Maha Shiva Rathri 2005 & First Acharyas' ordaining - at the ashram

Shiva Rathri was celebrated at the ashram on the 8th of Mar '05. Swamiji performed a Shiva Homa at the sannidhi of Lord Ananda Eashwar (Lord Dakshinamurthi). This was followed by offering of milk to Lord Ananda Eashwar (the svyambhu Linga) by devotees. Annadanam (free food) was then provided for the people. As part of the evening program, Swamiji gave the significance of Shiva Rathri and conducted a short meditation session. He said that Shiva means 'causeless auspiciousness' and Rathri means 'great intensity'. Shiva Rathri therefore is causeless auspiciousness of great intensity.

The occasion was graced by the visit of Sri. Rishi Prabhakar, founder of Siddha Samadhi Yoga (SSY) and Rishi Samskruti Vidya Kendra (RSVK). He came with His disciples and witnessed the Guru pooja offered to Lord Ananda Eashwar. On this same day, Swamiji ordained the first batch of 22 acharyas in India to carry forth His teachings to the people at large. Trained by Swamiji Himself, the acharyas commence their classes on the 19th of Mar. Following are the names of the newly ordained acharyas:

Sri Nithya Advaith Ananda
Sri Nithya Amritananda
Sri Nithya Sarvananda
Sri Nithya Shraddhananda
Sri Nithya Charanananda
Sri Nithya Vishalananda
Sri Nithya Atmananda
Sri Nithya Nirmalananda
Sri Nithya Sadashivananda
Sri Nithya Charan
Sri Nithya Pranananda
Ma Nithya Divyananda
Ma Nithya Maneeshananda
Ma Nithyapriyananda
Ma Nithya Nirmalananda
Ma Nithyananda Premeshwari
Ma Nithya Ragananda
Ma Nithya Turiyananda
Ma Nithya Prabhananda
Ma Nithyananda Priya Mayi
Ma Nithya Divojananda
Ma Nithya Premamayananda

You may contact the ashram for obtaining the acharyas' class schedules. Following are a few pictures taken during the Maha Shiva Rathri celebrations.