgw;w FUkhh;fshy; kl;Lk;jhd;
,aYk;. ek; nghd;w $Pthj;khf;fs; nfhapypy; ,iwtid ntz:Lk;nghJ ,iwrf;jp ek;ik Ml;bfhz:L
mUs;g[hpfpwJ.
,e;J kjj;jpy; vj;jidnah \h;j;jpfSf;F nfhapy;fs; cz;L;. Mdhy;/ ,iwrf;jp vd;gJ
xd;nwjhd;. rptDf;F mtUila ,iwrf;jp/ tp#;qt[f;F mtUila ,iwrf;jp/ tpehafUf;F
mtUila ,iwrf;jp/ KUfDf;F mtUila ,iwrf;jp vd - me;je;j nfhapy;fspy; fUtiwapy;
tPw;wpUf;Fk; \h;j;jpfSf;F vg;go mtuthpd; ,iwrf;jp te;jilfpwJ? ,e;jf; nfs;tpf;F vspjhd gjpy;
cz:L - ve;j \h;;j;jpia fUtiwapy; gpujp#;il bra;fpnwhnkh me;j \h;j;jpf;fhd ntj ke;jpu';fis
Mfk rhj;jpuk; fw;nwhh; Kiwg;go Xjp/ ahfk; bra;J/ fyrePh; nrh;f;Fk;nghJ me;j \h;j;jp
mtUila ,iwrf;jpia gf;jh;fSf;F mspf;Fk; jd;ik bgWfpwhh;.
kdpj clYk; Ik;g{j';fshy; MdJjhnd! mnj Ik;g{j';fspd; thapyhf ekf;Ff; fpilf;Fk;
,iwrf;jp/ ekf;Fk; flt[Sf;Fk; cs;s kWf;f Koahj cwit vd;bwd;Wk; epiy ehl;LfpwJ. ,J
mwptpay; g{h;tkhd cz;ik vd;W gyh; xg;g[f;bfhs;fpwhh;fs;. ,e;j cd;djkhd cwitj;jhd; ek;
nfhapy;fSk; ehk; bfhz;lhLk; Fk;ghgpn#f tpHht[k; cWjpg;gLj;Jfpd;wd.
ve;j nfhapypYk; Fk;ghgpn#f tpHhtpy; fye;J bfhs;Sk; gf;jh;fs; ,iwtdpd; mUis thH;ehs;
KGJk; bgw;W eyKld; thH;thh;fs; vd;gJ epr;rak;.
Congratulations to

Best Wishes to
Murugan Temple of North America

On the successful completion of

RAJAGOPURAM
And
Best Wishes for
MAHA KUMBHABISHEKAM

On the celebration of
NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHA KUMBHABISHEKAM
Subramanian Shankar
Avayam Shankar (Trustee)
May Washington Murugan Bless us all
and our names!

Ramu Arumugam, Trustee, MTNA

And his family

26

,uh$nfhg[uKk; ,iwtd; mUSk;

,uhikah Kj;Jtp$ad;

th#p';ld; KUfdpd; bja;tPf mUs; rf;jp epuk;gp xsph;tij btF bjhiytpy; tUgth;fs;Tl
fhz ,uh$nfhg[uk; fl;lg;gl;Ls;sJ. gf;jh;fis tutiHf;f ,J rpwe;j mk;rkhf tps';Fk;. j";rht{h;
gpufjP!;tuh; Myak; nghd;w nfhtpy;fspy; ,uh$nfhg[uj;ijtpl \y!;;jhd nfhg[uk; caukhf ,Uf;Fk;.
Mdhy;/ jpUtz;zhkiyapy; ,uh$nfhg[uk; caukhf cs;sJ. mnjnghy; th#p';ld; KUfd; nfhapypYk;
Ie;J khl';fisf; bfhz;ljhf \y!;;jhdj;Jf;F vjpnua[s;s fpHf;F thrypy; ,uh$nfhg[uk; fl;lg;
gl;Ls;sJ. kw;Wk; tlf;F/ bjw;F thry;fSf;Fk; Ie;J fyr';fs; bfhz;l nfhg[u';fs; fl;lg;gl;Ls;sd.
,uh$nfhg[u fyr';fSf;F ,uz;L ntiyfs;:: xd;W/ mz;lf; fjph;fis (cosmic rays) <w;W \y!;jhd
tpkhd fyrj;Jf;F mDg;g[jy;.
kw;wJ/ fh;g;gf;fpufpj;jpYs;s bja;tPf mUis \y!;jhd nfhg[u
fyrj;jpypUe;J bgw;W tpz;zpy; gug;gp KUfDila jpUtUis ,t;itafk; KGf;f gutr; bra;tJ.
njtrpw;gp tp!;tfh;kh tHp te;j jkpH; ehl;L rpw;gpfshy; cUthf;fg;gl;lJ. jpuhtplehl;L
fiyf;nfhapy;fs; nghy; rpw;gf; fiyg;gilg;g[fs; epiwe;Js;sd. nfhg[u cr;rpapy; VG fyr';fs; cs;sd.
,f;fyr';fs; ghw;flypy; vLf;fg;gl;l mkph;jk; fyrj;jpy; epuk;gp tHpe;jJ nghy; KUfd; mUs; bgh';fp
tHpa[k; ml;ra ghj;jpu';fs;. j';fk;/ bts;sp/ gpj;jis/ brk;g[ nghd;w cnyhf';fspdhnyh my;yJ g";r
nyhf';fspdhnyh fyr';fs; bra;ag;gl;lit.
tuF/ fk;g[ nghd;w jhdpa';fshy; epug;gg;gl;L nfhg[u
cr;rpapy; etuj;jpdg; gLf;ifapy; ftpH;j;J itf;fg;gl;L epiyahf epw;fitf;f Vw;ghLfs; bra;ag;gLk;..
,uh$nfhg[uk; fpHf;F thry; gFjpapy; mike;jpUg;gjhy; fhiyf; fjputd; xsp \y!;jhd
\h;;j;jpia jpUg;gs;spbaGr;rp bra;fpwJ. KUfd; fh;g;gf;fpufj;jpy; jiyitj;J gpujhd thapypy;
fhy;itj;Jg; gLj;jpUf;fpwhh;. gpujhd thapyhd ,uh$nfhg[uj;jpd; cl;g[wk; fjputd; EiHe;J/ ,iwtd;
ghjj;ijj; bjhl;L tz';Ffpwhd;. ek; Kd;ndhh;fs; Kf;jp mile;jt[ld; ,iwtdo nrh;thh;fs; vd
mWgj;J \d;W ehad;khh;fs; mUspa njthuk;/ kw;Wk; jpUg;g[fH;/ rptg[uhzk; \ykhf mwpfpnwhk;. ek;
\jhijah;fs; KUfd; ghjk; nrh;e;J/ mtDf;F nrit bra;Jbfhz;L ,d;g[w;W ,Uf;fpd;wdh;. fjputd;
MW kzpf;F vGe;jhy; \jhijah; ehY kzpf;nf vGe;J nrit bra;a fhj;jpUg;ghh;fs;. me;j neuj;jpy;
ehKk; tPl;oy; gpuhh;j;jid bra;tJ ey;yJ.
,uh$nfhg[u thrypy; ,iwtd; ghjKk; ek; Kd;ndhh;fSk; thH;tjhy; ,e;jg; goiaj; bjhl;L
tz';fp cs;ns bry;yn;t
; z:Lk;.
rpyh; ,g;goia kpjpf;fhky; jhz;or; bry;thh;fs;.
,t;thW
bry;Yk;nghJ \jhijah;fspd; Mrpa[ld; bry;fpnwhk;; mth;fspd; Mrpa[ld; bra;a[k; fhhpak; midj;Jk;
ifTLk; vd;W brhy;thh;fs;.
thapiyf; flf;Fk; Kd;ghfnt nfhg[uj;ij nehf;fp tz';fpdhy; 'nfhg[u jhprdk; nfho g[z;zpak;'
vd;gjw;fpz';f gyd;fs; fpilf;Fk;. thdj;ij nehf;fp tz';Fk; nghJ Mfhakhf tPw;wpUf;Fk; gunk!;;tuida[k;
tz';Ffpnwhk;.
,t;tUs;fisg; bgw ,uh$nfhg[u thapypy; EiHtjw;F Kdghfnt ghpRj;jkhd kdJld;
bry;yntz:Lk;.

cs;ns nghFk;nghJ vg;gog;gl;l mUisg; bgWfpnwhk;? ,lg;g[wj;jpy; | turpj;jp tpdhafh; |

Re;jnuRtuiu nehf;fp mkh;e;jpUf;fpwhh;. tyg;g[wkhf <rhd;aj;jpy; | gHdp Mz;lth; | kPdhl;rp
mk;kid nehf;fp epw;fpwhh;. | Jh;;f;if/ j&pzh\h;j;jp/ iguth; (ituth;)/ khh;f;fz:nla mEf;fpuf
\h;j;jp/
rz;onfRtuh;/
,Lk;gd;/
tPughF/
kw;Wk;
Jiz
njtijfspd;
rf;jpfs;
epiwe;Js;s ,t;thyaj;jpy; gpujhd \h;j;jpahd | Rg;ukzpaiug; ghh;g;nghk;.
\y!;jhdj;Jf;F bjd;g[wk; rj; - vDk; rptrf;jpiaa[k;/ tlg[wk; rpj; - vd;w kPdhl;rp rf;jpiaa[k;
bgw;W fh;g;gfpufj;Js;s Mde;j \h;j;jpahf/ rr;rpjhde;j \h;j;jp brh+gj;jpy; | Rg;ukzpah; epw;fpd;whh;.

27

,r;rh rf;jpahd ts;spia tyg;g[wKk;/ fphpah rf;jpahd bja;thidia mtUf;F ,lg;g[wKkhf epw;f/ "hd
\h;j;jpahff; fhl;rpaspf;fpwhh; th#p';ld; jpUKUfd;. ,t;tst[ mHFila Myaj;jpd; gpujhd bja;tkhd
th#p';ld; KUfd; mtUila rf;jp tha;e;j bja;tPf mUis ,uh$nfhg[u thry; \yk; ehk; cs;ns nghFk;nghnj
bgWfpnwhk;.
,uh$nfhg[uj;jpd; Jiz mk;rkhd bfhokuk; fh;g;gf;fpufj;jpw;F neuhf epWtg;gl;Ls;sJ. Myaj;jpd;
mUisg; bgh';fptHpa epWtg;gLtJjhd; $Pthjhukhd bfhof;fk;gk;. ,J kuj;jpdhy; bra;ag;gl;L/ gpj;jis/
brk;g[ my;yJ j';fj; jfLfshy; \lg;gLk;.
,jpy; tpHhf;fhy';fspy; nfhapypd; bfho Vw;wg;gLk;.
fh;g;gf;fpufj;jpd; cauj;ij itj;Jj;jhd; bfhokuj;jpd; cauj;ij !;jgjpfs; eph;zapg;ghh;fs;.
,uh$nfhg[u thapy; jtpu kw;w ,uz;L thry;fs; \yk; brd;whYk; v';Fk; epuk;gpa KUfd; mUisg;
bgwyhk;. rk;ge;jh;/ eht[f;furh;/ Re;juh;/ khzpf;fthrfh; - ehy;tUk; rpjk;guj;jpy; eluh$g; bgUkhidf; fhz
jpUf;nfhapYf;F te;jhh;fs;. rk;ge;jh; bjw;F thapy; tHpahft[k;/ eht[f;furh; fpHf;F thapy; tHpahft[k;/ Re;juh;
tlf;F thapyhft[k;/ khzpf;fthrfh; nkw;F thry; tHpahft[k; te;J ,iwtid ntz;odh; vd;W mwpfpnwhk;.
fe;jh; my';fhuj;jpy; mUzfphpehjh; jpUtz;zhkiy nfhg[uj;ijg; gw;wp/ "jd;id epidt[TWk;
khj;jpuj;jpnyna gf;jh;fSf;F Kf;jpapidj; juty;y mHfpa nfhg[uk;" vd;W ghoa[s;shh;. th#p';ld; KUfdpd;
,uh$nfhg[uKk; mnjnghy; rf;jp tha;e;jJ. ehKk; mstpyh rf;jp gilj;j th#p';ld; KUfid \jhijah; Mrpa
[ld; tz';fp rpwg;g[w;W thH;nthkhf!

Best Compliments to
Murugan Temple of North America
On the Occasion of

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM

SHANTI HOMES, INC.

