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TEMPLE TIMES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Quarter 2017 January, February, March--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sri Venkateswara

A Quarterly Publication of

Sri Meenakshi Temple Society Pearland, Texas

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HON. PRESIDENT Sockalingam Kannappan

BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2016-2017)

Chairman - Sockalingam Narayanan Secretary - Giyarpuram N Prasad

Treasurer - Sasidharan Pillai Vice Chairman - Padmini Nathan

Jt. Secretary- Ramachandra M Reddy Jt. Treasurer - Kamala Raghavan

ADJUNCT EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

A.V.N. Reddy Chandrakala Gupta

Somarajan Nair Kanakam Babu Inampudi

DIRECTORS Mahesh Iyer

Mala Gopalakrishnan Ramamurthy Ramsundar

Sundar Arunachalam Kumar Bashyam

Nachal Sethuraman Rani Chilukuri Sheila Sriram

S. Radhakrishnan Lakshminarayanan Setty

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Tupil V Narasiman (Hon. Vice President) Rajendra Mikkilineni Parthiban Dhanabalan

P. Vaduganathan Srikanth Venugopalan

Padma Golla K.R.Thiagarajan

Natarajan Annamalai Vairavan Subramanian

Padma Anantha

HON. ADVISORY COUNCIL Trustees S.G. Appan

I. Kota Reddy E.C.G. Sudarshan

K. Ramaswamy

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A Message from the MTS Executive Committee Namaskaram!

As we head towards completing the last month of the year and get ready to welcome the New Year shortly, we have much to be thankful.

Our Meenakshi Temple had another stellar year where record number of devotees attended and enjoyed the multitude of Puja celebrations including Ganesh Chathurthi, Janmashtami, Venkateswara Kalyanam, Navarathri and Deepavali, that bracketed an eight week window. The Main temple, accommodating the huge gatherings add a special ambience, with the vast space and yet offers an intimate devotional experience. The Suvasini’s puja with over four hundred sarees being handed to participating ladies, the alankaras of Sri Meenakshi moolavar deity adorned with 10,000 bangles in “Valaiyal Alankaram” and as Sri Shakambri devi in the Utsava Kolam, completely decorated with about 30 different vegetables and fruits were sights to behold, as was the surreal ambience with Sri Padmavathy in the chariot procession after Deepavali’s Lakshmi Puja.

The Corner Temple Renovation Project (CTRP) continues to gather momentum with the Serene Bhoomi Puja on November 6 heralding a milestone. Along with the gathered devotees and dignitaries, the young VHS students stole the hearts of those gathered with their rendition of slokas. The Fund raising continues to be strong and has involved a wide base of support having reached close to $ 900,000 in just over 7 months since the GB approval in April.

The addition of the eighteen Holy steps for the Ayyappa Sannadhi and the installation of the three Acharyas with the CTRP project were overwhelmingly approved at the November General body. The construction begins in earnest this month, focusing on the North side prakaram.

With your support we continue to address many of the maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, with a recent example of closed circuit video telecast of the Dakshinamurthy Abhishekam, enjoyed by many devotees. We thank all the Priests and Staff as they continue to work hard to ensure our Temple and the grounds is well presented, a key objective of all of us in the board.

Indeed we have much to be thankful for, as we bid farewell to the year 2016. We request your support and participation in the New Year and all upcoming events, and look forward to your feedback. On behalf of the Board and Advisory council we wish you and your family a very Happy, Prosperous and Peaceful New Year in 2017. May the blessings of Sri Meenkashi Sri Sundareswara, Sri Padmavathy and Sri Venkateswara be showered on you and your family.

G.N. PrasadSecretary, MTS

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A. To incorporate the eighteenth step at the same level as the Ayyappa Sannidhi, the proposed design involves: (1) Adding the Holy Eighteen Steps underground to come up in front of Ayyappa Sannidhi; (2) Provide a stairway down to reach the first step of the Holy Eighteen Steps; (3) Add hand rails to help the devotee when climbing up and down the stairs.

B. Install the three (3) acharyas of circa 10th Century A.D. who revitalized Hindu religion The Hindu Acharyas (Philosophers) Saints Sri Adi Sankaracharya, Sri Ramanujacharya, Sri Madhvacharya along the inside walls of the South and North connection of the Corner Mandapams.

CTRP Eighteen Holy steps and Acharyas installation resolution was approved at the General body on November 20, 2016 and comprise

Adi Sankaracharya Ramanujacharya Madhvacharya Schematic depiction of the Holy 18 steps

Ayyappa swamy With pathinettam Padi @ Sabari Mala

Sponsorship Solicited Please Contact MTS treasurer Sasidaran Pillai by email nsasipillai@aol.com

From a clear knowledge of the Bhagavad-gita all the goals of human existence become fulfilled. Bhagavad-gita is the manifest quintessence of all the teachings of the Vedic scriptures.

- Adi Shankara

Serve God and God’s devotees. Serve all devotees without regard to their status.

Have faith in the teachings of Acharyas.

- Sri Ramanujacharya

Salvation can be obtained only by pure and unsullied love of God.

- Sri Madhavacharya

SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE SOCIETY 17130 McLean Road. Pearland, Texas 77584 – 4630 Tel: 281- 489-0358 ext.100 or 110, Fax: 281- 489-3540 Website: www.meenakshi.org E-mail: temple@meenakshi.org Corner Temples Renovation Project 2016

SPONSORSHIP FORM

Donor Name: Last ________________________ First ____________________ Spouse: _______________________ Business/Corporate Donor Name (If applicable): __________________________________________ Phone: Home: __________________ Work: ___________________ Mobile: __________________ Mailing Address: ______________________________________________E-mail: _____________________

Donors upgrading from $1,000 BRICK sponsorship will need to pay only the difference to the new level of sponsorship. For example, a $1,000 BRICK donor will need to pay additional $1,500 and be upgraded to BRICK +

Pillars of Nayanmargal & Alwargal Mandapams.

