Shri Vaikunthotsav Celebrated in Puri
The Shri Vaikunthotsav was celebrated in Puri under the auspices of Shri Ramachandra Swami Charitable Trust, Thanapati Marg, Lokanath Road, Shankar Puri. The occasion marked the 12th death anniversary of the Trust’s founder and first president, Shri Ramachandra Nuja Das (Thanapati Maharaj), and was observed in accordance with Shri Vaishnava Sampradaya rituals.
The concluding day featured rituals like Archiradi Marg, Gadya Trayam, Divya Prabandha Patha, and chanting of Ramanuja Viruda Bali, followed by yajna and related ceremonies conducted as per the Pancharatra Agama tradition. Holding a silver Danda (staff) with his own hands, over a hundred Vaishnavas circumambulated the Balaji Venkateswara Temple and the ashram, offered Tarpana (ritual offering to ancestors), and then concluded the Danda ritual. On this sacred occasion, the deity Shri Venkateswara, adorned with silver ornaments, appeared in divine splendor on a beautifully decorated altar.
All these ceremonies were conducted under the guidance and inspiration of the current president of the Trust, Mahanta Shri Indira Raman Ramanuja Das. Key participants included Trust members Dr. Shri Bijaya Narayan Ramanuja Das, Shri Suresh Sharma, Shri Ramesh Sharma, Shri Sudarshan Ramanuja Das, Shri Kamal Tebdiwal, and Shri Vishnu Joshi. Shri Suresh Sharma and his wife served as the ritual hosts (Kartas).
Around a thousand devotees partook in the grand bhog (feast) served in the afternoon. In the evening, a large Sant Sammilani (saint gathering) was held, featuring heads of monasteries (Mathadhish) and saints from Puri and beyond. During the memorial session, notable attendees included former MLA Shri Jayanta Kumar Shadangi, Mahanta Narayan Ramanuja Das of Uttar Parshwa Matha, Dr. Ram Charan Das of Nebala Das Matha, the head of Papudia Matha, the Mahanta of Kataki Matha, Mahanta Subal Charan Das of Radheyshyam Matha, Swami Subhananda Puri Das Ji of Hati Akhada and Mahi Prakash Matha, as well as heads from Mangumatha and other institutions.
The event concluded with the partaking of Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath, marking the spiritual culmination of the celebration.
