The Arrival

The Arrival Of Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar In Melbourne

The journey of Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar coming to Melbourne and making it His home is an interesting one.

The history of the Temple began in 1989 when some 100 or so members of the Hindu Society of Victoria (HSV), who were disappointed with the lack of progress in building the HSV temple (now Shiva Vishnu Temple), walked out of the HSV AGM and decided that they were going to build a Vinayagar Temple.

Amongst this “breakaway” group, a core team of people set up the Pro-Tem committee and along with other likeminded individuals, thus, began the gigantic task of building the Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar Temple in Victoria.

The team was a mix of old and new migrants, from various countries and from all walks of life, young and old, professionals and others. The only binding thread was that all of them had the incredible passion and desire to build a Ganesha Temple. All members of the team were full time employees or had their own businesses to run, yet they found the time and energy to make this happen.

The first task at hand was to decide how we were going to come together and how do we fund this massive project. We did not want to build a Society where membership was easy and members who had no passion for the temple could come and change the Constitution of the Society.

After several months of discussion, we landed on the current Constitution, wherein there is a Board of Trustees (anyone paying $20,000), Life Members (people who pay $5,000) and Ordinary members ($1,000). It was also agreed that the Trustees had to put the money first towards the purchase of the property.

The Committee consisted of:

President

Mr Nirmalan Pillai

Vice President

Dr N Shanmuganathan

Secretary

Mr P Senthooran

Treasurer

Mr Shanmugaratnam Pillai

Building Committee Chairman

Mr M Maheswaran

Pooja Committee Chairman

Mrs P Somasundram

The first Board of Trustees of The Melbourne Vinayagar Hindu Sangam

• Mr Nirmalan K PillayChairman
• Mr V Canagalingam
• Mr S Somasundram
• Dr S Selvendra
• Dr R Rajendra
• Dr J Maheswaran

A trip to India: twists and turns

The next task was to find a Ganesha idol and a place to build the temple. It had already been decided that a Vinayagar Vigraham and the necessary implements required for conducting poojas was to be purchased to set up the first Vinayagar Temple in Victoria.

Coincidentally, the then Treasurer Mr Shan Pillai and his wife Parameswary Pillai as well as his mother-in-law Mrs A Subramaniam were going to India on a pilgrimage, and they offered to obtain the said items whilst in India.

They set out on their trip in late September 1989 with a return journey planned for 4th November 1989 to Singapore and 22nd November 1989 back to Melbourne.

As they were not certain if the first statue should be granite or Panchalogam, they consulted several priests in Australia and Singapore and all of them said that as there was no temple built yet, we should only have a Panchaloga Vigraham. On arrival in Chennai, they identified a Sthapati who would make these Vigrahams and contacted him to make the Vighraham for delivery by 31st October 1989.

Special instructions were given to the Sthapati that he had to prepare two Panchaloga Vigrahams and both would be taken to Kanchi Mutt, of which only one would be selected by the Kanchi Swamigal.

Upon returning to Chennai on 31st October 1989 from their pilgrimage, Mr and Mrs Pillai, despite the Sthapati’s initial assurances, discovered to their great disappointment that the statues had not been completed and only the implements had been moulded.

A solution presents itself

Mr and Mrs Pillai visited the family of Sri Gnanasekara Kurrukkal and were introduced to their friend, Suresh (fondly known as Suresh Master), who suggested that they all should visit Jagadguru Sri Shankaracharaya Swamigal at Kancheepuram to explain their predicament and seek His guidance. It was more for their own peace of mind that they decided to make this trip.

The entourage arrived in Kancheepuram on the evening of 2nd November and met with Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal. To their amazement, Swamigal ordered his assistant to request the Kancheepuram Sthapati to bring the Vinayagar statue that he had just completed. Swamigal blessed the granite statue and gave a letter to the Indian authorities stating that the statue was for consecration in Australia. This was a great help in taking the statue out of India, as it avoided the need for certification from the Archaeological Society of India to say it was not a national treasure.

