Speech of HH Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji – Ugadi – March 30, 2025 – Bhagyanagara, Hyderabad
Wishing all of you a very happy Ugadi. On this occasion, we all are happily basking in Pujya Appaji’s presence and having His darshana from 7am to 4pm. We must offer our prostrations at His holy feet. When we think of Ugadi festival, we always remember Dundigal ashrama. In between for a few years, when Pujya Appaji could not come to this ashrama, devotees were at a loss unable to think of celebrating Ugadi without having Appaji’s Darshana.
Firstly, we must pray to Sun God for good health and then for our families to be well. We must pray for Bhakti, Gnyana and Vairagya so that we may always be in service of Sadguru. Ugadi is a very auspicious time to take up good sankalpas. Today, all television channnels have telecast Sri Swamiji’s Ugadi message. You may also view this message on YouTube.
Today, the details of which grahas are in which house were also detailed during the Panchanga Shravana by Sri Damodar Sharma. Panchanga Shravana is neither to make us fearful nor for us to become arrogant, but a reminder that there is no greater recourse than Divya Nama Sankeertana for us. Take advantage of this at all times, even in times of difficulty.
Everyday, make it a point to look at the Panchanga. May all of you be healthy and walk the path of Dharma while assimilating more Guru Bhakti. When we follow the path shown by Guru and follow His word, then we truly offer Guru Pada seva. Datta Devotees begin January 1st and Ugadi with Guru darshanam. Today, Sri Swamiji has given us darshanam while seated on the Audumbara throne. For nearly forty years, this throne has been serving Sri Swamiji.
The Ugadi paccadi is a mixture of all six tastes. In the Guru Sannidhi, even that which is bitter becomes sweet and that which is sweet also becomes bitter. Time only results in change, not difficulties. When we are in Guru Sannidhi, even the changes give us solace. We do not know how Kala Purusha looks, but as Sadguru is the embodiment of Maha Kala or Time, when we hold onto the Sadguru’s feet, then the truth will reside in our hearts. The one who knows the truth, knows no fear. Pujya Appaji gives us darshana on Ugadi and January 1st to make us mindful of the passage of time.
In this sloka which is chanted on Ugadi, the line shatāyur varsha vajrāya is a prayer to be blessed with a body as strong as a diamond.
Shatāyur vajra dehāya sarva sampat karāya ca I Sarvāriṣṭa vināshāya nimbakaṇḍala bhakṣaṇam ||
In order to serve Guru, may you all be blessed with a body as strong and tough as a diamond. May this year known as Vishvāvasu bless the world with wealth.