Riverstone Representative Attends Festival at Sydney’s Puthige Matha

Sydney/Udupi: Labor parliamentarian Warren Kirby, Member for Riverstone, attended as special guest the 355th Aradhana Mahotsava of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamiji held at Sri Puthige Matha in Sydney. An extensive turnout of followers from the city and surrounding localities received darshan of the saint and his blessings amid notable devotion, spiritual intensity and magnificence.

The programme opened in the morning through Panchamrita Abhisheka, special puja, Ashtottara Archana and additional traditional religious acts. Those present recited the Sri Raghavendra Stotra, completed Ashtottara Parayana, sang bhajans and enjoyed cultural presentations that fostered a strongly reverent setting.

Chief priest Nitish Acharya performed the Panchamrita Abhisheka, special puja, Ashtottara Archana and other prescribed rites in line with custom. Narayana Bhat assisted during the various worship ceremonies.

A classic Udupi-style Anna Santarpana formed part of the Mahotsava. Countless attendees partook of the Bhojana Prasada and considered themselves blessed by the sacred offering.

Warren Kirby observed the pujas and religious programmes with keen interest, expressed satisfaction at sharing the day and consumed the Bhojana Prasada. Speaking to the assembly, the member commended the Indian community for keeping alive and fostering its religious traditions, cultural wealth and values across Australia.

He noted the community’s valuable contribution to the nation’s multicultural character and confirmed ongoing government support for multiculturalism, communal harmony and peaceful coexistence among different groups.

Prasanna Acharya, International Secretary of Sri Puthige Matha, arrived from India specially to take part. He greeted the assembled worshippers and conveyed the blessings plus a special message of His Holiness Sri Puthige Sripada.

The Prasada was readied under the leadership of Sri Manjunath Bhat. Distinguished guests, community leaders, devotees and volunteers joined the Mahotsava. A substantial body of worshippers and helpers gave dedicated service that secured the event’s success.

Observances at Sri Puthige Matha therefore ended on a splendid and pious note that illustrated devotion, culture, harmony and the enduring traditions of India.