Athi Rudra Maha Yagna, Navarathri Homa and Durga Puja

Wednesday, October 21, 2015 – Morning: The day 9 of Athi Rudra Maha Yaaga , Navrathri Homa and Durga Pooja was all set with the kind of ambience and grandeur, that even deities and demi-Gods envied for not being able to witness the spectacular event with their physical eyes. The external décor was as wonderful and as profound as the changes that this Triveni Sangama was setting off in the hearts of those who were a witness to this event. The combination of Vedic chants, music from thenadaswaram (traditional Indian styled clarinet), Bhajans touched the skies echoing the prayers of each of the hearts filling them with love and gratitude.

Swami arrived at 10.30 AM. He walked to the Hrudaya Mandiram where the Durga Pooja was going underway. So, along with Sri Suktham and Devi Suktham, Swami had graciously permitted the recital of Mahishasura Mardini Stotram. As the quadruplets were sung, there were other rituals performed meticulously to Mother Durga. The traditional Kumari Pujo was performed to six young girls who were between 4-10 years of age. Symbolising Mother to have taken the form of each of these six young girls, pujo was done as per Bengali culture. Swami blessed each of these children with bangles and Pada Namaskar.

Kumari Pujo – Worshipping the Goddess through the young Kumaris

Aarthi was performed after Kumari pujo. Swami specifically mentioned that every girl born should be regarded as a form of Mother and should be worshipped – this is what is mentioned in our Indian culture and that forgetting this truth, women are being subject to a lot of grief. Swami stated that Kanyaadan is the highest charity that can be done.

After the Aaarti to Mother Durga, Swami graced the Navrathri Homa.

Bhoomi Sametha Purusha Roopi Maha Vishnu Homa was performed. WorshippingBhoomi Devi (Mother Earth), Lord Vishnu's Sahasranama Archana was performed.Dhanvantri Yantra was the Mandala (sacred geometric design) of the day. Each of the patterns consisted of checks or squares in specific dimensions with brimming colours spread across the different patterns. It ha taken the ritviks more than 12 hours to make these mandals.

The intricate Mandalas prepared by the Ritwiks

The entire Hrudaya Mandiram was reverberating with a lot of good vibrations radiating a unique warmth filling the devotees' hearts with peace and Bliss.

The concept of Mandala meant Home for all the Gods, demi-Gods. Their Sthala or position gets affixed by drawing this layout. Performing the poojas and rituals aids in spreading the super-natural power emanating from it. The decoration was done with trees of medicinal significance such as Ashoka , Mango and Neem. Also, along with the usual offerings of saree, bangles, fresh and dry fruits, Indian Gooseberry was also offered into the sacred fire. Gooseberry is rich in its medicinal value and since Lord Dhanvantri is the Lord of medicine, the offerings were made, praying for relief from all kinds of physical ailments, for people across the globe.

Offerings being made to the sacred fire as part of Dhanvantari Homa

After the aarthi, Swami proceeded to the Yaaga shaala where the Athi Rudra Maha Homa was being performed. The ritviks were performing the Abhishekam, offerings of worship to the opulent Lingam – it seemed as if the entire Yaaga Shaala was being transformed into Heaven with a lot of Bliss and spiritual vibrations, enriching the hearts of all devotees present.

Maha Mangala aarthi was offered to the Lingam

The Lingam shining forth in all its beauty

Good work needs no proclamation, exclamation and declaration. This Homa is a direct proof of good work – the prime purpose being enhancement of prosperity of all in the world – not only physical or worldly wealth, but also along the path of righteousness mending our senses , realising the brotherhood of Man and Fatherhood of God.

The morning 's proceedings thus came to a close.

The afternoon program has not been released yet.

Be Good - Be Happy
Always Have Compassion

Sai Surya