Memory of AK Bhat :: Photos from Balalok Prayer Meeting

-
Memory of AK Bhat :: Photos from Balalok Prayer Meeting

Sincere thanks to Bhavana for sharing a few photographs taken in Balalok Prayer Meeting held on 4th July 2010. The same have been shared over here for the benefit of all alumni.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The 48-Day Ayyappa Vratham: A Personal Guide to Spiritual Alignment

-
  A friend once asked, “Why not write a post summarizing the rules for Ayyappa's 48-day observation?” So here we are. While most guidelines are oral traditions passed down from elders, I’ve kept a pocketbook (in Tamil) and a few PDFs that helped me through the years. Today, with some quiet time and sincere intent, I’m compiling the essentials in English—so future Swamis can benefit. These rules aren't about rigid enforcement—they're reminders for self-control, mindfulness, and spiritual clarity. Core Principles and Practices Dedicate all tasks to Lord Ayyappa. Every action—even work—is divine instrumentation. Bhagavad Gita echoes this too. Resist inner enemies like lust, anger, greed, and attraction. Refrain from gambling, smoking, alcohol, and non-vegetarian food. Harm no one—neither by word nor deed. Offer “Sharanam” to fellow Ayyappa Swamis. Treat them as manifestations of the Lord. Serve yo...
Read more

Sloka of Spiritual Compassion: Arindhum Ariyamalum

-
Image
One Swami, in a moment of heartfelt dejection, shared how he missed his early routine. To ease his burden, I recalled this cherished verse recited by Ayyappa devotees—a sloka that embraces imperfection and offers divine forgiveness. In both Tamil and English, it echoes: Known and unknown missteps Willful and unwitting errors All surrendered at the lotus feet of Hariharaputra This sloka is our humble plea: Poruthu, Kathu, Rakshithu, Arul Puriya Vendum. Forgive, protect, and bless us, Lord. Om. Arindhum Ariyalum Therindhum Theriyalum Naangal Seitha Sagala Kutrangalaiyum Poruthu, Kathu Rakshithu Arul Puriya Vendum Sathiyamay Ponnu Pathinettam Padi mael Vaazhum Kasi Rameswaram Adakki Aalum Om Hari Hara Sudhan, Ananda Siddhan Ayyan, Ayyappa Swamiyae Saranam Ayyappa. ஓம். அறிந்தும் அறியாமலும் தெரிந்தும் தெரியாமலும் நாங்கள் செய்த சகல குற்றங்களையும் பொறுத்து, காத்து ரட்சித்து அருள் புரிய வேண்டும் சத்தியமாய் பொன்னு பதினெட்டாம் படிமேல் வ...
Read more

Nemili Bala Tripura Sundari Peetam: Where the Divine Dwells as a Child

-
Image
Nestled in the quiet village of Nemili near Vellore, this sacred abode isn’t a temple in the conventional sense—it’s a home , chosen by Bala herself. The deity, a radiant nine-year-old form of Tripura Sundari, resides in a modest house known as Bala Peetam , where simplicity reigns and sincerity is the only offering She seeks. ️ Origin Story Over a century ago, Bala appeared in the dream of Shri Subramania Iyer, instructing him to retrieve Her from the river Kushasthalai. After days of searching, he found a three-inch bronze idol —a divine child—floating in the waters. She was installed in his home, which became Her eternal residence. Temple Practices Prasadam : Chocolates and biscuits—childlike and sweet. Alankaram : A simple silk pavadai, no pomp or grandeur. Offerings : No bargaining. Devotees are encouraged to pray with pure intent, not transactional promises. Darshan Protocol : It’s said that only those whom Bala wishes to...
Read more