BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, October 1, 2026: With the divine blessings of Sri Hari Vayu, Guru Raghavendra Swamy, and His Holiness Peetadhipathi of Mantralaya Matha, Sri Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji, Ananthaadi Rayara Matha Atlanta (RAMA) joyfully celebrated the 355th Rayara Aaradhane over three spiritually enriching days—August 28th, 29th, and 30th,2026—with immense devotion, grandeur, and enthusiasm.
Around 750 devotees came together over the three days to participate in the sacred celebrations and seek the divine blessings of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy.
Poorva Aaradhane – The first day, Poorva Aaradhane, was celebrated at the RAMA Matha in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The day began with prayers, devotional activities, and bhajans. The Matha was filled with spiritual energy as devotees gathered together in prayer, creating a peaceful and divine beginning to the three-day Rayara Aaradhane Mahotsava.
Madhya Aaradhane – The second day, Madhya Aaradhane, was celebrated at the Gadhpurdham Swaminarayan Temple. The beautifully decorated venue created a vibrant and divine atmosphere, reflecting the love, dedication, and tireless efforts of the devotees and volunteers who came together to make the sacred occasion truly memorable.
One of the most significant moments of this year’s celebration was the receiving of Srinivasa’s Shesha Vastra for Guru Rayaru by RAMA. As tradition goes, Mantralaya receives the sacred Shesha Vastra from Tirupati. In keeping with the spirit and sanctity of this beautiful tradition, RAMA was blessed this year to receive Shesha Vastra from the Hindu Temple of Atlanta.
This was a truly special and divine blessing for the RAMA community and added even greater spiritual significance to the 355th Rayara Aaradhane celebrations. A heartfelt note of gratitude goes to Sri Gopal Bhat of the Hindu Temple of Atlanta for making this sacred blessing possible.
The day was filled with heartfelt prayers, sacred rituals, and the continuous chanting of shlokas by the RAMA Gurukula students, creating a deeply spiritual and uplifting atmosphere throughout the pooje.
A special highlight of the celebration was the Sacred Art Workshop for children, where young participants were given the opportunity to express their devotion and creativity by creating the Divine Rayara Brindavana. The workshop provided a meaningful and engaging way for children to connect with the spiritual significance of Sri Raghavendra Swamy while creating something sacred with their own hands.
As part of the sacred offerings, five varieties of sweets were lovingly prepared and offered as Naivedya.In preparation for the Aaradhane celebrations, the Matha was also blessed with the performance of Rig Veda Upakarma and Yajurveda Upakarma, conducted at the Matha two days prior to the Aaradhane celebrations.
The celebrations continued into the evening with a beautiful cultural program, showcasing devotional and traditional performances by the children of the RAMA Gurukula. Their performances added joy and vibrancy to the celebrations and were warmly appreciated by the devotees.
Madhya Aaradhane concluded with the beautiful and devotional Pallakki Seve, bringing devotees together in a spirit of immense devotion, joy, and togetherness. The sight of devotees participating wholeheartedly in this sacred seve became one of the most cherished highlights of the celebration.
Elaborate Karnataka-Style Prasada
Another cherished aspect of the Aaradhane was the elaborate Karnataka-style prasada, lovingly prepared and served through the dedicated efforts and selfless seva of numerous volunteers and devotees.The traditional menu reflected the rich culinary heritage of Karnataka and included three varieties of Kosambari, Uppinakayi, Beans Palya, Sihi Kumbalakayi Palya, Majjige Huli with Booda Kumbalakayi, Pineapple Gojju, Traditional Saaru, Togari Bele Tovve, Vegetable Huli, Chitranna, assorted Bonda made with Heerekayi, Seemebadanekayi, and Soutekayi, Akki Happala, Avalakki Sandige, Wheat Payasa, Hayagreeva, Besan Ladoo, Kobbari Mitai, Badam Puri, and Majjige.The community meal became another beautiful expression of seva, unity, and togetherness, bringing hundreds of devotees together to share the blessed prasada.
Uttara Aaradhane – The final day, Uttara Aaradhane, was celebrated at two locations—at the RAMA Matha in Lawrenceville and in Nashville, Tennessee, along with the devotees of RAM’S (Rayara Aaradhana Mahotsava Samiti).
In Nashville, devotees gathered in large numbers under the guidance of Sri Shankar and his dedicated team to participate in the concluding ceremonies and seek the divine blessings of Sri Raghavendra Swamy.The spirit of devotion, unity, and seva continued across both locations as devotees came together to make the final day of the three-day Mahotsava spiritually uplifting and memorable.
The 355th Rayara Aaradhane concluded on a truly memorable and spiritually fulfilling note. Over the three sacred days, devotees experienced the joy of prayer, the beauty of tradition, the blessings of seva, and the strength of a community united in devotion to Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy.
“By the blessings of Sri Hari, Vayu and Gurugalu, RAMA closed a property in Forsyth county last December 2025 for the RAMA establishment and activities. The property is underway for renovation to use soon. This year’s theme for Rayara Aaradhane was “increase”. With the blessings of Rayaru we had increased volunteers, devotees and involvement during the Aaradhane festivities. We will need to sustain this increase toward our organization’s growth,” Pradeep Vittalmurthy, Founder RAMA said.