- Item has already been sponsored. ALL CTRP DONATIONS ($1,000 & ABOVE) WILL BE RECOGNIZED ON WALL PLAQUES

AT THE MTS VISITOR CENTER, IN ACCORDANCE WITH MTS POLICY GUIDELINES I wish to be a sponsor of CTRP project as shown above (Kindly check one of the boxes above): Method Of Payment (Check Box): We appreciate your early payment to help cover construction costs. Donors may pay half by December 31, 2016 and remaining by June 30, 2017. Credit Card Cash Check #:______ TOTAL AMOUNT: $___________ MC VISA AMEX DISCOVER Card # ________________________ Exp. Date: ______ Security code ______________ Signature____________________________ This is a pledge – Will pay later Please make check payable to Sri MTS, write “Corner Temples Renovation Project” in the Memo

Online Payment is accepted at www.emeenakshi.org You may also email your sponsorship to avnreddy.nata@gmail.com

MTS is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Contributions are generally tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor.

$1,000 – CTRP Brick Sponsor family

$2,000 – Granite Figures Of Saints Sponsor 1- Nayanmargal Sponsor 2- Alwargal Sponsor

$2,500 – Pillars of Nayanmargal & Alwargal Mandapams

)

$50,000 CTRP Grand Sponsor for Mandapams Rajagopuram Mandapam Nayanmargal Mandapam Alwargal Mandapam $100,000 CTRP Maha Grand Sponsor

$5,000 – Gold Mini Kalasam Sponsor 1-Anjaneya - 2. Radha Krishna 3 - Bhairavar 4 - Nataraja 5 - Jyothi 6 - Kannika Parameswari

$10,000 – Pillars of Rajagopuram Mandapam Pillar 1 Pillar 2 Pillar 3 Pillar 4 Pillar 5 Pillar 6 Pilar 7 Pillar 8

$25,000 Gold Kalasam Sponsor

Maha Ganapathi Ayyappa Muruga Rama Parivar Durga

$5,000 – Pillars of Corner Mandapams (24 Pillars available for sponsorship) #1 #2 #3 #4 # 5 # 6 P# 7 # 8# 9 # 10 # 11 #12 #13 # 14 #15 # 16 # 17 #18 #19 # 20

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Sri Meenakshi Temple Society17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

invites you to celebrate

New Year’s Dayon Sunday, January 1st, 2017

Start your New Year with the blessings of Sri Meenakshi, Sri Sundareswara, Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi

on December 31st, 2016 – New Year’s Eve - Midnight Aarathi Program

January 01, Sunday 2017 - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Ganesha Homam and Abhishekam for Prasanna Vinayagar at the Ganesh Temple

Sponsorship $51 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Starting at 9:00 AM, Special Archanas will be performed every half-hour for all Deities at the Main Temple and every hour for Deities in all the Corner Sannidhis.

Sponsorship $21 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10:00 AM: Puja for Maha Ganapathi & Sri Ayyappa.

Sponsorship $21 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Laksharchana for Sri Venkateswara & Muthangi Seva for all Pradhana

Murthis. Deeparadhana followed by Sri Venkateswara Prakara Utsavam on Pallakku.

Sponsorship $51 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5:00PM to 5:30PM Special Archana for Mahalakshmi 5:30PM to 6:00PM Puja for Sri Durga, Sri Jyothi & Sri Kanyaka

Parameswari. 6.00 PM Prakara Utsavam for Sri Meenakshi on Pallakku

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Special Puja for Sri Rama, Sri Subramanya & Sri Radhakrishna.

Sponsorship $21 Grand Sponsorship for all New Year Day Pujas $101

9:00 PM: Ardha Jama Puja followed by Sayanalaya Puja ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1:30 PM - 5:00 PM. Cultural Program at Kalyana Mantapam ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Breakfast will be available at Temple Kitchen between 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Food will be available from Local Indian Restaurants at the Food Booth from 10:00 AM – 8:00PM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To volunteer for the New Year’s day, Please contact: Ramachandra Reddy at rammreddy55@gmail.com (or)

call the temple office at 281-489-0358 extn 101, 110

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Sri Meenakshi Temple Society17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

invites you to celebrate

VAIKUNTA EKADASI And Swarga Vasal Darshnam

on Sunday, January 8, 2017

Program

At the Main temple

6:00 amThiruppalli Ezhuchi 7:00 am--8.00 am Nithya Aradhanam & Thiruppavai Sevakalam

9:00 am - Venkateswara Abhishekam 10:30 am-Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam and Prakara Utsavam

on Garuda Vahanam 11:00 am Gadhya Thrayam,-Aarthi, Shaathumurai, Theertham,

Prasadam 12 noon- Vishnu Sahsranamam Chanting – Open participation

SPONSORSHIP $51.00

For more information please contact Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com

or Sheila Sriram at sriramsheila@gmail.com or call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or110

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Vaikunta EkadasiBy K.Sampath

Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the most auspicious days for Hindus. It is celebrated on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha (ascending phase of the lunar cycle) in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dhanurmasa, December-January). It is also known as Mukkoti Ekadasi or Swargavathil Ekadasi. Srivaishnavites celebrate the occasion as the day when Lord Vishnu opens the Swarga Vasal (Heaven’s Gate).

Vaikunta Ekadasi is considered to be the holiest of the 24 Ekadasis that happen during a year. The origin of Vaikunta Ekadasi is described in the Padma Purana. A demon named Mura defeated the Devas and caused great harm to the universe. At Lord Shiva’s direction, the Devas approached Lord Vishnu and requested him to intercede on their behalf. Lord Vishnu and Mura battled for a long time. On the 11th day of Shukla Paksha during the month of Dhanurmasa, Lord Vishnu retired into a cave in Badrikashram to rest. Mura followed Him with the intention of killing Him while He slept. However, the female aspect of Lord Vishnu emerged and killed the demon. Lord Vishnu was pleased and named the goddess “Ekadasi”. At Her request, Lord Vishnu granted the boon that devotees who fasted during the day and prayed to Lord Vishnu on that day would attain Moksha (salvation) and be granted entry into Vaikuntam, the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Anecdotally, Amrit (nectar of life) appeared from the Parkadal on Vaikunta Ekadasi. Another significant even that occurred on Vaikunta Ekadasi was the attainment of Moksha by Nammalwar; at the request of his followers, Lord Vishnu returned him to earth in the form of Sri Satari, depicting His feet.