Another Lord Vinayagar statue is ready

Upon returning to Chennai from Kancheepuram on 3rd November 1989, Mr and Mrs Pillai were surprised to learn that the Panchaloga statue that had been initially ordered had arrived. The next day at 4.30am, (the date of their departure back to Singapore) the two Panchaloga Statues were taken to Kancheepuram so that the most appropriate statue for the Temple in Melbourne could be selected. This time Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal of Kanchi Mutt was meeting devotees, and after much thought he selected the Panchaloga Vinayagar that is now our single faced Utsava Moorthy.

After the selection, the Pillais returned to Chennai from Kancheepuram and bought suitable carry on cases for the two Vinayagars and took the flight back to Singapore. As they were carrying the statues blessed by Kanchi Swamigal, Air India upgraded the flights of the Pillais from Economy class to Business class (Vinayagar wanted to travel Business).

Eye-opening ceremony of Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar in Singapore

On their return journey, as the Pillais were going via Singapore, the two statues were kept in Singapore’s Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple after leaving India. On 15th November 1989, the eye-opening ceremony for both the statues was performed by the famous Visvanatha Kurukkal and a local Sthapati. This attracted some local publicity.

These are some rare photos from the eye-opening ceremony as we see Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar through the mirror.

After the eye-opening ceremony, two solid wooden boxes were made to carefully bring the two new deities from Singapore to Melbourne.

It was at this time, a long-lost carpenter friend of Mrs Pillai’s mother, decided to visit her in Singapore. He and his family could not speak English and needed assistance to make a trip to Australia. Mrs Pillai took them to the embassy and to her surprise received the visa on the same date. As a quid pro quo, he agreed to prepare two boxes to take the Vinayagars from Singapore to Melbourne for free. In addition, the family accompanied the Pillais to Melbourne, and in doing so assisted in the carrying of the Vinayagars.

The Pandaram (Palani) from the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple covered the two deities in tamarind (to avoid damaging the deities in transit) and placed the deities in the boxes ahead of the journey.

At the Customs in Melbourne, the Pillais were asked to place the boxes in the X-ray machine. Only the deities could be seen but not the tamarind - another Miracle of Ganesha.

From India, Mr Pillai had rung his sister Mrs Parameswari Somasundram and told her that they would need to find a place to keep the two Ganeshas. She volunteered her house. She had just moved into her brother Mr Nirumalan Pillai's house, which had been recently acquired. A Ganapathy Homam had been performed as part of the housewarming so when the deities arrived in October 1989, they were housed in 386 Porter Street, Templestowe.

One of the Pro-Tem Committee members, Mr Sabapathy Somasundram carried out the daily early morning rituals of Abhishekams and prayers for the deities whilst the deities remained in their house. The two vigrahams remained in the house until the temple was built. Sri Gnanasekara Kurukkal from Sydney would take the bus and come to do the monthly Sathurthi Pooja. Later Mr Vijayan Sharma also performed some pooja in 386 Porter Street.

The miraculous events that led to the Pillais getting the deities and to bringing them to Melbourne, was later written down in an exchange of two letters between Mr Suresh (the friend who accompanied the Pillais to Kancheepuram) and Mr Pillai. The letter written by Mr Suresh was in Tamil and addressed to Arumuga Iyer (brother-in-law of Gnanasekara Kurukkal), and the one written by Mr Pillai in English addressed to Mr Suresh. In the letters, Mr Pillai is referred to as Ratnam. Mr Suresh’s letter has been translated into English and Mr Pillai’s letter has been typed up for ease of reading. Both original transcripts have been included in the historical documentation section of this history for posterity (see Historical Documents, below).

Translation of the letter written by Suresh Master to Mr Arumuga Iyer (Brother-in-law of the first priest of the Temple, Sri Gnanasekara Kurukkal)

Salutations to the Guru

Madras – 90

Dear Uncle,

Hope you are keeping well. We are all fine. We recently witnessed a miracle here. The person mentioned by you, Sri Shanmugaratnam (Ratnam) and his wife received the Ganapathy statue from Periyavar (Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt) in Kancheepuram. It’s an interesting story.

One month ago (1st week of October), Mr & Mrs Shanmugaratnam and his Mother-in-law (Mrs Subramaniam) visited our flat.

