Shiva Temple Manchester

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July 2024 Sathya Narayana Puja at Shiva Temple Manchester

Blog 16/07/2024 Celebrating Sathya Narayana Puja at Shiva Temple Manchester   Introduction On the 6th of July, 2024, the Shiva Temple in Manchester hosted a grand Sathya Narayana Puja, a significant Hindu ritual dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The event saw an impressive turnout, with over 300 devotees gathering to partake in the spiritual proceedings. The puja was meticulously organised and led by the esteemed priests Sri Harish Udupa and his team, ensuring a seamless and devout experience for all attendees. Event Details The puja commenced promptly at 10:30 AM in the multi-purpose hall of Dixons Brooklands Academy, Manchester. The event was organised in association with the Kannada Community, reflecting a strong cultural collaboration and community spirit. The program was structured to include several key components of the traditional Sathya Narayana Puja, each designed to enhance the spiritual ambiance and engage the devotees deeply. Program Schedule The event followed a well-defined schedule, ensuring that all rituals were performed with due reverence and precision: Sangalpam: The ceremony began with the Sangalpam, a ritual where devotees made a solemn vow to perform the puja with devotion and sincerity. Bhajans: Following the Sangalpam, the atmosphere was filled with the melodious and devotional singing of bhajans, which are hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Deepa Aradhana: The lighting of lamps, known as Deepa Aradhana, was performed, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of divine light. Sri Sathya Narayana Katha Recital: A significant part of the puja was the recital of the Sri Sathya Narayana Katha. This story narrates the glory of Lord Sathya Narayana and the benefits of performing the puja. Maha Prasad: The event concluded with the distribution of Maha Prasad, a sacred offering of food that was shared among all attendees, symbolizing the blessings of the divine. Attendance and Participation The event was remarkable with more than 300 people in attendance. This large turnout underscored the community’s enthusiasm and devotion. The participation was not just limited to observing the rituals; many devotees actively engaged in the singing of bhajans and other ceremonial activities, creating a collective spiritual experience. Conclusion The Sathya Narayana Puja at Shiva Temple Manchester was a beautifully orchestrated event that brought together a large number of devotees in a shared expression of faith and devotion. The meticulous planning and execution by Mrs Rekha Iyer and her team, along with the enthusiastic participation of the community, made the event a memorable and spiritually enriching experience for all. The success of this event highlights the vibrant cultural and religious life within the Manchester Hindu community and sets a precedent for future gatherings. Acknowledgments The Trustees and Committee members of Shiva Temple Manchester extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors and donors whose contributions of Annadanam, flowers, and pooja items added to the sacredness and beauty of the ceremony. Special thanks are also due to the Kannada Community for their collaboration and support in making this event a grand success. For more details on upcoming events and how to participate, please visit the Shiv Temple Manchester’s official website.     Previous Post Recent Blogs July 2024 Sathya Narayana Puja at Shiva Temple Manchester 16/07/2024 April 2024 – Chithirai Thiruvizha with Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam 30/04/2024 December 2023 – Second Year Annual Ayyappa Pooja 30/12/2023 November 2023 – Udayalur Dr Shri Kalyanaraman Concert 30/11/2023 October 2023 – Navaratri Celebrations 30/10/2023

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April 2024 – Chithirai Thiruvizha with Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam

