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Re: Yajur Upakarmam & Gayathri Japam Dates: A correction

From the Bhakti List Archives

Nutech • August 6, 1998 


Venkatesh K. Elayavalli wrote:
> 
> Following may be useful for some, in and arround SF Bay Area.
> 
> The Shiva Vishnu Temple in Livermore will have services for
> Avani Avittam tomorrow. There are two sessions planned:
> 
> one at 6:00am and the next at 8:00am.
> 
> I was told by many back home, that performing the Upakarmam
> at a temple under the guidance of a temple priest is very auspicious.
> Can some one clarify this, please?
> 
> Also, if you live in Bay Area, you can also visit the temple on
> Saturdays, for the following:
> 
> 9:00 to 10:00: Sri Venkatesha Suprapatham
> 10:00 to 1:00: Thirumanjanam for Lord Venkateshvara.
> 
> For more information, please visit:
> 
> http://www.livermoretemple.com
> 
> --
> 
> Venkatesh K. Elayavalli             Cypress Semiconductor
> Data Communications Division        3901 N. First St. MS 4
> Phone: (408) 456 1858               San Jose CA 95134
> Fax:   (408) 943 2949
> 
> Home Page Location:     http://www.SriVaishnava.org
========================================================================
Dear Venkatesh,

Upakarmam is a follow up of Upanayanam. The prefix 'Upa' is significant.
In upa-nayana, it means that the Guru who does Brahmopadesam takes the
newly initiated Brahmachari near to the Sannidhanam of Gayatri Devi. In
Upa-karma also, it suggests that the Guru is the one under whose
guidance the 'Karma' ought to be performed. 

In a country like U.S.A where it is very difficult to find a competent
Guru, we have to make do with anyone who is observing the Sishtaachaara
HIMSELF to help us out in uttering the Mantras. In both, it is more
efficacious - if performed under the guidance of a Priest well versed in
this.

The Khandarishi Tarpanam is best performed at a waterfront like a river
etc. For those who have no access to this, they can do it as an anga of
the Upakarma at the temple if possible or at home itself, if necessary.

I have heard about this practice from Acharyas while in India.

Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy