Monthly Highlights – January 25 – Sri Kameswari Foundation

Greetings Everyone!!!

In the Hindu calendar, the month of January is considered sacred as the Sun changes its direction from south to north,an event celebrated as Makara Sankramanam.This marks the beginning of Uttarayanam.

Our revered rishis have explained that this is an auspicious time for deep sadhana and to receive the blessings of the Supreme Self.On this Makara Sankramanam,we @ Sri Kameswari Foundation are also inspired to engage in dharmic actions,guided by the very embodiment of Dharma—our beloved Lord Sri Rama.

The month began with the Sri Rama Kodanda Darsanam and concluded with the temple anniversary celebrations of His devoted servant,Lord Hanuman at our village.Throughout this period,Dharma Murti Sri Rama led us in every action,leaving us with not just cherished memories but also a renewed spiritual momentum.

Here,we present you this month newsletter detailing all the events.Our sincere pranamams to each and every individual and organisation who has been supporting us in our journey.🙏🙏🙏

Highlights of JANUARY 2025

1.Grand Anniversary Celebration of Guru Prof. Marti Venkatarama Sarma garu in Hyderabad – 02-01-25

Hyderabad recently witnessed a momentous occasion as distinguished scholars and devoted disciples came together to celebrate the anniversary of the esteemed Guru,Prof.Marti Venkatarama Sarma garu.This remarkable event was uniquely special as it was meticulously organized by his devoted shishyas,reflecting their deep reverence and gratitude towards their beloved teacher.

The presence and joyful participation of Prof.Marti Venkatarama Sarma garu added an aura of sanctity and jubilation to the event.The proceedings were enriched with profound Vedic kriyas, traditional rituals that underscored the spiritual essence of the gathering.Additionally,the event featured an enlightening Smarta Dharmic discourse, offering deep insights into the philosophical and ethical tenets of the tradition.A significant highlight of the occasion was the Shastric Vakyartha,a scholarly debate on intricate scriptural interpretations,where the attendees had the esteemed opportunity to share the dais with renowned Shastra scholars.

Eminent scholars and revered panditas,including Prof.Mani Dravida Shastri Garu,Dr.Venkata Radhe Shyam Garu,Dr.Kuppa Viswanatha Sarma Garu,Dr. Sripada Subrahmanyam Garu,Dr. Srishti Lakshmi Prasanna Anjaneya Sarma Garu,Dr. Mushti Pavan Kumara Sarma Garu,and other distinguished Shastric scholars,graced the occasion with their presence.These erudite personalities,highly respected across southern India,enriched the discussions with their profound wisdom and scholarship.

Dr.J.Suryanarayana garu delivered an insightful discourse on the various types of Nigrahasthanas as elucidated in the Nyaya Sutras.His exposition on this pivotal aspect of logical argumentation and debate emphasized its continued relevance in contemporary intellectual and practical domains.Meanwhile,Dr.J.Srinivas garu presented an expert interpretation of the theory of creation as outlined in the Brahma Sutras,which was received with great appreciation by the audience.

The event not only celebrated the life and contributions of Prof.Marti Venkatarama Sarma garu but also served as a confluence of knowledge,tradition,and scholarly discourse.It was a testament to the enduring guru-shishya parampara, reinforcing the timeless values of wisdom, devotion, and intellectual pursuit.

2.Divine Blessings – Sri Rama Kodanda Darsanam Organized by Our Foundation – 14-01-25 & 15-01-25

When Saint Tyagaraja lovingly called out,”Rama Rama Neevaramu Gama,Rama Sita, Rama Rama,Sadhu Jana Prema Rara“,bhagavan Kodanda Rama,full of grace and compassion,responded to his devotion.

Likewise,through the blessings of Challa Srinivasa Sastry garu,the members of Sri Kameswari Foundation had the divine opportunity to witness and worship the Kodandam(bow) of Lord Rama,which will soon be enshrined in Ayodhya’s first-floor sanctum,symbolizing Dushta Shikshana and Shishta Rakshana (protection of the righteous and punishment of the wicked).

At a time when the first anniversary celebrations of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi are being held with grandeur,Bhagavatas in Hyderabad were fortunate to have darshan of the Kodandam,which is set to be installed in Ayodhya in the future.

On January 14th,at our Gurukulam in Madinaguda,we conducted Vedic rituals and offered prayers to the Kodandam,seeking insights into its significance from our revered elders.

