Reported By: Bharath Ra:ma:nuja Da:sa, Philadelphia, USA.

Under the auspicious blessings of HH Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Srimanna:ra:yana Ra:ma:nuja Chinna Jeeyar swami, the community of Devon, Pennsylvania got together to arrange a meeting to educate the people in around the community about "Prajna" program.  Prajna is well run in many places all over the United states and it is great to see the opportunity to develop a Prajna center in Philadelphia which can pass the wealth of tradition & culture to our future generations.  
 

The community in Philadelphia has shown good interest when invited for this event by the main organizer Srima:n Satish Patnaik. A community library was decided as the venue for this great event and Saradaji was invited to conduct this event on Dec 14th, 2008.  As the Dhanurmasam and Sri Venkateswara Saranagathi Deeksha starts in few days, Saradaji suggested to do "Sri Venkateswara Sarana:gathi Puja" and "Vishnu Sahasrana:ma" recitation. 

On the day of the program, almost 100 people turned out to the program.  Large photographs of Peruma:l and Acharya were the center of attraction for the event.  The audience started taking their seats as the "Jai Srimanna:ra:yana" chant is played gently in the background.  The program started on time as Lord Srimanna:ra:yana entered the hall with blissful smile.  Saradaji started with "Vishnu Sahasranama" recitation. Then she explained the history of Tirumala and the importance of worshiping Lord Sri Venkateswara in Kaliyuga.  Later, she started puja explaining each and every service (kainkaryam) from washing the lotus feet of Lord to offering the prasada.  The audience were awestruck with the beauty of the Lord and blessed with explanations from Saradaji
 

Once the Puja is done Saradaji explained the audience the Prajna program and its importance in daily lives.  She explained the syllabus and different modules of Prajna.  Then people are advised to slowly move towards to the area where prasa:dam is distributed. The prasa:dam preparation involved lot of devotees from preparation to packing and thier dedication is remarkable.  While prasa:dam distribution is happening, some people approached and showed great interest in the Prajna program and some asked for start date of the program.  

With blessing from Peruma:l and Acharya, we wish to start the Prajna program in Philadelphia as soon as possible.  

Contact kalyan.rapolu[at]gmail.com for more details.

Jai Srimanna:ra:yana