Da Nang Arrival
Sri Swamiji arrives in Da Nang, marking his first visit to Vietnam.
My Son Sanctuary
Sri Swamiji at My Son Sanctuary, a Shiva temple complex constructed by the Champa people between 400 and 1300 CE. The Champa were strongly influenced by Indian culture through trade and the spread of Hinduism in Southeast Asia.
En route from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji’s “Vietnam Raga Sagara” Music for Meditation took place December 1, 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City.
Yogini Kaliji was recognized by Sri Swamiji for organizing the Music for Meditation program.
Hari was acknowledged for his support with organization.
Temple Visit
While in Ho Chi Minh City, Sri Swamiji visited the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple. Amazingly the temple had a framed photo of Swamiji hanging on the wall.
Saigon River Boat Tour
The Vietnam Trio
Over 150 joined for a private boat tour on the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City.
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Show
Departure from Vietnam
JAYA GURU DATTA
Reflection
Three months ago, Appaji first mentioned a potential visit to Vietnam to us in Canada. At the time, I didn’t know much about Vietnam or its ancient history.
Two months ago, I heard Appaji would visit Ho Chi Minh City at the end of November for a music concert and a private visit to an audh farm. While I had become familiar with modern Vietnam, I still perceived it as simply another trip to a new destination to bless a few Vietnamese devotees. I still didn't know much about ancient Vietnam and its ties to India and Hinduism.
Two weeks prior to the trip, Appaji’s plans changed to include the My Son sanctuary ruins. I assumed it would be a routine visit to the remnants of an ancient temple, first abandoned and then destroyed by the American War.
Then, a week before we left, Appaji mentioned in Hyderabad, to a stadium full of people, that he was going to visit a Shiva temple in Vietnam and do a small abhisheka. I thought he was just kind of mentioning it in passing since I didn't think there were any real temples left, just maybe some broken-down walls.
However, on Monday, November 25th,on the auspicious Karthika Somavara, my assumptions were overturned. The significance of the visit began to dawn on me. Our guide explained how connected Vietnam and India were in the past, and when I actually got to My Son, I was blown away. Even though only 20-30% of the towers are left untouched, you could still feel how amazing it must have been. One could easily envision the magnificence of this ancient temple complex, located within a lush forest. Even though the temple was abandoned and eventually destroyed in the 19th century, it felt like the soul of the place was left intact.
Then Appaji told us a story from his childhood which further explained the purpose of this visit. At the age of 11, while spending time with his uncle at the Champakadhameshvara Swamy temple near Bangalore, Appaji learned of an ancient Champaka Shiva temple and promised to visit the temple and worship there. 71 years later, we witnessed Appaji fulfill that promise by visiting MySon, which was obviously a very important and spiritual center for generations of central Vietnamese people.
Observing how the weather seemed to make the path for Appaji, I realized that Appaji wasn't just fulfilling a promise from this lifetime, but was perhaps revisiting one of His ancient kingdoms. With no welcome committee to greet the ancient king, nature itself assumed that role.
I was told that afternoons can get crowded at MySon. During our hour-long drive, a heavy downpour likely deterred visitors, as we encountered very few people upon arrival. As Appaji reached the entrance of the actual temple, the rain ceased, and the sun emerged, welcoming Appaji to his ancient kingdom.
And when we got to the Shiva Linga (which was found only four years ago during the pandemic), it started drizzling again, performing a natural abhisheka to both the Champaka Shiva Linga and Appaji as around 50 of us gathered in the "inner sanctum." Appaji’s desire to perform abhishekam to Shiva was fulfilled by nature in ways I couldn't have imagined. Then, Appaji confirmed my suspicion, stating that He had indeed been here in those ancient times, and we were all fortunate to be with him in that era, explaining our reunion in this place. It was a surreal experience.
Unaware of this place even two months prior, and with no expectation of visiting it two weeks ago, we witnessed something truly special and unique. It was another affirmation that HH is with us, not just in this birth, but across ages, patiently guiding us through both the physical and spiritual realms.
Jai Appaji
*I also found that Appaji's visit to Vietnam and My Son was originally scheduled for early 2020 and was abruptly canceled. The Shiva Linga was unearthed in May 2020, and it's as if Appaji waited this long for the archaeologists to rediscover the Shiva Linga so He could visit and fulfill His promise of worshipping the Champaka Swamy.
Hari