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BALAGANAPATHI TEMPLE

In April 1990, the Panchaloha Balaganapathi was consecrated, marking the beginning of Sri Swanandaashrama. The ashram, which has grown around this divine presence, conducts Ganapathi Homa daily, invoking Lord Ganesha’s blessings. The Garbhagudi (sanctum sanctorum) is built in a traditional style, reflecting ancient temple architecture and spiritual heritage.

Ikshurasa Abhisheka is a special form of Abhisheka (ritualistic bathing of the deity) where sugarcane juice (Ikshurasa) is offered to Lord Ganesha. This sacred ritual is performed every day with deep devotion, symbolizing sweetness, prosperity, and removal of obstacles.

GANESHA PANCHAYATHANA

Ganesha Panchayatana is a sacred form of worship in Hindu tradition where Lord Ganesha is placed at the center, surrounded by four other deities – Adi Shakti, Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya –in a quincunx pattern. This ritual symbolizes the five fundamental elements of nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. This form of puja, attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, symbolizes the unity of different deities, emphasizing the non-dualistic (Advaita) philosophy that all forms of the divine lead to the same ultimate reality.

At Sri Swanandaashrama, the Ganesha Panchayatana Temple has been constructed in the exquisite Hoysala architectural style. Every Sankashtahara Chaturthi evening is a grand occasion, beginning with the chanting of Ganesha Sahasranama, followed by soulful bhajans, and culminating in the sacred Mahamangalarati. The event draws numerous devotees who participate in various sevas, including Ranga Pooje, Tulabhara, Pallaki Seve, Sampurna Seve, Sankashtahara Sankalpa, and Anna Dana. These offerings create a truly divine atmosphere, radiating devotion and spiritual fervor.

SUBRAHMANYA SANNIDHI

Lord Subrahmanya, the eternal Kshetra Palaka (divine guardian) of Sri Swanandaashrama, has been revered here since time immemorial. His Sannidhi (sanctum) stands as a powerful center of devotion. Every month, Shashti Pooja is performed with devotion, and all three significant Subramanya Shashti observances are conducted at the Sri Subramanya Sannidhi in accordance with traditional rituals, drawing devotees seeking divine protection, wisdom, and success.

 Lord Subrahmanya, also known as Kartikeya, Murugan, Skanda, and Kumara, is the divine warrior son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is revered as the god of wisdom, courage, and victory.

SARPAROODHA MAHARAGNI

Sri Maharajni – The second name in Lalitha Sahasranamam means the queen of queens, the supreme ruler.  She is considered as the controller and maintainer of the universe.

 Sri Maharagni – She is the great empress, sustaining and protecting this Universe. This nama refers to the function of governance of the Universe. The 1st nama, Sri Matha refers to the ” Creator” of the Universe. Therefore, as a mother She creates and as the empress, She sustains the universe.  She not only rules the 3 worlds (Earth, Heaven and NetherWorld ) but also the 3 Shaktis {Iccha (will), Gnana (knowledge) and Kriya (action).

The temple at Sri Swanandaashrama is truly unique in the world. Here, Sri Maharajni is enshrined in a rare and divine form – seated upon a sacred Sarpa (snake), earning her the revered name Sri Sarparudha Maharajni. What makes this shrine even more extraordinary is that the entire deity of Sri Sarparudha Maharajni is placed over the sacred Sri Chakra, an exclusive and powerful combination that embodies supreme cosmic energy, divine protection, and spiritual transformation.

Vasanta Navaratri and Sharannavaratri (Dasara) are the two most significant festivals celebrated at the divine shrine of Sri Sarparudha Maharajni. These sacred nine-day festivals are observed with great devotion, invoking the grace and blessings of the Divine Mother.

Panchayatana comes from the Sanskrit pañca ‘five’ and āyatana ‘altar’. Panchayatana puja is an act of worship (puja) of five deities: Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Surya and Ganesha. A Panchayatana temple is a Hindu temple with five dieties.

Panchayatana puja consists of the worship of five deities set in a quincunx pattern, the five deities being Ganesha, Adi Shakti, Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The panchayatana Puja represents the five elements of nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. Panchayatana puja has been attributed to Adi Shankara, the 8th century CE Hindu philosopher.

Panchayatana form of worship introduced by Adi Shankaracharya has assigned one element to one of the five deities in Hinduism. Ganesha is the embodiment of Apa Mahabhuta (water) among the five elements.

Since the thought come to mind for building Hoysala Architecture Temple at Sri Swanandaashrama, it was decided to test our ability before we start upcoming massive project and hence Ganesha Panchayatana was built with Hoysala Architectural Style. Every Sankastahara evenings are very special at Ganesha Panchayatana and lot of devotees gather offering various seve’s like Ranga Pooje, Tulabhara, Pallaki Seve, Sampurna Seve, Sankastahara Sankalpa & Anna Dana.

Sri Maharajni – The second name in Lalitha Sahasranamam means the queen of queens, the supreme ruler. She is considered as the controller and maintainer of the universe.

Sri Maharagni – She is the great empress, sustaining and protecting this Universe. This nama refers to the function of governance of the Universe. The 1st nama, Sri Matha refers to the ” Creator” of the Universe. Therefore, as a mother She creates and as the empress, She sustains the universe.

The majestic empress is seated on a throne with Sadasiva being the seat. Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra and Ishaana form the support (legs) of the throne. She not only rules the 3 worlds ( Earth, Heaven and NetherWorld ) but also the 3 Shaktis ( Iccha (will), Gnana (knowledge) and Kriya (action))

Temple at Sri Swanandaashrama is unique in the world. Here Sri Maharajni is sitting on Snake (Sarpa) and hence name Sarparudha Maharajni. Here whole dietary Sri Sarparudha Maharajni is placed over Sri Chakra is exclusive combination.

When we started Hoysala Architecture revival, work was not progressing at expected speed and we use to face lot of hurdles. When question was asked by priests after performing homa, havana and pooje, we were asked to build adobe for Amma who does have a place to stay. After Sri Sarparudha Maharajni pratistapane from His Holiness Srimad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Gangadarendra Saraswati Maha Swamaji, the progress of work at Sri Swanandaashrama turned positive.

It is out of the world experience in this temple with lots of positive energy. Vasanta Navarati and Navaratri (Dasara) are major events at Sri Sarparudha Maharajni. Chandika Homa is performed yearly. Devotees can perform Chandika Homa at any desirable date and request you to contact us well in advance for blocking the date.