On January 15th,at Swami Sivananda’s Ashram in Padmarao Nagar, the Kodandam was made available for darshan.Vedic scholars and elders graced the occasion,offering Vedic blessings and sharing the spiritual significance of Lord Rama as Kodanda Rama.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Challa Srinivasa Sastry garu for bestowing this divine blessing upon us.🙏🙏🙏

Special thanks to our founder,Jammalamadaka Bairagi Sastri garu,for conceptualizing,overseeing,and ensuring the successful execution of this sacred event.🙏🙏

A big appreciation to all the devotees who supported and participated in this spiritual gathering in such a short span of time. 🙏

3.Honoring Excellence – Our Vedam Guruvugaru Receives Varna Krama Expert Certification from S.V.Vedic University – 23-01-25

The Veda is considered Apaurusheya—not authored by any human. It is said that the Rishis, through their deep penance, perceived the divine voice of Parabrahma and passed it down through an unbroken lineage of disciples.

But how has the Veda remained unchanged despite the passage of Yugas?

If we look at the Telugu language, despite the existence of numerous books and people learning it,its original form has drastically changed over time.

The script has transformed,and so has its usage.For example,the correct way to write is గుఱ్ఱం (guṛraṁ), but today,we simply write గుర్రం (gurraṁ). If this continues, future generations may not even know where to use the letter ఱ (ṟa), leading to a gradual loss of linguistic integrity.

This is because people only learn what they find useful. If something seems unnecessary, they abandon it—whether it is knowledge or relationships.

Yet,despite such a human mindset,how has the oral tradition of the Veda remained intact, passed down perfectly from Guru to Shishya without any distortion?

The answer lies in the Shastra.Among the six Vedangas,the Shiksha Shastra—particularly Varna Krama—is the key to preserving this sacred knowledge,as designed by our great Rishis.

The Veda is primarily sound-based (Shabda Pradhana).It is well known that deities would not accept offerings in rituals,if there are errors in pronunciation of the Veda mantra.

When knowledge is transmitted purely through oral tradition, the Guru’s ability to impart the correct pronunciation becomes paramount.

Each letter (varna) has:

Its unique form
Its correct usage
Its precise pronunciation
Its place of articulation within the body
Its presiding deity (Akshara Devata)
Its corresponding counter-deity (Pratyadhidevata)

It is only through rigorous study and dedicated teachers that this Shruti Vidya (oral transmission of Vedic knowledge) has remained unaltered across millennia,preserving its Sanatana (eternal) nature.

We are indeed fortunate to have such Gurus,committed to safeguarding this Vedic tradition.

At Sri Kameswari Foundation, Kunapuli Ganesh Kartikeya garu– Vedam guruvugaru at our Gurukulam,has successfully completed the study of Varna Kramam and received certification from prestigious S.V.Vedic University.We extend our heartfelt congratulations and respectful salutations to him.

It is our children’s greatest fortune to study under such an esteemed Guru.With deep reverence, we offer our pranamams to Kameswari devata,the embodiment of unconditional love and grace, and to the Guru Parampara, which continues to uphold the Vedic tradition.🙏🙏🙏

4.EK Spiritual Services – Medical Camp – 29-1-25

Dr. Gopal Rao Garu and his team successfully conducted a comprehensive and effective homeopathy medical camp at our Hyderabad campus.Volunteers from the E.K team in Visakhapatnam also participated in this month’s medical camp.

Students, parents, and several members of the local community benefitted from this initiative.Many attendees received treatment for chronic ailments, making this camp a valuable healthcare opportunity.It was a privilege for the foundation to host such a holistic and community-focused initiative.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Gopal Rao Garu for his selfless service and generosity.🙏🙏

5.Successful Completion of Veda Pariksha by our Gurukulam students in Hyderabad – 24-01-25 to 28-01-25

Hyderabad recently hosted the prestigious Veda Pariksha from 24th to 28th January, marking yet another milestone in the tradition of Vedic education and examinations. Traditionally,Veda Examinations are conducted district-wise across Andhra Pradesh and other southern Indian states, requiring students to travel to their respective districts to appear for the exams, even if they study elsewhere. However, for students pursuing their Vedic studies in Hyderabad, regardless of their native region, an examination authority named “Telangana Veda Shastra Pravardhaka Sabha” was established four years ago to facilitate their participation.