Assisted Living Facility
6410 Old Sandy Spring Road
A devotion to excellent care,
The expertise that comes with experience, and
The love that brings it all together.
Looking for a home for your loved one?
You've found one. With 25 years of service, we assure the best care.
CONTACT: RAMU ARUMUGAM
rarumugam1@gmail.com ~ 301-758-0991

Murugan Temple of North America

is a Media Partner of

28

vd;Wk; v';Fk; bjhlUk; KUfd; mUs; - y&;kp |jh;

nfhapy; fl;o/ flt[is gpujp#;il bra;J tz';FtJ ,e;J kjj;jpy; Mapuf;fzf;fhd
Mz::Lfshf ,Ue;J tUk; tHf;fk;. gf;jp vd;gJ nfhapy; brd;why;jhd; Vw;gLk; vd;gjpy;iy.
Mdhy;/
vdf;F rpW taJ Kjny nfhapy; bry;Yk; gHf;fk; Vw;gl;oUe;jJ. brd;idapy; gs;sp ehl;fspy; thuk; xU
KiwahtJ tPl;ow;fUfpy; ,Ue;j mUs;kpF | fghyPRtuh; nfhapYf;F brd;W tUntd;.
jpUkapiy fghyp nfhapy; gpuk;khz;lkhdJ vd;gJk; kpft[k; gpurpj;jp bgw;wbjd;gJk; midtUk;
mwpe;jnj. fpHf;F thapy; tHpahf nfhapYf;Fs; EiHe;jJk; neuhf KGKjw; flt[shd tpdhafh; rd;djp.
rd;djpiar; Rw;wp brd;why; | rp';fhuntyd; rd;djp - rw;W tphpthfnt ,Uf;Fk;. cs;ns rpW Tl;lnk
epw;fyhk;. | rp';fhuntyd; rd;djpf;F mUfpy; xU J}zpy; | M";rneah; gjpf;fg; gl;oUf;fpwhh;. ,e;j
\d;W bja;t';fisa[nk vd; ,#;l bja;t';fshf tz';Fntd;. mjd;gpwFjhd; | fw;gfhk;ghisa[k; |
fghyPRtuiua[k; tz';f cs;ns bry;ntd;.
fghyp nfhapypy; vGe;jUspapUf;Fk; | rp';fhuntyd;
jhprdk;jhd; vd; kdjpy; KUf gf;jpia tsh;j;jpUf;fntz:Lk; vd;W ek;g[fpnwd;.
brd;idapy; fy;Y}hp ehl;fs; Koe;jt[ld; kJiu brd;W nky;epiy fy;Y}hp gog;igj; bjhl';fpndd;.
jpUg;gu';Fd;wk; mUfpy; jpUefhpy; trpj;Jte;j vd; \j;j rnfhjhpa[ld; j';fp gog;igj; bjhlh;e;njd;. ehDk;
rnfhjhpa[k; brt;thad;W jpUg;gu';Fd;wk; brd;W tUnthk;. KUfd; mUs; bjhlh;e;jJ. kJiu | kPdhl;rp
nfhapYk;/ jpUg;gu';Fd;wk; jpU KUfd; nfhapYk; gf;jh;fis <h;f;Fk; g[z;zpaj; jy';fs; vd;gij ehk;
mwpnthk;.
gpukpf;f itf;Fk; rpj;jpu ntiyg;ghLila jpUg;gu';Fd;wk; nfhapypy; EiHa[k;nghnj nfhapy; ahid
ek;ik tuntw;Fk; fhl;rpna kdij bka;kwf;fr; bra;JtpLk;. nfhapYf;Fs;ns rw;W ele;jhy; rutzg;
bgha;if ,Uf;fpwJ. mg; bgha;ifapd; ePiu bjspj;Jf; bfhz;lgpd; gf;jh;fs; rd;djp nehf;fp bry;tJ tHf;fk;.
| KUfd; bja;thidia kzk; g[hpe;j g[dpjj; jykhdjhy; jpUkzf; nfhyj;jpy; Rthkpia jhprpf;fyhk;.
,e;j nfhapypy; rptd;/ tp#;q/ tpehafh; kw;Wk; Jh;f;if rd;djpfSk; cz;L. jpUg;gu';Fd;wj;jpy; kfhtp#;q
t[f;F vjpnu rptbgUkhd; ,Uf;fpwhh;. tp#;qt[f;F cfe;j brhh;f;fthry; jpwg;g[ itFz;l Vfhjrpad;W
eilbgWfpwJ. irt itzt tHpghLfspy; ntWghL fpilahJ vd;gij brhy;tjw;F ,ijj;jtpu ntW xU
rhd;W ntz:Lkh>
gpwF/ nkw;gog;igj; bjhlu mbkhpf;fh te;njd;. Kidth; gl;lk; bgw;W rpy Mz;Lfspy; jpUkzkhfp
fztUld; nkhpyhe;J khepyj;jpy; thH;f;if bjhl';fpaJ. me;j neuj;jpy;jhd; | rpth tp#;q nfhapy;
fl;lg;gl;lJ. rpy Mz;LfSf;Fs; tl mbkhpf;f KUfd; MyaKk; jpl;lkplg;gl;L/ tpehafh;/ rptd;/ ghh;tjpa[ld;
| KUfg; bgUkhd; th#p';ld; gFjpapy; jdf;bfd;W xU Myaj;ij mikf;f gf;jh;fSf;F tHpfhl;odhd.;
Muk;g fhyj;jpy; Mya tshfj;jpy; ,Uf;Fk; 'bts;is tPl;oy;' | KUfg; bgUkhid tz';f E}w;Wf;
fzf;fpy; gf;jh;fs; TLthh;fs;. ,t;thwhf mike;J/ 1999y; nfhapy; Fk;ghgpn#fk; bra;ag;gl;L/
jdJ ,d;bdhU giltPlhf mbkhpf;f jiyefiu mikj;Jf; bfhz;lhd; th#p';ld; KUfd; ! nfhapypy; 2012k;
Mz;L | tp#;q Jh;if rd;djpa[k; mikf;fg;gl;lJ.
th#p';ld; KUfDf;F jd;id eho tUk; gf;jh;fis clnd Mf;fpukpf;Fk; mw;g[j rf;jpa[z;L. ehk;
gy nfhapy;fSf;Fr; brd;wpUf;fyhk;;. Mdhy;/ rpy nfhapy;fspy; kl;Lnk bja;t jhprdj;jhy; kd mikjp
cz;lhFk;. th#p';ld; KUfd; Myak; mg;gog; gl;ljhFk;. ,J Vd; vd;w nfs;tpf;F tpila[k; ek; kdjpnyna
cs;sJ - jha; kPdhl;rpapd; rf;jpnty;jhd; th#p';ld; KUfdpd; rf;jpia gf;jh;fSf;F kdf;fz: \ykhff;
fhl;o mikjpiaj; jUfpwJ vd ehd; epidf;fpnwd;. vd; thH;f;ifa[ld; gpd;dpg; gpize;J bjhlUk; KUf
gf;jpa[k; - brd;id/ kJiu Mfpa jy';fspy; jhprpj;j KUfg; bgUkhdpd; mUns jw;nghJ bjhlh;e;J
th#p';ld; KUfdpd; mUshf vd;id Ml;bfhz;oUg;gjhf vz;zpj; jpisf;fpnwd;. ek; midtiua[k;
th#p';ld; KUfd; mutizg;ghdhf!

29

th#p';ld; KUfdpd; jdpr; rpwg;g[

- |jh;

mbkhpf;fhtpy;

vj;jidnah ,e;Jkj nfhapy;fs; fl;lg;gl;oUf;fpd;wd. Ik;gJ khepy';fspy; nfhapy;fs;

,y;yhj mbkhpf;f khepyk; ,Uf;Fkh vd;gJ re;njfk;jhd;. mbkhpf;f jiyefuhd th#p';ld; o.rpf;F kpf
mUfpy; mHfpa Fd;wpy; jdJ ehafpfshd | ts;sp/ njtahida[ld; bghypthf epd;w nfhyj;jpy;
gf;jh;fSf;F mUs;g[hpa[k; jpU KUfg; bgUkhDf;F mikf;fg;gl;l nfhapy; kpfr; rpwg;ghdJ vd;why; kpifahfhJ. ,e;jj; jiyefh; KUfdpd; jdpr; rpwg;g[jhd; vd;d>
Myak; mike;j ,lk;
jiyefh; KUfd; nfhapy; mike;j ,lnk kpf mHfhdJ.
nfhapiyr; R{H;e;J ku';fs; - tre;j
fhyj;jpypUe;J nfhil Koa[k;tiu gr;irg;
gnrbyd;W cah;e;J epw;Fk; ku';fs; gHKjph;r;nrhiyiia
epidt[ gLj;Jk;. nfhapYf;F bry;Yk; tHp rpwpJ rpwpjhf cah;e;J brd;W/ nfhapiy mila[k;nghJ
xU ,aw;iff; Fd;whfnt khwptpLtJ nghy njhw;wkh ,y;iy cz;ikah vd;gJ gw;wp gf;jh;fs; tpag;gJz;L.
Fd;Wnjhh; MLk; FkuDf;F ,ijtpl mHfhd ,lk; jiyefUf;F mUfpy; mike;jpUf;f KoahJ.
mikjpahd ,iwtzf;fk;
jpU KUfd; rd;djp mike;j Tlj;jpy; epd;W ,iwtid tz';Fk; xt;bthU gf;jUk;
brhy;tJ ,Jjhd:::
,Ufuk;Tg;gp ,e;j gd;dpU fuj;jhid tz';Fk;nghJ kdjpy; rydk; Fiwe;J
myhjpahd mikjp Vw;gLfpwJ. ek;ik me;j rf;jp tontyd; KGikahf Ml;bfhs;tJ nghy; czu KofpwJ.
kw;w rpy nfhapy;fspy; ,iw tzf;fk;; bra;a[k;nghJ Vw;glhj Xh; mikjpia th#p';ld; KUfd; rd;djpapy;
mEgtpf;f ,ay;fpwJ. ,Jnghy; brhy;tJ kw;w mbkhpf;f khepy';fspypUe;J tUnthh; kl;Lkpy;yhky;/
jkpHfj;jpYk;/ knyrpahtpYk;/ |y';fhtpYk; gy KUfj;jy';;fisg; ghh;j;j KUf gf;jh;fSk; gutyhf brhy;yf;
nfl;gJ midtUf;Fnk ,dpf;Fk;. ,f;nfhapypy; KUfid tz';
fpagpd; FHe;ij tuk; bgw;wjhft[k; rpy gf;jh;fs; brhy;fpwhh;fs;. ,it vy;yhk; th#p';ld; KUfdpd; jdpr;
rpwg;ghFk;.
Mz;L njhWk; tpHhf;fs;
mWgil tPLfspy; fhl;rpaspf;Fk; KUfDf;F/ ey;Y}h; kw;Wk; fjph;fhkj;jpy; njhw;wkspf;Fk; fe;jDf;F
th#p';ld; KUfd; Myaj;jpy; g[yk;bgah;e;j jkpHUf;F gf;jp gutr\l;l rpwg;g[ tpHhf;fs; bfhz;lhlg;
gLfpd;wd. ijg;g{rk; - gHdp bgUtpHh/ g';Fdp cj;jpuk; - jpUg;gu';Fd;w jpUkz tpHh/ itfhrp tprhfk; gHKjph;r;nrhiy jkpH; tpHh/ Mo fpUj;jpif - jpUj;jzp mUs; tpHh/ fe;j r#;o - jpUr;bre;J}h; btw;wp tpHh/
fhh;j;jpif jPgk; - Rthkpkiy FU tpHh vd mWgil tpHhf;fSk; me;je;j jy g[uhz';fSf;F Vw;g
miHf;fg;gl;L/ Mo khjj;jpy; ey;Y}h;/ fjph;fhkk; fe;jd; jpUtpHht[k; ,uz:L ehl;fs; rpwg;ghf eilbgWfpd;wd.
ghy; Flk; Ve;JtJk;/ fhto vLg;gJk;/ KUfdpd; bgUikiag; gw;wp nfl;gJk;/ kdKUf ghLtJk; 'th#p';ld;
KUfDf;F mnuhfuh' vd;W fz;fs; gdpf;f nghw;WtJk; fz;bfhs;shf; fhl;rpfshFk;.
fk;gPukhd ,uh$nfhg[uk;
Ik;gj;ije;J mo cauKs;s/ Ie;J epiyfSld;/ j';fKyhk; g{rpa VG fyrk; g{z:L rpj;jpu
ntiyg;ghLfSld; fk;gPukhd ,uh$nfhg[uj;Jld; njhw;wk; mspf;fpwJ tl mbkhpf;f KUfd; Mayk;. nfhg
[uj;jpd; tlf;F/ bjw;F epifspy;/ xt;bthU epiyapd; cauj;Jf;Fj; jf;f KUfd; rpiyfs; tof;fg; gl;Ls;sd.
tlf;F nehf;fp | gpuk;kht[k;/ bjw;F nehf;fp | jl;rpzh \h;j;jpa[k; tof;fg;gl;L/ nfhg[uj;jpd; bghypitf;
Tl;Lfpd;wd. ,uh$nfhg[uj;ij jhprpf;Fk;nghnj Myaj;Js;ns mHfhf epd;whSk; MWKfid clnd brd;W
jhprpf;f ntz;Lbkd;w fl;Lf;fl';fhj Mty; mjpfhpf;Fnk! ,dp tug;nghFk; ek; re;jjpapdUf;F ,ijtpl
rpwe;j tHpapid jpUKUfdpd; nty; fhl;Lkh vd;d>

30

rpw;gf;Tlkhd cs;gpufhuhk;
,uh$nfhg[uj;jpd; tHpahf cs;ns EiHa[k;nghnj | ts;sp njtahida[ld; fhl;rp jUk; KUff;
flt[ns ek;ik tuntw;gJ nghy; njhd;Wk; fhl;rpiaj; jhd; vd;d brhy;tJ ? rd;djpapypUe;J rw;W
bjhiytpy; Tlj;jpy; epd;W ghh;j;jhYk; jpU KUfd; ek; mUfpnyna epw;gJ nghy njhd;Wk; czh;it
a[k;jhd; vd;d brhy;tJ? Tlj;jpy; gjpdhW J}z:fs;; xt;bthU J}zpYk; KUfdpd; rpwg;g[ totk;
xd;W gjpf;fg; gl;Ls;sJ. J}z;fSf;F ,ilna mWgil tPL bfhz;l KUfdpd; tot';fSk;/ ey;Y}h;
kw;Wk; fjph;fhkk; Mfpa jy';fspy; Ml;bfhs;Sk; KUfdpd; njhw;wKk; gjpf;fg;gl;Ls;sd. tlf;nf |
ts;spj; jpUkzf; fhl;rpa[k;/ bjw;nf | kPdhl;rp-Re;jnuRtuu; jpUkzf; fhl;rpa[k; gjpf;fg;;gl;L/ Tlj;jpd;
vy;yhg; gf;f';fspYnk jpU KUfdpd; mUs; xsp gutp ,Ug;gijf; fhzyhk;.
irt jj;Jtj;jpd; rpd;dk;
rptDk; KUfDk; xnu flt[s; vd;Dk; jj;Jtj;ij 'm";R Kfk;njhd;wpy; MWKfk; njhd;Wk;'
vDk; jpUKUfhw;Wg;gil ghly; thpapy; fhzyhk;. IKff; flt[shd rptdpd; bew;wpg; bghwpapypUe;J
njhd;wpa MWKff; flt[s; irtjj;Jtj;jpd; xU ghpkhzkhfpwhd;. rptDf;nf gpuztj;jpd; bghUSiuj;j jpUKUff; flt[s; irtj;jpd; eLg;bghUshfpwhd;. ,t;thwhd jpU KUfDf;F th#p';ldpy;
mike;j tl mbkhpf;f KUfd; Myak; vd;bwd;Wk; irt jj;Jtj;ijna nghw;Wk; jpUj;jykhf
mike;jJ bgU"; rpwg;gy;yth> ,j;jifa rpwg;g[ tha;e;j bry;tf; Fkudpd; mUs;ntz;o tUk;
gf;jh;fis mutizf;f rutzgtd; jdJ njtpaUld; epd;W KWtYld; fhl;rpaspf;fpwhd;.

