Durga Shiva Mandir Inc.

As you all know another year is fast approaching its end. As your Pandit of Durga Shiva Mandir, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of you for your continued support to the Mandir. You are the members, you are the devotees, you deserve to be complimented for the fine work you have done in 2009! But it does not end with 2009!

Over the past couple of years Durga Shiva Mandir has faced a long, hard struggle. However, because of your strong belief and faith in Sanatan Dharma, and with your kind hearts, many of you, if not all, have been very forceful in your determination to assist in our efforts of progress. There is an old philosophy that unity wins over any situation and with that concept, we have been taking on the many challenges placed before us with success.

Our intentions at the Mandir is to make the facilities as comfortable as possible so that when you, your family, and friends are here, you may worship in peace and you can feel the presence of Bhagwan all around. You can be proud to say this is my Mandir, my place of worship.

As we continue with the necessary renovations, repairs and construction, I appeal to all of you for your
continued support towards this effort. A Mandir is a place where minds merge as oneness through meditation and dedication to meet with Bhagwan. To do so, your sense of devotion and your support must continue to be strong. A lot of changes has been made and has been met with your determination. Many more changes need to be addressed and need to be completed. With your support we can continue in that direction. However, to do so we will not only need your continued support but your commitment to doing an excellent job, particularly in this time of economic struggles and changes. As your Pandit of Durga Shiva Mandir, I know we can achieve this goal together. I take this opportunity to thank all of you who helped and who have contributed towards the Mandir’s progress, and I look forward to your continued support in the New Year. May Lord Shiva shower his blessings on you and your family for the New Year as we go forward in these difficult times!

Om Namah Shivaya!

Lord Rama i one of the most commonly adored gods of Hindus and is known as an ideal man and hero of the epic Ramayana. He is always holding a bow and arrow indicating his readiness to destory evils. he is also called “Shri Rama”. More commonly he is pictured in a family style, with his wife Sita, brother Lakshman and devotee Hanuman who is sitting near Lord Rama’s feet.

God of knowledge and the remover of obstacles is also the older son of Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesh is also called Vinayek (knowledgeable) or Vighneshwer (God to remove obstacles). He is worshiped, or at least remembered, in the beginning of any auspicious performance for blessings and auspiciousness. He has four hands, elephant’s head and a big belly. His vehicle is a tiny mouse. In his hands he carries a rope (to carry devotes to the truth), an axe (to cut devotee’s attachments), and a sweet dessert ball laddoo (to reward devotees for spiritual activity). His fourth hand’s palm is always extended to bless people. A unique combination of his elephant like head and quick moving tiny mouse represents tremendous wisdom, intelligence, and presence of mind.

Lord Hanuman is a monkey God. He is a noble hero and great devotee of Lord Rama of the Ramayana. This deity is a provider of courage, hope, knowledge, intellect, and devotion. He is picture as a robust monkey holding a malace (gada) which is a sign of bravery and having a picture of Lord Rama tatooed on his chest which is a sign of his devotion to Lord Rama. He is also called Mahaveerar (the great hero) or Pavan-suta (son of air) or Bajarangbali.

Goddess Durga, also known as Parvati or Lalitha is the wife or consort of Lord Shiva and exists in various divine (both friendly and fearful) forms. Two of her fierce but very powerful forms are Durga (goddess beyond reach and Kali [goddess of destruction]). Both have eight hands and great power and energy (Shakti). Durga rides on a lion and Kali rides on a corpse of a demon. Parvati was called Sati in her previous divine incarnation. The family of Lord Shiva, Parvati and their sons Ganesha and Kartikeya is an ideal example of family unity and love. She has a charming personality. She is adored by married women for a happy married life.

Lord Shiva appears in a meditating but every-happy posture. He has matted hair which holds the flowing Ganges river and a crescent moon, a serpent coiled around his neck, a trident in his one hand and ashes all over his body. The Lord’s attributes respresent his victory over the demonic activity, and calmness of human nature. He is known as the “giver” god. His vehicle is a bull (symbol of happinessand strength) named Nandi. Shiva-Linga, a sign of the Lord, is adored instead of him.

Hindu Priest/Marriage Officer

Pandit Purshotam, was born on the farm plantation E. B. Demarrara (Guyana). At the tender age of 8yrs after attending the old Herstelling Hindi School and Providence Govt. School, Pandit Ji had developed a love for Dharma and kirtan (singing of the Divine’s name). Pandit Ji, after graduation from Providence Govt. school, then attended Maha Sabha Secondary School on Lamaha Street, Georgetown (Guyana). Pandit Ji has originated from a Brahman Family of Pandits. His late Grandfather was Pandit Gopal Sukul, then his late father, Pandit Kasinath Sukul, a prominent Pandit in Guyana. Pandit Ji late brother was Pandit Chandricka Sukul, the founder of Durga Shiva Mandir Inc. located in Bronx, New York. Pandit Purshotam Sukul became the Officiating Priest of Durga Shiva Mandir Inc. after the passing of his brother Pandit Chandricka. Pandit Purshotam left for the shores of India to further his studies at the Golokh Dhaam Ashram in Brindabhan and New Delhi India. Pandit Purshotam has been carrying on the tradition of his late brother’s wishes to further progress of the Durga Shiva Mandir Inc. within the Bronx community. Pandit Ji is married to Camla and has two sons Rajah and Anil. Pandit Ji owes great respect to his mother, and his cha-cha, Pandit Pooran Sookul of Metemeerzorg, West Coast Demarrara (Guyana). Pandit Ji and his family continue to uphold the values of Sanathan Dharma.

Contact:
ShivaBhakt01@aol.com
1-718-949-2187

Current Residence:
Queens, NYC

Goddess Lakshmi is the consort or wife of Lord Vishnu and is the goddess of prosperity, purity, chastity, and generosity. Her four hands represent four spiritual virtues. She sits on a fully blossomed lotus, a seat of divine truth. her personal chram is considered par excellence. An aura of divine happiness, mental and spiritual satisfaction, and prosperity always exist around her. Her palm is always extended to bless people.

(Shive, Gowri, Narayani, Jagadambikay, Jagajjanani)

You are the source of all bliss, all fufullment.
We pray You and seek Your protection
Your name and form are beautiful and enchanting
We surender our everything at Your feet
Your powers are in Ram and Krishna.
You are in various forms, like Durga, Kali, Radha.
Your power works in Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Whatever I get, I get from You and with Your blessings.
I am happy with whatever You provide.
I have nothing belonging to myself.

Founder, Spiritual Leader, and President

January 24, 1943 – September 9, 1995

As man shedding worn-out garments, takes other new ones, likewise the embodied soul, casting off worn-out bodies, enters into others which are new.