They said that they wished to construct a Pillayar temple in Melbourne and came to India to obtain the Vinayagar statue and necessary pooja items. On the way, in Sydney, when they spoke to you over the phone, you had informed them that they can procure everything from the Senpaga Vinayagar Temple. So, they approached Sri Mani son of Sri Visvanatha Kurukkal of the Singapore temple who gave them the contact details of one Mr Balakumar, saying that he would take care of all their needs. They came to madras happily and gave the order at Balakumar’s house and came to my flat. We discussed many matters, and I was so happy knowing the purpose of their visit. The effort being made to establish our religion in foreign lands was indeed applaudable. I got all the details of the statue, when they specified that it was a bronze statue, I assumed that the Ganapathy was an ‘Utsava murthy’ (the statue which is taken in procession).

But I didn’t say anything, even though I wanted to stress a point, which, one month back I had conveyed to Sri.Vishwanatha Kurukkal, Sri.Thangarasa and your sister-in-law (Smt Kutti) when they came to purchase a statue, but they had not paid any attention to that. This is what I wanted to convey: It is the normal custom that if someone embarks on temple building, they should visit Kancheepuram and approach Periyavar humbly with their request and get his advice through his golden words. This is the tradition, and many are unaware of this. If we directly order the statue and run into difficulties we will be distressed. On the other hand, if we go through Periyavar and obtain the statue, we would be blessed with prosperity for life.

I then said to Mr Shanmugaratnam: “After the statue arrives, try to visit periyavar and get the statue blessed, I would also help you”. I was doubtful about the timely delivery of the statue and asked him about the delivery to help him if there is any delay in receiving it. I wanted his wish to be accomplished without any hindrance.

Then he replied as: “We are going to Sabarimalai, Thiruchendur and other holy places and would return on 30th October and Mr Balakumar had said that we would receive the statue on 31st October, and we would leave by 1st November. If you have anything for us to carry to Sydney, you can contact this number.” (He gave a number as well).

Then we talked about Australia until they left. After two weeks I prepared the Tharpai and other items you asked for and called them on the 30th, there was no answer and then I called again on 31st when they were back. On the same day, they came home, and they were extremely upset. They said that they rang Mr Balakumar several times when they were in Sabarimalai, and there was no response. They have contacted him after coming here, only to be informed that there will be a delay in delivering the statue and which would probably be on the 1st of November. They were all were very worried and started thinking whether “Ganapathy” (statue) would ever reach them or not. I packed all the Therpai that afternoon and gave it to them at night. They didn’t get the statue that day as well. We planned to go to Kancheepuram on 2nd of November (Thursday) if we received it by then. (It is rare to get an appointment on Friday to meet Periyavar) At the same time we received the lamps we had ordered earlier and packed them in unaccompanied baggage as they must be flown back on Saturday. Thursday passed and we were yet to receive the statue until Friday evening 5’o clock. I found their tension increasing as we didn’t receive any information from Mr Balakumar. (Their anguish was so apparent).

I was at the cargo section of the airport to get their passports and tickets. I called him around 4.45 and got to know that they still had not received the statue and was asking me with a tremor in his voice whether there was any hope left to visit Periyavar with the statue. I strongly believe in God. I went home after picking up their passports and had a bath. Then I performed Santhyavanthanam and Panchakshara prayer and pleaded whole-heartedly with God so that they could receive the statue though Periyavar.

At the same time, they were also telling me that, they wished to see Periyavar even without the statue and requested that the statue be sent after they reach Australia. I didn’t say anything but was just reciting ‘Lalitha Sahasranamam’. Later I went to their room along with Amma (Mrs Kamala, Arumuga Iyer’s sister). We left for Kancheepuram around 6.30pm. I said that there will be some miracle happening today and that I wanted to be a witness too. I don’t know whether they believed me or not, but I had strong belief and was praying. We reached around 8pm and around 8.30pm Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swami entered looking radiant, smiling with divinity. He sat down and I prostrated before him. Then the conversation that followed is provided below:

Me: They are from Australia.

Swami: They are Sri Lankans, aren’t they? (He laughed; we got goose pimples.)

Me: They came here to purchase a God-Statue to establish a Ganapathy temple in Australia.

Swami: Is that so!

Me: They are yet to receive the statue.

Swami: Why?

Me: I don’t know the reason exactly. But they are sad to be flying tomorrow without the statue.

Swami: There is a person called Mr Narayanan in Madras who sends statues to foreign countries. I will give you the address, ask them to contact him and he will help them with transporting the statue.