KUfd; fUiz

- Rdpjh khjtd;
jpU bre;jpy; (Fku)FUehjd;/ mU';Fz rPyd; - ey;Y}h;
jpUj; njh; tpiH md;gh; czh;t[/ caph; - Xh;
jpU cU Mfp/ kufj kapy; kpir Vfpa - tl
mbkhpf;f KUfnts; xf;f/ fpUg/ Mde;jk; thhp/ ahnu
tH';f ty;yhh;!

mz;zhkiyapy; mUzfphpf;F thH;t[ld; g[fH; nrh;j;jhd;

Rthkpkiyapy; gpuzthj;fhudha; g[ubkhpj;njhid gutr\l;odhd;
rutzbgha;ifbad ruz;g[f;nfhh; be";rpy; g[Fe;jhl; bfhz;lhd;
ts;spkiyapy; tpisaho ts;sp bgz; bfho ifgpoj;jhd;.
gHdpthH; "hdgHk; eP/ jz;lha[jghzpaha; fhl;rp
jpUg;gu';Fd;wpdpy; njthid jpUkzk; bfhz;l khl;rp
rpf;fy; jpUj;jyj;jpy; rp';fhuntyd; rPh; Ml;rp
nrhiykiyapy; mKj jkpH; tsh;j;jhd;/ mt;it \jhl;o rhl;rp.
midj;JapUk; ca;j;jpl kUjkiyahid kdjpy; bfhs;nthk;
thH;tpy; tsk;bgw vHpy;kpF taY}uhid thH;j;jpLnthk;
jhg';fs; jPh;e;jpl jzpfhryd; jhs; bjhGnthk;
bka;awpt[ va;jpl itjPr;tud; Kj;Jf;Fkuid tHpgLnthk;.

31

Sarva Sadhakar - Senior Hindu Priests who will lead the MTNA
Maha Kumbhabishekam event
Left: Sri Thanga Bhattar, Hindu Temple, New Orleans, Louisiana
Right: Sri Pitchai Gurukkal, Pilliarpatti Koil

MURUGAN TEMPLE PRIESTS

Left: Sri Ganesa Gurukkal, Chief Priest

Right: Sri Gowrishankar, Priest

Left: Sri Amarnath Murthy, Priest

Right: Sri Subramanian, Assistant to the Priests

32

PICTORIAL HISTORY OF MURUGAN TEMPLE

SRI VALAMPURI VARASITHTHI VINAYAKAR

VALLI DEVASENA SAMETHA SRI SUBRAMANIAR

33

Balalayam was established in the white house situated in the temple property.
Currently, the house accommodates MTNA employees and their families.

1987

Sri Ganesha, Sri Murugan with His consorts

and other Saiva deities were worshipped in
the Murugan Balalayam.

Above: Devotees carry pal kudam for Lord Murugan

Right: Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami of Kauai
Aadheenam visited the site in April 1991. Here he is
seen giving a short discourse in the white house.

Sri T. M. Soundararajan, an ardent devotee of Lord Murugan visited the temple and offered his
devotional songs in praise of Lord Murugan. He was a well-known playback singer
in Tamil films.

34

1989

GROUND-BREAKING
CEREMONY

Thirumuruga Kripananda Variar and Sri Satchithanandha Swami of Lotus Temple of Virginia were the two spiritual leaders that laid the foundation stone at
the ground breaking ceremony in June 1989.

A very young devotee, helped by his

father participated in
the ground breaking ceremony

35

VASTHU CEREMONY
The Power of Vel (Spear)

1994

A silver Vel marks the sanctum sanctorum where Lord Murugan deity would be installed in the temple. Priest Sri
Sethurama Gurukkal performed the Vasthu Ceremony of
sanctifying the most auspicious location for the installation of
the principal deity.

About 11 acres of land purchased by the founders of the temple would be the new abode
of Lord Murugan in Lanham, Maryland, near Washington DC, USA

36

Start of the Murugan

Temple Construction

1994-1998
With Mr. Sriskandarajah, a structural engineer by
profession at the helm, the work began in earnest
in April 1994 and gradually continued for nearly
four years due to lack of finances.
Right: A view of the prayer hall construction.

Above: The South side of the temple under

construction.
Right: The Mandapam for Sri Meenakshi
Amman was taking shape,

Left: Sannadhis for Sri Murugan, Sri Meenakshi and Sri Nataraja under construction.
Right: Crates of granite statues of deities were unloaded by devotee volunteers at the
temple. In the background we could see the Vimanam under construction over the
shrine of Sri Murugan.

37

MURUGAN TEMPLE
KUMBHABISHEKAM

1999
Vedic priests conducted Kaala Pujas leading up to the Consecration of
the deities (below) in the shrine

Murugan devotees gathered in the prayer hall for the sacred ceremony of
the consecration of the deities of the temple.

Another view
of the Yaga Sala
during the
Kumbhabishekam
celebration.

38

MURUGAN TEMPLE
KUMBHABISHEKAM

1999
Sri Muthiah
Sthapathy
and Satguru
Subramuniya
Swami install
Lord Siva
statue in the
Sannidhi

Priests perform the prescribed rituals during

the Kumbhabishekam.

Above: The most significant aspect of the

event:
The consecration of
the Murugan

Vimanam,

Right: Devotees
follow the learned
priests as they carry
the holy water to the
top of the Vimanam
prior to the consecration.

39

Kumbhabishekam Celebration

1999

40

MURUGAN TEMPLE OF NORTH AMERICA

Murugan Vimanam and the front view of the temple.

The beautiful sculptures adorning the top of the canopy in the front of the temple.
This is still being preserved after the Rajagopuram construction.

Silpis (Temple sculptors) trained by Padmasri Muthiah Sthapathy completed the

construction of the Murugan Temple in 1998.

41

Padmasri Muthiah Sthapathy, principal temple architect, prepared

the conceptual drawing of the Rajagopuram

Sri Ganesa Gurukkal performs puja

on the occasion of groundbreaking ceremony for the start of
Rajagopuram construction.

Brisk sale of bricks for Rajagopuram construction. The

sale started about four years ago and devotees sponsored generously over $150,000.
Below: Some members of the Rajagopuram Thiruppani
Kuzhu along with Sri Muthiah Sthapathy, and Sri Pitchai
Gurukkal

42

Rajagopuram Construction pictures

Sri Brahma on the
north and Sri
Dhakshinamurthy
on the south of
the top of the
Rajgopuram
tower. These were
carved right on
the gopuram
without using any
mold.

43

Rajagopuram construction pictures

Representative sculptures on the tower

44

Rajagopuram construction pictures

45

View of the Rajagopuram as of December 2015

Below: Sculpture work in the prayer hall of the temple

One of 16 Anivetti Pillars.

Left: Arupadai Veedu Murugan

Statues. Above and Right: Two
of 16 Subramaniyars. Statues.

Sri Valli Kalyanam Scene (North wall)

Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Kalyanam (south wall)

46

Phase II Construction started in November 2015

Excavation for the construction of a

kitchen and other amenities in the
temple; rise of a concrete wall

Top view of the kitchen space

The original canopy of the front

Mandapam is preserved

47

Religious Events and Festivals at

Murugan Temple of North America

48

DEITIES IN THE MURUGAN TEMPLE

49

Padmasri Muthiah Sthapathy

Padmasri Muthiah Sthapathy has been the Chief Architect of the Murugan Temple since its inception. He was born in Eluvankottai, Ramanathapuram
district, Tamil Nadu. After learning the art of temple design and building from
his grandfather and father in his early years, he completed a four year study in
the Mamallapuram Government Sculpture School.
Muthiah Sthapathy is recognized as an expert in this field both in India
and abroad. He has a deep understanding of the agama sastras. He has designed and built Hindu temples in a good number of locations in India, including the
60-foot Sri Krishna in Kolkatta, and the 32-foot Sri Hanuman in Nanganallur, Chennai. His architectural accomplishments can be seen across the globe, over 32 just in
the US. He is the creator of a 67.5-foot Buddha statue with 7.5-foot pedestal at Rambadagalla Vidyasagara Temple, Srilanka, reported to be the worlds largest Buddha
statue in seated position.
He has trained a number of artisans (silpis) at his Swarnam Insitution sculpture studio and deputizes them to build temples which he designs. He is ably assisted by his son, Sri Srinivasan Sthapathy and his son-in-law Sri Nandakumar
Srinivasan Sthapathy
in Chennai.
The awards, titles and honors received by Muthiah Sthapathy are too numerous to list here.
In 1990 he received the prestigious award of Padmasri from the Government of India. He is presently an advisor to the HR & CE Department of Tamil Nadu.

Silpis from Tamil Nadu who built the Murugan Temple Rajagopuram.
Front Row (L to R): Ammaiappan, Srinivasan Sthapathy, Panneerselvam
Back Row: (L to R): Murugesan, Sivasubramanian, Nagaraj Shankam (deceased), Subrmanian,
Annamalai, Mohan and Alagupandian

Additional silpis joined the team in June 2016 to facilitate the construction at the Murugan Temple.
Left to Right: Radhakrishnan Mani, Vishwanathan Durai, Iyyappan Gnanasekaran, Shanmugam Ganapathi,
Kannadhasan Mani, Saravanan Shanmugam, and Kanakaraj Kannaiyan

50

taY}Uk; thhpahUk;

- myh;nkY hp#p

"ehs;njhWk;

ehd; tHpgLk; vd;dg;gd; taY}h; KUfid tz';fp vd;Diuiaj;

bjhl';Ffpnwd;" vd;gJ jpUKUf fpUghde;j thhpahhpd; tHf;fk;. ,e;j taY}h; KUfd; tHpghl;ow;Fg;
gpd;dhy; Ritahd tuyhW xd;W ,Uf;fpwJ.
KUfd; Fobfhz;oUf;Fk; jy';fSf;Fr; brd;W tHpgl xUKiw bgw;nwhUld; thhpahUk;
brd;wpUe;jhh;. jpUr;rpf;F te;jnghJ Xh; ,sk;taJ mh;r;rfhpd; fzPbud;w Fuypy; xypj;j bjspthd
cr;rhpg;gpy; bka;kwe;J epd;w thhpahh; mh;r;ridj; jl;oy; vl;lzh fhirf; fhzpf;ifaha; nghl;lhh;.
nfhapypy; fhzpf;iff; bfhLg;gthpd; bgaUk;/ Kfthpa[k; xU nehl;Lg; g[j;jfj;jpy; Fwpj;J itg;gJ
vd;gJ tHf;fk;. thhpahUk; mt;thW Fwpj;jhh;.
md;wput[ jh;kfh;j;jh fdtpy; ,iwtd; njhd;wp/ "vl;lzh fhir xUtd; nghl;lhd; vd;why;
mijf; bfhz;L nfhapYf;Ff; nfhg[ukh fl;l Koa[k;?" vd;W nfl;lJk; jpLf;fpl;L vGe;jhh; jh;kfh;j;jh.
kWehs; mth; nfhapy; nehl;Lg; g[j;jfj;jpYs;s vl;lzh fhirf; fhzpf;ifahff; bfhLj;jtUf;F
",iwtd; ckJ fhzpf;ifia Vw;ftpy;iy" vd;w Fwpg;iga[k; vGjp vl;lzh fhir jpUg;gp mDg;gpdhh;.
fy';fpg;nghd thhpahh; ,Jgw;wp tpsf;fk; nfl;f kWehs; jpUr;rpf;F brd;whh;. jh;kfh;j;jh jkJ
fditg; gw;wpf; Twpdhh;. thhpahUk; xU khjphpahf cz;ik g[hpe;jJ nghy czh;e;jhh;. nfhapYf;Ff;
nfhg[uk; fl;Lk; gzpiaj; jk;kplnk ,iwtd; vjph;ghh;f;fpwhh; nghYk; vd;w Kot[f;F te;jhh;. md;WKjy;
M';fh';nf bjhlh;e;J gpur';f';fs; bra;J nfhg[uj; jpUg;gzpf;bfd epjp jpul;lj; bjhl';fpdhh;.
mj;Jld; mtuJ ez;gh;fs;/ KUf gf;jh;fs;/ bry;te;jh;fs; vd;W gyhpd; md;g[s;sk; cte;J mspj;j
ed;bfhilfs; vd vy;yhKkhf \d;W Mz;Lfs; Kad;W nrh;j;j bjhifiaf; bfhz;L nfhg[uk; vGg;gp
mkh;f;fskhf Fk;ghgpn#fKk; bra;J btw;wp fz;lhh;.
Kad;why; KoahjJ VJkpy;iy vd;gij
ep+gpj;jhh;. ,Jjhd; taY}h; KUfDf;Fk; thhpahUf;Fk; Vw;gl;l beUf;fj;jpw;fhd tuyhW.
nfhg[uk; vGe;j tuyhW ,J vd;why; taY}hpy; nfhapy; njhd;wpa tuyhW ,d;Dk; RitahdJ.
Kd;fhyj;jpy; kd;dh;fs; j';fs; tuyhw;iw epiy epWj;Jtjw;fhfnt nfhapy;fisf; fl;o epj;jpa
tHpghl;Lr; brytpd';fSf;fhf epy';fis thptpyf;F bra;J nfhap;y;fSf;F rhrdkhf vGjpj; je;jdh;.
,Jgw;wpa tptu';fs; midj;Jk; nfhapy; fy;btl;Lf;fspy; bghwpj;J itj;jdh;. ,d;Dk; rpy nfhapy;fspy;
vGe;jUspapUf;Fk; bja;t';fs; gy j';fs; ,Ug;gplj;ijj; jh';fns kf;fSf;F czh;j;jp mth;fisf;
nfhapy; vGg;gr; bra;j tuyhWk; cz;L. taY}h; nfhapy; njhd;wpaJ ,uz;lhk; tifg;gl;lJ.
xU fhyj;jpy; nrhH kd;dd; xUtd; fhl;oy; ntl;ilahof; fisg;g[w;W ePh; njog; nghdhd;.
miye;J jphpe;jnghJ mtd; fz;zpy; xU fUk;g[ bjd;gl;lJ. mij Kwpj;J rhw;iwr; Ritj;Jj; jhfk;
jPh;j;Jf;bfhs;s epidj;jhd;.
\d;W fpisfshfg; gphpe;J epd;w me;j fUk;ig Kwpj;jnghJ cjpuk;
frptijf; fz;L mjph;r;rpa[w;whd;. fUk;g[ tpise;j tay;fis Ml;fistpl;Lj; njhz;lr; bra;jhd;.
vd;d mjprak;! m';nf xU rptyp';fk; g[ije;jpUf;ff; fz;lhd;. me;j rptyp';fk; ,Ue;j ,lj;jpnyna
xU nfhapiyf; fl;odhd;. tayhy; R{Hg;gl;l ,lj;jpy; nfhapy; mike;jjhy; me;j ,lk; taY}h; vd;W
miHf;fg;glyhapw;W.
taY}h; nfhapypy; vGe;jUspa[s;s KUfDf;F Kj;Jf;Fkhu Rthkp vd;W bgah;. bgah; te;j
tuyhW gw;wp mwpa ntz;Lky;yth! "thf;fpw; fUzfphp" vd;W nghw;wg;gl;lth; mUzfphpehjh;. ,sikf;
fhyj;jpy; jhk; thH;e;j mty thH;f;ifia epidj;J btl;fp jd; capiu kha;j;Jf;bfhs;s jpUtz;zh
kiy cr;rpapypUe;J fPnH Fjpj;jnghJ KUfd; mtiuj; jh';fpg; gpoj;Jf; fhg;gw;wpaJld;/ mtiu

