Mahaprasthanam project

In Nov 2013, a sacred project was undertaken at Brahmana Kodur, to build a decent Cremation ground and Funeral Home on the outskirts  of  the village. This had been a much needed facility in our village since a long time. There had
only been some vacant land allocated for this purpose and the site had no other basic amenities like shelter, water, resting place etc.

In Guntur city too, the situation was similar until recently but thanks to an exceptional voluntary organization named "Mahaprasthanam Seva Samithi", a very beautiful and elegant cremation facility was built, which is now fulfilling the
needs of the community in an atmosphere of peace and dignity.

After getting the Guntur Mahaprasthanam ready, the organization started extending their services to the surrounding villages as well. With funds raised from the donors in each village, they started providing their expertise and
knowledge to help build cremation facilities according to the local needs.

Under the able and service oriented leadership of Sri Dasari Hanumantha Rao garu and solid support from Gunturi/Madhavapeddi  family members, a Mahaprasthanam just got built in Brahamana Kodur.

On the 6th of November 2013, Vijaya's parents Sri Madhavapeddi Satyanarayana Murthy garu and Smt.Madhavapeddi Subbalakshmi garu were invited to lay the foundation stone for this facility. The function was organized at Brahmana Kodur and was well attended by the local MLA, the village Panchayat president, many village elders and farmers. On this occasion, Vijaya's parents announced a significant donation for this effort, in the loving memory of her grandparents Sri Madhavapeddi Seshagiri Rao garu and Smt. Madhavapeddi Lakshmi Narasamma garu. This was just a starting point! Gradually, the rest of Gunturi/Madhavapeddi family members came forward one by one, and donated a total of 3.5 lakh rupees towards this noble project, in the memory of their loved ones.

This was combined with a donation of 5 lakh rupees from the Ramineni foundation and the facility materialized in just three months, thanks to tireless coordination by Sri Dasari Hanumantha Rao garu and dedicated support from Gunturi KalyanRam. On Feb 6th, the inauguration of phase I of this facility was arranged. A number of Madhavapeddi/Gunturi family members had attended, along with the village Panchayat President, many local elders and villagers. During the function, we broke coconuts and entered the newly built structure.

Then mud from Varanasi and the Ganga water were sprinkled on the sacred ground. We then offered Aarathi to the Almighty. Later all of us took turns expressing our sentiments and hopes for the project and also the betterment of
the village in general.

The gratitude expressed by the villagers was unbelievable and the respect they have shown towards our Gunturi/Madhavapeddi families had been overwhelming. The family spirit that was built up during the reunions now started getting channelized towards meaningful village projects!

Inaguration

The Mahaprasthanam phase II inauguration went off very well on the evening of April 2nd 2014, at Brahmana Kodur.  The program involved ribbon cutting, lighting of the sacred fire, breaking coconuts, honoring the donors and sharing of thoughts in the company of family memebers, villagers, well wishers from surrounding villages, donors, members of the Mahaprasthanam Seva Samithi and other service minded people. Because of unconditional support from many of our family members, this wonderful facility had been built in a record four months time and had been opened to the villagers for their use on that very special day!

More Photos can be viewed at Photogallery Page