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TAMPA HINDU TEMPLE TO CELEBRATE 27th ANNIVERSARY, BRAHMOTSAVAM MAY 19-22
Story provided by Hindu Temple of Florida
The Hindu Temple of Florida will mark its 27th anniversary and annual Brahmotsavam May 19-22. The word “Sava” means unhappiness and Utsavam helps get rid of “Sava.” Thus, the Brahmotsavam refers to the grand festival where Lord Brahma visits the earth for the celebration.
During the auspicious occasion, the temple has arranged several programs:
- Dhwajarohanam – hoisting the Garuda flag to announce the start of the festival.
- Sesha Vahanam – Shri Satyanarayana Swamy rides on the Adisesha in a procession.
- Sudarshana Homam – havan or homam dedicated to Sudarshana Bhagavan.
- Satyanarayana Swamy Kalyanam – divine wedding ceremony.
- Nakshatra Homam – marks the 27th temple anniversary through 27 or stars. It enhances the positive energy of each individual’s Janma Nakshatram or birth star and subdues the negativity of 27 Nakshatras.
- Garuda Vahana Seva – Satyanarayana Swamy is taken on Garuda in a procession.
- Brahma Rathotsavam – considered to be the highlight of the Brahmotsavam. Satyanarayana Swamy will ride on a ratha chariot in a procession. It is believed that the presiding deity of the temple steps down from the sanctum sanctorum to bless worshipers.
- Avabhruta Snanam or Thirthotsavam – finale, a special abhishekam to Shri Sudarshana Bhagavan, who represents the main temple deity. To complete this ritual, the holy water is sprinkled on the devotees as blessings.
The numerous benefits of conducting a Brahmotsavam as enumerated in the Agama texts are:
- It is conducted for overall peace, prosperity, happiness and welfare of all people.
- The meritorious act secures fulfillment of all desires, destroys sins accumulated in previous births, and brings happiness.
- Utsava sponsors yield a long life of happiness, health and prosperity.
ASTON MARTIN CREATES OO7 EXCITEMENT, EVEN IN DBX707 SUV!
Test-drive story by NITISH S. RELE – [email protected]
As 007 and M drive off in an Aston Martin DB5 in the 2012 “Skyfall” film, M says, “It's not very comfortable, is it?” James Bond quips, “Are you gonna complain all the way?”
Heck, we wouldn’t grumble but we tested the 2023 Aston Martin DBX707, the carmaker’s debut into the high-performance SUV segment. And it’s an entry worthy of 007. We are more than thrilled to share our experience of the iconic “bond” the British carmaker has with the secret agent.
Under the clamshell carbon-fiber hood of the high-end all-wheel-drive exotic SUV sits an irresistible 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine (sourced from the renowned Benz AMG division) that thumps out a ferocious-roaring 697 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 663 pounds-feet of torque @ 4500 rpm. The 9-speed auto transmission (individual, terrain, GT, sport and sport plus) can be shifted via steering-mounted paddle shifters or through the drive control on the dashboard.
Push the starter button to summon the bi-turbocharger and the rev-happy DBX707 emits an exhaust roar to delight any grand tourer buff. Step on the gas and the SUV will catch you off guard, lunging forward with fervor you won’t find in most sport cars. It’s quick on its feet, reaching 0 to 60 mph in only 3.1 seconds with a top speed of 193 mph. This sophisticated beast rolls on 22-inch forged carbon-ceramic alloy wheels, which get their stopping power from 16.5-inch front discs, 15.3-inch rear discs, employing carbon-ceramic brake pads.
Fear not for protection in this four-door, five-passenger rocket. Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, knee airbags, dynamic stability/traction and roll stability controls, four-wheel antilock brakes, adaptive suspension dampers, rear electronic limited-slip differential, front/rear parking sensors, lane departure and blind spot warnings, lane keep and hill start assists, rear cross traffic alert, 360-degree camera, tire pressure monitor, and daytime running lights are watching out for you.
The hood scops and primarily wing-shape enamel badge up front proudly herald the marque. It’s atop the chromed all-metal grille flanked by bi-LED headlights and integrated daytime running, side and corner lamps. “Swan wing” frameless doors, huge carbon-fiber spoiler, power tail gate and black quad exhausts make up the rest of the appearance.
The cabin conveys the class, sophistication and splendid craftsmanship that are the British automaker’s tradition. Lending credence to the rich ambience is full leather upholstery on and around the dashboard and instrument panel, doors and center console. And nobody can miss the quintessential wings crest adorned in the seat backrests. Other luxuries include 16-way power heated/cooled front seats, power-adjustable tilt/telescopic steering column, Alcantara headliner, 800-watt, 14-speaker sound system, panoramic full-length glass roof, dual-zone auto a/c, 12.3-inch driver information display and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen.
Built in Aston Martin’s St. Athan, Wales plant, the high-performance SUV drew heaps of spectators throughout our drive in Tampa Bay. With a power-at-all-times engine and elegant styling inside and out, this top-tier ride speaks for itself.
ASTON MARTIN DBX707
Tires: Front 284/40YR22; Rear 325/35YR22
Wheelbase: 120.5 inches
Length: 198.4 inches
Width: 80.7 inches
Height: 66.1 inches
Suspension: independent double wishbone front, multilink rear
Steering: electric speed-dependent rack and pinion
Weight: 4,940 pounds
Fuel capacity: 22.5 gallons
City: 15 mpg
Highway: 20 mpg
Base price: $236,000
Price as tested: $292,586
Web site: www.astonmartin.com
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
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