MONTCLAIR, CA: The recently inaugurated Vedic Temple at Montclair has launched a unique initiative to bring "God to your home." Ananda Venkateshwara, the Utsava Moorthy or the Procession Deity of Lord Venkateshwara, has visited six homes so far and has his weekends completely scheduled till middle of June, according to a press release by Vedic Temple.

Every Saturday he is welcomed by one of the devotees to their home with a traditional Vedic Rituals including a Poorna Kumbha. On Sunday, he returns to the Temple amidst much fanfare which includes a Rathotsava - a chariot procession for the deity. Last week, Ananda Venkatesh- wara visited the home of Ananda Naveen and Rashmi Sharma.

He was welcomed to the home by the family and their friends and relatives. Once inside, the Poojacharya of the Vedic Temple, Sri Nithya Bhaktapriyananda, performed the Guru Pooja to Ananda Venkateshwara.

This was followed by an intimate question and answer session. People voiced questions on varied topics including the story of Venkateshwara, the reason for performing rituals, involving family members in the spiritual path, integrating spirituality in our day to day life. The Poojacharya answered all the questions in his characteristic style filled with wisdom and laced with humor. He explained the need to start looking inwards rather than outwards.

The practicality of integrating spirituality into our day to day life was also highlighted.The devotees then joined in a beautiful Bhajan while taking their turns to fan the Lord. It is considered that the Lord, who is now resting after his night dinner, is all ears to the devotees request and wishes. Dinner was then served to all present.On Sunday, the hosting family brought the deity back to the temple. At the temple, people were waiting for the Lord after a session of Bhagavatha Katha.

The series on Bhagavatha Katha was started at the temple this week and will be held every Sunday at 4.30 pm. After being received with a Purna Kumbha and an Arthi, the Lord ascended his new chariot. The chariot was modeled and created at the Vedic Temple.

To the accompaniment of music, dance, drums and Bhajans the chariot went on a procession around the temple. At every corner, the Lord was offered various food items as well as clothes and ornaments. It was a sight to behold as all the devotees including the kids joined in the celebration.

The temple will be performing this Rathotsava or the chariot procession every weekend when Venkateshwara returns back to the temple.The evening festivities were concluded with the Arthi which is performed in the temple in the traditional style using 21 different items. Dinner Prasad was then served to all present in the temple.