Inauguration of Yogoda Satsanga Dhyana Mandir at T Nagar - Mar, 2019:
Jai Guru. Since 2011, YSS Chennai devotees had been searching for a new Dhyana Kendra to keep up with the growing activities of the centre. This culminated in the building of an exclusive building with 6,000 Sq. feet space, in heart of Chennai in T. Nagar (Address: 14A, 31, S. Boag Rd, T. Nagar, Chennai, 600017. Behind SBI ATM).
On 30th March 2019, a beautiful, two-storey mandir was inaugurated, which comprises two meditation halls that can seat around 200 devotees. The building has rooms for book sales, Sunday school and visiting monks. It is also equipped with elevator access and generator facility.
The ceremony started with a Prabhat Pheri, an attractively, garlanded picture of Guruji’s picture was taken on the streets with devotees joyously chanting his holy name. Sw. Suddhanandaji, senior YSS monk, then cut the ribbon to formally inaugurate the building. Also in attendance were Sw. Pavitranandaji and Brahmacharis Shreyanandaji and Nirmalanandaji from YSS Ranchi ashram.
A period of meditation followed, which filled all our hearts with bounteous vibrations of peace and love. Nearly 500 devotees were in attendance for the function, including around 150 outstation devotees and a few Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) devotees from overseas.
During the opening Satsanga, Swami Suddhanandaji read the letter sent by our beloved YSS/SRF President Sw. Chidanandaji who conveyed his love and blessings to all the devotees who attended the function. As a token of our love and gratitude, our monks were each honoured with a floral bouquet.
Kendra Chairperson Smt. Saraswathi welcomed the gathering and took us through the history of Chennai Kendra’s establishment from its early days. Swami Pavitranandaji then addressed the devotees and said that the actual work lay ahead from now on in continuing and spreading Guruji’s work across the city and state. The dedication ceremony closed with a prayer followed by Pushpanjali.
That afternoon, Swami Pavitranandaji conducted classes on meditation techniques for the newly enrolled members and also other devotees in Tamil. Brahmachari Shreyanandaji and Brahmachari Nirmalanandaji conducted similar review classes in English.
In the evening, a public function was organised in the evening for the Audio book release of Autobiography of a Yogi in Tamil. Swami Pavitranandaji gave a brief introduction about YSS and its efforts in spreading Guruji’s teachings. Dr. Sarada Nambi Arooran, a well-known spiritual orator, released the audio book and the first copy was received by Padmavibhushan and Cine actor, Sri Rajinikanth, who is a disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and his YSS teachings. In his speech, the actor spoke about how his life changed after he read Guruji’s book, Autobiography of a Yogi in the late 90s. He stressed the need to read or hear this life-changing book, and benefit spiritually. The star-studded was covered by the press and media who were in attendance. Smt. Sarada Nambi Arooran addressed the attendees with an inspiring speech by quoting dialects from saints of the Vedic ages. The voice artist of the audio book and the studio owner were also felicitated.
Swami Suddhanandaji then gave a talk on “Kriya Yoga Chintamani: Bestower of Peace, Love and Joy”, which inspired the audience. YSS books were available for sale as well as enrolment for YSS lessons.
The next day, Kriya Diksha was organised for eligible and interested YSS lesson students. Monks graciously counselled devotees on personal and spiritual matters. That evening, as part of the closing ceremony devotees were given prasad by Swamijis. All devotees departed for their homes feeling blessed to have participated, volunteered or contributed towards this joyous event.
