Guru Mandala Puja
The auspicious occasion of Vyasa Pournami was marked by a deeply devotional celebration featuring the Guru Mandala Puja and Shadanvaya Mandala Puja, conducted as part of the larger SriVidya Navavarana Puja. The event was offered with a heartfelt *sankalpam* in dedication to Shree Haran Ayya’s Shatabhisekham. This sacred initiative was led by Guruji Shri Ramesh Natarajan under the divine guidance of Guruma Smt. Sridevi Gayathri.
The Guru Mandala Puja conducted during this festival carried special historical significance — it is believed to be the first-ever such puja held in North America. The intricate and sacred proceedings drew upon ancient SriVidya traditions that honor the entire lineage of Gurus and the divine energies they represent. The chanting of the names of Gurus within the *Guru Mandalam* created a powerful and reverent spiritual atmosphere, symbolizing gratitude and continuity in the tradition of knowledge and devotion.
Throughout the puja, the air resonated with sacred chants, mantras, and the fragrance of offerings. The practitioners experienced a profound sense of connection to the divine lineage. Participants described a feeling of transcendence as the names of Gurus were invoked — a unique blend of devotion, humility, and fulfillment enveloped the gathering. The event was marked by calm reverence, focused energy, and heartfelt collective participation.
The successful coordination of the puja was made possible by the upasakas of the Shree Amruta Chaitanya Mandali, with immense support from Sriniji. Guruji extended heartfelt gratitude to the many dedicated participants whose devotion made the event memorable, including Deepakji, Muraliji, Kalpanaji, Shivajyothiji, Gopalakrishnaji, Swarnaji, Dhanrajji, Smithaji, Lavanyaji, Shantiji, Sasiji, Gangadharji, Suresh Ranganathanji, Varalaxmiji, Ganapatiji, Ganesh Mohanji, Rameshji, Anuradhaji, Nagakishoreji, Pavaniji, Kamalakarji, Sailavaniji, Gaganji, Amanji, Ramanji, and Sachinji. Their collective effort reflected the deep sense of community and teamwork that defines the GuruCool spirit.
Participants expressed sincere gratitude and wonder for being part of such a sacred experience. Smt. Varalakshmi shared how learning the names of Gurus within the *Guru Mandalam* and chanting them filled her with bliss and indescribable emotion, calling it a moment beyond words. Smt. Swarna Dhanraj expressed her devotion and joy in performing the Guru Mandali Puja alongside her revered Gurus, especially with Sriniji’s presence in Canada for the Guru Yajnam. She looked forward to a larger participation in the coming years. Sri Ravi N reflected on the blessing of being introduced to Sri Vidya under the guidance of Guruji and Guruma, describing it as a divine opportunity to engage in complete worship of the Goddess and an unforgettable spiritual transformation.
The Guru Mandala Puja held on Vyasa Pournami as part of the SriVidya Navavarana Puja was a landmark event for the North American sadhaka community. Beyond the rituals and devotion, it served as a moment of spiritual unity under the luminous guidance of Guruji and Guruma. The collective energy, devotion, and gratitude evident throughout the gathering reaffirmed the GuruCool’s mission — to preserve, share, and elevate the sacred wisdom of Sanatana Dharma across continents.