Guruprasad குருபிரசாத் விஜயராவ்

The Shree Venkata Krishna Vrundavana (SVKV) in Redmond, a branch of the Udupi Shree Puthige Mutta, hosted a grand three-day celebration for the 354th Aaradhana Mahotsava of Guru Raghavendra Teertharu here in Seattle, Washington. The mid-day (Madhya) Aaradhana on August 10th was held at Bothell High School, bringing together devotees from across the Seattle area.

The day began with Maha Sankalpa at 9 AM, with devotees offering their prayers. The beautifully decorated idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Hanuman, Guru Raghavendra in Brindavana, and the Rayaru Vigraha shone with grand garlands, silk cloths, fragrant roses, jasmine, and a striking lemon garland. The rituals included Archana, Abhishekam, Aarathi.

One of the highlights was the Mukyaprana Pallakki pradakshina, accompanied by Jenda Mela and soulful musical seva. The event included cultural offerings.

• Bharatanatyam performances by local artists.
• A grand bhajan session led by the Ekathasa Bhajana group, headed by Sri Sarat Chandra.
• A kids’ skit depicting important events from Guru Raghavendra’s life.
• A special performance by All India Radio-renowned Kannada singer Sri Kulkarni.
• Carnatic music offering by group of lady devoties.

The hall resonated with the collective chanting of “Om Sri Raghavendraya Namaha” 108 times, creating an atmosphere of devotion and unity. Following the pooja, devotees received theertham and were treated to a traditional banana leaf meal.

This year’s Aaradhana was not just a celebration—it was a community experience of devotion, culture, and togetherness, beautifully organized by SVKV Seattle and Udupi Shree Puthige Matta.

Interestingly Guru Raghavendra Swamy is famous in Karnataka but he is of origin Tamil Nadu. Guru Raghavendra Swamy was born as Veankata Natha in 1595 in Bhuvanagiri, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. A brilliant scholar from youth, he mastered Sanskrit, the Vedas, and classical learning. He lived as a householder with his wife Saraswathi Bai, he took Sanyasa at the request of his guru, Sri Sudheendra Tirtha. He later rose to lead the Kumbakonam Matha, guiding disciples and deepening his study and teaching of Dvaita philosophy.

Renowned for his scholarship, devotion, and musical skill, he was honored with the name Raghavendra by a king in recognition of his music, the name combining “Ragha” (melody) and “Vendra” (king). He composed important works, performed countless acts of compassion, and is remembered for many miracles. In 1671 he entered Brindavana at Mantralayam, assuring devotees of his ongoing spiritual presence, and today devotees across the world continue to seek his blessings.