Shuka Vana ~ Rehabilitation Centre for Birds

His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji’s deep concern for the preservation of our environment has manifested itself in Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysore as Kishkindha Moolika Bonsai Garden, Ashwashala (Horse stables), Goshala (Cow shelters) and Shuka Vana (rehabilitation centre for birds). Parrots are not just agreeable birds with their chirping sounds and attractive, vivid colors. Parrots have a specific spiritual connection with the nine planets (Navagrahas), the twelve zodiac signs (Rasis related to birth stars), the numerals of the dates in each month, and the seven musical notes Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da, Ni (Saptaswaras) in Indian classical music. With divine intuition, Sri Swamiji has identified sets of species of parrots that represent each of the above as its vibrant, living, breathing, visible presiding deity. Seeing these divine parrots and providing them nourishment, shelter, and care enhances good fortune and heightens positive energy. The parrots are related to each of us either by representing our birthdate, zodiac sign, or the planet or musical note that stimulates us.