Delegates from Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas in Tamil Nadu,
from 28th June 2022 to 5th July 2022

Delegates from Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, namely Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari and Dr. Anupam Vaid, had to come to Tamil Nadu for some very important Ashram works. Additionally to that, Kumari Somashekhari got the golden opportunity to meet a wonderful Bharatanatyam Dance Teacher and her students, in Chennai, on 28th June 2022.
From left to right, standing: Dr. Anupam Vaid, Trustee Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas and Thirumathi (Mrs.) Shri Vidya, Bharatanatyam Guru, Chennai, along with 7 of her dance-students, and sitting: Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, President Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas and Kumari Somashekhari, General Secretary Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas and Bharatanatyam Dancer.

Bharatanatyam Guru Shri Vidya was so kind to present some of her Dance-Students. Here one can see the children praying to Lord Shiva, before starting their dance.

Another Dance-Student of Thirumathi Shri Vidya was performing an expressive Devi Bharatanatyam Dance. Shri Vidya's Bharatanatyam Dance-students are very well trained in all aspects of Bharatanatyam. They impressed by their excellent grasp of rhythm and complicated rhythmic steps, their beautiful and perfect dance-postures and dance-movements, the clarity of their Mudras and also by their very expressive Abhinaya, which speaks volumes about the great effort and capability of their dance Guru Shri Vidya.

Sitting on the left one can see Thirumathi (Mrs.) Padmashree, a very kind-hearted, joyous and dynamic teacher and daughter of a Shri Vidya Priest, who was instrumental to bring Kumari Somashekhari, Swami Vishveshwaranandaji and Dr. Anupam Vaid in contact with the extremely kind and gentle Bharatanatyam Guru, Shri Vidya. Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari, after watching several skilful dance-performances of Shri Vidya's Students, congratulated Shri Vidya for her extraordinary teaching. Here one can see Shri Vidya and Kumari Somashekhari discussing Bharatanatyam Mudras.

After their strenuous, extraordinary Bharatanatyam dance-performances, the students were drenched in sweat. Shri Swami Vishveshwaranandaji and Kumari Somashekhari praised them a lot and tried to encourage them, to always follow divine ideals in life. Bharatanatyam Guru Shri Vidya, sitting on the floor, was very attentively listening to Swamiji's divine words.

Since Bharatanatyam Guru Shri Vidya had come to know, that Kumari Somashekhari herself is an Indian Classical Dancer, having specialized in the Temple Style of Bharatanatyam and the Temple Style of the North Indian Kathak Dance, she surprisingly requested her to perform a dance. Kumari Somashekhari was extremely tired from the journey to Chennai, having arrived from Rishikesh on the very same day, in the very early morning, and therefore she had not got sufficient rest. In spite of that, she immediately and happily agreed to perform a Bharatanatyam dance to an ancient devotional Tamil hymn.

After the divine Bharatanatyam performance of Somashekhari, Bharatanatyam Guru, Shri Vidya, further requested Kumari Somashekhari to explain the meaning of every word of the ancient devotional Tamil song to the dance-students, since some words are no more in use in modern Tamil Language, and then demonstrate the appropriate dance Mudras and dance movements for each word, which Somashekhari did, and which can be partly seen on this photo. After that, Shri Vidya and her students enthusiastically clapped and thanked Somashekhari. Bharatanatyam Guru Shri Vidya said, that it is astonishing, extraordinary and praiseworthy, that Kumari Somashekhari, though born abroad, has gone so much into the depth of ancient devotional Tamil Literature, that she is able to tell the correct meaning of each and every word and show it appropriately through suitable Mudras and Dance-Movements.

When it was time for Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari to leave, all dance-students of Shri Vidya came to bow down in front of them and take their Blessings.

The surprising and wonderful events for the three Delegates from Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, on their first day in Chennai, were not over. In the evening of 28th June 2022, Thirumathi Padmashree invited Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari and Dr. Anupam to a beautiful Temple, the Sri Pancha Mukha Sivan Temple, in Mogappair, Chennai. Many beautiful Murtis are there inside, but the Temple is named after its holy Shivalingam, which contains five faces of Lord Shiva. Padmashree is the daughter of the Main-Priest of this Temple, Shri Venugopal Sharma, lovingly called "Venu Guruji". He is a very sincere Shri Vidya Upasaka and Shri Vidya Priest, and he is the Heart and Soul of this beautiful and divine Temple in Chennai. Here one can see him in his Temple, wearing a red dhoti, surrounded by Devotees.

Because of Shri Venu Guruji, the daily rituals in this Temple are according to the Sri Vidya Upasana and daily two times Hawana is also performed, in the morning and in the evening. Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari and Dr. Anupam Vaid exactly arrived in the Temple, when the evening Homa was going on. Shri Venu Guruji gave the Honour to Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari to perform the Purnahuti.