Me: But they were hoping that the statue will be touched and blessed by you.

Swami: Oh! But there is no statue and you told me that they are leaving tomorrow.

Me: My heart is so heavy since they are leaving without the statue after getting it made here.

1 Arumuga Iyer’s sister

Swami: hmm... hmm… (With smile)

Me: Swami, can you please show the way, I would be so happy if you can help them in their distress.

Swami: okay! I’ll check whether I have any statue. (Called a man and asked him to check whether there was a Ganapathy statue in the mutt.)

[I turned back and said that “you are so lucky to get a statue from Swami” to Mr Shanmugaratnam.] [Mr and Mrs Shanmugaratnam were shedding tears of joy.] [Meanwhile, the one who went to check came back saying that he found no statue.] [Mr and Mrs Shanmugaratnam were deeply disappointed.]

Swami: (Smiling at me) Then you go to the ‘Sthapati’ of our monastery and ask for a statue insisting on urgency.

[Mr and Mrs Shanmugaratnam started praying and I assured them of the arrival of Ganapathy.] [Meantime, Amma (Mrs Kamala), Mrs Ratnam and Mrs Subramaniam went for a pooja at the monastery while Mr Ratnam and I stayed closer to Swami and discussing the possibility of a statue being available. Swami goes inside around 9pm while it was already 8.50? What will happen if there was no statue? At the same time, many people came and received blessings from Swami. Our worries must have been transmitted to the saint that he suddenly turned and said “Ganapathy is coming”. (I was dumbfounded. Incredible how our thoughts reach the great soul.)] [It was exactly 9pm, two people carried a statue made up of granite and stood with folded hands humbly before Swami. Swami laughed and said “Ganapathy Arrived”. I stood with hands folded in prayer while Swami sat like a small child in-front of the Ganapathy, patted him and stroked him and said, “He is so nice”. Then he poured KumKum on Ganapathy. I tried to take a picture of that, but while I was searching for the flash switch, the Kumkum abishekam finished. Swami saw me upset and touching the statue smiled at me and I took a photo finally. Then we continued our chat:]

Swami: Are you happy now?

Me: So happy!

Swami: (looking at Mr Shanmugaratnam) It happened as he wanted.

[Meanwhile the ladies returned, when Swami was informing us that ‘Mooshigam’ was also with the statue, exactly what Mr Ratnam and I were discussing the previous day. Mr Ratnam had wanted to place a separate order for it. I realized that Swami was sorting our matter out again.] [Mr and Mrs Ratnam cried realising the divine intervention. The luck, the shock and the joy were too much for them and they shed tears. Their tears revealed only their devotion.] [Then Mr Ratnam and I spoke alone. He said, “I want to name this Ganapathy”. “Please ask the Swami” I replied. Then Mr Ratnam explained that when they planned to build a temple in Melbourne, a group suggested a Ganapathy Koyil while the other group wanted other Gods. The first group strongly wanted a Ganapathy temple and became a Breakaway group so Mr Ratnam wanted to name him as Vakrathunda Vinayagar. In spite of that he changed his mind and wanted to obtain the name from Swami.]

Me: Swami, please suggest a name for Ganapathy.

Swami: (looking at Mr Ratnam) what does he have in mind?

[We were really amazed that Swami knew what was running through the mind of Mr Ratnam.] [Then Mr Ratnam said that he wishes to name him ‘Vakrathunda Vinayagar’.]

Swami: So be it. [That was divine sanction.]

Me: They (Mr and Mrs Ratnam) are worried about being childless.

Swami: Let them circumambulate Ganapathy daily. They will have their progeny.

[Same time Swami said to those who came to worship that day “Ganapathy statue was staying with Sthapati solely for this purpose. Tomorrow Ganapathy is flying away to Australia.”]

Me: When we take the statue, authorities will question. What is your advice?

Swami: I will give a letter from my monastery. [Called a man and gave all information in Tamil and requested him to translate and write in English.]

Me: What pooja rituals or tradition should he follow for the new ‘Ganapathy’?

Swami: Let them do normal poojas for now, they can follow the traditions after the Kumbhabhishekam.