The Swarga Vasal is opened at many temples on this day and thousands of devotees pass through this gate in Vishnu temples all over South India. The occasion is joyously celebrated at Srirangam and Tirupathi, among others. The celebrations in Srirangam are of particular interest because Srirangam is also known as “the Bhoomiloka Vikuntam” (Vaikuntam on Earth). In every temple, the procession deity (Utsavar) Himself passes through the Vaikunta Vasal first to underscore the authenticity of the practice.

The occasion is marked by fasting and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. Fasting and praying to Lord Vishnu is encouraged during all 24 Ekadasis in the year, but is particularly significant on Vaikunta Ekadasi. Those who are unable to observe a total fast can limit their food intake, avoiding rice. Food items that can be consumed include fresh and dried fruits, vegetables and nuts. Fasting is supposed to help improve digestion, breathing and circulation, as well as removing miseries of the body and mind. Many devotees stay awake all night, in meditation and prayers. Prayers for Vaikunta Ekadasi include Vishnu Ashtottaram and Vishnu Sahasranamam.

“Do not belong to the past dawns,but to the noons of future” - Sri Aurobindo

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Sri Meenakshi Temple Society17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

Invites you to participate in the very auspicious

Arudra Darsanam

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

At Nataraja Sannidhi 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Sankalpam, Abhishekam, Alankaram,Thiruvembavai Samarpanam, Archana, Deeparadhana

and Procession

Sponsorship: $21

For more information, please contact: Sheila Sriram at sriramsheila@gmail.com or

Padmini Nathan at prn2635@gmail.com You may also call the temple at (281) 489-0358, Ext 100 or 110

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Sri Meenakshi Temple Society17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

invites you to celebrate

Andal Kalyanamon Friday, Jan. 13th 2017

PROGRAM STARTS AT 7 PM

Main Temple Seervarisai at the Main Temple

Group Recitation of THIRUPPAVAI

Vishwaksena Aradhana, Punyahavachanam, Rakshabandanam, Kanyavaranam, Varapuja, Mangalashtakam, Kanyadhanam, Mangalya Dharanam, Laaja Homam

Note: Varanamayiram recitation during Laaja Homam Upachara puja, Neeranjanam and Prasadam distribution.

Sponsorship: $21

For more information please contact:Padmini at 2635@gmail.com

or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com or call the Temple Office at (281) 489-0358 Ext. 100 or 110

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Sri Meenakshi Temple Society17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

Invites you to participate in

Pongalo Pongal! Grand Pongal Celebrations

Traditional Harvest Festival On Saturday, Jan. 14th 2017 at 10:30 AM

Authentic Pongal preparation in fire stoves by Devotees in the front

courtyard of the Main Temple All materials for Pongal preparation will be

provided by temple

Come with family and friends and enjoy our great tradition

There are limited number of spots, so please pre-register by emailing one of

the contacts before Jan 12th Sponsorship - $21

For more information please contact Padmini at 2635@gmail.com or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com

You may also call Temple at 281-489-0358, extn 100/110

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PONGALO PONGAL!by Adhi Gopal*

The Pongal festivities to many is a time of feasting, gift giving, and house hopping. But there is in fact a deeper meaning incorporated with this celebration. Thai Pongal is essentially a “Thanksgiving” festival, celebrated with great fanfare in Tamil Nadu. This four-day festivity allows people to give thanks to the Sun God (Surya) for the agricultural abundance given to us. This is also known as Sankranthi to the people in Andhra, Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, Nepal, etc., Uttarayana to people in Gujarat, Lohri to people in Punjab, and Magh Bihu to people in Assam. Many people till today maintain the traditions that Thai Pongal had established since the beginning. The four-day event is divided to celebrate a specific part of the agricultural abundance for each day. Traditionally, the first day is always the day that people decorate their home using powdered rice flour in various colors in front of their homes (Margali Kolam). People are also found discarding their old belonging in order to celebrate new possessions. This includes the cleaning of homes, disposal of worn-out items, and much more. Thai Pongal takes place on the second of the four days and is the also the main event. During this festival, people cook the festival milk in a vessel and allow it to overflow as fresh grains are added to the pot. The overflow of the pot gives a feeling of wholeness, completeness, fulfillment and prosperity. The savory sweets and fresh foods are now feasted upon back in the vibrant and lively homes, where friends and family visit throughout the day. The day after Thai Pongal, or Maatu (cow) Pongal is the Tamilian’s appreciation to cattle (similar to the world renowned Bull Run in Spain) as a source of wealth for not only providing dairy products, but also for fertilizer and labor through transportation and plowing. Following this comes the fourth day of Pongal, also known as Kaanum Pongal marks the end of Pongal festivities for the year. The word kaanum means “to visit.” Families hold reunions, brothers give gifts to married sisters, landlords give gifts to tenants, and villagers visit relatives and friends. The backbone and support of the harvest is celebrated by the people of Tamil Nadu throughout the four-day festivities of Thai Pongal. Here at the Meenakshi Temple, the four-day traditional festivity has transformed to a single day event, Thai Pongal. The main festival has allowed people from Houston and other areas of Texas to come together and experience Pongal the proper way. Since Sri Meenakshi Temple is virtually a melting pot of various Indian cultures, it is a great place to learn and appreciate customs, traditions and festivals of people from different parts of the motherland. Thanks to the coordinators at the Meenakshi Temple, this traditional practice is being continued in an area in which it is mostly absent. MTS invites you to join the Thai Pongal festivities on Saturday, January 14th and participate in the cultural practice.

And remember, “PONGALO PONGAL!”(*Adhi Gopal is a tenth grader at Clear Lake High School)

“Dare to be free, dare to go as far as your thought leads, and dare to carry that out in your life. ” - Swami Vivekananda

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Sri Meenakshi Temple Society17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

invites you to

Vasavi Agni Pravesam Pooja Sunday, 29th January, 2017

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Program Ganesh Temple

Sankalpam, Vigneshwara Pooja, Punnyahavachanam, Kalasa Pooja, Homam, Poornahuthi

Deeparaadhana

Kanyaka Parameswari Sannidhi Abhishekam Alankaram

Upacharam,and Prasadam Sponsorship is $51

Please contact Padmini at 2635@gmail.com or Sheila at sriramsheilagmail.com or

more information, you may call temple at 281-489-0358, extn 100/110

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Connecting to God for Peace, Harmony and HappinessA K Subramanian (Chairman, MTS Board 2004-2006)