51

taY}Uf;F te;J jd;id tz';FkhW gzpj;jhh;. "VLk; vGj;Jk; mwpah \ld;/ ehd; ghLtJ vg;go>" vd;W
mHhj Fiwa[ld; nfl;f/ KUfd; mth; ehtpy; jd;
ifntypdhy; gpuztk; vGjpanjhL "Kj;J vd;W
Muk;gpj;Jg; ghL" vd;Wk; gzpj;jhh;.
vd;d mjprak;!
<L ,izapy;yh re;j eaj;njhL kiljpwe;j
bts;skhfg; gpwe;j "Kj;ijj;jU gj;jpj;jpUeif" vd;W bjhl';fpaJ Kjy; jpUg;g[fH; ghly;;; ,J Kj;Jf;Fkhu
Rthkpf;F Kd;dhy; mu';nfwpaJ. Kj;Jf;Fkund jd;id Kj;J vd;wiHj;Jg; ghl mobaLj;Jf; bfhLj;j
tuj;jpdhy;jhd; nghYk; mUzfphpehjuhy; ehyhapuj;Jf;Fk; nkw;gl;l jpUg;g[fH;g; ghly;fisg; ghl Koe;jJ. fhy
bts;sj;jpy; kiwe;jJ nghf/ ,d;W ekf;Ff; fpilj;jJ Mapuj;Jf;Fk; Fiwthd ghly;fnsahk;.
Fd;WnjhWk; MLk; FkuDf;F vGg;gg;gl;l nfhapy;fspd; vz;zpf;ifjhd; kpft[k; mjpfk;.
nghFkplbky;yhk; KUfd; jpUg;g[fH; ghor; brd;whh; mUzfphpehjh; vd;gjhy; thhpahUf;F mUzfphpaplk; <h;g;g[k;
ctifa[k; Vw;gl;;ljpy; tpag;gpy;iy. taY}h; nfhapypy; mUzfphpahUf;F xU jdp re;epjpiaf; fl;oa[ss
; dh;.
mUzfphpehjUila jpUg;g[fH; ghly;fis kf;fspilna gutr; bra;tij xU Kf;fpa Fwpf;nfhshff;
bfhz;L thH;e;jhh; fpUghde;j thhpahh;.
"VH;jyk; g[fH; fhnthpahy; tpis
nrhHkz;ly kPnj kndhfu
uh$fk;gPuehlhSk; ehaf taY}uh"
vd;w jpUg;g[fHpy; mUzfphpehjh; nghw;Wk; ,g;ghlypy; KUfdpd; fk;gPukhd njhw;wk; fz;L kfpH fz;fs; Mapuk;
ntz;Lk;.
cz;l czt[ tifiana kPz;Lk; cz;L kfpH;tjpypUe;J Rit khw;wk; njLtJ eh kl;Lky;y/
kdKk;jhd;. Fwp";rpf; flt[shfnt fz;L fspg;gnjhLjpy;yhky;/ kUjepy taY}h; Kj;Jf;Fkhu Rthkpiaa[k;
brd;W tz';fyhnk. gHbkhHp xd;W cz;L bjhpa[kh>
"taY}h; mUfpUf;f maY}h; njo miythndd; "

Best Wishes to
Murugan Temple of North America
On the successful celebration of

Dr. L. Seenivasan (Trustee) & Vimala Seenivasan

Srini Srinivasan & Vidya Srinivasan
And Family

52

tHpf;Fj; Jiz

- jpUkjp bt. fdfRe;juk;

"ePh;tsk; Mh; gu';Fd;wpYk; ePL vHpy; epkph; jpUr;bre;jpypYk;

rPh;tsk; Mh; jpUntufk; jd;dpYk; jPjW gHepapYk;
Vh;tsk; Mh; jpUr;nrhiy ak;fphpapYk; ,Ue;J mo epidthhf;Fg;
ghh;tsk; nky;tsk; ey;f MUs; FfDf;Fg; gy;yhz;L TWJnk"
- ghk;gd; Rthkpfspd; jpUf;fe;jh; jpUg;gy;yhz;L
'kdk; nghy thH;t[' vd;w bkhHpf;F |uhkfpU#;zh;/ tHpg;nghf;fd; xUtdpd; fijiar;
brhy;thh;:
ele;J fisj;Jg; ngha; xU kuj;joapy; te;jkh;e;jhd; xUtd; ; me;j kuk; fw;gf tpUl;rk; vd;gJ
mtDf;Fj; bjhpahJ; Mahrk; nghf;f xU gLf;if ,Ue;jhy; ed;whf ,Uf;Fnk vd epidj;jhd; te;jJ. fhy;fs; typj;jd - gpoj;Jtpl mHfpa bgz; - vz;zpdhd; - te;J gzp bra;jhs;. mWRit
czt[ - ntz;o fpilj;jJ/ cz;L kfpH;e;jhd;. jpObud;W xU g[yp te;J jhf;fpdhy; vd; fjp> - g[yp
te;J jhf;fpaJ - mtd; mnjhfjpahdhd;. "khDlh ePa[k; fw;gf tpUl;rj;jpw;F moapy; ,Uf;fpwha; <rd;jhd; fw;gf tpUl;rk; - eP tpUk;gpabjy;yhk; fpilf;Fk; - gpzp/ kuzk; vd;fpw g[ypa[k; tUk;.
Mjyhy;/ vijf; nfl;gJ vd;gijg; gw;wp vr;rhpf;ifahapU! gf;jpa[k; "hdKk; ntz:Lk; vd;W nfs;.
mHpe;J nghfpd;w cyfg; bghUs;fs; vija[k; nfl;fhnj!" vd;whh;.
jkpH;g; bgUe;bja;tkhfj; jpfH;e;bjhsph;gth; KUfg; bgUkhd;. mtUf;Fhpa bgUikfs; gyg;gy.
jkpHpyf;fpa tuyhw;wpy; KUfg; bgUkhidg; nghw;wpg; ghoa[s;s ghly;fns kpFjp vdyhk;. ntW ve;jf;
flt[Sf;Fk;
,t;tst[
ghly;fs;
jkpHpy;
,y;iy
vd;W
Mua;r;rpahsh;
fzpj;Js;sdh;.
gz;ilf;fhyj;jpypUe;nj jkpH; kf;fs; rka ek;gpf;if kpFe;jth;fs;.
mjpYk; KUfgf;jp mth;fs;
cs;sj;jpy; nt+d;wpapUe;jnj fhuzkhk;.
KUfg; bgUkhDf;F vj;jid bgah;fs;> mtw;Ws; rpwg;g[ila jpUg;bgah; brt;nts;. brk;ikahd
ntshk; jd;ika[ilatnd 'brt;nts;' vdg;gLthd;.
brk;ikahd mHF/ brk;ikahd tpUg;gk;/
brk;ikahd kzk;/ brk;ikahd ts;sd;ik/ brk;ikahd jiyik Ie;Jk; bfhz;l ,r;brhy;
mwp"nuad;wp/ twp"Uk; bghd;ndnghy; nghw;wp kfpH;jw;FhpaJ. fw;whh;f;Ff; fhl;rp ey;fty;yJ
fy;yhh;f;F "hdk; mspf;fty;yJ. 'Kj;jkpHhny itjhiua[k; m';F thHitg;nghd; ' vd;whh;
mUzfphpahh;. 'VJ gpiH bra;jhYk; ViHnaDf;fpu';fpj; jPJ g[hpahj bja;tnk' vd;whh; rpjk;guk;
Rthkpfs;. Kd;dpaJ Koj;J itf;Fk; jpwDilatd; fe;jd;.
'ehbsd; bra[k; tpidjhbdd; bra[bkid
ehote;j nfhbsd; bra['; bfhL';Tw;bwd; bra[k; '
vd;Wk; mUzfphpehjh; fe;juy';fhuj;jpy; iffhl;Lfpwhh;.
jPtpidfs; Tl brayw;W epw;Fk; ,j;jF rpwg;g[g; bgw;w KUfdplk; brd;W nrh;tJ vg;go>
vt;thW> KUfd; moahh;fs; ek;ik Mw;Wg; gLj;Jthh;fs;. ek; gf;Ftj;jpw;F Vw;g mtnd neuhft[k;
tUthd;.
KUfoahh;fs; mth;fs; jk; mDgt';fisg; ghly;fshfg; gho itj;jpUf;fpwhh;fs;.
mth;fspd; tuyhW ekf;Ff; iffhl;o!
tpHpf;Fj; Jiz - bkd;kyh;g; ghjk;; bkhHpf;Fj;Jiz

53

jpUg;bgah;fs; (vy;yhnk fhuzg;

bgah;fs;); gHpf;Fj; Jiz mth; gd;dpU njhs;fs;; jd; tHpf;Fj; Jiz tontYk;/ kapYk; fe;juy';fhuk; (70). Mw;Wg;gil E}yhk; jpUKUfhw;Wg;gil KUfdplk; ,d;dhUk; ghprpy; bgWjw;Fhpa
Kjd;ik iffhl;o! gf;Ftk; ntz;Lk;.
bghJthf/ Mw;Wg;gil E}y;fspy; tUk; ghprpyd; bgw tpUk;g[tJ bghUl; bry;tkhFk;.
KUfhw;Wg; gilapy; ghprpyd; bgw tpUk;g[tJ mUl;bry;tkhFk;.

jpU-

ehk; thH;e;Jbfhz;oUf;Fk; fhyj;jpy; XhpU E}w;whz;LfSf;F Kd; thH;e;j jpUg;ghjphpg;g[ypa{h;

"hdpahh; Rthkpfs;/ rpjk;gu Rthkpfs;/ ghk;gd; mofs; ,th;fSila thH;f;if tuyhw;iwa[k; thf;ifa[k;
ghh;j;jhny ekf;F Kj;jp bewp g[ydhFk;.
',y;ywj;njd; my;nyd; ,aw;if Jwtpay;nyd;
ey;ywj;J "hdpay;nyd; ehapndd; - brhy;ywj;jpd;
xd;nwDkpy;nyd; cah;e;j jpUg;ngh+uh
vd;nw ehd; <nlWntd;>'
'neha[w; wluhky; behe;J kdk; thlhky;
ghapw; fplthky; ghtpnad; - fhaj;ij
Xh; behof;Fs; ePf;fp xz:ngh+h; Iah vid - epd;
rPuof;fPH; itg;gha; bjhpe;J' - rpjk;gu Rthkpfs;.