[We got some clarifications from Swami and I’m writing them below]

Me: They don’t have permission to build a temple. So, they are buying a church and going to place Ganapathy inside and do all the Poojas. What is your advice on this?

Swami: That’s fine, but they will build a temple after some time. Won’t they?

Me: Yes, that is their plan.

Swami: Then it is okay. They are following the same way in America as well.

Me: They need your advice on properly following our religion in a foreign country.

Swami: We have cassettes in our monastery. All the information on what’s to be done from morning to night is there along with Bajans (Spiritual songs) in those cassettes. Take them when you leave. Please gather all Hindu children and hold Hinduism classes. That is very important.

At this time, Mrs Shanmugaratnam’s mother took a small Vinayagar made up of Erukkam Root and handed it over to Swami. He admired the pillayar and said “He is Erukkam Ver Pillayar so very special”, he took out a handful of vibuthi and applied it to Ganesha and handed him back to her. [Mrs Subramaniam was so pleased.]

Everything concluded auspiciously. Mr Shanmugaratnam took photos of the Swami to his heart’s content. Then the couple tearfully prostrated in front of him. The Swami with a divine smile blessed them, and we started to leave.

We came out and received the letter from the monastery and cassettes. Then we spoke with the Sthapati who brought the statue, we were awe-struck with what he said to us. Someone has given an order months ago and this statue was made up on that order. “We brought this statue out on Swami’s order, we don’t have any other Ganapathy statue other than this as well, the person who placed the order should have collected this by now but he never turned up. It’s Ambal’s design that this statue should be with you,” said the Sthapati.

We let Ganapathy lie down comfortably at the back of the car and I said to Mr Ratnam ‘The rule is Utsavar comes after the Moolavar, Since Swami has given the Moolavar, Balakumar will definitely deliver the Utsavar”. (Next morning Utsvar came and Mr Ratnam took that to Swami and got blessings as well.)

While we were coming back to madras in car, I requested Mr Ratnam to keep the Ganapathy at my flat so I can start the poojas from the next day itself for which he graciously agreed. I was so happy, next day I finished my Santhiyavanthanam and did Abishegam with milk, honey, Panjamirtham, curd and Viboothi. Then I decorated Vakrathunda Vinayagar by Santhanam and dressed in Pattu. Later I did Archanai. All to my heart’s content. That day Ganapathy left for Singapore.

Mr Shanmuga Ratnam called me after few days and said “Vishvanatha Kurukkal is refusing to perform pooja to Vinayagar at Senpaga Vinayagar temple”. I asked him the reason. He replied saying that pooja cannot be done to Vinayagar before his eyes have been opened in consecration. I strongly replied as “The statue became divine when Swami touched the statue and no shastra, agama rituals need to be performed after being blessed by Swami”. Mr Ratnam has already conveyed this to Mr Vishvanatha Kurukkal who strongly disagreed. Then I suggested taking Ganapathy to Mr Ratnam’s house and keeping him in a separate place, I said that you can have a bath then decorate the Vinayagar and start poojas. I further stretched my point as it is not good to keep Vinayagar blessed by Swami, without doing poojas. He agreed with me. I didn’t hear anything further from him until today (16/11/89). So, I believe that Ganapthy has been getting the pooja and food he needs.

Do you know, why I am writing this letter with this much detail? The Vinayagar who is coming there is very special. He has so much of power. It’s my fervent wish that the blessing of performing daily pooja to Vinayagar will go to Srimaan Arumuga Iyer and Srimaan Gnanasekara Kurukkal. Worshipping this Vinayagar will connect the families that got separated. Who will be happier than me if my wish comes true? So, I earnestly appeal to you, to accept without hesitation the service to Pillayar.

– Suresh

10-1-1990
Melbourne

My Dear Suresh,

It was great to talk to you after such a long time. Although our conversation was brief, I felt it to be very rewarding. I had not written to you earlier as I had really got totally engaged in bringing Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar safely to Melbourne. I want to take this opportunity to bring you up to date on all the miracles that have been happening since Vinayagar left your arms.

As you know the Madras Airport security refused to let us carry both the Vighrahams into the flight with us. As such we had to place the two of ‘them’ as accompanied luggage. This meant excess luggage charges. Air-India was prepared to allow the Moolavar to travel free, when we showed them the letter from Kanchi Mutt. We however, had to pay for the Utsavar, which is why I had to take the money I had given you earlier.