It is very clear that we are all seeking for peace, harmony and happiness in our life on a continuous basis. Have we achieved any progress in our life? We may have achieved some progress. Have we achieved a state where we are peaceful, harmonious and happy with all the situations and at all the time? Most of us are not there yet – nowhere close to it. The questions arise. Why are we not there? When will be there? Will it happen in this life time? Could we move closer to that state even if we have not achieved or cannot achieve that state? What is preventing us from reaching this happy state or even moving towards it? Why are we surrounded with sufferings – our own and others? What are we supposed to do in our life? What is the purpose of life? Questions keep arising. We have answers in Hindu Scriptures.We go through the waves of positive and negative emotions throughout our life. Many of us want to get better but do not want (or do not know how) to make positive change in what we are thinking and how we look at life. Without making inner change how can we expect positive change in outer life? Our scriptures tell us that by making inner changes – Inner Transformation, we can connect to God that leads us to big steps toward peace, harmony and happiness in our life. These inner changes that we need to understand and implement are accomplished through spiritual practices that we adapt into our daily life activities. What are these spiritual practices and how do we implement in our daily life activities?These are best understood with the help of Bhagavad Gita among many other available Hindu scriptures. Some of the verses of Chapter 2 as Sri Krishna teaches Arjuna, provide us a clear starting point. Below are the extracts of these verses as explained by Professor Eknath Easwaran of Berkeley, California in his book “The Bhagavad Gita”:v39-v40: …Arjuna, now listen to the principles of Yoga. By practicing these you can break through the bonds of karma. On this path, effort never goes to waste, and there is no failure. Even a little effort toward spiritual awareness will protect you from the greatest fear. Those who follow this path, resolving deep within themselves to seek Me alone, attain singleness of purpose. For those who lack resolution, the decisions of life are many branched and endless.v47-v48. You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction. Perform work in this world, Arjuna, as a man established within himself-without selfish attachments, and alike in success and defeat. For yoga is perfect evenness of mind.v55-v56. They live in wisdom who see themselves in all and all in them, who have renounced every selfish desire and sense craving tormenting the heart. Neither agitated by grief nor hankering after pleasure, they live free from lust and fear and anger. Established in meditation, they are truly wise.v71-v72: They are forever free who renounce all selfish desires and break away from the ego-cage of “I”, “me”, and “mine” to be united with the Lord. This is the supreme state. Attain to this, and pass from death to immortality.Chapter 2 introduces us how by following the spiritual practice of yoga principles one can connect to God and attain ultimate peace, harmony and happiness. Following are the 4 yoga paths that Bagavad Gita teaches us in the rest of the chapters: Bhakthi Yoga (Devotional path), Karma Yoga (Selfless service path), Raja Yoga (Meditation path) and Jnana Yoga ( Path of knowledge and self enquiry). Performing spiritual practice is to follow one or more of these paths whatever suits one and make progress. Practicing the chosen yoga paths in our daily life activities with sincerity and discipline will certainly lead us to the supreme goal in life of connecting to GOD and achieving the ultimate Peace, Harmony and Happiness.Wishing you all a very Happy New Year, May the blessings of Sri Meenakshi, Sri Sundareswara, Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi always be with you in starting and continuing your spiritual practice in your daily life activities to make this world a better place for you and everyone else.

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Sri Meenakshi Temple Society17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

invites you to celebrate

Thai PoosamSunday, February 12th, 2017

Vetrivel Muruganukku Haro Hara!

This is a religious festival celebrated on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai. The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvathi gave Murugan a vel “spear” so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. Devotees prepare for the celebration by cleansing themselves through prayer and fasting for at least 6 days before Thaipoosam.The kavadi and paalkudam bearers observes celibacy and take only Satvik food, with their thoughts focussed on God and Godliness.

Paalkudam & Kavadi and Ratha Utsavam 8:00AM

Sankalpam and Puja for Kavadi and Paalkudam in Ganesh Temple 10:00AM

Kavadi and Paalkudam procession from Ganesh Temple to Kalyana Mandapam

10:30 AM Paalkudam Abhishekam, Alankaram & Upacharam for

Subramanya Utsavamurthy in Kalyana Mandapam followed by Ratha Utsavam around the Main Temple

Sponsorship Paalkudam $21; Kavadi $31

Donations for Annadhanam welcome Lunch will be served in the Youth Center after the Puja

Early Registration is required for Kavadi as we have limited numbers available.

Register for the event online or please contact:Padmini at 2635@gmail.com, or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com You may also call the temple office at 281-489-0358 ext. 100 or 110

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Temple Worship Best PracticesCompiled by M.K.Sriram with input from Priest Sreedharan Raghavan and others.

Below is a collection of the recommended best practices for worship at the temple. We do many things incorrectly, mostly out of ignorance but sometimes because we are distracted, or we are in a hurry. The temple is a place that fosters peace and harmony where we should unburden our worries and difficulties and surrender ourselves completely to God. Let us try to practice the following do’s and don’ts while visiting the temple to make ours as well as everybody’s experience divine and superlative.

1. Observe the temple dress code – wear traditional Indian or western attire that cover your knees and legs (absolutely no shorts please).

2. Worship deities in this order: Prasanna Vinayaka at the Ganesh Temple; South-West Corner Mantapam: Sri Maha Ganapathy and Lord Ayyappa; North-West CM: Sri Murugan, Sri Rama Parampara & Lord Hanuman, Sri Krishna. South-East CM: Sri Durga, Sri Jyothi & Sri Kanyaka Parameswari: Main temple: all the main deities; North-East CM: Sri Bhairavar & Sri Nataraja and then lastly, the Navagrahas.

3. Sashtanga namaskaram (full length prostration) by men and panchanga namaskaram by women should be done in front of the temple kodi maram (flag staff), near the Bali Peetam (sacrificial stone) facing the north direction. Sashtanga namaskaram means that eight limbs of the body, namely, two hands, two legs, two arms, chest and forehead, touch the ground while prostrating, whereas panchanga includes the feet, arms and forehead only. These namaskarams signify a total sur-render and submittal to God.

4. Inside the temple, we must do only “Anjali” or “pranam” (folding the palms together, bowing the head) to the deities and should not do sashtanga or panchanga namaskaram.