Congratulations to
MURUGAN TEMPLE OF NORTH AMERICA

On the Completion of Rajagopuram

and

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA KU MBHABISHEKAM
INSURANCE AGENTS &
BROKERS
SINCE 1959

104 Church Lane Suite 300

Baltimore, Maryland 21208
410- 484- 7000

54

KUfd; rd;djpapy; xU rpy khj';fns...

uh$d; |dpthrhr;rhh;ah
,iwtDf;Fk; kdpjDf;Fk; ,ilna cs;s bjhlh;g[ g[dpjkhdJ; me;ju';fkhdJk; Tl vdyhk;.
cd;djkhd ,iwrf;jpa[ld; ,iza kdpjDf;F thH;ehspy; re;jh;g;gk; cz;L.
Mdhy;/ ,e;j
kdg;gf;Ftk; xU rpyUf;F kl;Lnk Vw;gLfpwJ. ,J xU jdpj;j epiy.
bja;t cUt';fis epidj;J/ ghh;j;J/ kdKUfp gho Mo thH;tjpy; gyUf;F kfpH;r;rp
cz;lhFk;.
,jw;fhfj;jhd; nfhapy;fs; cUthf;fg;gl;ld nghYk;. gyUk; nrh;e;J xU bja;t
cUtj;ija[k; mjpy; nrh;e;j ,iw rf;jpiaa[k; czu nfhapy;fs; tha;g;g[ jUfpd;wd.
gy nfhapy;fs;/ gy bja;t cUt';fs; - Vd; vd;W epidj;jhy; Xh; cz:ik g[yg;gLfpwJ.
xt;bthUthpd; kdg;gf;Ftk; gHf;f tHf;f';fshy; ntW ghL gl;lit. mjdhy; xt;bthUtUf;Fk;
Vnjh xU flt[splk; ek;gpf;if njhd;w fhuz';fs; Vw;gLfpd;wd. flt[s; cUt';fs; btt;ntwhapDk;
,iwrf;jp xd;nwjhd;. gy nfhapy;fs; ... Mdhy;/ mtw;wpy; rpy/ ekf;F mg;ghw;gl;l ek;khy; czuKoahj cz:ikfis g[hpa itf;fpd;wd. ek;Kila 'kha' thH;;f;ifia mt;tg;nghJ vilnghl
itf;fpd;wd.
gjpndhU Mz;LfSf;F Kd; (2005k; Mz;L) tl mbkhpf;f KUfd; Myaj;jpy;
\d:Wkhj';fs; gzp bra;a vdf;F tha;g;g[ fpilj;jJ. cz:ikapy;/ Kjypy; vdf;F xUtpjj; jaf;fk;...
g[J khjphpahd ntiy. mJtiu ehd; gy bjhHpw;Tl';fspYk;/ jdpahft[k; 25 Mz:LfSf;F
nkyhf gzp g[hpe;jtd:. Xh; Myaj;jpy; ntiy bra;a Kjy;Kiwahf xU tha;g;g[ Vw;gl;lJ. . . xU
tpj kdf;FHg;gk; Vw;gl;lJ.
Mya ntiyapy; Kjy; ehs;. kjpa Muj;jp - KUfDf;F. . . "ehj tpe;J fyhjp enkh ek" FUf;fs;khh;fs; bjhl';fp ghLfpwhh;fs;. ehd; KUfdpd; jpUcUtj;jpy; ftdkhf ,Uf;fpnwd;. ghl;od; thpfs;
epidtpy; ,y;iy. ,g;gona ehd;F ehl;fs;. gpunjh#k;/ yp';fh#;lfk; - vd kw;w ehl;fspYk; gyh; nrh;e;J
ghLfpwhh;fs. ehd; kw;wth; ghLtjpy; kdk; <Lglhky; KUfdpd; jpUcUtj;ijna ghh;f;fpnwd;.
kw;w tpHh ehl;fs;. . .etuhj;jphp/ bfhY . .my';fhu';fs;.
jpdKk; tpehafh;/ rptd;/ KUfd;
mgpn#fKk;/ thuk; xUehs; cgnjtijfSf;F mgpn#fk;/ Muj;jp vd Kiwg;go elf;fpd;wd. mJnghd;w
epfH;;r;rpfSf;fhf ehd; fhj;Jf; bfhz;oUg;ngd;. vy;nyhUnk nrh;e;J "ehj tpe;J. . ." ghl/ vd;ida[k; mwp
ahky; ghly; g[j;jfkpy;yhky;/ thpfs; jhdhfnt vdf;F brhy;y Koe;jJ. vd;dhy; ek;g Koatpy;iy. jpUKUfidg; ghh;f;fpnwd;. . . mnj g[d;dif! nfhapiy tpl;L btspna te;njd;. ghly; thpfs; epidtpy;
,y;iy. ntiyapy; nrh;e;J xnu khjj;jpy; vd; kdepiy khwptpl;lJ. kjpa neu';fspy; kw;w ahtUk; ,y;yhj
rpy epkpl';fs; vdf;Fk; jpUKUfdpd; rf;jpf;Fk; xU g[dpjj; bjhlh;g[ ,Ue;jij me;ju';fkhf czh;e;njd;.
me;j rpy epkpl';fspy; vd;ida[k; mwpahky; ,iwrf;jp vd; \r;Rld; fyg;gjhfj; njhd;wpw;W.
ehd; bgw;w me;j g[dpj czh;it tl mbkhpf;f KUfd; Myaj;jpw;F tUk; xt;bthU gf;jUk;
mDgtpg;ghh; vd;nw epidf;fpnwd;. jpUKUfdpd; mstpyh rf;jpia ek; \r;rpYk; kdjpYk; eltof;iffspYk;
gjpa itf;f ntz:Lk;.
th#p';ld; KUfd; Myak; Xh; mw;g[jkhd gpuhh;j;jidf; Tlk;.
,jd; bgUikiar; brhy;y
brhw;fns ,y;iy vdyhk;. vd;Dila xnu ntz:Lnfhs;:: ,e;j cd;dj Myaj;ija[k; mjpypUf;Fk; KUfdpd;

,iwrf;jpiaa[k; xt;bthU KUf gf;jUk; czUk; epiyapy; vg;nghJk; itf;f ntz;Lk; vd;gnj vdJ
nfhhpf;if.

55

KUfd; jpUf;fy;ahzk;

- K. ,uhikah

jpUKUfd; gpwe;J tsh;e;J ghy KUfd; Mdhh;.

ghy KUfd; njth;fsplk; gy jpU
tpisahly;fs; bra;jhh;. gpwF Fkud; Mdhh;. muf;fh;fis tjk; bra;j FkuDf;Fg; ghprhf mtiuna
epidj;Jj; jtk; bra;j kfh tp#;qtpd; g[j;jphpfs; ,Utiu kzKoj;jdh;.
,j;jpUkz';fSf;Fg;
gpwFk; KUfd; Fkudhfnt ,Uf;fpwhh;; mth; vd;Wk; Fkudhfnt ,Ug;ghh;. Mjyhy; mtUf;F
xt;bthU Mz;Lk; gyKiw jpUf;fy;ahz';fs; eilbgWfpd;wd.
vj;jid Kiw jpUf;fy;ahzk;
ele;jhYk; KUfDf;F kfpH;r;rpjhd;. fhuzk/; cyfg; gilg;g[fSf;F tk;r tpUj;jp Vw;gl tpUk;g[gth;
mth;.
mjdhy;jhd; Rg;ukz;a m#;nlhj;jpuj;jpy;/ 'Xk; tk;r tpUj;jpfuha ekQ' vd;W Xjp
tz';Ffpnwhk;.
jpUf;fy;ahzj;jpy; fye;J bfhz:L ,iwtid tHpgl;lhy; jpUkzk; Mfhj bgz;fSf;F
jpUkzKk;/ FHe;ijg; ngW ntz:Lgth;fSf;F FHe;ijg; ngWk; fpilf;Fk;. ek; thH;f;ifapy; gy flikfisr; bra;tjw;F kidtpapd; Jiz mtrpak;. Kdpth;fs;Tl jpUkzk; bra;Jbfhz:L thhpRfisg;
bgw;wjw;Ff; fhuzk; mth;fs; \jhijah;fSf;F bra;a[k; rl';Ffs; bjhlh;e;J eilbgw ntz;Lk;
vd;gjw;fhfnt vdyhk;.
ek; KUfd; nfhapypy; jpUf;fy;ahzk; vg;go elf;fpwJ vd;W ghh;g;nghk;. khg;gps;is Rg;ukzpah;
tPl;lhUf;F xU rpthr;rhhpaUk;/ kzg;bgz;fshd ts;sp/ bja;thid tPl;lhUf;F xU rpthr;rhhpahUk;
vjph; vjpnu mkh;ej
; pUg;ghh;fs;.
,th;fs; bja;t kzkf;fsplk; cj;jut[ bgw;W jpUkzj;ij elj;jp
itg;ghh;fs;.
khg;gps;is tPl;lhUf;F xU jk;gjpa[k; bgz; tPl;lhh; vd;W ,uz:L jk;gjpfSk;
mkUthh;fs;.
nkYk; nruntz:Lk; vd;W tpUk;g[gth;fs; ,th;fSld; nrh;e;J bfhs;syhk;. chpa
fl;lzk; brYj;Jth;fs; kl;Lnk gd;dPh; bjspj;jy; re;jdk; g{Rjy; ngd;w Kiwfis khg;gps;is
tPl;lhUf;F bgz; tPl;lhUk;/ bgz; tPl;lhUf;F khg;gps;is tPl;lhUkhf bra;a Koa[k;. kw;wth;fs; cld;
,Ue;J jpUf;fy;ahzk; fz;L ,iwtd; mUisg; bgwyhk;.
rpthr;rhhpahh;fs; nQhkk; tsh;j:J Rg;ukzpah;/ ts;sp bja;thidf;F my';fhuk; bra;Jk;
jpUkzj;ij Muk;gpg;ghh;fs;.
khiy khw;Wjy; ke;jpu';fs; XJjy; nghd;wit ele;J/ Rg;ukzpah;
Mrpbgw;W ts;sp bja;thidf;F kh';fy;ak; rhj;Jthh;fs;. gpwF Muj;jp vLg;ghh;fs;. mk;kp kpjpj;J
mUe;jjp fhl;Ljy; nghd;w rl';Ffs; eilbgWk;.

jpUkzj;jpw;Fk; mUe;jjpf;Fk; vd;d rk;ge;jk; vd;gijg; ghh;g;nghk;. trp#;lh; vd;w Kdpthpd;

fw;gpy; rpwe;j kidtp mUe;jjp. rptd; ghh;tjp jpUkzk; eilbgw bgUk; g';fhw;wpats;. rg;j hp#pfspy;

56

xUtuhd trp#;lUf;F kidtpahf ,Ue;jhYk; VG hp#pfSf;F cs;s me;j!;J mUe;jjpf;F cz;L.

tlf;F thdpy; gl;lk; nghd;w mikg;gpy; ,Uf;fk; VG hp#pfspy; thy; gf;fk; ,uz;lhtjhf ,Uf;Fk;
el;rj;jpuk;jhd; trp#;lh; vd;fpnwhk;.
trp#;lUld; mUe;jjpa[k; Tlnt ,Ue;J ,J ,ul;il
el;rj;jp';fshf xd;iw xd;W Rw;wp tUk;. kw;w MW hp#pfspd; kidtpfs; mf;dpaplk; nkhfk; bfhz;L
fhh;j;jpifg; bgz;fshfp KUfDf;F ghy; bfhLj;J tsh;j;jdh;. mUe;jjp tpujk; ,Ue;jhy; fztDf;F
Ma[s; TLk; vd;W rpy gFjp bgz;fs; tpujk; ,Ug;ghh;fs;. jpUkz jk;gjpfs; mUe;jjp ghh;j;jhy;
fztd; kidtp cwt[ gyg;gLk; vd;gJ ek;gpf;if.
gpwF jpUkzj;jpw;F bkha; vGjg;gLk;. ghl;Lg;gho jk;gjpfs; C";ry; MLthh;fs;. gpwF ghy;
gHk; bfhLf;fg;gLk;. mjd;gpwF rPh; thpirj; jl;Lfisg; bgz;fs; Rke;J bry;y/ Mz;fs; jpUkzj;
jk;gjpaiu gy;yf;fpy; J}f;fpf; bfhz;L Ch;tyk; tUthh;fs;.
gpwF te;jpUf;Fk; KUf gf;jh;fs;
mh;r;rid bra;thh;fs;. jPghuhjida[k; bjhlUk;. gpd;dh; jpUkzj;jpw;F gf;jh;fs; bfhz:LtUk; rPh;
thpir/ gH';fs;/ gyfhu';fs; vy;yh gf;jh;fSf;Fk; tpepnahfpf;fg;gLk;.

,t;thz:L E}jd ,uh$nfhg[u kfh Fk;ghgpn#fj;jpd; nghJ KUfd; jpUf;fy;ahzk; kl;Lkpd;wp/

kPdhl;rp-Re;jnuRtuh; jpUf;fy;ahzKk; elf;ftpUf;fpd;wJ! FlKGf;Ff; fz;L g[z;zpa';fs; bgWk;
gf;jh;fSf;F/ ,ul;il jpUf;fy;ahzf; fhl;rp mstpl Koahj Mde;jj;ija[k; ed;ikfisa[k; bgw;Wj;
jUk;. ,e;j mUisg; bgw ek;gpf;if ntz;Lk;.
mfj;jpah; Tw;W: "elf;fl;Lk; ek;g[fpnwhk; vd;gJ kdpjh;fspd; thf;F. ek;gpdhy; elf;Fk; vd;gJ
rpj;jh;fspd; thf;F." ,k;ikapYk; kWikapYk; rfy brsghf;fpa';fisa[k; bgWtjw;F ts;sp bja;thid
rnkj Rg;ukzpah; jpUg;ghjk; bjhGnthk;.
MWgil cdJ! VWkapy; mHF!
ntYz:L tpidapy;iy!
kapYz:L gakpy;iy!

Best Wishes to MTNA

On the Celebration of

E}jd ,uh$nfhg[u
kQhFk;ghgpn#fk;

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM

fhqk; th#p';ld; KUfh nghw;wp!

,e;jpuhzp/ uhjhfpU#;zd;/ #pahk;

The Ramiah Family

57

jkpHhdtd; KUfd;

|jh;

jkpHhdtd;/ KUfd;!
vHpyhd jkpHhdtd; bre;jkpHhdtd;!
miHg;gpd; tUthdtd;
gpiHg;gpd; fUthdtd;
ciHg;gpd; jUthdtd;
brHpg;gpd; jpUthdtd;
(jkpHhdtd;)
gpuztg; bghUshdtd;
gpj;jdpd; FUthdtd;
rj;jpapd; cUthdtd;
Kj;jpia jUthdtd;
(jkpHhdtd;)
mHfpd; nguhdtd;
g[fHpd; <h;g;ghdtd;
gHfpd; nrh;thdtd;
jpfHpd; ntuhdtd;
(jkpHhdtd;)
kapypy; gwg;ghdtd;
braypy; rpwg;ghdtd;
kiyapy; ciwthdtd;
jiyefh; ,iwahdtd;
(jkpHhdtd:)
jkpHhdtd;/ KUfd;!
vHpyhd jkpHhdtd; - bre;jkpHhdtd;!