All are praying during Arati. Venu Guruji rings the bell. There was already a tremendous heat in the Temple, which had increased even more by the presence of Agnidevata, the holy Fire. Everybody got drenched in sweat, but nobody minded it, because of the wonderful divine atmosphere.

Venuguruji offered the Arati to Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari.
Then Swamiji and Somaji were given a seat in the Temple-Hall.

All of a sudden, Lady Devotees came to worship Kumari Somashekhari's feet.

Here one can see, how Lady Devotees apply Chandan, Kumkum and Haldi on Kumari Somashekhari's feet.

Then a Temple Priest lovingly offered a flower mala to Shri Swami Vishveshwaranandaji.

Many wonderful Devotees surrounded Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, President Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas and Kumari Somashekhari, General Secretary Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas and Bharatanatyam Dancer.

Since the Devotees looked with great love and affection at Swami Vishveshwaranandaji, hoping for his Divine Blessings, Swamiji spontaneously started addressing all of them with words full of Divine Wisdom and Love.

Swami Vishveshwaranandaji praised all the wonderful Devotees for coming to this holy Temple for worship and emphasized, that this will surely bring them immense good luck, lasting happiness and prosperity. Pointing towards Sri Vidya Priest, Shri Venu Guruji (on the left), Swamiji said, that it is a golden opportunity for all, to be in the presence of a saintly Priest like Venu Guruji, who takes care for this Temple in such a sincere and honest manner. The Deities of this special Temple are so vibrant and lively, because of Venu Guruji's deep Devotion, Love and Care for the Divinities. Swamiji also said, that one rarely finds in a Temple such a strong divine Vibration and spiritual Warmth, like in this Temple, and the credit for that goes definitely to Shri Venu Guruji.

Several times Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda got spontaneous applause from the Devotees for his inspiring divine words. On this photo one can see, how Shri Venu Guruji approaches Swamiji, carrying a shining colourful cloth.

Among much joyous clapping by the Devotees, Shri Venu Guruji honours Swami Vishveshwaranandaji with a very beautiful, shining Angavastram (a thin shawl).

Once again Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda addressed the wonderful Devotees, giving them valuable spiritual advice and inspiration.

Finally, pointing to Shri Venu Guruji (standing left), Swamiji praised his immense, selfless dedication to the Divine, which makes him an extraordinary Priest, who has made this Temple in Chennai a divine Abode, a real Heaven.

As a great surprise for all - including for Somashekhari herself - Shri Venu Guruji, who had already seen several Bharatanatyam Temple-performances by Kumari Somashekhari in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, requested her to dance. Though Kumari Somashekhari was a bit tired from the long journey from Rishikesh to Chennai, she most happily agreed, since it was always her dream to perform Bharatanatyam Dances in South Indian Temples. It was like "a dream come true" for her, though in a most unexpected and unplanned manner. Before starting her dance, she turned towards the beautiful Pancha Mukha Shivalingam for paying her obeisance to Him with great joy and deep devotion.

Since this beautiful Temple in Chennai is named "Pancha Mukha Sivan Temple", Kumari Somashekhari selected a Bharatanatyam Temple-Dance, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the "Shiva-Panchakshara Stotram with Alarippu".

While dancing, Somashekhari depicts Lord Shiva Nataraja.

Devotees and surely also Celestials were watching Kumari Somashekhari's splendid dance-performance.

After Kumari Somashekhari had completed her worship through Bharatanatyam Temple-Dance, she was led by the Shri Vidya Priest Venu Guruji into the inner Shrine of "Sri Pancha Mukha Sivan" and given a lot of fresh, fragrant rose-flower-petals, which she could joyously offer to this beautiful and rare Shivalingam.

Left: Also Shri Swami Vishveshwaranandaji offered rose-petals to this extraordinary Shivalingam, along with deep devotion.

Right: As the grand conclusion for this surprising, unplanned, but utmost divine and heavenly event, Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati and Kumari Somashekhari were brought by Shri Venu Guruji inside the Shrine of the beautiful Divine Mother Kameshwari. Below Her is situated a big shining Maha-Meru Yantra. Thanks to the generosity of Shri Venu Guruji, who knows, that Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari are Sannyasis and also initiated into Shri Vidya, they were allowed to sit at the Feet of the Supreme Devi Kameshwari, in front of Her Maha-Meru Yantra, and offer rose-petals, while the whole Temple was vibrating with the Chanting of the Lalita-Sahasranama by Shri Venu Guruji, his daughter Padmashree and many Lady Devotees.