At the customs, where we feared most problems, Vinayagar gave us a free passage.

On reaching Singapore, I talked with the head flight steward and arranged for an Air India official to organise the unloading of ‘Vinayagar statues’ safely.

Once we cleared Singapore customs, we took the Vinayagar straight to Sri Senpaga Vinayagar temple in Singapore. There the pandaram helped us to bring ‘them’ both down and into the temple. It was about 10pm on Kantha Shasti day 4/11/1989.

We unfortunately had left the carrom board at the airport and had to return there to collect it. We eventually reached my mother-in-law’s place at about 12pm. There we met Satha, who we found was leaving for India the next day 5/11/89. I immediately told him about my financial difficulty and requested if he could give some Indian rupees to you, if I would give him Singapore dollars. He was more than willing to help.

Later, I went to my brother’s place and stayed the night there and returned to my mother-in-law’s place the next day to give Satha the money and discuss the financial arrangement with which you are now familiar.

The next ‘atputham’ that takes place is, one of my mother-in-law’s old Chinese carpenter friend contacted her after a long time. He showed a desire to migrate to Australia and was seeking our assistance.

We told him we can take him to the Australian High Commission in Singapore and make the necessary enquiries and lodge an application for a tourist visa in Australia.

This we did promptly, and you would not believe this, having applied for an Australian visa in the past and found that it will take at a minimum a week before it can be approved, but in this family’s case, it was approved instantaneously. He expressed his bewilderment at this. I told him that my Ganesha was doing it, as he had agreed to make a box to carry Vinayagar statues to Australia. He did this for us for free. We estimate if we had to pay for these boxes, they would at least have cost us in the region of Rs 4000 equivalent in Singapore dollars.

What was more, he insisted on flying on the same day as we, despite the fact that we had to change our Singapore departure dates several times. His coming along was a great boost as his family was a big help in lifting and shouldering Vinayagar.

In the meanwhile, of course you are aware of Vishvanatha Kurukkal’s comments on the daily pooja for Vinayagar. When I discussed your suggestions and Vishvanatha Kurukkal’s comments, everybody around me agreed with what you said but felt that if we do not do an eye-opening ceremony for Vinayagar in Singapore, the Melbourne Hindu community might create some difficulties for us later. As such with Vishvanathar’s blessings we carried out a simple ceremony in Singapore, which attracted some local publicity (newspaper cutting attached).

We then re-packed Vinayagar in his newly made boxes, this time with new pillows and for the Utsava moorthi we even wrapped him in tamarind. Their total weight was in excess of 150kgs.

When we approached Air India, their head of branch in Singapore had just that day returned from open-heart surgery, and was magnanimous in allowing Vinayagars to travel free -No charge.

When we arrived at the Singapore airport, again we were very late, as such all five of us (i.e. Parames, me and 3 Chinese friends i.e. the carpenter, his son and wife) were given separate seats in the aircraft (not next to each other).

Once in the plane, I talked to the head steward, told him that all of us were travelling together and would appreciate seats next to each other. He quickly transferred all of us to business class although we only had economy class tickets – Vinayagar’s Thiruvillaiyadal.

On arrival in Melbourne, despite the fact that we had declared all our spices etc. and the fact that Vinayagar was covered in the tamarind (which is usually forbidden to be brought into the country), all we had to do was to have the Utsavar be x-rayed and they did not open a single other baggage of ours – Vinayagar’s Thiruvillaiyadal.

Once we cleared from the arrival hall, I went to the cargo section to clear the lamps. It is here that I was disappointed, I had to pay tax in addition to demurrage for the goods having been at the customs for over 10 days. This tax could have been reduced if Balakumar had assisted in the way I had requested him to.

Once I cleared the lamps, we took everything to where my sister lives and we did an abhishekam for Vinayagar, which was attended by about twenty people. It was here that I had read your letter to Arumuga Iyer to the public so that they too can become aware of Vinayagar’s Thiruvillaiyadal.

