MURUGAN TEMPLE OF NORTH AMERICA

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TEMPLE EXPANSION PROJECT It would be extremely hard to imagine any of the above
construction projects could have been done without the
Significant segments of construction have been com- thoughtful, timely and generous support of the devotees of
pleted at MTNA. Under Phase one, concrete Rajagopu- Lord Murugan. The administration heartily extends its
ram was completed in 2014 costing $600K. By June 2016 gratitude to everyone who continues to support MTNA.
Rajagopuram was completed and Noothana Rajagopura
Maha Kumb- MURUGAN TEMPLE OF NORTH AMERICA
habishekam was
celebrated on July
10, 2016. Subse- BRAMOTSAVAM AND KUBHABISHEKAM
quently, the North THIRUVIZHA
and the South
Gopurams were Please mark your calendar to attend the
finished and orna- grand celebration
mental work on
the east side was
c om pleted th e Friday, June 30Monday, July 10, 2017
total cost of the
Rajagopuram pro-
ject was botu $1.5 BRAMOTSAVAM
million. In Phase
two, the patio Fri. June 30Day 1: Kodi Yetram
floor is now com- Sat. July 1 Sun. July 9: Bramotsavam days
plete; construction of a commercial kitchen, dining hall, a Sat. July 8Murugan Ther Thiruvizha
library and facilities is well on the way to completion; a ya-
gasalai, work on stairs, a passenger elevator and other Monday, July 10 Kumbhabishekam Anniversary Day
details are scheduled to be done by May 2017. The esti-
mate for the temple expansion is about $3.4 million. SATURDAY, JULY 15
The prayer hall has been renovated with new ceiling
and lighting and an audio system has been added to the KUMBHABISHEKAM ANNIVERSARY DAY
facility. Three new deities were installed and consecrated CELEBRATION
at the time of Maha Kumbhabishekam. (Details to be announced)

APRIL JUNE 2017 NEWSLETTER

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 MAJOR CELEBRATIONS AND RELIGIOUS EVENTS AT MTNA
APRIL JUNE 2017
Please check the details in the 2016 MTNA calendar
or visit our website: www.murugantemple.org
Information is available with the front desk at: 301-552-4889

APRIL 2017 JUNE 2017

PANGUNI UTTIRAM AND Wed. June 7 Vaikasi Visakam Day

THIRUPPRANKUNDRAM THIRUMANA VIZHA
AM - Subramanya Homam
Sun. April 9 Murugan Special Abishekam

9:15 amGanapathi Abishekam and Puja VAIKASI VISAKAM AND PALAMUTHIR SOLAI
9:45 amSubramanya Homam, Kavadi and Palkudam TAMIL VIZHA
10:30 amMurugan Special Abishekam Sat. June 10
Bhajan, and short talk about Murugan
12:30 pmDeeparadhanai 9:00 amGanapathi Puja
Lunch 10:30 amPalkudam and Kavadi
3:00 pmMurugan Thirukalyanam & Procession 11:00 amMurugan Special Abishekam
Bhajan and short talk on Murugan
___________________________________________ 12:30 pm Deeparadhanai
Prasadam distribution
TAMIL NEW YEARS DAY/VISHU
Tamil New Year: Heyvilambi All day sponsorship: $151
__________________________________________
Thurs. April 13
9:00 amGanapathi Homam and Thurs. June 29 Aani Thirumanjanam
Subramanya Homam
9:45 amGanapathi Abishekam 6:00 amNatarajar Special Abishekam
11:00 amMurugan Special Abishekam
___________________________________________

GURU PUJA
BRAMOTSAVAM
Sun. April 16 - Special puja for 63 Nayanmargal KUMBHABISHEKAM ANNIVERSARY DAY
CELEBRATION
(Details to be announced)
MAY 2017

Tues. May 9 RAJAMADHANGI HOMAM Fri. June 30Day 1: Kodi Yetram

10:00 am - Homam
11:00 am - Meenakshi Special Abishekam
(Note: There will not be an evening Meenakshi Abishekam)
7:00 pm - Meenakshi Sahasranamam
Sat. July 1 Sun. July 9: Bramotsavam days
Sat. July 8Murugan Ther Thiruvizha
Monday, July 10 Kumbhabishekam Anniversary Day
Saturday, July 15Celebration

