Sponsors sought for religious event

An Auckland based religious organisation has sought public involvement in its forthcoming event to celebrate the ‘Marriage’ of one of the most popular Deities.

Shirdi Saibaba Temple Inc has invited institutions and individuals to come forward as sponsors and volunteers to promote the festival.

Sponsorship would entail cash or material donation and those willing to volunteer their services would be entrusted with various duties.

Shirdi Saibaba Temple Inc will conduct ‘Srinivasa Kalyanam’ or the ‘Marriage of Srinivasa’ (also known as ‘Venkateswara’ and ‘Balaji’) at the Mt Eden War Memorial Hall (487 Dominion Road) in Mt Eden on November 28.

Ravi Chittajallu, Secretary of the body (registered as a Charitable Trust) said that the event will be unique, affording devotees of the ‘Lord of the Seven Hills’ a rare chance to participate in an auspicious function.

“The abode of the Lord in Tirupathi (atop the Seven Hills) is considered ‘Kaliyuga Vaikuntam’ or the Heaven of the God of Kaliyug on Earth. Millions of devotees from various parts of India and the world visit the Temple every day to offer prayers, jewellery and money to their favourite God.

“Among the many daily festivities held at the Temple is ‘Srinivasa Kalyanam,’ providing people a chance to witness and conduct the Wedding,” he said.

Mr Chittajallu said the Organising Committee has placed orders for the Deities of the Lord and his ‘Brides’ Lakshmi and Padmavati with specialists in Andhra Pradesh.

“The arrival of these Deities would not only augur well for the festival but also for our Temple Project,” he said.

“We plan to celebrate ‘Srinivasa Kalyanam’ in the true spirit of authenticity,” he said.

The festival will begin at 730 am and would include the ‘Suprapatham’ (Waking up the Lord from His ‘Slumber’) Service, the ‘Wedding Ceremony’ and other special poojas that are conducted every day at Tirupathi.

“Our elaborate preparations would include ‘Thomala Seva,’ in which the Deities would be decorated with garlands made of ‘Tulsi’ (Basil) leaves, recitation of Vedic Mantras, ‘Dhoop Aarti’ for the Deities and Shirdi Saibaba.

“The ‘Dhoop Aarti’ for Shirdi Sai Baba will be followed by the ‘Unjal Seva’ (Swing Ceremony). Among the highlights of the evening would be the ‘Sahasra Deepa Alankaram,’ with 1000 lights illuminating the Lord. The programme will conclude with ‘Ekanta Seva,’ the nightly ritual in Tirupathi. All proceeds will go to the Shirdi Saibaba Temple Fund,” he said.

Mr Chittajallu said the chief objective of establishing the Organisation a few months ago was to construct a Temple for Shirdi Sai Baba.

“Our Temple Committee, comprising 20 members, is dedicated to this ambitious project. Programmes such as ‘Srinivasa Kalyanam’ will help in boosting financial resources needed for the Temple,” he said.

Further details regarding sponsorship and volunteer work related to the forthcoming festival and the proposed Temple can be obtained from him or other members of the Committee.