5. Inside the temple, we should never do above namaskarams to humans, including even sanyasis.

6. Before worshipping Lord Shiva, one should always first worship Nandi, who is the vahana of the Lord and the gatekeeper for Shiva and Par-vathi. Always remember to pay your respects to Chandikeswara.

7. Pray to Goddess Meenakshi with folded hands and submit yourself completely to Her.

8. Before worshipping Lord Venkateswara, one should pay obeisance to Garuda, the Lord’s vahana. Take in every part and mentally do pranam

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to Lord Vishnu from padam (feet) to shirasu (head).

9. Worship Sri Padmavathy at the Lakshmi sannidhi with total devotion.

10.When worshipping the main deity, one should not show their backs to Nandi or Garuda.

11.Worship with eyes wide open. Refrain from taking pictures inside the temple. Know that your mind is your best camera, for not only does it take pictures and videos, it also captures the sounds, the fragrances, the warmth, the sweetness and emotions of the moment, that no camera can ever do.

12.Do pradakshinam (circambulation) to all deities where accessible, but don’t do pradakshinam while the priests are doing abhishekam to the deity. Keep eyes wide open, pray and engross yourself in the beautiful spectacle of the abhishekam and let your sins be washed away.

13.Don’t place fruits, flowers or coins on the uppermost step of the san-nidhis. Likewise, don’t place coins in lamps.

14.When priests do arathi to the deities, don’t keep eyes closed, but keep them wide open.

15.In Vishnu sannidhi, make sure you receive theertham, shadari and prasadam. Face north or south for above. When accepting theertham, cup your hands and bend your knees. Avoid spilling theertham. When accepting shadari, bend your knees and bow.

16.Do not hurry or rush while doing pradakshinam around the deities.

17.Please do not physically touch any deity. This is to maintain the purity and cleanliness.

18.Maintain peace and quiet inside the temple, so keep your voice low if you need to speak. Respect others’ right to peace, so keep private and extended conversations outside the temple.

19.Help maintain cleanliness of the temple and its premises. If you see trash thrown around or see an unsafe condition, either try to resolve it yourself without risk or report it to the temple administration. Do not ignore and walk away.

20. Please remember to sit down in the temple campus, for a few minutes at least to relax, recollect and relive all the mental photographs and videos you have taken of the deities at the sannidhis, and meditate upon the deities.

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Sri Meenakshi Temple Society17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

Invites you to participate in the

Thai Sukravara Deepa Puja on Friday, Feb 10th, 2017

6.00 PM Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam

7:00 PM Sankalpam, Deepa Pooja, Lalitha Sahasranamam,

Deeparadhana, Upacharam

Temple will provide all Pooja Samagri Devotees are requested to bring Flowers and Prasadam

Sponsorship $ 21 For further details please contact:

Padmini at prn@2635@gmail.com or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com

You may also call the temple at (281) 489-0358, Ext 100 or 110

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Sri Meenakshi Temple SocietyInvites you to celebrate

Grand Maha SivarathriOn FRIDAY, 24th FEBRURARY 2017

for

Lord Siva (Sundareswara)Main Event: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Sankalpam, Vigneswara Puja,Punyahavachanam,Kalasa Puja,Ashtothra Satha (108) Sanka Puja, Homam & Rudhra

Japam,Purnahuthi, Abhishekam, Visesha Alankaram, Special Gold Bilva Archana, Deeparadhana andUpacharam

9:00 PM to 10:00 PM - Aathmalinga Puja with milk abhishekam by devotees

Chaturkala Puja - 12:00 Midnight, 1:30 AM, 3:00 AM & 4:30 AM

Sponsorship: Sanka Puja $21, Gold BilvaArchana $31All are welcome to participate in Bhajans throughout the evening and night.

Refreshments will be available For more information, please contact Padmini at prn2635@gmail.com or

Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com You may also call the temple at (281) 489-0358, Ext 100 or 110.

Special note: The 2017 Maha Sivarathri is very auspicious as it coincides with Pradosham that starts with Nandi abhishekam at 6:30 PM. There will be a procession of the Prathana Murthies following Pradosham puja.

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Pathinettaam Padi – (18 steps)a dream is materializing at Ayyappan Sannidhi

Sathyamaya- Ponnu- Pathinettam- padi -Mukal -Vazhum –Ayyan- Ayyappa Swamiye- Sharanam – Ayyappa (a prayer in Malayalam)

By Chittoor Ramachandran“ Achanchala bhakthi, relentless vrutha Shudhi and close attention to the pooja sampradayam are all that human can do to get His mercy and that is what we are seeing here“ - said a senior Ayyappa bhakthan when he was told that our Ayyappa sannidhi is going to have Pathinettam padi very soon *********************************************************************The unique features of the 12th century temple of Swami Ayyappan (also known as Dharma Sastha shrine) at Sabari malai (Kerala) and the traditions for worship would be of interest to many MTS visitors. For your interest, certain traditions observed during the pilgrimage to Sabari malai, and the rituals are also highlighted in this brief article.

The ancient Sanskrit scripture Skanda Purana refers to Sri Dharma Sastha as an avataram to preserve dharma on the face of earth. A son was born from the mind of Lord Shiva when he gazed upon the unparalleled beauty of Vishnu in his Mohini roopam. This son of Shiva’s mind is called Sri Dharma Sastha. He is described to have two consorts, Purna and Pushkala, who are daught ers of a saint. Due to a curse from this saint, Sri Dharma Sastha was to take a human birth. In the celestial plan, Lord Shiva and Parvathi blessed Sri Dharma Sastha to take the human form. They left the baby near the banks of the river Pampa, in the valley of Sahyadri. King Rajasekhara of Pandalam (in the present day Kerala), an ardent devotee of Shiva had the fortune to raise the baby, naming him Manikandhan. After the purpose of his avatharam was completed, Sri Ayyappan as it that he was later known as Sri Ayyappan.

Sri Dharma Sastha’s purpose of avatharam on earth is to preserve dharma by destroying the evil Mahishi who was perpetrating atrocities in this world as well as in the nether worlds. Mahishi is the female buffalo form of evil force that has the boon that she can only be killed by Shiva-Vishnu powers. When the purpose of his avatharam was completed, Manikantan returned to east towards the forest. Before he returned, he promised his father that he will remain there as Sri Ayyappan to safeguard the people irrespective of their faith. Sri Ayyappan merged with Sri Dharma Sastha as the purpose of his avatharam ended. Sri Ayyappa is also known as Kaliyuga Varadan, that is, protector of the evil pro-pensities of the Kaliyuga. Lord Ayyappa reinstates the moral values in the society that are degraded during the Kaliyuga.