FOR THE FIRST TIME AT MTNA

MTNA NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Sat. May 13 - Rajamadhangi Grand Celebration
11:00 am1:00 pm Sridharan Iyengar
Meenakshi Abishekam Gnanavel Munirathinam
Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Thirukkalyanam M. Ramiah
Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Procession Sothy Vignarajah
Deeparadhanai
 Vinayagar Notes
Vinayagar is the embodiment of OM - Onkaram. In Tamil
language,Vinayagar is Muzhumudhar Kadavul. He is also
known as Ganesha. As He clears all obstacles, He is also
known as Vigneshwara. With His blessings auspicious
activities / projects will proceed smoothly without any hin-
drance, and will end successfully. Hindus begin any auspi-
cious activities by praying to Lord Ganesha first before
worshipping other deities; the same is practiced when visit-
ing a Hindu temple.
on his forehead and prayed to Lord Ganesha for forgive-
ness. Lord Ganesha blessed Agasthiar saying that who-
ever put Kuttu* in front of Him with devotion would be
blessed with sharp knowledge, health and wealth.
Now, in the western world, it is believed that the practice of
Thoppukkaranam and Kuttu relieves stress and autism. I
pray to almighty Ganesha that all activities and projects
carried out by Murugan Temple of North America are suc-
cessful, useful and will benefit the people around the world.
____________

* 'Vinayagar' by Dr. Thiru Muruga Kripananda Variyar Swamigal.

The significance of Thoppukkaranam and Kuttu on
________________________________________________________
forehead in front of Lord Ganesha:

Gajamugan*, a demon, got several boons from Lord Siva

including boon of no death from any arsenal. Hence, he
gave unbearable trouble to Devas including Indiran,
Brahma and Thirumal (Lord Venkateshwara). One big
punishment given by the demon to Devas was that they
needed to put 1008 Thoppukaranam three times a
day. They went to Kailash and reported to Lord Siva that
they were so tired and weak and had no time and energy
to perform their normal duties because of the punishment
and harassment by the Demon Gajamugan. They pleaded
with Lord Siva to liberate them from Gajamugan. Lord Siva
sent Lord Ganesha to fight with Gajamugan. Since Ga-
jamugan was earlier blessed by Siva that no artillery / arse-
nal could kill him, - all weapons of Lord Ganesha could not
harm the Demon. Understanding this boon, Lord Ganesha
broke his right tusk and killed the Demon with it. Immedi-
ately, the Demon transformed into a mouse and bestowed
in front of Vinayagar. With boundless mercy, Lord Gane-
sha accepted him as his conveyance. With immense grati-
tude, Devas wanted to perform 1008 Thoppukkaranam in
front of Lord Ganesha, but HE told them to do just three
times. Even today it is common practice for devotees to do
Thoppukkaranam facing Lord Ganesha.