Blog April 30, 2024 Celebrating Two Years of Shiva Temple Manchester: Chithirai Thiruvizha with Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam in Manchester At Shiva Temple Manchester we recently celebrated our second anniversary and  annual Chithirai Thiruvizha, marking another successful year of fostering cultural connection within the Manchester Hindu community. Chithirai Thiruvizha, also known as the Chitra Festival, is a significant event in the Tamil Hindu calendar. Held during the month of Chithirai (April-May), it commemorates the celestial wedding of Parvati, the embodiment of Shakti, to Shiva, the embodiment of Shiva. This divine union represents the sacred balance between the feminine and masculine energies in the universe. The Manchester event, held on April 27th, 2024, drew over 300 devotees to witness the sacred Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam. This ceremony, led by Lambothara Kumarasamy Kurukkal of Wales Kalpaga Vinayagar Devasthanam, recreated the grandeur of the celestial wedding in meticulous detail. The day’s festivities began with a “Sangalpam,” a vow or resolution made by devotees to participate in the ceremony. This was followed by the core wedding rituals, including “Archanai” (worship) and devotional “Bhajans” (songs). Live “Nadhaswaram” music, a traditional South Indian wind instrument performance, by Sri Senthil Kumar and Sri Praveen Kumar further enhanced the spiritual atmosphere. Following the ceremony, a grand “Maha Prasadham” (blessed food) was served, generously sponsored by Sai Spice restaurant and caterers. This communal meal provided a wonderful opportunity for devotees to connect and celebrate together. The dedication of sponsors, volunteers, devotees, committee members, and trustees was instrumental in making the event a success. The organisers extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed. The celebrations extended beyond the temple walls with a community badminton tournament held in the afternoon at St Ambrose College, Manchester. This event, a fantastic success with 24 participating teams, saw families and young children come together in a spirit of friendly competition. The winners, Mr. Selvaraj Blessan and Mr. Praveen Kumar, are to be congratulated, as well as the runners-up, Mr. Thamarai Kannan and Mr. Pradeep. Looking ahead, the Shiva Temple Manchester enters its third year with a focus on promoting both spiritual well-being through temple prayer activities and physical well-being through community events focusing on health and well-being initiatives. This commitment to holistic well-being reflects the temple’s dedication to serving the diverse needs of the Manchester community. For more information and to support the Shiva Temple Manchester, visit their donation link:  www.shivatemplemanchester.co.uk https://tinyurl.com/shivatemplemanchester Previous Post Recent Blogs April 2024 – Chithirai Thiruvizha with Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam April 30, 2024 December 2023 – Second Year Annual Ayyappa Pooja December 30, 2023 November 2023 – Udayalur Dr Shri Kalyanaraman Concert November 30, 2023 October 2023 – Navaratri Celebrations October 30, 2023 September 2023 – Ganesh Chathurthi Festival September 30, 2023

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December 2023 – Second Year Annual Ayyappa Pooja

The Second Year Annual Ayyappa Pooja, held on December 16th, 2023, at Brooklands Dixons Academy in Wythenshawe, Manchester, was a divine congregation of nearly 400 devotees. The auspicious event was graced by special guests, including the MP for Stockport, Mr. Navendu Mishra, and Vice Consul Mr. Naresh Rana from the Consulate General of India, Birmingham.   Distinguished Trustees of the Shiva Temple, Mr. Kethesh Ramanathan, and Mr. Balakrishnan Sinnathevar, felicitated Mr. Mishra and Mr. Rana, expressing gratitude for their presence and support. In a heartening turn of events, Mr. Mishra pledged his full support towards the Temple Project, promising collaborative efforts to realise the grand vision of the temple.   The spiritual ambiance of the gathering was enriched by the presence of about 20 Ayyappa Swamis from various parts of the UK. Their participation added a profound spiritual dimension to the event, creating an atmosphere of devotion and unity.   The event was characterized by soulful Bhajans, accompanied by enchanting tunes of Live Nadhaswaram and Thavil, filling the air with divine vibrations. Devotees, in their commitment to the occasion, brought a plethora of Prasadham offerings to Lord Ayyappa, symbolizing their reverence and devotion.   The highlight of the pooja included special Abhishekams with offerings such as Ghee, Annam, Milk, Curd, Pomegranate, and tender Coconut, creating a divine spectacle. The priests—Sri Shanmugaprathan Sharma, Sri Shriram Gurukkal, Sri Radha Krishnan Gurukkal, and Sri Ramesh Babu Jagarlapudi—conducted the Pooja and Padi Pooja with utmost devotion and precision.   Following the sacred rituals, the devotees were treated to a Maha Prasad served at 13:30 hours, marking the culmination of a spiritually enriching and harmonious celebration. The success of the Second Year Annual Ayyappa Pooja was a testament to the collective devotion, commitment, and collaborative spirit of the entire community involved in this auspicious event.