"kapy;el kpLntha; cd; kyuo ruzk;"

,d;W (07-10-2016) ,uh$nfhg[uk; Fk;ghgpn#fk; fhqk;
ts;sy; th#p';ld; KUfd; Myaj;jpw;F
thH;j;Jf;fis bjhptpj;Jf; bfhs;tJld;
mjw;fhf ciHj;j midtUf;Fk; ed;wpia
chpj;jhf;fpf; bfhs;fpnwhk;**
mu';fehjd;/ gj;kh/ uk;ah/ tprhfd;
nkhpyhe;J

58

mbkhpf;fhtpy; mWgil tPL

mu';fehjd; rz;Kfehjd;

mbkhpf;f jiyefh; th#p';ldpy; vGe;jUspa KUfd;/ ts;sp bja;thid rnkjuha; gf;jh;fSf;Ff;

fhl;rpaspj;jhYk;/ xt;bthU Mz;Lk; eilbgWk; mWgil tpHhf;fs; kw;Wk; ey;Y}h; njh; jpUtpHhtpy;
g';nfw;whYk;/ mtd; jpUtpisahly;fs; g[hpe;j fijfisa[k; mWgil tPLfspy; fhl;rp mspj;jijg; nghyt[k; jd;
gf;jh;fSf;Ff; fhl;rpaspf;f Koatpy;iyna vd epidj;jpUf;f ntz:Lk;. mtdJ tUj;jj;ijg; nghf;f jw;nghJ
tl mbkhpf;f
KUfd; Myaj;jpy;
mWgiltPl;L KUfd; mw;g[jkhf tof;fg;gl;L Fk;ghgpn#fj;jpw;Fk;
gf;jh;fSf;Fk; fhl;rpaspf;ff; fhj;jpUf;fpwhd;. mtid jhprpf;FKd; mtdJ jpUtpisahly;fisa[k; mWgil
jy';fspd; tuyhWfisa[k; mwpe;J mtdJ mUisg; bgWnthk;.
R{ugj;kd; Kjyhd mRuh;fspd; Ml;rpahy; njtnyhfj;jpy; ,Ue;jth;fs; gy fhykhf Jau';fis
mDgtpj;jdh;.
j';fs; epiyia rptbgUkhdplk; Kiwapl;ldh;.
mth;fspd; Jau';fisg;nghf;f vz;zpa
rptbgUkhd; jdJ bew;wpf;fz;zpy; ,Ue;J MW jPg;bghwpfisj; njhw;Wtpj;jhh;. me;jj; jPg;bghwpfis
tha[njtDk; mf;dp njtDk; rptdpd; cj;jut[go f';ifapy; nrh;j;jdh;.
f';fhnjtp mtw;iw
rutzg;bgha;ifapy; bfhz;Lngha; nrh;j;jhs;. m';F/ MW jPg;bghwpfSk; MW jhkiu kyh;fspy; MW
FHe;ijfshfj; njhd;wpdh;; FHe;ijfshfj; njhd;wpa KUfg; bgUkhid fhh;j;jpif bgz;fs; vLj;J
tsh;j;jdh;. ghh;tjpnjtp MW FHe;ijfis xU FHe;ijahf;fp "hdg;ghy; g[fl;odhh;. gpd;dh; tsh;e;J jpUKUfdhf jpUtpisahly;fs; g[hpe;J gf;jh;fSf;F mUs; ghypj;J tUfpd;w jy';fns mWgiltPlhFk;.

gHdp (\d;whk; giltPL)

xUehs; ehujh; kpf mhpa gHkhd "hdg;gHj;ij rptDf;Ff; bfhz:L te;jhh;. mij mUfpypUe;j
ghh;tjpnjtp jd;Dila Fkhuhh;fshd tpdhafDf;Fk; KUfDf;Fk; gfph;e;J bfhLf;f tpUk;gpdhs;. Mdhy;
rptndh mth;fs; ,UtUf;Fk; xU nghl;o mwptpj;jhh;; cyfj;ij ahh; Kjypy; Rw;wp tUfpwhh;fnsh mtUf;F
"hdg;gHj;ij ghprhf mspg;gjhf thf;fspj;jhh;.
mjd;go KUfd; kapy;kPnjwp cyfj;ijr; Rw;wp te;jhh;.
Mdhy; tpdhafndh ,e;j cyfj;ij fhf;Fk; mk;ik mg;gd;jhnd cyfk; vdf;fUjp mth;fisr; Rw;wp te;J
"hdg;gHj;ij btd;whh;. ,jdhy; Vkhw;wKk; nfhgKk; mile;j Fkud; midj;ija[k; Jwe;J xU kiyapy;
Fonawpdhd;.
gHj;jpd; fhuzkhf KUfd; nfhgpj;Jf; bfhz;L te;jnghJ xsitahh; gHk; eP (ePna
"hdtothdtd;) vd;W MWjy; thh;j;ijfs; brhd;dhh;; mJnt gpw;fhyj;jpy; gHdp vd;w jykhfpaJ.

Rthkp kiy (ehd;fhk; giltPL)

gilg;g[j; bjhHpy;jhd; cah;e;jJ/ mJ ,y;yhtpl;lhy; cyfk; ,a';fhJ vd Mztk; bfhz;oUe;j
gpuk;kd;/ KUfg;bgUkhid re;jpf;f neh;e;jJ. mg;nghJ gpuk;kdplk;/ "ckf;F Xk; vd;w gpuzt ke;jpuj;jpd;
bghUs; bjhpa[kh>" vd;W KUfd; nfl;fpwhd;. gjpy; brhy;yKoahj gpuk;kid
Fkud; gpuk;kid rpiwapy;
milj;jhd;. gpwF KUfnd gilg;g[j; bjhHpiy bra;a Muk;gpj;jhd;. gpuk;kd; rpiwapy; ,Ug;gij epidj;J
tUe;jpa jpUkhy; rptdplk; brhy;yp tpLjiy nfl;f ntz:Lfpwhh;. rptDk; KUfdplk; gpuk;kid tpLjiy
bra;a[k;go Tw/ KUfd; gpuk;kid tpLjiy bra;jhd;. ,jdhy; kfpH;e;j rptbgUkhd; KUfid jd; koapy;
mkh;j;jp/ gpuk;kDf;nf bjhpahj gpuzt ke;jpuj;ij eP vdf;F brhy;y ntz;Lk; vd;W nfl;f/ KUfDk; rptdpd;
fhjUnf brd;W gpuztj;jpd; bghUs; ciuj;jhd;. mjdhy; rptd; jd; kfid "ePna Rthkpehjd; " vd;W
Twpajhy; ,j;jyk; Rthkpkiy Mapw;W.

59

gHKjph;r;nrhiy (Mwhk; giltPL)

XUKiw jkpH; \jhl;o xsit fLk; btapypy; kpft[k; fisg;g[ld; kJiu nehf;fp brd;W bfhz;oUe;jhh;.
tHpapy; xU khl;Lf;fhu rpWtd; ehty; kuf;fpisapy; mkh;e;jpUe;jhd;. fisg;g[ld; te;j ghl;oa[k; mnj kuj;jpd;
fPH; rw;W ,isg;ghwpdhh;. xsitiag; ghh;j;j rpWtd;/ "vd;d ghl;o! kpft[k; fisg;g[ld; ,Uf;fpwPh;fns> j';fsJ
fisg;igg; nghf;f ehty; gHk; ntz;Lkh>" vd;whd;. rhpbad;W brhd;d ghl;oaplk; "ghl;o! c';fSf;F Rl;l gHk;
ntqkh/ Rlhj gHk; ntqkh>" vd;whd;. jpifg;gile;j ghl;o VJk; g[hpahky;/ "eP vd;dg;gh brhy;fpwha;>"
vd;whs;. rpWtd; fpisia cYf;fpdhd;. cjph;e;j ehty; gH';fis vLj;J xsit Cjpdhs;. ,ij ntof;if
ghh;j;:Jf; bfhz;oUe;j rpWtd;/ "ghl;o! gHk; kpft[k; RLfpd;wnjh> Mwpat[ld; rhg;gpL';fs;" vd;W Twp rphpj;jhd;.
rpWtdpd; kjpEl;gj;ij mwpe;j ghl;o mtd; khdplr; rpWtdy;y vd;gijg; g[hpe;J bfhz;lhs;. gpd;dh; KUfd;
jd; Ratotpy; njhd;wp xsitf;F mUspdhd;. KUfdhy; cjph;f;fg; bgw;w nrhiy vd;gjhy; gHKjph;r; nrhiy
vd;whdJ ,e;jj;jyk;.

jpUr;bre;J}h; (,uz;lhk; giltPL)

KUfg;bgUkhd; mtjhuk; bra;jjd; nehf;fnk R{ugj;kida[k; mtdJ nridfisa[k; mHpj;J njth;fisf;
fhg;gJjhnd. rptbgUkhdpd; fl;lisia Vw;W R{ugj;kid mHpf;f ,;';F te;jhh;. tPughF J}J brd;Wk;
R{ugj;kd; gzpahky;nghfnt/ jd; gilfSld; brd;W KUfd; mtid tjk; bra;jhh;. R{uDld; nghhpl;L mtid
kapyhft[k; nrtyhft[k; khw;wp Ml;bfhz;lhh;. KUfd; R{uid btd;W Ml;bfhz;ljhy; "brae;jpehjh;" vd
miHf;fg; bgw;whh;. gpw;fhyj;jpy; ,g;bganu "bre;jpy;ehjh;" vd kUtpaJ. jyKk; "jpUb$ae;jpg[uk; " (b$ae;jp btw;wp) vd miHf;fg;bgw;W/ "jpUr;bre;J}h;" vd;whfpaJ.

jpUj;jzp (Ie;jhk; giltPL)

KUfg;bUkhd; jpUr;bre;J}hpy; R{uid rk;Qhuk; bra;jgpd; nfhgk; jzpe;J ,j;jyj;jpy; j';fpajhy;
"jzpif kiy" vd bgah;bgw;w ,j;jyk; "jpUj;jzp" vd;whfpaJ.
jpUj;jzpif kiyg;gFjpapy; njhd;wpa Re;juty;ypia (jpUkhypd; kfs;) xU ts;spf;bfhoapd; fPH;
fz;blLj;j Fwth;fspd; jiytdhd ek;gpuh$d;/ ts;sp vd bgah;R{l;o tsh;j;jhd;. ts;sp jpidg;g[dj;ijf;
fhty; fhf;Fk; gzpiar; bra;J te;jhs;.
mg;nghJ KUfg;bgUkhd; Kjpath; ntlj;joy; te;J ts;spia
Ml;bfhs;s epidj;jhh;. ts;spnah mtiu ahbud mwpahky; gae;njhodhs;. ,iwtndh/ mtis Ml;bfhs;s
ahid \yk; gaKWj;jpdhh;. nkYk; gae;j ts;sp mtiu jGtpdhh;. ,iwtdpd; !;ghprk; gl;lJnk "hndhjak;
gpwe;J/ mtUld; If;fpakhfptpl;lhs;. ghkuh;fs;/ ts;sp KUfDld; If;fpakhdij ts;sp jpUkzkhf elj;jp
itf;fpwhh;fs;. Mjyhy;/ ,J ts;spj; jpUkzj; jyKkhfpaJ.

jpUg;gu';Fd;wk; (Kjyhk; giltPL)

R{uid btd;wjhy;/ KUfDf;F ,e;jpud; jdJ kfshd bja;thidia (jpUkhypd; ,d;bdhU kfs;/
mKjty;yp) jpUkzk; bra;Jj;ju rk;kjpj;jhh;.
me;jj; bja;t jpUkzk; jpUg;gu';Fd;wj;jpy; epfH;e;jJ.
jpUkzj;jpw;F midj;Jj; bja;t';fs;/ njth;fs;/ kfhp#pfs; vd midtUk; Todh;. ehujh; Kd;dpiyapy;
KUfd;/ bja;thid jpUkzk; ele;jJ. ,nj nfhyj;jpy; Rthkp ,';F vGe;jUspdhh;. mfehD}w;wpy; ,e;j kiy
KUfd; Fd;wk; vd miHf;fg;gLfpwJ.
,j;jifa mUik bgUikfisa[ila mWgil KUfd; mbkhpf;fhtpd; jiyefh; th#p';ldpy; tPw;wpUe;J
ekf;F mUs;g[hptJ ehk; bgw;w ngwhFk;!

60

ituntYk; bjhpa[ka;ah th#p';ldpny!

ruRtjp u';fehjd;

'Kj;jkpHhy; itjhiua[k; thHitg;nghd; KUfd;' vd fe;juEg{jpapy; mUzfphpehjh;