The great saint Agasthiar was carrying the river Kaveri

from Lord Siva in a small pooja vessel (kamandalam). At
the Kudagu hills saint Agasthiar was doing pooja for Lord
Siva. At the same time at Sirgazhi, Indira Devan was per-
forming pooja for rain in order to eliminate drought. Saint fzgjp mUs;
Naradha told Indiran that if the level of river Kaveri in the
pooja vessel of Saint Agasthiar could spread / increase, fUtHp brd;wpdpg; gpwthky;
the drought would be gone. Immediately, Indiran prayed to fhkj;ij eho mHpahky;
Lord Ganesha to help him out. Lord Vinayagar, in the form bjUtHp Jd;g[w; wiyahky;
of a crow sits on top of the pooja vessel. Saint Agasthiar
shooed the crow. However, when the crow flew away the
njfj;jp yhir itf;fhky;
pooja vessel tipped over and the Kaveri Water spilled and FUtpd;wp thH;e;J koahky;
spread on the ground. The saint got angry at the crow and F";rpj ghjj;ij kwthky;
the crow then turned into a small Brahmin boy. Saint KUfd; nfhapy; fzgjpna
Agasthiar, angry at the spilt water, tried to hit the Brahmin Kj;jp nru mUs;thna
boy with closed fist on top of his head (kuttu). Immediately,
the Brahmin Boy blessed Saint Agasthiar with His appear-
This devotional song was composed by Nigel Siva asking Lord Ganesha
ance as Lord Vinayagar. Saint Agasthiar repentantly hit residing in our Murugan Temple to give moksha (liberation from rebirth)
 MAHA SIVARATHRI
Sivarathri, Sivas night or night most propitious for
the worship of Lord Siva are the twenty four Chathurthi
(14th day of the moons phase) occasions in a year. The
night of the month of Masi (February-March) has however,
by tradition, observed as Maha Sivarathri night. It was on
this night that Lord Siva revealed himself, emerging from
the Lingam. Hence the Siva Lingam becomes the chief
object of veneration on Maha Sivarathri night.
Worship on Sivarathri Night
Anointing the Siva Lingam (abishekam) and per-
forming pujas to it have been prescribed for meticulous
performance during each of the four watches (Jamam) of
the night; different form of unguents for anointing and dif-
ferent species of flowers at each of the four pujas have to
be offered at each watch; Lotus flowers at the first watch
puja, Tulasi leaves at the second, Vilva leaves at the third
and sengalanir flowers at the fourth watch have been stipu-
lated. The puja at the third watch, called the Lingotpava
Puja is the climax, the crucial moment when the devotee
experiences the emergence of the luminous light within
himself.
Sivarathri in the Temples
Sivarathri is observed, in one form or another, at
every Hindu Temple. At Sivan Temples it is a very special
occasion. In Sri Lanka, the temple at Thirukethees-
waram, near Mannar, was the foremost sthalam where
thousands flocked for the occasion. A most absorbing de-
votional experience awaits the devotee, involving him in
the performance of Theertha Kavadi at all the four
watches of the night.
Significance of Sivarathri night
An eminent Ceylonese wrote in 1966: The true signifi-
cance of Sivarathri is a deeply philosophical one. Hinduism
is a Commonwealth of Religions, in which Saivaism may
be regarded as a sub-unit comprising a federation of faiths,
or rather various types of observances leading to the com-
mon objective of eventual union with Siva. Siva is only a
name when the Impersonal Absolute, the ultimate, is under
consideration; but is also the personal God, the Supreme
One. If mystery in religion is what logical thinking cannot
grasp on the basis of human intellect which is dependent
so much on the physical senses - perception, the there is
only one mystery in Saivaism and that is how the Imper-
sonal Absolute becomes Personal, the Infinite becomes as
if it were finite, the Formless takes on form, or the Uncondi-
tioned becomes conditioned. How the changeless takes on
change, we are unable to understand but we know the why
and the where for of this process. For, without this appar-
ent change from the unconditioned to the conditioned ,
from the Impersonal to the Personal the human souls will
MAHA SIVARATHRI
CELEBRATION
MAHA SIVARATHRI was
celebrated on Friday,
February 24, 2017 at
MTNA with at least 100
devotees (an average
count) for each segment
(Jamam) of puja.
_______________________________________________
be left in darkness, without a guide or friend.
So it is out of infinite compassion for the souls in darkness,
the Infinite Impersonal becomes, so to speak, the finite per-
sonal. This becoming is called Sakthi and is depicted in all
the religions comprised in Hinduism as Woman. The Abso-
lute thus becomes personal Father (Siva) and Mother
(Sakthi).
Reading of Kandapuranam- Adi Mudi thediya padalam
At all Hindu Temples it is usual to read the Adi
Mudi thediya Padalam" verses from the Hindu scripture
Kandapuranam, on this occasion. The verses narrate the
story of how Brahma and Vishnu unsuccessfully tried to
