MONTCLAIR: The Montclair Vedic Temple organized Venkateshwara Thiru Kalyana Utsavam, a community Devi Nava Avarana Puja and a special Panel Discussion on Marriage and Family. The Thiru Kalyana Utsavam marked the re-launch of the popular Deity Darshan program - a unique offering from the Vedic Temple.

Those who have been to the famous Venkateshwara temple at Tirupati would no doubt recognize the Thiru Kalyana Utsavam (the Divine Wedding Ceremony) for Malaiyappa Swami - the Utsava Moorthy for Lord Venkateshwara. The Vedic Temple now brings this incredible opportunity to play host to the wedding of the Lord of the Universe, right to your doorsteps.

This celebration was conducted by the Pujacharyas, Nithya Aikyananda Maharaj and Nithya Bhaktapriyananda Maharaj. "I never thought I'll have the opportunity to view the Thiru Kalyana Utsavam of my Venkateshwara, at such close proximity" - said a devotee who was moved to tears. If you are interested in hosting this utsavam at your home, please contact the Vedic Temple.The Devi Nava Avarana Puja is a technique to awaken and integrate the 43 energies within each person. "The 43 triangles of the Sri Chakra Yantra represent the 43 energies that control every aspect of our body, mind and being.

Usually these energies are not integrated within us and we are filled with self-contradictory desires. This leaves us feeling unfulfilled, even with all material successes. Performing the puja allows us to integrate these energies and connect to Devi, the Cosmic Mother, the loving and protecting Mother Energy deep within us", explained Nithya Bhaktapriyananda Maharaj as he guided the devotees performing the puja. It was a beautiful sight as the devotees, each sitting in front of a Sri Chakra Yantra, did the puja with energized Kumkum.

The panel discussion held on Sunday focused on Marriage and Family. The panelists were Dr Savitri Rambhatla (Neo-Natal Specialist), Ma Michelle Lu Kumar (Publicist), Sri Jyotir (Software Designer, Microsoft Corporation), Ma Nischala (Publicity Director, Vedic Temple) and Sri Bhaktapriyananda Maharaj (Pujacharya, Vedic Temple). Each of them presented a different dimension of the relationship. Ma Michelle started the panel discussion presenting "Finding Your Loved One - Looking Beyond when Looking for".

She talked about what we look for in our loved one - based on the images we pick up from around us, which can never be satisfied by our spouse. She stressed the importance of being open to each other and gave examples from her own life and marriage.Jyotir, whose wedding was conducted under the auspices of Paramahamsa Nithyananda, then presented the essence of a Vedic Marriage - the Saptapadi - the institution of marriage as codified by the Vedic Rishis. He explained the 7 vows undertaken by the couple which allows them to grow materially and spiritually while supporting each other.

These vows provide the protection of the fortress as we fight our everyday wars. Ma Savitri (Ma Nithyananda Swabavamayi) talked about how her relationship with her husband gained new maturity after meeting Swami. She explained how her increased awareness helped her overcome what were earlier obstacles in the relationship.

Ma Nischala presented a new perspective - equipping the child with the ability to handle various relationships rather than just focusing on the marriage at the last minute. She explained how important it is to allow the child to grow beyond the psychological dependence on the parents. Allowing the children to grow in an environment where they get to see more than just their parents every day, helps them understand and work with various relationships.

She explained her own experience of having her child grow up in the beautiful environs of the gurukul of the Enlightened Master - Paramahamsa Nithyananda.Bhaktapriyananda Maharaj talked about the 4 phases of life - Brahmachrya, Grahastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa. He explained how today's society lays more emphasis on Grahasta Dharma while ignoring the other dharmas. Maharaj explained how the lust is transformed into love- for one person, which in turn matures into devotion for divine which encompasses everyone.

The session was followed by a Question &Answer segment where the panelist answered various questions raised by the audience. The weekend was rounded off by the weekly procession for Lord Venkateshwara and a traditional Vedic Arati. Upcoming events at the Vedic Temple include a special Lakshmi Puja and Vilakku (Lamp) Puja for Varalakshmi Vradam on August 15 at 3 pm.

This puja is considered to be very auspicious for married woman and is said to bring health, wealth and prosperity for the entire family. The temple is also conducting Upakarma rituals for the Avani Avittam celebrations on August 16 at 8 am and 10 am.

For more information contact Vedic Temple at 909-625-1400 or visit them online at www.NithyanandaVedicTemple.org.