Fwpg;gpl;oUf;fpwhh;. jkpH;j;bja;tkhf tps';Fk;; KUfid tHpgLnthh; jkJ gpwtpg; bgUk;gaid milth;
vd ek;g[tjhy; jkpHh; jh';fs; thGk; ,l';fspy; vy;yhk; KUfDf;F Myak; mikj;J tHpgLfpwhh;fs;.
Vg;uy; 6/ 1987 - ekJ ngud;g[f;Fk; bgUkjpg;gpw;Fk; chpa jpUKUf fpUghde;j thhpahh; Iah/
Qtha; rj;FU Rg;ukzpa Rthkpfs;/ jpU rr;rpjhde;j Rthkpfs; M';nf tPw;wpUf;f - fpUghde;j
thhpahh; ifapdhy; m!;jpthuf; fy;iy v';fs; ifapy; bfhLf;f me;j fy;ehl;L tpHhtpy; fye;J
bfhz;L vy;iyapy;yh Mde;jk; mile;njhk;.
'Kaw;rpa[ilahh; ,fH;r;rpailahh;' vd;w brhy;Yf;F ,z';f Myaj;jpd; jiyth; lhf;lh;
FUrhkp mth;fSk; mtUld; gzpg[hpe;j midj;Jj; Jiwfs; jiytUk;/ vy;iyaw;w KUf gf;jh;fSk;
mauhJ Kad;W ciHj;jjpd; tpisthf 1999k; Mz;L nk khjk; - ek; thH;ehspy; fz;l Kjy; fdt[ th#p';ld; KUfd; Myaj;jpd; FlKGf;F tpHh (Fk;ghgpn#fk;) kpft[k; rpwg;ghf eilbgw;wJ.
cyfpd; gy;ntW ehLfspypUe;Jk; ek; KUfd; Myaj;jpy; te;J FGkpapUe;j Mapuf; fzf;fhd
kf;fspd; kdk; Fspu thdj;jpy; gwe;j bQypfhg;lhpyUe;J tz;z kyh;f;Ftpay;fs; nfhapy; fyrj;jpd;
kPJ kiHnghy; bfhl;oa fhl;rpiaf; fhz 'mllh! mg;gnd KUfh! ,e;j mw;g[jkhd mHfpidf; fhz
Vd; v';fSf;F Mapuk; fz;fs; jutpy;iy>' vdf; nfl;fj; njhd;wpaJ.
'th#p';ld; KUfDf;F mnuhfuh!' vd;W thdshtpa X';fhu xyp epr;rakhf ifapyhaj;ija[k;
vl;oapUf;Fk; vd;gjpy; IaKz;nlh! epr;rak; Iakpy;iy!
,njnghy; ,uh$nfhg[uk; fl;o Koj;J kQh Fk;ghgpn#f tpHhita[k; rpwg;g[w elj;j
cWjpbkhHpapid vLf;f tpUk;g[fpd;nwhk;. ,jid kpf btw;wpfukhf elj;j ntz;Ltjw;Fhpa cw;rhfj;
ija[k;/ kw;w vy;yh tifapYk; ntz;oa cjtpfisa[k; v';fSf;Ff; bfhLj;J MrPh;thjk; bra;a[';fs;
vd kdkhu KUfg; bgUkhid ntz;of; bfhz;oUe;njhk;.
"brhy;YtJ vy;yhh;f;Fk; RygkhFk;
brhd;dgo elg;gth;fs; kpft[k; brhw;gk;" vd;whh; ehkf;fy; ftp"h;.
Mdhy; gjpndG Mz;LfSf;F Kd; bfhz;lhoa Mya Fk;ghgpn#f ehspypUe;J/ nfhapypy;
gzpg[hpe;j vy;nyhUk;/ KUf gf;jh;fSk;/ vj;jidnah tHpapy; mUk;ghLgl;L thH;ehspd; kpfkpf Kf;fpa/
bgU';fdthd Mya ,uh$nfhg[uk; fl;o Koj;J kQh Fk;ghgpn#fk; elj;jntz;Lk; vd;gJ edthfp
epiwntwptpl;lJ.
,e;j ehs; - $^iy 10/ 2016 "hapW jpdk; te;njtpl;lJ! ek; KUfd; nghapy; ,uh$nfhg[uk;
fl;o Koj;J kQh Fk;ghgpn#fk; elf;Fk; ,e;j ,dpa ehs; ek; thH;tpy; vy;yh ,d;g';fisa[k; mspj;J
ehk; gpwe;j gpwg;gpd; gaid mila[k; ey;y ehshFk;.
KUfh! fe;jh! ntyth/ rz;Kfh/ gHdpahz;lth! th#p';ld; KUfh! vdf; Twpf;bfhz;nl
Kjy; fhyo nfhapy; cs;ns vLj;J itf;Fk;nghnJ mllh!
,j;jifa xspa[ld; fz;bfhs;shf;
fhl;rp mspf;fpd;w KUfg;bgUkhida[k; ts;sp/ bja;thidiaa[k; ghU';fs;!
,e;j mw;g[jkhd

61

Mde;jkhd njhw;wj;jpidg; ghh;f;f vj;Jiz Mapu';fz;fs; ,Ue;jhYk; nghjhJ vd;gJjhd;

cz;ikapYk; cz;ik. th#p';ld; KUfd; Myak; fl;oa Mz;oypUe;j ,d;Wtiu jkpH;ehl;oy;
KUfDf;fhf elf;Fk; kpf Kf;fpakhd gz;oiffisa[k; jpUtpHhf;fisa[k;/ ,y';ifapy; elf;Fk; fjph;
fhkk; kw;Wk; ey;Y}h; jpUtpHhf;fisa[k; tpl;Ltplhky; xt;bthU Mz;Lk; jtwhJ ekJ nfhapypy;
elj;Jtij ehk; ghuhl;lntz;Lk;.
nfhapypd; tsh;r;rpf;F mauhJ ciHj;j midj;J gf;jh;fSf;Fk; v';fs; kdk; Fspu ed;wpTwp
ghuhl;LtJ nfhapy; eph;thfj;jpduhfpa v';fs; flik.
vy;nyhUf;Fk; nkyhf ek; midthpd;
ghuhl;Lf;Fk; chpath;/ bgU kjpg;gpw;Fhpa KUfd; nfhapy; M!;jhd !;jgjp gj;k| Kj;ijah Iah
mth;fs;jhd;. ,tuJ rpw;gpfs; iftz;zj;ij ehk; thh;j;ijfshy; tpsf;FtJ kpft[k; fodk;. kpf mw;
g[jkhf ek; nfhapypd; gy rpw;g';fis gilj;jspj;j rpw;gpfs; midtiua[k; ehk; btFthf ghuhl;o
gy;yhz;L thH;f vd thH;j;Jnthk;.
Myaj; bjhlf;fj;jpypUe;J ,d;Wtiu nfhapypy; gzpahw;wpa/ gzpahw;wpf; bfhz;oUf;Fk;
mh;r;rfh;fs; midtUf;Fk; ek; vy;nyhuJ ed;wpiaf; Twp ghuhl;LtnjhL kdkfpH vy;yhUk; eyKld;
thH;f vd thH;j;Jnthk;.
,Wjpahf/ tl mbkhpf;f th#p';ld; KUfDf;F Xh; mwp"h; mspj;j ghkhiy xd;iw ghh;g;nghk;.
jkpH;g;nguhrpah; ftp"h; 'nfhKf ntyd;' lhf;lh; j';fntyd; mth;fs; KoaD}h; mz;zhkiyahh;
jpUf;nfhapypy; mw';fhtyuhf ,Ue;j mwp"h;. mth; mspj;j 'etnfhs; etkzp el;rj;jpug; nghw;wp
khiy' vd;w bjhFg;gpy; 27k; nghw;wpg; ghly; ,J
",fypd;wp fly;fle; Jiwfpd;w gf;jh;jk;
,jand nghw;wp nghw;wp
,izapd;wp nutjpg; g[izbahd;wp epw;ftsh;
<rnd nghw;wp nghw;wp
mfpyKW kiybayhk; tpisaho tUfbtDk;
mUzfphp nghw;wp nghw;wp
mbkhpf;f tsehL th#p';ld; efhpYiw
mUs;KUf nghw;wp nghw;wp

Best Wishes to our Murugan Temple

on the Happy Occasion of the

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM
Om Saravana Bhava!
Ram, Meera, Rohat and Lakshme
Livingston, NJ 07039

62

mHF KUfdpd; mw;gj

[ j; njhw;w';fs;
mUs;KUf brse;juuh$ mofshh;
KUF vd;why; mHF. KUfd; bfhs;is mHFld; gy tot mikg;g[fspy; fhl;rpaspf;Fk; jy';fSf;F
ek;ik mHj;Jr; bry;fpwhh; mofshh;. mw;g[jj; njhw;w';fspy; mUs;ghypf;Fk; jkpH;f;flt[s;
fe;jg;bgUkhid ehk; kdjhu tz';fp kfpH;nthk;.

jpUKUfDf;F thfd';fs; kapy;/ ahid/ ML Mfpa \d;Wk;; kapy;/ ahid ,uz;ila[k; gy

jy';fspy; fhzyhk;. Mdhy; Ml;L thfdj;Jld; Toa KUfidj; jpUg;ngh+hpy;
fz;Lfspf;fyhk;.
,uz;L jiyfisf; bfhz;l KUfDf;F mf;dpehjh; vd;W bgah;/ ,tiu brd;dpkiyapy;
brd;W jhprpf;fyhk;.
KUfd; ehd;F jiyfSld; kapy;nky; mkh;e;j nfhyj;ijj; jpz:Lf;fy;Yf;F mUfpYs;s
rpd;dhsk;gl;oapy; fz:L tz';fyhk;.
Ie;J jiyfSld;/ vl;L fu';fisa[ila KUfid nfhit mtpehrpf;fUfpy; ,Uf;Fk;
g[d;bra; g[spak;gl;oapy; cs;s Xjpkiyapy; ghh;j;J kfpHyhk;.
| KUfd; xUtDf;Fj;jhd;/ ,uz;L/ ehd;F/ MW/ vl;L/ gj;J/ gd;dpuz;L fu';fs;
,Ug;gijf; fhzyhk;.
gj;J jiyfSld; Toa KUfid Fw;whyj;Jf;F mUfpy; cs;s ,y";rpapy; fz:L
tz';fyhk;.
VG mo cauKs;s KUfid ty;yf; nfhl;ilapy; fhzyhk;.
vl;lo cauKs;s KUfid brd;id tsruthf;fjpYs;s nt';flRg;ukzpa efhpy; cs;s
nfhapypy; fhzyhk;.
ifapy; jhkiu kyh; Ve;jpa KUfid MD}hpy; brd;W jhprpf;fyhk;.
Fk;gnfhzk; MjpFk;ng!;tuh; nfhtpypy; KUfd; MW Kf';fSld; MW fu';fSld;
,Ug;gijf; fhzyhk;.
fGF kiyapy; KUfid xU Kfk; MW fu';fSld; fhzyhk;.
mKj fyrj;ij Ve;jpa KUfid nfhof;fiuapYs;s FHfh; nfhapypy; fhzyhk;.
tpy;nye;jpa ntydhf bea;ntypf;fUfpy; cs;s tpy;ypilahd; gl;oapy; ghh;f;fyhk;.
jpUr;br';nfhl;oy; KUfd; ifapYs;s nty; fy;yhy; MdJ.
nfhitf;F mUfpy; cs;s FUo kiyapy; brt;tff; fy;iy KUfdhf tHp gLfpwhh;fs;.
bguk;gY}Uf;F mUfpy; cs;s brl;of;Fsk; vd;w Chpy; ,Uf;Fk; KUfd; jyj;Jf;Fk; tlgHdp
vd;W bgah;.
mr;rug;ghf;fj;jpw;F fpHf;nf/ bgU';fiz vd;w ,lj;jpy; ,Uf;Fk; KUfd; jyk; eLgHdp
vd;gjhFk;.
bg';f~hpy; mDke;jguj;jpy; KUfd; ,Uf;Fk; kiyf;Fg; bghd;gHdp vd;W bgah;.
Fwj;jp bfhz;ila[ld; ts;spa[k;/ fphPlj;Jld; bja;thida[k; ,Ug[wKk; tps';f Mwiu mo
caukhd KUfid bghd;ndhp mUfpy; cs;s bgUk;ngL vd;w jyj;jpy; fhzyhk;.
Fd;wf;Foapy; KUfd;/ ts;sp/ bja;thid MSf;bfhU kapypy; mkh;ej
; nfhyj;ijf; fhzyhk;.
brd;id kapiyapy;/ | KUfd; kapy; kPJk;/ ts;sp/ bja;thid ,Ug[wKk; ahid kPJk; mkh;e;j
nfhyj;ijf; fhzyhk;.
60 tUl';fisf; Fwpg;gjhf 60 gofisf; bfhz;lJ Rthkpkiy.
365 ehl;fisf; Fwpg;gjhf 365 gofisf; bfhz;lJ jpUj;jzp kiy.
kJuhe;jfj;jpYs;s tlrpw;wk;gyk; KUfd; nfhapy; Fsj;jpy; cg;g[/ fhpg;g[/ g[spg;g[/ ,dpg;g[/ Jth;g;g[/
frg;g[ vd MW Ritfis cila MW fpzWfisf; fhzyhk;.
fe;jidf; FHe;ijahf ghh;tjpapd; ifapy; ghh;j;J kfpH tGt{h; bry;y ntz;Lk;.

ehfj;jpd; nky; epw;Fk; KUfidf; fhz brd;id nkw;F khk;gyj;jpYs;s KUfh!;jpukj;Jf;Fr;

bry;y ntz;Lk;.

63

mWgil KUfida[k; xd;whfr; brd;id jpUbthw;wpa{hpYs;s mikjpafj;jpy; fz;L

fspf;fyhk;.*
gidkuj;jpyhd KUfidf; fhzj; jpUg;ngh+h; bry;y ntz;Lk;.
brd;id vz;q}hpy; tlj; jpUr;bre;J}h; vd;w Xh; KUfd; jyk; cs;sJ.

,d;Dk; KUfdpd; mw;g[jf; nfhy';fs; vj;jid vj;jidnah> midj;Jk; fz;lth; ahnuh>

bja;tPfj; jp';fspjHhd Fz;?rp gj;jphpifapy; nk khjk; 1991 btspaplg;gl;l tptuk;.

*tl mbkhpf;f KUfd; Myaj;jpYk; mWgil KUfid kl;Lky;yhky;/ ey;Y}h; kw;Wk; fjph;fhk KUfida[k; fzhyhk;.