locate the top and bottom of a pillar of fire. Ultimately Lord
Siva (The Absolute) emerges and appears in their midst -
this form is revered as Lingotpava Murthi and may be
seen at the back of the Sanctum at all Sivan Temples.
Puranic Legends
Many legends appear in the puranas relating to
Maha Sivarathri night. The oft-quoted one is that of hunter
Sivagossaraiar. He had been out hunting, lost his way and
was unable to get back home at nightfall. He had to spend
the night without dinner and sleepless on a tree, the
branches of which he kept on shaking all through the night
to keep himself awake. The leaves and the dew drops from
the branches in their descent fell on a Siva Lingam under
the tree and the hunter quite unwittingly had been fortunate
to perform abishekam and puja to a Siva Lingam , while
fasting on Sivarathri night and was the recipient of Divine
favors.
To the busy man, tired on account of hard and of-
ten monotonous work, moments of relaxation are essential
for preserving his efficiency. So tradition has devised such
occasions for him to gain rest and peace; intellectuals, in
their wisdom, have since added religious significances to
assure that these occasions are meticulously observed.
_______________________________________________
Note: The above has been developed from extracts taken from the book
Thiruketheeswaram (1990) by S. Arumugam BSc (Lond)., BSc (Eng).,
FICE.,FIE, Retired Director of Irrigation.
 Panguni Uthiram
Panguni Uthiram is an auspicious day for Tamil Hindus.
This year it will be celebrated on Sunday, April 9. The day
is intended to underline the glory of Grahasta Dharma (the
married life of a householder). It is observed in the month
of Panguni (the last month in the Tamil Calendar) when the
nakshastram Uthiram prevails (also known as Uttara Phal-
guni), and coincides with the full moon.
It is believed that many divine marriages took place on
this day. Goddess Parvathi and Lord Shiva got married on
this day; Parvathi took the form of Gowri and married Lord
Shiva in Kanchipuram; hence, it is known as Gowri Kaly-
anam. The marriage of Goddess Deivayanai and Lord Mu-
rugan and that of Seetha and Lord Rama as well also took
place on this day.
It is also celebrated as MahaLakshmi Jayanthi (birthday
of MahaLakshmi), as the Ksheera Sagara Manthan
(churning of the Milk Ocean) took place on this day. It is
also celebrated as Aiyappan Jayanthi (birthday of Lord Ai-
yappan).
Murugan devotees carry kaavadi and dance in Murugan
temples on this day. Vows are made or fulfilled.
It is celebrated as Basatotsav (Bengal), Phagwah
(Bihar), Doajtra (Oriya), Ganga Mela (UP), Dol Purnima
(Bengal), igmo (Konkani), Rangapanchami (MP),
Yaosang (Manipur), Basnata Panchami (AP), Phakuwa
(Assam), Shimga (Maharashtra), Manjal Kuli (Kerala),
Fagu Poornima (Nepal), Panguni Uthiram Vasanthotsavam
(TN).
It is also the date that marks the demise of Holika, the
evil sister of Hiranyakashipu. Holi (derived from Holika) is
celebrated the next day. It is known as the festival of col-
ors or the festival of sharing love. Holi celebrations start on
the night before Holi with a Holika Bonfire where people
gather, sing, dance and party.
The next morning is a free-for-all carnival of colors,
where participants play, chase and color each other with
dry powder and colored water, with some carrying water
guns and colored water-filled balloons for their water fight.
Groups carry drums and other musical instruments, go
from place to place, sing and dance. People visit family,
friends and foes to throw color powders on each other,
laugh and gossip, then share Holi delicacies, food and
drinks. The festival itself is believed to have origins from
the Prahladpuri Temple of Multan in the Punjab region.
The original temple of Prahladpuri is said to have been
built by Prahlad.
This day can mark the beginning of good relationships.
It can also correct problems in relationships. You can seek
the help of the divine couples to listen to your worries and
help you find solutions. By being present in the re-
enactment of their wedding ceremonies, you can connect
with a higher consciousness and understand your life in a
better light.
_______________________________________________
MTNA VOLUNTEERS
We are proud to have a number of volunteers lend support
to our daily operations as well as special occasions. The
picture below was taken at a gathering of volunteers at the
2016 Skanda Sashti Festival at the temple. Our sincere
thanks to all the MTNA volunteers.
MURUGAN TEMPLE OF NORTH AMERICA
 A Sincere and Urgent Appeal to Devotees of Lord Murugan
It is your thoughtful and generous donations that enabled the completion of the Rajagopuram project and the grand cele-
bration of Maha Kumbhabishekam in July 2016. We are all energized by the devotion and generosity of everyone who con-
tributed to the project and the event and we heartily thank you for your financial support.

