New Arulsishya Archana Pillay

During the previous Sun One puja and talk, Archana Pillay was able to read aloud her new vows as Arulsishya. Satguru, devotees and monks were all in attendance to witness the event. Archana is taking a momentous step forward to becoming a formal disciple of Bodhinatha as a member of Saiva Siddhanta Church.

An offering is presented to Satguru before reading of vows

First she reads the Sakahara Vrata. To demonstrate her compassion, her karuna for all living beings, Archana vows to continue her strict practice of vegetariansim.

All chant aloud, \"Tathastu\" literally meaning \"So be it.\" The group is essentially recognizing the vow taken and accepting it as a one body or community.

Next she reads the great vow of Ahimsa, the maha vrata of noninjury. The cradinal virture for living the Sanatana Dharma of causing no harm to living creatures in thought, word or deed.

The Pillay family watches from the mandapam

Our island community and some off-islanders are also here to celebrate

The Dasama Bhaga Vrata. Sivas close devotees take a vow to tithe ten percent of their gross income to their lineage monthly.

Next comes the Kailasa Paramapara Vow. This is the vow of fidelity and loyalty to the guru lineage of preceptors of the Nandinatha Sampradaya and the principles of the pancha nitya karmas.

Archana signs her sacred pledges. Her sacred vratas will also be signed by Satguru and all Paramacharyas and Acharyas of the Saiva Swami Sangam.

JAI!

Archana\

s younger brother Divyesh also had a short ear-piercing ceremony in the afternoon. Congrats Divyesh!'
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