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November 2023 – Udayalur Dr Shri Kalyanaraman Concert

On November 19th 2023, Shiva Temple Manchester collaborated with Shri Radha Madhav Kalyana Mahotsav UK to host the renowned Udayalur Dr. Shri Kalyanaraman and his team of musicians at the Fuse Theatre. The two-hour concert unfolded the divine narrative of Shri Nandanar, one of the Nayanmars who attained the highest through unwavering Bhakti to Lord Shiva.   The event witnessed spellbinding music and a profound sense of divinity, leaving the audience enraptured. As a gesture of immense kindness, Udayalur Shri Kalyanaraman pledged INR 200,000 to the temple fund, promising to release the funds once the land is procured for the Shiva Temple in Manchester. This collaboration marked the second consecutive year of association with Shri Radha Madhav Kalyana Mahotsav UK, fostering hopes for continued collaboration in the future.

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October 2023 – Navaratri Celebrations

On October 7th, 2023, Shiva Temple Manchester immersed itself in the vibrant celebrations of Navaratri. To accommodate the growing number of devotees, the prayers were organized at the Jain Community Hall. The highlight of the event was the special Thiru Vilakku poojai, which involved the participation of more than 50 ladies. The event also featured special performances, including a Veena recital by Miss Vijayalakshmi and Bhajans performed by dedicated devotees.   The spiritual ambiance, characterized by the divine presence of the Goddess, enveloped the devotees in an atmosphere of transcendence. Approximately 300 people attended the event, experiencing a oneness with the Goddess, and contributing to the elevating atmosphere.

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September 2023 – Ganesh Chathurthi Festival

On September 16th, 2023, Shiva Temple Manchester celebrated the popular Ganesh Chathurthi Festival with zeal and devotion. The event drew more than 300 devotees who actively participated in special pooja, abhishekam, and the procession of Lord Ganesh. This marked the second year of organising the annual Ganesh Chathurthi event, establishing a tradition that resonates with the fervour of devotees.   Devotees brought forth a cornucopia of offerings to Lord Ganesh, including his favourites such as Modhagam, Vadai, Laddu, and Kozhukattai. The event was complemented by the soul-stirring tunes of live Nadhaswaram and Thavil, resonating with the devotion expressed through Bhajans.

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August 2023 – Special Pooja to Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi

August 19th, 2023, marked a special pooja to Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi. The event, held with customary splendour, featured the live performance of the Carnatic fusion band ShadJAM under the title of “ShivaShakthi-Beyond Dimensions.” Despite being a holiday month, the event garnered enthusiastic participation from numerous families, appreciating the divine ambiance created by the priests during Linga Abhishekam and Lakshmi Astothra KumKum Archana. Devotees were granted the opportunity to perform KumKum pooja to the Devi, enhancing their spiritual connection.

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July 2023 – Manchester to Blackpool Charity Bike Ride

The month of July unfolded as a bustling period of community engagement: Manchester to Blackpool Charity Bike Ride (July 9th): Seventeen cyclists embarked on a challenging 100-kilometer journey from Manchester to Blackpool to raise awareness and funds for Shiva Temple Manchester. The successful completion of the ride saw over £1500 raised, showcasing the commitment of our cycling enthusiasts.  

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July 2023 – Meenakshi Amman Dhivya Dharshanam

    Meenakshi Amman Dhivya Dharshanam (July 15th): Manchester welcomed Goddess Meenakshi to Shiva Temple with a grand welcome, featuring special alankaram and Eluntharulal. The divine event marked the first-ever Eluntharulal of the Deity at Shiva Temple Manchester. Live Nadhaswaram, Thavil, and bhajan singers added a melodious dimension to the celestial experience.

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July 2023 – Shiva Temple Representation at Bolton Hindu Forum

The month of July unfolded as a bustling period of community engagement: Shiva Temple Representation at Bolton Hindu Forum (July 9th): Sixty participants, including families, adults, and children, participated in various outdoor and indoor sports activities at the Bolton Hindu Forum Sports Mela. The event provided a joyous day for families, combining outdoor activities with a vibrant and sporty atmosphere.

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