Best Wishes to Murugan Temple

On the Occasion of the

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA MAHA KUMBHABISHEKAM

International Logistics Associates LLC

525 Milltown Road Suite 305, North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Tel: 1+732-317-1325; 1+732-568-4696
Cell: 1+848-219-4566
Fax: 1+732-960-5036

Best Wishes to
Murugan Temple of North America
On the Celebration of

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM

Elyathamby and Sothy Vignarajah (Trustee)
Thiru, Rakhi and Roshan
Krish and Collin
Best Compliments to
Murugan Temple of North America

Best Wishes to
Murugan Temple of North America
On the Completion and Celebration of

On the Occasion of

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHA KUMBHABISHEKAM

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHA KUMBHABISHEKAM

Sridharan Iyengar (Trustee, MTNA)

Lakshmi Iyengar
Aneesh Iyengar

K. Ramaswamy (Trustee, MTNA)

Chellam Ramaswamy
And family

64

IN MURUGAS HANDS

- Kavyanayaki Ganesan

The earliest memory I have of living at this temple was when I was four years old. I was on
my father's shoulders, half asleep and half awake. There was nobody else at the temple. When
everything was silent, the bells and drums rung loudly. I put my hands over my ears. That was
when I started putting all my faith and trust in Lord Muruga.
Murugan Temple of North America is the first temple in the USA dedicated to the Tamil
God, Lord Muruga, with the big celebration in 1999. Many people from around the world visit our
temple to seek the blessings of Lord Muruga. Our temple emphasizes the beauty of the Tamil language. Every second and fourth Sunday, many kids from the metropolitan DC area come to learn
the history and significance of Tamil. We all join together and lean lots of bhajans (devotional
songs) to sing to the deities. We try to understand the meaning behind the lyrics. Now I have
many friends with whom I share the same beliefs and culture. I also learn yoga, which helps me
relax and relieve the stress from school. Many kids who were born in the US don't know how to
read, speak and write the Tamil language. I know that this temple can help preserve the Tamil
culture for a very long time.
There are many festivals in which we celebrate Lord Muruga and some of the other deities.
Some of the festivals include Nallur Kathirgamam Kanthan Festival, Navarathri, and Vinayakar
Chaturthi. During the Nallur Festival, many Srilankans, Malaysians, Indians, and other Tamilians
come from various places such as New York and Canada. The temple is colorfully decorated with
vivid fabric and arts. People pray, fast and take Paal Kudam and Kavadi that day. A variety of loud
instruments and songs can be heard as Lord Muruga sits on top of an elegant chariot and goes on
a procession around the temple, and Lord Muruga's blessings can be felt by everyone. Another
festival celebrated with devotion and joy is Navarathri: a ten-day festival where nine to ten different forms of Goddess Devi are worshipped. Every day, the devotees worship the different variations of Goddess Devi. Songs praising Her can be heard throughout the temple. Navarathri brings
new beginnings for many people. The priests put in so much time and effort to make sure the
temple is neat and orderly and the deities are happy so that we won't come across any disasters.
We are all lucky to have very kindhearted priests who make a difference in a number of people's
lives.
As a devotee, I have been visiting this temple for about eleven years now. Every day, I
thank Lord Muruga for all that He has done for me, whether it is for giving me this life or helping
me with an exam. And without fail, He has always guided me. Despite the mistakes I may have
made without even knowing He has given me lots of opportunities where I can redeem myself. I
know that everything that enters my life is because of Him and everything that leaves my life is
also because of Him. If you visit the temple and take a few minutes to sit down and meditate, you
can, unquestionably, feel Lord Muruga's power (shakthi). Developing good, devotional habits and
worshipping Lord Muruga can help us overcome the forces of darkness.
I am very fortunate to be able to live right on the temple premises. I am also blessed that I
have a wonderfully thriving community. Many families, including mine, cannot go back to their
homeland to join a festival but we are blessed that there are temples nearby where we can celebrate and worship God easily. It is our duty to serve God, our parents and society. We should always remember to pas our traditions and culture to the next generation. We need to understand
that Lord Murugan is within us and our willpower is what can make a change.

65

BLESSED, SINCERELY BLESSED

Michael Doyle

Blessed, sincerely blessed - these are the words which come to mind when I think about my
association with Sanatana Dharma. Allow me to share with you, just a few of these blessings. In
2005, I was able to visit the Siva temple in the Hawaiian islands. You may, or may not know, that
this lineage, The Nandinatha Sampradaya of the Kailasa Paramapara is responsible for creating the
magazine, "Hinduism Today," which today, has a global reach. While in Hawaii, I was able to attend
many pujas at the temple and from firsthand experience, I can tell you, that this is a genuine lineage
with a genuine Satguru at the helm.
In 2006, and again in 2011, I was able to spend six months in India and traveled from Tamil
Nadu to Gaumukhi (considered to be the place where the mighty river Ganges begins). So many
details just 'fell into place' while I was in India that you honestly had to be there and experience it
for yourself, to believe it!
In 2015, I made the decision that I was moving to the DC area after I had gone online and
researched it a bit. I was influenced by the number of Hindu temples and Vedanta centers in the
area, as well as, a very good public transportation system, as I am physically disabled and do not
drive. After arriving in the area, I was looking online again to choose a temple and when I came to
the Murugan Temple website, I experienced a warm glowing sensation in my heart center.
I knew from past experience, LISTEN! I had already started the 'Master Course,' which is a 15
-month home extension course on Hinduism, created by the same Siva lineage which creates
"Hinduism Today," when I decided to start attending the Murugan Temple. I attend the temple almost daily and on my laptop, I do the 'Master Course' readings, and attend the pujas while I am
there. Imagine my 'surprise' when I learned that the Satguru of this same Siva lineage donated the
Ganesha and the Nayanmar murtis to the Murugan Temple!
Synchronicity...another blessing...or both? There is no doubt, the inner world Devas and
Mahadevas are real and Sanatana Dharma is both deep and powerful and there is no doubt...I am
Blessed to be a part of it.
AUM SARAVANA BHAVA !
SHANTI! SHANTI!! SHANTI!!!

Best Wishes to
Murugan Temple of North America
On the Completion of

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM

M. Sevugaperumal, Partner

M. SEVUGAPERUMAL & SONS

Wholesale General Merchant
6, Babu Lane, Aberdeen Bazar
Port Blair 744 101, Andamans

9434282022
03192-233776 (Shop) * 03192-235956 (Fax)
03192-231155 (Res)
Email: mspandsons@gmail.com

66

Congratulations to

MTNA

and your Devoted Volunteers

Best Wishes!

COLUMBIA GROUP
INSURANCE SERVICES

Life and Health Insurance

(410) 483-8888

BEST WISHES TO

MURUGAN TEMPLE OF NORTH AMERICA

ON THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF RAJAGOPURAM
AND

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM
Trustees

Manimekalai Saravanan
Puvaneswary Satchithanandam
Suseela Krishnan

67

MURUGAN TEMPLE IS PART OF OUR CULTURE

Manimekalai Saravanan
There are thousands of temples around the world and a huge number of them for Lord
Murugan. Why is Murugan temple of North America special to us, especially me? I have been
pondering this question ever since I started going to this one. Answers are not at all hard to find.
I forget myself when I enter the temple and I am engulfed in peace and nothing but peace.
I love to spend each minute for benefits of the temple. As a person it is my duty to do something
good in life and I choose to serve our Murugan temple as my goal. I feel completely at home in
the temple. Added to the primary reason of being in the divine environment of Lord Murugan, I
get the opportunity to meet and interact with thousands of devotees.
We all know how hard it is to raise funds to build a temple and it takes years to complete
one, if 'completion' is the word we can use. Building a temple is only the beginning, the temple
needs to be sustained in the future. As with anything else in society, religious places of worship
depend on the future generation for support and management. Then, the question becomes: Is
it possible? How do we attract younger generation to be interested in the future of the temple?
What are our responsibilities to encourage young ones to visit our temple? What do they gain
from their visit?
When I came to this country I noticed that children of my cousins and their friends were
finding it difficult to speak our language (Tamil), eat our ethnic food and practice our culture.
Due to the fact that parents continue practicing our culture at home, the younger generation,
albeit not following our tradition in their daily life due to the environment of western culture, I
sense that respect and love for our culture is deeply seeded in their mind. On and off it is flourishing in their daily life. They love our tradition but they need lots of help from their parents to
practice it. Hindu temples in general, play an important role in sustaining and nurturing the respect of the younger generation for our culture. I am confident that they will do what is necessary to maintain our temple in the future, provided parents guide them and inculcate in them the
beauty and pride of our culture. One of the easiest things for parents to do is bring their children
celebrations to be conducted at the temple and take the time to explain to them the meaning of
the rituals, festivals and the happenings in the temple. Temple administration has an equally
critical role in that they should encourage and provide opportunities for youths to participate and
contribute to the temple events, whenever possible.
Best Wishes to
Murugan Temple of North America

Best Compliments to
Murugan Temple of North America

On the Occasion of

On the Celebration of

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHA KUMBHABISHEKAM

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHA KUMBHABISHEKAM

Dr. S. Baskaran
Mrs. Sethu Baskaran
And Family

Sivakumar Kareesan (Trustee)

Sujini Sivakumar
Vikranth Sivakumar

68

RAJAGOPURAM AT MURUGAN TEMPLE

- Uma Vodela

A Gopuram or Gopura is a monumental tower, usually ornate, at the entrance of a Hindu

temple, especially in Southern India. Symbolically, the Gopuram represents the feet of the deity. At
the Murugan Temple the emerging five-tier structure of the Rajagopuram reminds us of the traditional architecture of Saivite temples in Tamil Nadu. The devotee bows at the feet of Lord Murugan at the entrance as he or she steps into the temple and proceeds towards the sanctum, leaving
behind the world of contradictions.
In concept, the crest of the Gopuram has the same significance of representing the central
Bramasthan which is the energy field of any building. This energy field in three dimension is taken
to the top level of the Gopuram and this confers spiritual benefits to the visitors of the temple.
The Rajagopuram of Murugan temple houses breathtaking sculptures of Sri Dakshinamurthy and Sri Brama at the very top tier; there are two exquisite Dwaraplakas (guardians to the
shrine) on each tier of Gopuram facing east. Intricately ornate architecture adds to the grandeur of
the tower. The Rajagopuram measures an impressive height of 56 feet from the main temple floor.
Murugan temple Rajagopuram will stand tall for many generations to come. We are overwhelmed by the incredible creativity and talent of the temple artisans (shilpis) and their capable
leader (Padmasri Muthiah Sthapathy) who brought this structure to life forever.

Sri Ganapathy Thunai

Sri Murugan Arul

We are honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to serve Lord Murugan and His devotees.
Our fervent hope is that the future leaders of our magnificent temple will find it in their hearts to bring
in more devotees to the temple, provide more spiritual services to the congregation, and to improve on
what has been accomplished so far.
We share our sense of excitement and fulfillment with the thousands of devotees of Lord
Murugan on the completion of the Rajagopuram and the grand celebration of this event.
Our best wishes for a glorious future of Murugan temple of North America
ON THE OCCASION OF THE

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA MAHA KUMBHABISHEKAM

OUR HEART-FELT GRATITUDE TO ALL THE DEVOTEES WHO MADE THIS GRAND
CELEBRATION POSSIBLE BY DONATING TIME, MONEY AND MORAL SUPPORT.

THANK YOU!
Trustees
Officers of the Executive Committee and Members of the Executive Committee

Murugan Temple of North America

69

Best Compliments To

Johnson L. Myalil, Esq.

High-Tech Immigration Law Group, PLLC

Murugan Temple of North America
From
12030 Sunrise Valley Drive
Suite 160
Reston, VA 20901

Best Wishes to Murugan Temple of North America

On the Celebration of

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM
A Murugan Devotee

Best Compliments to Murugan Temple of North America

SIVAJI GANESAN KALAIMANRAM
On the occasion of

RAJAGOPURAM MAHA
KUMBHABISHEKAM
S.G. THEATER GROUP, INC. (A tax-exempt, non-profit cultural organization)
Severn, Maryland, USA

70

Best Wishes to Murugan Temple on the Occasion of the

Noothana Rajagopura
Mahaa Kumbhabishekam

Walkersville Pharmacy
19 East Frederick Street
Walkersville MD 21793
Tel: 301-845-4401
Fax: 301-845-1114
www.walkersvillepharmacy.com

May Lord Muruga with Valli and Devasena Bless us all!

Best Wishes to Murugan Temple of North America
For the Successful Completion of

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM

Gnanavel Munirathinam, Mythili Gnanavel
Kumaraguru Gnanavel and Shrivan Gnanavel
Boyds, Maryland
May Lord Murugan shower His Blessings upon us!

Best Wishes to Murugan Temple of North America

For the Successful Completion of

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM

Mr. and Mrs. Munirathinam Family
Acharappakkam, India
May Lord Murugan shower us all with His Blessings

71

Best Wishes for the Success of

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM

Founder, Director and Choreographer: Uma Chetty

2009 Grey Oaks Park Lane
Glen Allen, VA 23059
www.apsarasvirginia.com

Best Wishes to
Murugan Temple of North America
On the Celebration of

With Best
Compliments to
Murugan Temple
On the Successful
Celebration of
NOOTHANA
RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA
KUMBHABISHEKAM

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM
Dennis, Thushi, Ganesh & Jeevan
Aravindan & Laju
Puvaneswary Satchithanandam (Trustee)

Best Wishes to
Murugan Temple of North America
On the Celebration of

Muthiah Arunachalam
And Family
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM
Dr. S. Padmanabhan,
Mrs. Rama Padmanabhan
And Family

72

BEST COMPLIMENTS TO
MURUGAN TEMPLE OF NORTH AMERICA

ON THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION

OF RAJAGOPURAM
AND
THE GRAND CELEBRATION OF

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM
WITH MOST GRATITUDE TO THE MULTITUDE OF
MURUGAN DEVOTEES AND VOLUNTEERS
WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED
SO MANY THINGS IN SO MANY WAYS AND SO LONG
TO THE MURUGAN TEMPLE

DR. GOPAL GURUSWAMY

MRS. MUTHUKANNU GURUSWAMY
AND FAMILY

73

Best Compliments to
MURUGAN TEMPLE OF NORTH AMERICA
On the completion of Rajagopuram

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM
And
The Selvam Family
15617 Plantation Court, Laurel, MD-20707
VaLLal Washington Murugan Bless us all in good health and happiness!
~ With ardent devotion to Murugan Temple of North America ~

Vathsala Devi Selvam, M.P. Selvam,

Kumar Selvam, Reka Selvam, Milan Selvam,
Prabu Selvam, Arya Selvam,
Stella Selvam & Amma

74

Best Compliments to
Murugan Temple of North America
On the Completion of Rajagopuram and

NOOTHANA RAJAGOPURA
MAHAA KUMBHABISHEKAM
vd;Wk; vjpYk; jkpH;!

Taking Tamil
to the
Next
Generation!
https://suganthinadar.wordpress.com
http://www.tamilunltrd.com/

10 Maybelle Court
Mechanicsburg
PA 17050
USA
Ph: 717-728 - 3999
717- 802 - 5889

The Nadar Family

75

IN MEMORIAM

REMEMBERING THE MURUGAN DEVOTEES WHO STOOD WITH US

L. M. Jagadeesan

V. S. Gandhi

Arumugam Saravanapavan

Kumaresan

Pollachi N. Mahalingam

C.P. Ranganathan

Sriskandarajah and Sundari Sriskandarajah

Satchithanandam

77

E}jd ,uh$nfhg[u kQh Fk;ghgpn#f tpHh

"hapW/ $^iy 3 - "hapW/ $^iy 10/ 2016

epfH;r;rp epuy;

78

SINCERE APPRECIATION TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS!

MURUGAN TEMPLE OF NORTH AMERICA

6300 Princess Garden Parkway, Lanham, MD, USA 20706
Www.murugantemple.org ~ 301-552-4889