Devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba and Goddess Durga will have an opportunity to participate in an extended Prayer and Bhajan Session on October 3.
Shri Shirdi Sai Sansthan New Zealand Inc is organising its annual Mata Chowki Pooja at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre located at 145, New North Road, in Auckland’s Eden Terrace from 4 pm.
More than 2000 men, women and children will attend the event, if the record achieved over the past two years is any indication.
Sansthan President Hari Gangisetty said the programme will begin with Lord Ganesh Vandana and Sankulp by the sponsors of the event.
Pramod and Indu Kapur will sing bhajans and keertans and lead the prayer session.
“The Sansthan will arrange sale of the ‘Pooja Coconut’ at the entrance to the hall for the convenience of devotees. The programme will include ‘Sai Nama Smaran’ (reciting the name of Shirdi Sai Baba) and ‘Shej Arati.’ Maha Prasad will be distributed to all the devotees present,” he said.
Mr Gangisetty said that donations and collections received at the programme will be earmarked for the construction of the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.
At a recent Special General Body Meeting, members of the Sansthan approved a proposal to consider an alternate and more cost-effective site for the Temple, although the Organisation has a plot of land in Henderson.
Sansthan Secretary Bhaskara Reddy Duvvuru said the Executive Committee and Members were keen to construct the Temple at a location that is convenient, spacious and replete with the requisite facilities.
“While the Sansthan is fortunate to receive monthly donations and contributions made at weekly prayer meetings, we are keen to ensure that the construction of the Temple reflects the preference of our members. We are striving hard to finalise plans as soon as possible,” he said.
Mr Duvvuru said the forthcoming ‘Mata Chowki Pooja’ would also be a fundraiser for the project.
Mr Gangishetty said it was time for the Sansthan to have its own building.
“The absence of a dedicated venue has limited our ability to undertake various community projects and activities, although members gather every Thursday elsewhere for prayers. The proposed Temple, with a community hall, will not only benefit the community but also enable the Sansthan to undertake a number of programmes for the benefit of the people,” he said.
Mr Duvvuru said the primary aim of the organisation was to create awareness of Shirdi Saibaba, propagate his ideals and teachings and serve the community.
“Since its inception, the Sansthan (registered in 2002 as a charitable trust) has been organising regular Satsangs, blood donation camps, tree-planting ceremonies, Durga Mata Chowki and Diwali celebrations. We have also donated money for the victims of natural disasters,” he said.
Further details can be obtained from Mr Gangisetty on (09) 6305817 or 021-629 9226 or Mr Duvvuru on (09) 8469271 or 021-2923807.
