Nithyananda Meditation Academy celebrated its first anniversary on 14th July 2012 with grand festivities.
The celebrative rituals began with Dwajarohanam – flag hoisting in the morning. The utsav murtis of Nithyanandeswara and Nithyanandeswari, along with Guru Padukas were carried in a procession around the temple by devotees.
A very powerful Guru homa was performed in the presence of the deities. The science of invoking the Divine energy in the fire, from ether through homa was explained. Devotees also participated and performed Homa to the Guru.
The Kalasams from the homa were then carried in a procession back to the temple where Maha Kumbabhishekam was performed for all deities – Nithyanandeswara, Nithyanandeswari, Nithyanandeswara Linga, Ganesha, Mahalakshmi, Venkateswara, Meenakshi, Guru Murti, Nandi, 63 Nayanmars and 18 Siddhars.
During the abhishekam, Paramahamsa Nithyananda, blessed all devotees with all auspiciousness through Nayana Deeksha – initiation through 2-way Video conferencing from India.
The chief guest, Rathika Sitsabaiesan, MP, Scarborough – Rouge River, visited the temple and received blessings. She talked to devotees present and stressed the importance of getting involved in the community. When informed about free meditation workshops – including Diabetes care, and stress-relief, and food donation camps conducted by Nithyananda Meditation Academy, Ms Rathika said she would like to work with the temple to support community service initiatives.
In the afternoon, kids from the eNVidyalaya Sunday school, who learn Vedic life solutions for better intelligence and greater health, enacted a scene from Tirugnana Sambandars inspiring life. The children mesmerized the audience with their hearty performance.
The evening began with delightful Kirtans from our guest Donna from Prana Fitness who sang and chanted sacred hymns beautifully and created the perfect ambience for the Darshan to begin. When curtains opened, devotees were treated to beautifully decorated deities.
Cultural events continued with Bharatanatyam performances centered on the Vedic tradition, directed by renowned Toronto teachers, Viji Murali and Sureka Radhakrishnan. Maha Arati was performed for all deities in the temple.
The evening concluded with Live Pada Puja with Paramahamsa Nithyananda who blessed the devotees and the entire city of Toronto with auspiciousness.