This year’s examination was meticulously organized by B. Sri Kotamraju Sitarama Ghanapati Garu under the esteemed banner of “Sri Venkateswara Vidyaranya Veda Vidya Viharam.” A distinctive feature of this event was the voluntary organization by the students and parents associated with B. Sri Kotamraju Sitarama Ghanapathi Garu, reflecting their dedication and commitment to Vedic education.

The examination witnessed an overwhelming participation of more than 350 students from various parts of southern India. In addition to Vedic assessments, Sanskrit literature examinations were also conducted, broadening the scope of the event.

A key highlight for our organization, “Sri Kameswari Foundation,” was the exemplary performance of our eight students—Jammalamadaka Srirameswara Sastry, Jammalamadaka Balakrishna Murthy, Shishtla Skandan, Lanka Chandramouli, Garlapati Shiva Chaitanya, Garlapati Shivaguru, Kunapuli Pavan, and Buddhiraju Pradyumna—all of whom meritoriously passed the examination. Their achievements were further accentuated by the high praise received from the Parikshadhikaris (Examiners) for their impeccable Swara (tone), spontaneous spirit, and unwavering confidence.

A unique feature of this examination was the inclusion of Antyakshari, a traditional recitation format in which our students excelled. Despite being considered juniors, they competed against senior students, earning commendations for their outstanding performance.

Furthermore, the examination organizers and Parikshadhikaris recognized and appreciated the distinctive pedagogy followed in our Gurukulam. The tailor-made teaching methodology not only enhances knowledge acquisition but also nurtures confidence, allowing students to overcome unnecessary distress at different levels of learning. This holistic approach was instrumental in the remarkable performance of our students, reinforcing the effectiveness of our educational framework.

This Veda Pariksha was a testament to the perseverance and dedication of students, teachers, and organizers, strengthening the legacy of Vedic education while fostering an environment that encourages learning and excellence.

6.Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Temple (Korutadiparru,Bapatla District, Andhra Pradesh) – 4th Anniversary Celebrations – 31-1-25

The 4th Anniversary Celebrations of Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy at Korutadiparru, Bapatla District,were conducted with great grandeur under the guidance of Late Brahmasri Shivalenka Udaya Shankara Aradhyula of Bandar,with the blessings of Sri Sarada Guru Peetham,and in the esteemed presence of revered elders.

A sacred homam was performed while 10 Vedic scholars chanted the Manyu Suktam, Rama Shadakshari Mantra, and Hanuman Mantras, filling the atmosphere with divine vibrations.

Sahasranamarchana, was performed to Sri Anjaneya Swamy five times, which was a splendid and spiritually uplifting sight.

Devotees from nearby villages enthusiastically participated,adding to the festive spirit of the occasion.

The Sri Kameswari Foundation at Korutadiparru received heartfelt appreciation for its dedicated efforts in organizing such celebrations.

After receiving Tirtham and Prasadam,devotees returned to their homes filled with immense joy and fulfillment.

A special note of gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to making the event a grand success. 🙏🙏

7.Dr. Jammalamadaka Srinivas garu: Advancing Traditional Scholarship and Contemporary Thought

Dr.Srinivas garu had the privilege of partially coordinating and participating in a significant meeting with several heads of Gurukulas from across Bharat,on 7th January 2025.Led by Prof. Shrinivas Varakhedi at Central Sanskrit University in New Delhi,the meeting aimed to explore ways to strengthen and empower the existing Gurukula system while preserving its sampradaya and maintaining the intensity of study. The day-long brainstorming session resulted in the identification of few actionable points for future implementation.

On 25th January 2025,Dr. Srinivas garu presented at Indica’s symposium, Shaastric Response to Contemporary Criticisms.His talk titled Exploring Political Thought: A Critique Through MM Rajeshwar Dravid Shastri Ji’s Works,is based on Paschatya-Bharatiya Rajanityoh Samalochanam and examines a comparative study of Bharatiya and Western political philosophies, rawing on Kamandaka Neetisara,its commentary Jayamangala, and Vedic literature.This symposium by INDICA provided a platform to explore contemporary issues through Shaastric perspectives.

At Prayagraj(Maha Kumbh),Dr.Srinivas garu conducted two sessions on Tarka shastra and Vaada Paddhati for a cohort of students from Bharat, the UK, and the US.These sessions were part of a study tour organized on the occasion of Maha Kumbh by the National Hindu Students Forum (UK) and the Center for Sustainability.The participants included students from Oxford and other esteemed institutions, and the event was coordinated by Cherish Rajpurohit from बृहत् (bṛhat / brhat).