On 3rd July 2022 the three Delegates from Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, Kumari Somashekhari and Dr. Anupam Vaid, paid a surprise visit to the house of the late Srividyopasana Sthanikam C.V. Kamakoti Sastry, Hereditary Mirasdar, Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Sri Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. There are presently only 3 Priest Families in Kanchipuram, who have hereditary rights to perform Pujas in the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple and one of them is the family of late Shri C.V. Kamakoti Sastry. Now his son, Shri Suresh Sastry, conducts Pujas in the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple. Here he can be seen in his house, situated near the East Entrance of Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, praying in his Puja Room.

Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati and Kumari Somashekhari, from Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, have entered the Puja Room of the Kamakoti Sastry Family. The big painting next to them depicts Divine Mother Para-Amba, the Devi who grants Immortality and final Liberation. The painting looks so real, that it seems, that the Devi is alive and stepping out of the picture frame.

Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari inside the Puja Room of the C.V. Kamakoti Sastry Family.

Late Shri C.V. Kamakoti Sastry, the illustrious father of Shri Suresh Sastry, had greatest Love and Adoration for Sadgurudev Shri Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati, and for Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, specially for Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Guru-Bhakti-Ratna Kumari Somashekhari.

Here one can see - from left to right - Dr. Anupam Vaid, Trustee Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, Shri Suresh Sastry, Hereditary Priest of Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, President Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas and Kumari Somashekhari, General Secretary Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas and Bharatanatyam Dancer, after having the Darshan of Shri Kanchi Kamakshi Devi.

Above Left: In the evening time, inside the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple area: Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari and Priest Suresh Sastry together with another important Temple Priest.

Amazing, heavenly view in the evening time over the area of the Shri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, from the balcony of the building "Omkarananda Veda Mata Bhawanam", which belongs to the Omkarananda Dharma Samsthan, Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

On Monday, 4th July 2022, in the morning hours, Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari and Dr. Anupam Vaid could have another Darshan of Shri Kanchi Kamakshi Devi. Here one can see Kamakshi Temple Priest, Shri Suresh Sastryji, together with Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari, in the Temple area of Shri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman, Kanchipuram.

Shri Suresh Shastriji deputed another Priest to bring Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari and Dr. Anupam Vaid to the nearby Ekambareswarar or Ekambaranathar Temple. Here one can see the tall Gopuram of this important Shiva Temple.

From left to right: Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari and Priest Kavi-Arasu, at the entrance of the Shri Ekambaranathar Temple in Kanchipuram.

Inside the Ekambaranathar Temple, at the Utsava Murtis of Lord Shiva (Ekambaranathar) and Parvati (Kamakshi Devi).
From left to right: Dr. Anupam Vaid, a Priest of the Ekambaranathar Temple, Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari.

Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari are standing at the Nandi Mandapam, in the Temple area of Ekambaranathar Temple.

On Monday, 4th July 2022, Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari, accompanied by Trustee Dr. Anupam Vaid and Kanchipuram Temple Priest Kavi-Arasu, could have the Darshan of another wonderful, very ancient Shiva-Temple in Kanchipuram, the Kailasanathar Temple. Here one can see Swamiji and Somaji in this Temple.

In the Kailasanathar Temple Complex.

Shri Pradeep Vaid, father of Dr. Anupam Vaid, Trustee Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, at the entrance of the building "Omkarananda Veda Mata Bhawanam", which is situated next to the Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Ambal Temple, in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. 

On Tuesday, 5th July 2022, the Delegates from Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas had a final meeting with Kanchi Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam Chief-Priest, Shri Suresh Sastryji, in the Puja Room of his ancestral home. From left to right: Dr. Anupam Vaid, Chief-Priest Suresh Sastry, Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari.  

Chief-Priest Shri Suresh Sastryji honoured Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, President Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, with a shining Angavastram and a very special, colourful, long Temple Mala, made out of soft silk-threads.

Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, after being honoured by the Kanchi Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam Chief-Priest.

Chief-Priest Suresh Sastryji, along with his wife, present to Kumari Somashekhari an extremely beautiful, real Kanchipuram Silk Sari, a divine Prasadam from Shri Kanchi Kamakshi Ambal.

Something wondrous happened, when the three Delegates of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, namely Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari and Dr. Anupam Vaid, stepped out of the house of the Chief-Priest, in order to return to Chennai and from there to Rishikesh, Uttarakhand:
By Divine Grace - exactly at this moment - a holy Procession with the Utsava Murtis of Ekambaranathar (Lord Shiva) and Kamakshi (Parvati), had come from the Ekambaranathar Temple, just passed the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple and was reaching the entrance of the house of the Chief-Priest. Here one can see the East Gopuram of the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple in the background and the holy procession from the Ekambaranathar Temple approaching the house of the Chief-Priest. Chief-Priest Suresh Sastryji is facing the Temple and the holy procession with the Utsava Murtis. This surprising arrival of the holy Utsava Murtis of Lord Shiva and Parvati was seen by all as a very good Omen, a very auspicious, divine Sign.