Before taking a pilgrimage to Sabari malai, a devotee must observe strict brahmacharya and lead a satvic daily routine for 41 days. The spiritual discipline during this period in-cludes reading spiritual books, visiting temples, physical cleanliness etc. As a tradition, the guidance of a mentor (Guruswamy) is respectfully accepted throughout the days of vrutham and during the journey to Sabari malai. Guidance from Guruswamy during the journey helps to avoid missing any tradition during the journey. In front of the temple at Sabari malai, every pilgrim is expected to walk on the 18 steep steps. The significance of the 18 steps are given below.

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The first five steps symbolize the five human senses (Panchendriyas) i.e.visual (vision), auditory (hearing), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste) and tactile (touch). These signify the mortal nature of one’s body. The next eight steps symbolize the eight Ashtaragas viz, Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, Maltsarya, Asooya, Dhumb (Love, Anger, Avarice, Lust, Pride, Unhealthy Competition, Jealousy and Boastfulness). The next three steps stand for three Gunas or Thrigunas (nature-born qualities) i.e. Satva (perspicuity, discernment), Rajas (activity, enjoyment) and Thamas (inactivity, stupor). The last two steps represent Vidya (Knowledge) and Avidya (Ignorance). One has to conquer all these before approaching the Lord. Devotees offer pujas for Lord Ayyappa to get rid of the evils of Shani (shani dosham). The eighteen steps also stand for the eighteen steps of Bhagavad Geetha

Philosophical interpretations are given to the existence and significance of the 18 steps. Some say they represent the essence of the 18 puranas or the 18 chapters of the Bhaga-vath Geetha or the 18 Parvas of Mahabharatha and stepping over them gives them the punya of imbibing the spirit of all theses. Once a devotee reaches the 18th step, he is deemed to have got over the 18 factors mentioned here in which then “Qualify” him in front of the Sanctum. The devotees have to carry their IRUMUDI on their heads to be eligible to step on the pathinettampadi and very often there are elaborate poojas to each of the steps known as PADI POOJA.

Normally any place of worship in the Hindu pantheon becomes famous for the Divine powers and experiences emanating from the presiding Deity. The focus of all attention or worship is the center of Sanctum Sanctorum wherein the idol is installed centuries earlier, each such installation possessing a legend of its own. Sabari malai temple is perhaps the only one of its kind wherein the 18 rather narrow steps (covered with metal) leading up to the main shrine are given a divine stature next in importance to the main Deity.

The mahavakyam “Tat twam asi” frequently appears in Chandogya Upanishad. The meaning of this word in English is “That art thou,” which refers to our experience of identity with Brahman. We see Brahman in all things. The basis for our love of others is that they also are one with Brahman. Swami Ayyappan symbolizes a combination of powers represented by Lord Vishnu, the power that protects the universe and Lord Shiva, the power that periodically re-absorbs the expressions in reality. Swami Ayyappa combines both these aspects of Brahman. He reminds us of the fact that there is no dif-ference between the Brahman within all of us, irrespective of our physical and manmade demarcations. Our temple worships him as an ascetic meditating for the benefit of all humanity, as seen in Sabarimala. Sri Ayyappan delivers the principle of Tat tvam asi.

As the Hindu population is spreading all over the world, taking up the task of strenuous pilgrimage to Sabari malai is harder. Consecrating the steps at our Meenakshi Temple temple will be a great fortune to all the Ayyappa devotees in greater Houston and beyond.

It is the Higher Power which does everything, and the man is only a tool. If he accepts that position, he is free from troubles; otherwise, he courts them. – Ramana Maharshi

We should utilize the days of our life-time to good purpose. We should engage ourselves in acts which will contribute to the welfare of others rather than to our selfish desires.- Sri Kanchi Paramacharya

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Sri Meenakshi Temple Society17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

Invites you to participate in the

Masi Magam on Saturday, March 11th, 2017

10:30 AM

At Sri Subramania Sannidhi Sri Subramania and Sakthivel Abhishekam

Alankaram, Deeparadhana

Sponsorship $ 21

For further details please contact: Padmini at prn@2635@gmail.com or

Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.comYou may also call the temple at (281) 489-0358, Ext 100 or 110

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Sri Meenakshi Temple Society17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

Cordially invitesyou with family & friends to celebrate

UGADHI on Wednesday, March 29th, 2017

Telugu, Kannada & Marathi New Year

HEVILAMBI NAMA SAMVATSARA

7:00pm Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam Panchanga shravanam in Telugu and Kannada during

Alankaram Aarathi at Sri Sundareswara Meenakshi &

Venkateswara sannidhis Abhishekam & Pooja Sponsorship: $ 31 Prasadam Viniyogam Neem pachadi at Cafeteria Conference Room

*************

Sponsorship $ 21 For further details please contact:

Padmini at prn@2635@gmail.com or Sheila at sriramsheila@gmail.com

You may also call the temple at (281) 489-0358, Ext 100 or 110

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EVENTS FOR 1ST QUARTER 2017 

DATE DAY TIME

31‐Dec Sat Midnight Midnight Arathi & Puja

1‐Jan Sun 8.30 AM New Year's Day, Sri Venkateswara Laksharchana

2‐Jan Mon 7.00 PM Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam

4‐Jan Wed 7.00 PM Sukla Shashti Sri Subramanya Abhishekam

8‐Jan Sun 9:00 AM Vaikunta Ekadasi 8‐Jan Sun 10:30 AM Krithikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam

8‐Jan Sun 11.00 AM Meenakshi Abhishekam

10‐Jan Tue 7:00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession  11‐Jan Wed 7.00 PM Arudhra Darshanam, Nataraja Abhishekam,  

