In memory of Priest Narasimha Bhattar
Donation protected
Priest Narasimha Bhattar (Irvine Mandir) passed away in Bangalore last Thursday after a brief illness. His foot got infected couple months ago during his father’s death anniversary and he had to undergo an amputation of several toes on his right foot. Although he was recovering he took a turn for the worse and had to be admitted to the hospital due to a sudden drop in Hemoglobin levels. Unfortunately, he died of multiple organ failure on Thursday. He was 47 and is survived by his wife Mrs. Rohini (40), daughter Padmashree (19) and son Pradyumna (15).
As many of you may remember, Mr. Bhattar worked at the Irvine Mandir from 2010 to 2015 as a Chief Priest and was instrumental in making Mandir a warm and welcoming place of worship. He was popular in the community and has conducted many poojas at devotees homes in and around Irvine. His friendliness and compassion attracted many people. With his extraordinary efforts, Mandir’s devotee membership multiplied during those years. He was, however, forced to return to India due to lack of support from the then Chairman who refused to extend his R1 visa that was essential to continue his employment in the US. He was recently offered a position at the Lakshmi Mandir in North Hollywood and was currently in the process of obtaining a fresh R1 visa to return to the US.
His family is in great difficulty and is in need of urgent financial help. I have set up a fund in his name and request all of you to assist his young family. Please contribute generously to help his widow and children get past this difficult time.
Please reach out me if you have any questions
Thank you,
Giridhar Athreya
Update on 12/13/2020
As the campaign is coming to its conclusion, I would like to provide an update.
My relationship with Mr. Bhattar:
As many of you know, my relationship with Narasimha Bhattar started in 2010 when I was the president of the Irvine Mandir. He also conducted many of our family functions , namely my son's Upanayanam, my 60th (Shashtipoorthi) and finally my daughter's wedding in 2016 to name a few. He was very popular as the chief priest in the Irvine Mandir from 2010-2015 and was instrumental in making the Mandir a popular place for worship. He also conducted many poojas in and around Irvine, at devotee's homes. When he suddenly passed away two weeks ago, leaving behind a young family, I decided to start the "GoFund" campaign in order to raise funds for his family. With Bhagwan's grace and all your help, the campaign has raised over $37K so far.
Beneficiaries: Mrs. Rohini Bhattar, Padmashree Bhattar and Praduymna Bhattar
How It will reach them: As a first step, I am in the process of transferring the funds (from the GoFund) to a local bank (Chase) account. Along with me, there will be two other major donors on the account to oversee an orderly transfer of funds to the beneficiaries. To that end, I am working out a plan with the Bhattar's family. Initial thought are to send a lump sum (part of the funds raised) directly to the bank that holds the mortgage of his home, to pay down the principal. This, we believe, will bring the monthly payment to a manageable level. The second part of the fund will be distributed monthly for their sustenance and to complete children's education. Padma is completing her second PUC and Pradyu is in his first PUC. We believe the funds will be sufficient for 15 to 18 months.
Please contact me with any questions you may have. Again, thank you all for your generous contribution to Bhattar's family.
Giridhar Athreya
As many of you may remember, Mr. Bhattar worked at the Irvine Mandir from 2010 to 2015 as a Chief Priest and was instrumental in making Mandir a warm and welcoming place of worship. He was popular in the community and has conducted many poojas at devotees homes in and around Irvine. His friendliness and compassion attracted many people. With his extraordinary efforts, Mandir’s devotee membership multiplied during those years. He was, however, forced to return to India due to lack of support from the then Chairman who refused to extend his R1 visa that was essential to continue his employment in the US. He was recently offered a position at the Lakshmi Mandir in North Hollywood and was currently in the process of obtaining a fresh R1 visa to return to the US.
His family is in great difficulty and is in need of urgent financial help. I have set up a fund in his name and request all of you to assist his young family. Please contribute generously to help his widow and children get past this difficult time.
Please reach out me if you have any questions
Thank you,
Giridhar Athreya
Update on 12/13/2020
As the campaign is coming to its conclusion, I would like to provide an update.
My relationship with Mr. Bhattar:
As many of you know, my relationship with Narasimha Bhattar started in 2010 when I was the president of the Irvine Mandir. He also conducted many of our family functions , namely my son's Upanayanam, my 60th (Shashtipoorthi) and finally my daughter's wedding in 2016 to name a few. He was very popular as the chief priest in the Irvine Mandir from 2010-2015 and was instrumental in making the Mandir a popular place for worship. He also conducted many poojas in and around Irvine, at devotee's homes. When he suddenly passed away two weeks ago, leaving behind a young family, I decided to start the "GoFund" campaign in order to raise funds for his family. With Bhagwan's grace and all your help, the campaign has raised over $37K so far.
Beneficiaries: Mrs. Rohini Bhattar, Padmashree Bhattar and Praduymna Bhattar
How It will reach them: As a first step, I am in the process of transferring the funds (from the GoFund) to a local bank (Chase) account. Along with me, there will be two other major donors on the account to oversee an orderly transfer of funds to the beneficiaries. To that end, I am working out a plan with the Bhattar's family. Initial thought are to send a lump sum (part of the funds raised) directly to the bank that holds the mortgage of his home, to pay down the principal. This, we believe, will bring the monthly payment to a manageable level. The second part of the fund will be distributed monthly for their sustenance and to complete children's education. Padma is completing her second PUC and Pradyu is in his first PUC. We believe the funds will be sufficient for 15 to 18 months.
Please contact me with any questions you may have. Again, thank you all for your generous contribution to Bhattar's family.
Giridhar Athreya
Organizer
Giridhar Athreya
Organizer
Lake Forest, CA