Shatabhishekam to Shri Chaitanyananda Natha
The Atirudram was held at the Sri Vidya Temple in Rochester, New York, from July 20 to 30, 2023, under the divine guidance of Guruji Shri Ramesh Natarajan and Guruma Smt. Sridevi Gayathri. This special 10‑day event was part of the Shathabhishekam celebrations of Sri Chithanyananda Natha (Haran Aiya), the Parama Guru of Sri Vidya upasakas of Amrutha Chaithanya Mandali. The gathering brought together disciples of GRD Iyers GuruCool, followers of Sri Chithanyananda Natha, and local devotees, creating an atmosphere charged with devotion and spiritual unity.
The inaugural day began with the recitation of Durga Sapthashathi during the early hours, followed by preliminary poojas and homams. Kalashas representing the Atirudram were consecrated and worshipped through detailed Shodashopachara pooja. The afternoon saw the Sri Chakra Navavarana pooja performed by Sri Vidya upasakas—a deeply sanctified experience before the divine presence of Devi.
Each morning of the event echoed with the chanting of Rudram, repeated several times a day by GuruCool members and temple devotees. Every evening culminated in a Rudra Homam, filling the temple with vibrant spiritual energy. The afternoons were devoted to Sri Chakra Navavarana pooja, and the evenings to Sri Vidya pooja before the deity.
A particularly memorable highlight was the chanting of Rudra Ghanam in jugalbandi style, where men and women chanted alternately alongside Guruji and Guruma—an elevating experience symbolizing the union of Shiva and Shakti.
The event radiated serenity and collective devotion. The temple surroundings transformed into a sanctum of divine vibrations, where chants, homams, and sacred rituals wove a continuous spiritual rhythm. Participants experienced a deep sense of joy, harmony, and reverence, amplified by the blessings of Guruji and Guruma and the grace of Devi herself.
The success of this significant celebration was made possible by hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Working tirelessly for several days, they handled every aspect—from pooja preparations to food service—with devotion and loving care. Meals, lovingly prepared and served from breakfast to dinner, reflected the spirit of seva and community collaboration that defines the GuruCool family.
Among the many sacred experiences, participants fondly recalled the rare and mesmerizing Nabhi Vidya chants, performed by Guruji and Guruma on the eve of the Shathabhishekam. The profound energy and beauty of these chants left a lasting impression, making them one of the event’s most cherished moments. The day of the Shathabhishekam itself was marked by elaborate abhishekham using energized kalasha waters, traditional marriage rituals symbolizing divine union, and heartfelt blessings showered personally by the Parama Guru and Parama Guruma upon every attendee.
The 10‑day Atirudram concluded with a final abhishekham, alankaram, and pooja to Devi, leaving everyone spiritually fulfilled and inspired. Beyond the grandeur of the rituals, the event offered a rare opportunity for disciples and devotees to bond as one GuruCool family—immersed in devotion, gratitude, and togetherness. As the gathering dispersed with full hearts, the anticipation for the next divine occasion was already kindled.