Procession for Utsava Murthis 12‐Jan Thu 7.00 PM Sathyanarayana Puja

12‐Jan Thu 7.00 PM Punarvasu Sri Rama Abhishekam

13‐Jan Fri 7.00 PM Bhogi Pandigai 13‐Jan Fri 7:00 PM Andal Kalyanam

14‐Jan Sat 10.30 AM Makara Sankranthi Thai Pongal Celebration

14‐Jan Sat 7.00 PM Makara Jyothi, Ayyappa Abhishekam

15‐Jan Sun 10:30 AM Kanu/ Mattu Pongal 15‐Jan Sun 7.00 PM Sankatahara Chaturththi Ganapathi Homam & Abhisheham

20‐Jan Fri 7.00 PM Ashtami Bairavar Abhishekam

23‐Jan Mon 7.00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam

25‐Jan Wed 7.00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession

25‐Jan Wed 7.00 PM Mulam Sri Anjaneyar Abhishekam

27‐Jan Fri 7.00 PM Thai Amavasya

28‐Jan Sat 10.30 AM Sravanam Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam

29‐Jan Sun 10.30 AM Vasavi Agni Pravesham

31‐Jan Tue 7.00 PM Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam

2‐Feb Thu 7.00 PM Sukla Sashti Sri Subramanya Abhishekam

3‐Feb Fri 7.00 PM Rathasapthami 5‐Feb Sun 10.30 AM Venkateswara Abhishekam

5‐Feb Sun 10.30 AM Krithikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam

7‐Feb Tue 7.00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam

8‐Feb Wed 7.00 PM 

Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession         

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9‐Feb Thu 7.00 PM Thai Poosam

9‐Feb Thu 7.00 PM Punarvasu Sri Rama Abhishekam

10‐Feb Fri 7.00 PM Thai Sukravara Deepa Puja

10‐Feb Fri 7.00 PM Sathyanarayana Puja

12‐Feb Sun  10.00 AM Thai Poosam Celebration

12‐Feb Sun 11.00 AM Meenakshi Abhishekam 14‐Feb Tue 7.00 PM Sankatahara Chaturththi Ganapathi Homam & Abhisheham

19‐Feb Sun 10.30 AM Ashtami Bairavar Abhishekam

21‐Feb Tue 7.00 PM Mulam Sri Anjaneyar Abhishekam

22‐Feb Wed 7.00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam

24‐Feb Fri 6.30 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession

24‐Feb Fri 6.30 PM Maha Sivarathiri celebration

25‐Feb Sat 10.30 AM Sravanam Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam

1‐Mar Wed 7.00 PM Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam

4‐Mar Sat 10.30 AM Krithikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam

5‐Mar Sun 10.30 AM Venkateswara Abhishekam

8‐Mar Wed 7.00 PM Ekadasi Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam

8‐Mar Wed 7.00 PM Punarvasu Sri Rama Abhishekam

10‐Mar Fri 7.00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession

11‐Mar Sat 10:30 AM Masi Magam Subramanya Sakthivel Abhishekam

12‐Mar Sun 7.00 PM Sathyanarayana Puja

12‐Mar Sun 11.00 AM Meenakshi Abhishekam

14‐Mar Tue 7.00 PM Karadaya Nombu

16‐Mar Thu 7.00 PM Sankatahara Chaturththi Ganapathi Homam & Abhisheham

20‐Mar Mon 7.00 PM Mulam Sri Anjaneyar Abhishekam

20‐Mar Mon 7.00 PM Ashtami Bairavar Abhishekam

23‐Mar Thu 7.00 PM Ekadasi, Sravanam Sri Venkateswara Abhishekam

25‐Mar Sat 7.00 PM Pradosham Nandi & Siva Abhishekam & Procession

29‐Mar Wed 7.00 PM Ugadhi, Telugu and Kannada New Year  31‐Mar Fri 7.00 PM Maha Ganapathy Abhishekam

31‐Mar Fri 7.00 PM Krithikai Sri Subramanya Abhishekam

 

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Main Events Calendarfor 1st Quarter 2017 By Month

January 20171-JAN SUN 8:30 AM NEW YEAR’S DAY SPECIAL PUJAS8-JAN SUN 9:00 AM VAIKUNTA EKADASI11-JAN WED 7:00 PM ARUDHRA DARSHANAM14-JAN FRI 10:30 AM MAKARA SANKRANTHI, THAI PONGAL29-JAN SUN 10:30 AM VASAVI AGNI PRAVESAM

February 2017

REGULARLY SCHEDULED WEEKLY ABHISHEKAMSri Ganesha Homam & Abhishekam ..................................................................... All days 7:00 AMSri Siva (Sundareswara) & Sri Meenakshi Abhishekam ........................................ All days 9:00 AMSri Siva (Sundareswara) Abhishekam ..................................................................Mondays 7:00 PMSri Durga Abhishekam ........................................................................................ Tuesdays 7:00 PMSri Padmavathy Abhishekam ................................................................................. Fridays 6:30 PMSri Meenakshi Abhishekam & Lalitha Sahasranamavali ........................................ Fridays 7:00 PM

Last Friday of the month – Lalitha Sahasranamavali & Shodasa UpacharamSri Navagraha Abhishekam ..............................................................................Saturdays 11:00 AMSri Ayyappa Abhishekam .................................................................................Saturdays 10:00 AMSri Kanyaka Parameswari Abhishekam .................................. Last Sunday of the Month 10:00 AMSri Meenakshi Abhishekam ..............................................Second Sunday of the Month 11:00 AMSri Venkateswara Abhishekam...............................................First Sunday of the Month 10:30 AM

9-FEB THU 7:00 PM THAI POOSAM10 FEB FRI 7:00 PM THAI SUKRAVARA DEEPA PUJA 12-FEB SUN 10:00 AM THAI POOSAM CELEBRATIONS24-FEB FRI 6:30 PM MAHA SIVARATHRI

March 201711-MAR SAT 10:30 AM MASI MAGAM29-MAR WED 7:00 PM UGADHI – TELUGU & KANNADA NEW YEAR

Sri Meenakshi Temple Society17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584

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Some criteria, MTS membership Rules and Guidelines: 1. Membership of MTS shall be open to anyone who follows the Hindu religious faith and Culture and believe in the objectives of MTS and meets the MTS By-laws requirements.(Article II: Section 1)

2. Applicant of 20 years of age or older shall become a Primary member after the Membership committee’s review and approval by the Board of Directors. Such Primary members will be in “Provisional” status for one year until they have satisfactorily demonstrated their support for MTS goals and objectives as in the By-laws. At that time, the member’s status will be converted to “Active” subject to review by the Membership committee and approval by the Board. (Article II: Section 3 & 4)

o Provisional members, shall not have privileges to vote or to hold elected offices on the Board. They may attend General Body meetings as nonvoting members.