The exterior work and the beautification of the prayer hall are nearing completion, but a serious concern remains to be
addressed - the restrooms in the basement, which are about two decades old, badly need an upgrade. We absolutely need
to renovate the restrooms with the latest design and materials which will include industrial grade quality equipment, ceramic
tiles & granite tops, among other details. This project is of utmost importance to provide a state-of-the art and hygienic envi-
ronment at the temple for our devotees.

After careful screening of several contractors, we have been able to find one who can provide the quality of work that we
envision at MTNA with labor cost that is also very reasonable when compared with other estimates. The cost estimate for
two restroom facilities is $70,000 (Materials - $15,000 and Labor- $20,000 for each restroom). As soon as we are able to
raise the needed funds we should be able to get started on the project.

We cannot do this without the continued financial support of MTNA devotees. Once again, we count on your generosity
and good will. Our estimate is two months to complete the restroom project by the end of summer 2017.

Highlights of the project include:

Old restrooms will be demolished and reconstructed

Restrooms will have tiled floors and walls
Washbasins will have granite tops with all necessary accessories
New shower rooms for devotees
Special toilet facility for disabled persons
Each restroom will be equipped with industrial grade exhaust fans
LED lighting will be used to reduce cost of electricity

Please make your generous contributions at the earliest for this essential project to achieve our date of completion.
Checks should be made payable to 'MTNA' adding a note 'Restroom Project' in the memo part. Donations to the project
could be made online at MTNA website. Cash donations are gratefully accepted. All donations are tax-deductible. Each
and every dollar of your donation will be acknowledged, appreciated and accounted for by MTNA.
May Lord Murugan Bless us all!!

For further information, please contact: MTNA: 301-552-4889 ~ www.murugantemple.org

Project coordinators: Dr. M.P. Selvam: 240-498-3199 and Dr. Arangs: 240-344-8800
 Murugan Temple VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
of North America Devotees are the foundation of our temple. Volunteers are the pillars. MTNA
needs more volunteers. We cordially invite the devotees to volunteer a few
6300 Princess Garden Parkway, Lanham, hours a month to help on various occasions. Please join the dedicated team of
Maryland 20706, USA volunteers to show your devotion to Lord Murugan.
Please contact the temple manager at 301-552-4889.
www.murugantemple.org
You can find us on the Face Book at
301-552-4889 https://www.facebook.com/MuruganTempleNorthAmerica

MURUGAN TEMPLE PUJA FUND

We use flowers, garlands, milk and fruits

for deities for daily pujas as well as for special
occasions. Please donate generously to the
MTNA PUJA FUND. Contact 301-552-4889
for online donation or for other ways to donate.
_______________________________________

VASTHRAM FOR DEITIES

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

Devotees are welcome to sponsor vasthram cUtha; mUtha; csjha; ,yjha;

such as dhoti or saree for deities in the temple on
occasions such as Navarathri, Skanda Sashti,
Thaippoosam, and other special event days.
Sponsorship will be accepted on a first-come-first
-served basis.
Please note that the MTNA priests will not be
able to arrange for vasthram sponsorship by
devotees. Please contact the temple manager at
301-552-4889 to arrange for sponsorship.
Xk; KUfh
ntYk;
kapYk;
Jiz
kUtha; kyuha; kzpaha; xspaha;
fUtha; capuha;f; fjpaha; tpjpaha;
FUtha; tUtha; mUs;tha; Ffnd
- fe;jh; mEg{jp
TEMPLE HOURS: Monday Friday 9 am 12 noon & 5 pm - 9 pm;
Saturday, Sunday, & Holidays 9 am 9 pm.
TEMPLE SERVICES: MTNA Priests are available to perform religious
ceremonies for devotees. Please call the Temple Manager to discuss your
needs and make prior arrangements for ceremonies at the Temple or in your
home. Also, ask for information about local hotels for your short stay during
visit to the temple.
AUDITORIUM: The Temples auditorium capable of seating about 200 people
in the basement is available for rent by Devotees. The Temple has also ample
parking space. Please call the Temple Manager at 301 552-4889 for
reservations.

The Murugan Temple of North America is a traditional
Hindu Temple. It has a floor area of 7000 sq. ft with
main sannidhi for Murugan (Karthikeya) and separate
sannidhi for each of the other deities: Vinayaka
(Ganesha), Durgai Amman, Siva, Meenakshi Amman
and Palani Andavar. Navagrahas are featured as well.
Visit our web site: www.murugantemple.org
DIRECTIONS TO MURUGAN TEMPLE: From I-95 (also 495, Capital
Beltway), take exit 20-A, Lanham (Rte 450 East), then follow the signs to
Princess Garden Parkway. Turn right on Princess Garden Parkway. Murugan
Temple is on your left within half a mile (6300 Princess Garden Parkway).
From Baltimore-Washington Parkway take Exit to Rt. 193 East Greenbelt
Road. Turn left on Greenbelt Road. Turn right on Hanover Parkway, which
becomes Princess Garden Parkway. Drive about 2.5 miles. The temple will be
on your right.