The Vedanta Gesellschaft, Berlin, Germany inaugurated its new Ashrama building in the heart of Berlin from 5 to 10 September 2023. The Ashrama with the symbol of the holy OM on its front façade stands as a landmark in this part of central Berlin. The historical event with the installation of Sri Sri Thakur’s image is the first of its kind in the annals of the Ramakrishna Vedanta movement, at least in Europe.
The events were planned focusing on the holy occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami on 6 & 7 September 2023. Chandi Homa and Vastu Puja was performed on 6 September. The installation of Sri Sri Thakur’s marble image in the shrine was done on 7 September together with Chandi Puja, Sri Krishna Puja, a public meeting in the afternoon and Sri Sri Kali Puja in the night ending with Homa-fire on the morning of 8 September.
All the rituals were done under the guidance of Srimat Swami Jyotirupanandaji Maharaj. Swami Atmalokananda performed the pujas with the help of Swamis Purnabodhananda of Argentina, Swami Mahayogananda of Hollywood, Swami Shantivratananda of Ireland, and other Swamis, Brahmacharis and volunteers of the centre.
There were public meetings on 7 September (the Inaugural Assembly on the topic “Relevance of Vedanta Centres in the World”), 9 September morning and evening on the topic “Practical application of Yoga and Meditation”, 10 September morning on the topic “Vedanta in Daily Life” which were addressed by our Swamis.
There was devotional singing on all days and also on the night of Sri Sri Kali Puja. One lady-devotee played on the tabla for three renowned artists.
The longest and most eventful day was planned for 7 September. The day began with the inauguration of the Shrine Sanctum Sanctorum at 5 a.m. Srimat Swami Jyotirupanandaji Maharaj officially inaugurated the shrine by cutting the ribbon, performing Mangalarati and then chanting the whole Srimad Bhagavad Gita without a break. The photos of Sri Sri Thakur, Holy Mother, and Swamiji were taken around the ashrama at 10:00 a.m. After the circumambulation Sri Sri Thakur’s marble Image was consecrated by Srimad Swami Jyotirupanandaji. The puja commenced at 10:15 a.m. along with Chandi Path. This was followed by Vedic chanting and devotional songs.
Cooked food/prasad, as lunch and dinner, was served to the participating guests, each time to about 100 people on all those days.
The Ambassador of India to Berlin, Germany, H E Mr. Harish Parvathaneni together with his wife attended the Kali Puja on the night of 7 September.
