Date:04/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/04/stories/2008020457860300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

‘Ramapattabhishekam’ to be held from May 7

Special Correspondent

VISAKHAPATNAM: Sri Sita Rama Maha Samrajya Pattabhisheka Mahotsava will be conducted at Kalpathy village in Palghat district of Kerala from May 7 to 23.

Announcing this at a media conference here on Saturday, founder of GGB Dharma Kendra ‘Vedanta Shiromani’ Guru Ravi Sarmaji said that the utsava, Rama’s coronation, was performed by Sage Vasishta in Tretayuga.

Universal well-being

It would be first-of-its-kind in Kaliyuga performed on a grand scale at an estimated budget of Rs.15 crores. Aimed at universal well-being, there would be several rituals associated with the festival like chanting of Valmiki Ramayana by 124 pundits, chanting of Chaturvedas, Bhagavatha and Mahabharata, homams, ratha yatra, and round-the-clock annadanam for all, irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

Sankaracharya Swamis of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Sakatapuram, and other places, Swami Asaramji, Krishnaprem Maharaj and others religious heads would participate, he said.

Replying to a question, Dr. Ravi Sarmaji, a professor in Sanskrit, said that the festival was not being organised during Sri Ramanavami celebrations as the latter is held all over the country. Also, it was examination time. Palghat was chosen as Kerala was Parasuramakshetra.