3. Both husband and wife must apply individually for their respective membership (Article II: Section 8)

4. Primary members who file their membership forms annually and pay the annual dues, if any, shall be “Active” in status. Such members shall constitute the General Body of MTS. (Article II: Section 9)

5. Youth members are children of Active Primary and Senior members between ages 13 and 19. Membership and renewal forms for Youth members shall be signed by their parents or guardians. (Article II: Section 11)

6. Persons employed as Staff members or gainfully employed on contract by MTS, shall not be accepted as Primary members. (Article II: Section 14)

7. An active member shall become a “life” member upon payment of the necessary dues during the calendar year and applying for the same within 90 days following the end of the calendar year. (Article VII: Section 8)

8. All members must renew their membership every year, by January 1, by completing and filing the annual membership renewal form and paying the annual dues. (Article V: Section 1)

9. Extended renewal time or grace period is 1st January to 31st March. (Article V: Section 1)

10. Any member who has not filed the renewal form and/or paid the annual dues past 31st March, shall automatically become “Inactive” in status and shall lose his/her Membership rights and privileges. (Article IV: Section 4)

o An Inactive member shall be made Active again when the renewal forms are filed and necessary dues, if any, for the current year are paid.

11. The following do not pay annual fees for MTS membership: i) Life Members, ii) Inactive members and iii) Honorary or youth members or Temple devotees.

12. Email, Telephone and address corrections of members must be made through this form and by sending it to the membership committee coordinator. Such changes made to at the MTS devotee database (www.meenakshi.org) are not automatically used to update the membership information.

13. In December of every year, the membership committee will send out a membership renewal notice and all changes to membership can also be made through the letter.

14. To vote in the elections and to sponsor candidates, a member must be in Active status as of July 1, of an election year. (Article XXI: Section 1).

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Sri Meenakshi Temple Society17130 McLean Road, Pearland, TX 77584Phone: 281-489-0358 Ext. 100 (or) 110

ANNUAL PUJA SPONSORSHIP FORM

For more information please contact the Temple Office at 281-489-0358 ext. 100, 110If you have any questions, comments or need more information please do not hesitate to contact

Padmini Nathan at prn2635@gmail.com orSheila Sriram at sriramsheila@gmail.com

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Kalyana Mandapam (KM), Youth Center (YC) and Visitors Center (VC) at MTS

Both KM and YC are spacious facilities for events like Engagements, Weddings, Receptions, etc.

Each facility can accommodate more than 400 people VC can accommodate up to 125 people for small events Have over 1200 chairs, 50 round tables, and more than 30

rectangular (6’ x 2’) tables Use the MTS facilities (KM, YC and the newly opened Visitor

Center) for all of your needs throughout the year Recommend to your friends and colleagues about the facilities

and support our Temple

For Reservations Contact: Mr. Venkatachalam at 832-725-1805 or venkatk2005@yahoo.com

Alternatively: Send e-mail to temple@meenakshi.org or chkarunakar@yahoo.com (Karunakar Chowdavarapu) and we will get back to you within 24 hours

Kalayana Mandapam Youth Center Banquet Hall

Kalyana Mandapam (KM), Youth Center (YC) and Visitors Center (VC) at MTS

• Both KM and YC are spacious facilities for events like En-gagements, Weddings, Receptions, etc.

• Each facility can accommodate more than 400 people• VC can accommodate up to 125 people for small events• Have over 1200 chairs, 50 round tables, and more than 30

rectangular (6’ x 2’) tables• Use the MTS facilities (KM, YC and the Visitors Center) for

all of your needs throughout the year• Recommend to your friends and colleagues about the

facilities and support our TempleFor Reservations Contact:

Mr. Venkatachalam at 832-725-1805 or venkatk2005@yahoo.comAlternatively: Send e-mail to temple@meenakshi.org or ramreddy55@gmail.com (Ramachandra M. Reddy) and we will get back to you within 24 hours

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Temple HoursMonday through Thursday:

8:30 AM to 12 Noon and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PMFriday:

8:30 AM to 12 Noon and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PMWeekends and National Holidays:

8:30 AM to 8:30 PM

Sri Meenakshi Temple Telephone NumbersMAIN TEMPLE .................................. 281-489-0358

(Best time to call: 9 am-12 noon and 5 pm-8 pm)Main Temple ................................................................ 100, 110Ganesh Temple Facility Center ............................................. 115Library (During Library hours) .............................................. 125Kalyana Mantapam .............................................................. 112Temple Kitchen .................................................................... 227MTS FAX ............................................................... 281-489-3540

STAFFSri Vatsa Kumar (Executive Officer) ...................... 832-689-6448Sri K. Venkatachalam (Administrator) .................. 832-725-1805Sri Manickasundaram Bhattar (Priest) .................. 281-489-8633Sri Kalyana Sundaram (Priest) .............................. 281-692-9815Sri R.K.E. Parameswaran (Priest) .......................... 281-489-0575Sri Sreedharan Raghavan (Priest) ......................... 713-518-1810Sri Pawankumar Sri Bhashyam (Priest) ................. 281-819-7842Sri Sriman Narayana Charyalu Rompicherla (Priest)281-965-9780Sri Balaji Sethuraman (Priest)............................... 832-486-7083

www.emeenakshi.orgTemple Times Published by MTS Public Relations and Publicity Committee

RAHUKALAM DAY YAMAGANDAM 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Sun 12 NOON – 1:30 PM 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM Mon 10:30 AM – 12 NOON 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Tue 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM 12 NOON – 1:30 PM Wed 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Thu 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM 10:30 AM – 12 NOON Fri 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Sat 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Cover Photo: courtesy Srinivasan Sundararajan

Listen to MTS RadioMTS RADIO PROGRAM Every Sunday

2016 New year, New timing, New stationTUNE INTO RADIO DIAL

1110 AM STATIONFROM -12 Noon to 2 pm

Tune on link from Sri Meenakshi Temple website www.emeenakshi.org Listen live - www.sanatanhindu.orgListen to Bhajans: 24/7 online Radio

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