2. NEW MEMBERS

We welcome the following new members to the Sabha.

3. FORTHCOMING EVENTS

3.2.  POURNAMI POOJA –   THURSDAY 26^TH AUG ’99

Pournami Pooja on Thursday, 26^th Aug ’99 is being sponsored by a group of well wishers. Pooja will be held at the prayer hall adjoining Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple,Serangoon Road. Programme is as follows:

This month Pournami falls on Avittam Nakshathiram. Interested persons for Sankalpam may contact Sri P.S. Ramanathan Tel: 442-7841

3.3 CHANDI HOMAM 19^TH SEP ’99 AT SRI SENPAGA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE, CEYLON ROAD

CHANDI (DURGA) Homam is done in obeisance to Goddess Durga as Devi be reciting Dvei Mahatmiyam and by offering oblations for each of the 700 verses of the Mahatmiyam known as Saptasathi. Sage Vyasa brought this to surface in the Markandeya Puranam. It is believed that the Chandi Homam would result in prosperity to both the Country and the individuals and Devi would fulfill all the desires of the Devotees. In the CHIDAMBARA RAHASYAM, Lord Siva says to Parvathi "Hey Devi – Those who recite Saptasathi will be free from Dharidram, will be free from all obstacles and will get all the prosperities". Devi Mahatmiyam brings together the "Vedantic" Brahma Vidya and the "Tantric" Sri Vidya. The "OM" of the Brahma Vidya is the same as the "HREE" of Sri Vidya. The "HREEM" , the Maya Bheejam (Seed) is the source of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswathi. "Havakshari" and "Saptasathi" are the embodiments of the "Bhuvaneswhari Bheejam". It is believed that among the Sthuthis, Saptasathi stands Supreme.

Sabha is organising Chandi Homam on Sunday the 19^th Sept ’99 at Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, Ceylon Road from 7.00 am onwards, to invoke the blessings of Goddess for the benefit of the Nation and for the welfare of the Community. Members are requested to take part in the Sankalpam at $10/- per person and receive the blessings of Durga Devi. Tickets can be obtained from the committee members or the Sabha Purohiths.

3.2. AADI VELLI POOJAS

Aadi Velli Pooja will be held at the following members’ houses on the dates indicated:-

Pooja will commence at 7.30 pm followed by music & bhajans at 8.15 pm. Deeparadhanai will be at 8.45 pm. All members and their families are invited to attend the function and receive Ambal’s blessings.

Members who require the services of the Sabha Purohits for Varalakshmi Nombu on 20^th Aug ’99 are kindly reminded to contact the Purohiths in advance so as to enable the Purohiths to co-ordinate their timings. To avoid unneccessary delays, we request members co-operation to stick to their timings, so that others are not unduly inconvenienced.

4. AAVANI AVITTAM

Rig Upakarma on Wednesday, 25^th August ’99 will be held at the prayer hall adjoining Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Serangoon Road (former Sri Sivan Temple) There will be one session at 6.30 am

There are divergent views on the exact date of performance of Aavani Avittam, for the following reasons. As per Vakya Panchangam (Snake), the Sukra Asthamanam is on 22^rd Aug 1999 and the Udhayam in on 1st Sept 1999. As the power of Sukra is lost to Surya known as Sukra Moudyem, no auspicious events are to take place during this period for Yajur Vedis. Whereas as per Mutt Panchangam, the Sukra Asthamnanam is on 7^th Aug 1999 and Udhayam is on 24^th Aug 1999 and since the Aavani Avittam is on 26^th Aug 199, they are following this date. However as the Sabha is following Vakya Panchangam, it has been decided to hold the Aavani Avittam on Saturday 25^th Sept 1999. There is no change in the date of Gayathri Japam.

Upakarma will be held on 25^th Sept ’99 at the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple, Tank Road. There will be three sessions:

Sama Upakarma on Sunday 12^th Sept ’99 will be held at the prayer Hall adjoining Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Serangoon Road. There will be one session at 6.00 am.

Members who are performing Thalai Aavani Avittam for their children are kindly requested to get in touch with the Purohiths for additional formalities.

(For Yajur Vedis Sukran should be powerful. For Rik Vedis, Guru should be powerful. For Sama Vedis Ankarakan should be powerful).

5. ANNOUNCEMENT

As mentioned in our last circular Kalai Kadambam tickets are being snapped up fast. So please book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. IT’S A PROGRAMME NOT TO BE MISSED!