Though many were saddened by the unexpected news that Paramahamsa Vishwananda would not be able to attend Narasimha Chaturdashi in person, His presence was unmistakably felt uplifting participants throughout the entire week. More than 200 guests traveled from near and far to gather at the Paranitya Narasimha Temple in Elmira for a week-long celebration filled with devotion, prayer, and grace.
Throughout the week, guests immersed themselves in lively prayers, blissful kirtan, meaningful satsangs, and the loving association of bhaktas. Many shared that the temple atmosphere itself felt divinely charged with Guruji’s presence.
24-HOUR YAJNA
After the opening rituals, Swami Tulsidas gave a beautiful satsang about the deeper meaning of the Raja Mantra which was chanted during the powerful 24-hour yajna. In the middle of the night, the potent Narasimha Pratyanga Mantra was chanted from 3:00-5:00am. The prayer, from the Atharva-veda, appeals to Lord Narasimha, asking Him to bless us with His darshan.
The next morning, as the yajna continued, participants joined Paramahamsa Vishwananda’s Pray for the World livestream in the tent, adding their heartfelt prayers to the collective intention for world peace and healing.
ONLINE DARSHAN
After the completion of the yajna, everyone gathered in the temple for an online darshan with Guruji. Afterwards, He took time to chat with us, answer a few questions, and share how happy He was to see the temple full.
DEVOTEE INITIATIONS
During the festivities upstairs, Swami Revatikaanta initiated five new devotees downstairs. We welcome them all to the Bhakti Marga family and offer our prayers for a life of ever-growing love and devotion.
NARASIMHA CHATURDASHI
By the time the Narasimha Chaturdashi rituals began, the atmosphere was super-charged with love and gratitude. The prayers were ecstatic and the temple rocked with passionate singing, joyous dancing, and heart-felt devotion. Though physically absent, Guruji’s love and blessings were so palpable during the entire event.
During the Maha-abhishekam, guests were invited to offer water to Sri Rukmini Panduranga, Mahavatar Babaji, Paranitya Narasimha, Ramanujacharya, and Maha Lakshmi. Swami Revatikaanta and Swami Chida both gave inspiring satsangs while the deities were being dressed.
An especially moving moment was when guests were invited to receive blessings from Elmira’s three swamis and their svayambhu deities: Swami Chida’s Lakshmi Narasimha, Swami Revatikaanta’s Chaturbhuja Narasimha, and Swami Tulsidas’ Paranitya Narasimha.
When the curtains were finally opened the Ugra Narasimha Darshan ignited the crowd. Emotions ran high, tears flowed, and the dancing literally shook the floor! The Shanta Darshan opened hearts and made everyone so grateful for the opportunity to share in the experience together.
After Shayan-arati guests gathered in the Community Room to enjoy a sumptuous feast of prasad made with love. Guests were able to chat with bhaktas and expressed how grateful they were for the opportunity to find this holy sanctuary. Everyone left feeling uplifted, blessed, and deeply nourished spiritually.
The entire event was livestreamed and was viewed by nearly 8000 people! One viewer wrote that she felt the power and love of the event as if she was there in person. Another guest called it “EPIC!”
Whether online or in person, this event touched lives, opened hearts and was overflowing with Gurudev’s Love and grace. We are all so blessed to have Him in our lives and for His Love which gave the world Paranitya Narasimha to worship and adore.
- Aruni