NEW JERSEY: Close to 1,000 devotees are expected to attend the 337th Raghavendra Aradhana Mahothsava at Shri Dwarkadish Temple, Parlin, NJ on Aug 30.Shri Krishna Vrundavana, the North American presence of Udupi-based Shri Krishna Puthige Matha, is holding special prayers in memory of the holy saint, Guru Raghavendra (1601-1671) who has a wide following in South India.

Irrespective of their caste, creed and religion, millions of devotees throng Mantralaya, a holy town on the Andhra-Karnataka border each year. It was at Mantrayala that the multi-talented saint is believed to have entered the Brindavana alive amidst ardent devotees chanting Vedic hymns.

The saint is credited with originating the Carnatic music besides expounding the Vedas and excelling in many diverse fields such as logic and Yoga. The Aug 30 prayers will be conducted under the auspices of Swami Sugunendra Theertha, the holy pontiff of Udupi Shri Puthige Matha.

The day-long event involves various poojas and in the evening, Swami Sugunendra will give a discourse on the life and teachings of Guru Raghavendra followed by cultural programs and later by Maha Prasada.

For further information, call Yogeendra Bhat at 732-283-8982//732-549-6959 or e-mail at yogeendrabhatuli@yahoo.com