In the meanwhile, I must mention one more ‘Atputham’ that is from Singapore I had rung my sister in Melbourne to arrange for the Vinayagar abhishekam. She then found that she did not have a proper table for Vinayagar. So, she went to a shop and bought the table and whilst she was coming out, the salesgirl (told) her that the value of her purchase entitled her to participate in a lucky draw, which she did and won. The prize for the draw was that the table (incidentally had cost about Rs.2100) was given to her for free – Vinayagar’s Thiruvillaiyadal.

The next major event that took place was, Vinayagar organised a place for him to stay with ease. This is how it happened. Upon my arrival in Melbourne I had requested to one of the keen interested member in the temple that within one month we must settle on a property for the temple. Vinayagar made this come true when we found out about a church for sale. We made an offer and without the usual fuss such sales, the seller accepted. This was done exactly on the 23/12/1989. I arrived in Melbourne on the 22/11/1989.

We then organised a Sangabishegam, which was a grand success, despite initial skepticism by many. Over 500 people turned up to participate in this massive function, which brought us substantial revenue and publicity. Incidentally, we had to get the sangus (conchs) from Singapore, the ‘Thoranam’ from Papua New Guinea (via Darwin), betel leaf from Sydney etc.

Our next major function is the Thaipongal, on 14/1/1990. We just finished celebrating Thiruvamba today.

Suresh, I have listed all the events up till the time Vinayagar has arrived in Melbourne. One more event that you may not be aware, perhaps I should let you know is what happened after I dropped you off on the 3/11/1989.

As we reached the guesthouse I asked the boy if there was any message (expecting one from Balakumar). The boy replied the message is in the room. As I opened the guest house room door, I was pleasantly surprised to find two panchaloga Vinayagar statues with a message from Balakumar that I could choose one and that he was prepared to accompany me to Kanchi to obtain Periyavar’s blessings the next morning at 4.30am.

I immediately rang back and confirmed that I was prepared to take the statutes and go to Kanchi.

Balakumar arrived at 5.30am on 4/11/89 and we packed into our car and left for kanchi. We arrived at about 7.30am and Moothavar (Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal) was giving darshans at that time. We immediately took both statues to him and asked him to choose one for us. In the meanwhile, Balakumar had told us that one of the two, one had a minute defect, which is not visible to the naked eye. Periyavar chose the one without the defect. Incidentally he too wanted to know our past. Once Periyavar had blessed the statue the next thought in my mind was is this the correct Utsavar for the Moolavar so we decided to ask Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, Periyavar. We waited for about one hour before we had his darshan. As soon as he walked out of his room, his immediate remark was, “A Vinayagar has come. Oh! oh! Yesterday moolavar came, today utsavar has arrived.” That answered my question.

Soon, after I took the Vinayagar and went to Ekambaraswarar temple and Kanchi Kaamachi Amman temple. Once we finish our prayers there, we went to Balakumar’s house to drop him. He took a snap of Vinayagar, gave us tea and told that he will meet us at the airport with the thiruvasi all packed.

When we departed from him, we went to Pondi Bazaar to look for a ‘trolley’ to carry the Utsavar Moorthi. We then went to change our traveller’s cheque, returned to the guesthouse; the rest is your knowledge.

Now the Vinayagar has done so much for everybody (by the way he has appeared in several people’s dream already). He needs to give encouragement and perform a miracle for both Gnana Segara Kurukkal and Arumuga Iyer who unfortunately are very sceptical about the Vinayagar.

Suresh, now you know why it took me so long to write a reply – the reply itself has to be necessarily long.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for being my ‘guru’ in this unforgettable event of my life. I do hope your guru will permit you to come to Australia to serve this Vinayagar more fully.

As for the Anadhanam, I feel you should have no hesitation in using the money for a genuine charitable purpose. I only wish you will inform me when you carry this out.

I enclose here with, (1) Details about the Australian immigration procedures & application forms. (2) Copies of 2 leaflets from 2 colleagues conducting accountancy courses. (3) Photographs taken by you at Kanchi mutt also others taken by me. (4) A copy of the ‘Saiva Neri’ – newsletter of the Melbourne Vinayagar Hindu Sangam – which described all the events in Vinayagar’s arrival in Melbourne. The newsletter was sent out with all the attachments included here. (5) A photocopy of your letter to Arumuga Iyer for your records.

May God bless you.

Yours lovingly,
Kumar (Shanmugaratnam)