News and pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)
Mumbai, Aug 11: "Peaceful life is possible by following religious customs. Saint is a link for the society and when we come to know
Almighty through saints we come to know the basis of religion. Saints are like a bridge between heaven and earth and the motive of saints and the holy people is the welfare of mankind. Devotion to saints is beneficial to the society. Saints are the kind people who inform the proximity of the Almighty. Saints are just like a light falling all over the house. The life serving the saints and society is valuable like gold," said Odiyooru mutt's Gurudevananda Swamiji.
He was speaking at his birthday celebrations, held jointly by Gurudeva Seva Balaga, Vajramatha Mahila Vikasa Kendra Maharastra unit and local devotees at Swami Vivekananda hall at Sion east. He garlended the portrait of Nityananda Swamiji.
Odiyurushree lit the traditional lamp and said that Satsanga is the way for life's achievement. "Satsanga is the way to know the truth.
The lives of those who follow it become sublime. The knowledge of religion is necessary in it. Following the religion is a tool for lasting happiness. Our country is religion based and our culture is Sanatana. So the religion and culture of our country are holy. The
sacrifice of saints and owners of mutts to preserve the sanctity of religion is immense," he added.
The programme was held in the presence of Babu N Shetty, Sarojini Hirianna Shetty, Aikala V Shetty and other devotees. Gurudeva Seva Balaga Maharastra unit president Advocate Kadandale Parari Prakash L Shetty and Kishori P Shetty held Pada Pooje of the Odiyurshree.
Shri Vajramatha Mahila Vikasa Kendra Maharastra unit executive president Revathi Shetty and Vamayya Shetty couple participated in
Varamahalaxmi Pooja. Sadhvi Matanandamayi led the prayer. Odiyoor's Chandrashekar Upadhyaya and Subrahmanya Bhat conducted Religious programmes and distributed Theertha Prasada after Maha Arathi.
Gurudeva Seva Balaga vice president Bolnaduguthu Chandrahasa Rai, honorary secretary Prakash Shetty Petemane, treasurer Bhoja Shetty, joint secretary Diwaker B Shetty, former president of Vajramatha Women's Unit Suhasini Shetty, present secretary Chitra R Shetty, Bombay Bunts Association president Shama N Shetty, former president N C Shetty, authors B S Kurkal, Shimunde Parari, businessman, Modern's K Balakrishna Shetty, devotees Ananda Shetty Bhayandar, Merkala Thyampanna Shetty, Thokur Bhaskar Shetty, Anand Ail P D Shetty Sion, Sumathi R Shetty and hundreds of devotees participated in Satsanga programme.
Ganesh Ermal and group sang hymns. Prakash Shetty Petemane compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.