NEWSLETTER - Last Quarter of 2025

    Sai Ram Jai Maruthi Jai Maruthi! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and welcome to this quarter’s newsletter! Our last quarter of 2025 was filled with many events, including Deepavali, Kartigai Deepam, Homi Baba’s birthday, and our annual December function.

    Our quarter began with Deepavali, which was celebrated on October 20th, with the entire ashram and temple beautifully lit with lamps, reminiscent of how Baba would decorate Dwarakamai with oil lamps each day. This year, Dwarakamai was also adorned with string lights spiraling around each pillar. A Chinese lantern was released into the sky, symbolizing hope, peace, and the triumph of light over darkness, carrying prayers for the year ahead.

    Following Deepavali, Kartigai Deepam was observed on December 3rd. On this day, the entire temple, prayer hall, and ashram were illuminated with hundreds of lamps, creating a truly beautiful sight.

    This year also marked a significant renovation in the main prayer hall. The main sannadhi was redesigned with the installation of a teakwood arch crafted by a sthapathi from Mahabalipuram. Flanked by Yallis, adorned with annapakshis, chandra and surya prabhas, and lotus motifs, the arch adds immense beauty to Baba’s shrine and uniquely complements Baba’s teakwood simhasana.

    This year, Christmas was not celebrated, in mourning the loss of Sister Mary Louise, Maa’s first teacher. Born on August 19, 1932, Sister Mary Louise attained eternal rest on November 22, 2025, after 93 years of a life rooted in service, compassion, and love for humanity. To Maa, Sister was not merely a teacher but a formative presence and guiding light, shaping her values and path of service. Through Sister’s teachings, Maa learned that true devotion transcends religion, caste, and creed—a foundation that continues to guide her life’s work. Though she is no longer with us, her influence, prayers, and love continue to live on. A prayer was offered at the Infant Jesus shrine on Christmas to pay respects to Lord Jesus as well as Sister Louise. Prior to the annual function, Maa also visited Sister Louise’s memorial in Bangalore to get her blessings.

    The annual December function, the Sahasra Chandi Homam, was an elaborate 11-day event held from December 21st to 31st. The function began on the 21st with Sankalpam, Mathruka, Yogini, Kshetrapala, and Navagraha Poojas, followed by Navagraha and Shanti Homams and Ghata Sthapanam. In the evening, Dhwaja Aarohanam marked the formal commencement of the function, and Baba’s chariot was brought out. Chandi Parayanam and Sahasranama Parayanam were then performed.

    From December 22nd to 29th, the following routine continued daily. After preliminary poojas (Go, Ganapati, and Guru Pooja), Chandi Parayanam was chanted four times each morning by all 36 priests in attendance. Following Noon Aarti and Annadhanam, Navakshari Japam was chanted by the priests. This was followed by Lalitha Sahasranama Parayanam, Avataarikai during which the priests recited the four Vedas in Ghanam format, and Baba’s procession, led by Maa along with Swami Gnyanananda Theertha who was present for the entirety of the function.

    Baba’s chariot was decorated in a unique manner, adorned with bells, tassels, colorful hanging cloth structures, and six small wooden elephants symbolically carrying Baba’s chariot. In the main prayer hall, the altar was beautifully decorated with dupattas in the background of Baba and thattu velakkus placed on either side.

    Following the evening aarti each day, Baba’s Rathotsavam commenced after a preliminary pooja to Baba. Every day, the procession went around the temple once, with devotees chanting the Hanuman Chalisa throughout. On December 30th, the Rathotsavam was especially vibrant, with the nadaswaram leading the procession, accompanied by music, dance, and utter joy. Devotees performed kolattam as they went around the temple, and upon entering the main prayer hall, devotees danced around Maa and Baba’s utsava murti. The energy, devotion, and happiness during the Rathotsavam were deeply felt by all.

    On December 26th, Homi Baba’s birthday was joyfully celebrated at His sannadhi with all devotees. The day began with a special abhishekam offered to Homi Baba in the morning, performed with deep reverence and devotion. The sannadhi was beautifully decorated with string lights and hanging lamps, creating a serene and festive ambience. Following the abhishekam, a special puja was performed by Maa, after which she lovingly led all devotees in Homi Baba’s prayer and soulful bhajans. As part of the celebrations, Maa cut multiple cakes, which were then distributed to all devotees as prasad.

    The main event of the December function took place on December 29th and 30th with the Sri Sahasra Chandi Mahayaaga. Through this homam, prayers were offered seeking Chandi’s blessings, protection, and empowerment. During the homam, Maa offered all the purnahutis and mahapurnahutis. On December 31st, a special abhishekam was performed to Baba and the Meru using kalasha theertha, followed by a Sri Vidya Homam and the offering of the mahapurnahuti.

    Special abhishekam and pooja were then performed to Bhairava and Hanuman, followed by Noon Aarti and Annadhanam. Annadhanam was conducted daily throughout the function, with an average of 400 devotees in attendance each day. After annadhanam on the 31st, Dhwaja Avarohanam marked the conclusion of the function, followed by a special havan instructed by Maa, held in Dwarakamai and attended only by ashram devotees.

    The year concluded with the New Year’s Eve celebration, during which nearly 200 devotees gathered late into the night to welcome the New Year in Baba’s presence. Close to midnight, Maa performed the New Year Aarti to Baba, marking the transition into 2026. Maa then distributed the new 2026 calendars, and a special potato halwa prepared as per Maa’s recipe was lovingly distributed to all. On January 1st, nearly 900 devotees gathered for annadhanam.

    On the charity front, SSDT successfully completed the construction of toilet facilities in eight government schools, benefiting approximately 500 students, especially girls, and teachers. This initiative was carried out at a total cost of Rs. 26.50 lakhs. In addition, dry ration kits were distributed to 108 sanitation workers during Deepavali, and Maa personally participated in the distribution.

    As always, our monthly Chandi Homam, Poornima Puja, Pradosham Puja, and Thursday Annadhanam continue without fail. We thank all devotees and well-wishers for your continuous support. Welcome to 2026.

May Baba’s grace and Maa’s blessings be showered on us all.

Jai Sai Ram Jai Maruthi Jai Maruthi