Chapter 8: Yaga shala

Instructions

Sri Nanjunda Dixit addressed the Ritwiks in the yagna shala. He gave very specific and clear instructions. Some of them were not to enter the Yaga shaala with shirt and pant during the performance of the Yagna. Not to bring cellular phones and camera into the Yagashala. To give rest to our shaving kit during the yagna celebration, and most importantly to be punctual and sincere.

He cautioned us that we had assembled there for a great cause, and we must be sensitive to the expectations from the organizer – Bhagawan Himself. He urged us to be Loving and become the recipients of the Love of Swamy and the local organizers. He spoke very crisply, sweetly and commanding at the same time.

Eleven Teams were constituted. Each had a name and an Acharya. The teams were named after Lord Shiva.(1) Ati Rudra (2) Devadeva, (3) Ishwara, (4)Vijaya, (5) Adityatmaka Rudra or Sri Rudra, (6) Bheema, (7) Shiva, (8) Rudra, (9) Neelalohita, (10) Bhavodbhava and (11) Shankara.

Each team was assigned to one Yagna Gunda. There were eleven yagna gundas into which the offerings we made. Each yagna gunda was about three feet in height, beautifully painted in Prasanthi Pink. The outer wall had three steps. The lower most was three bricks thick, the second was two and the upper most was single layered brick.

He said we would assemble in the evening at 04:00 PM and the proceedings for the preparations for the Yagna would begin in the evening.

We had our first lunch. It is needless to say, it was as usual elaborate. The food was served with lot of Love and was delicious and Satwik. Thai pineapples were everyone’s favorite. They were full of juice. They tasted like they were soaked in Honey. Eating a few slices would fill the belly – that dense they were. Sambar and pine apple combination was awesome! Meals were served in Banana leaves in the traditional way. We rested for a while talking to our new friends.

Afternoon we spent our time in the preparations. We were getting the kalasams and decoration ready. The, kalasams (sacred pots) totalling 160 were esthetically decorated with turmeric and vermillion and were placed near the Homa Kundams: 132 kalasams for Lord Shiva and 28 kalasams for the other Vasthu devatas (or the subordinate Gods).

Swamy was supervising the preparations from His residence.

Buntings were being put in place. Banana trees, sugarcane trees, mango leaves, decorations, it was taking a majestic shape.The main pedestal for placing the Lingam was made ready. It was 05:00 PM and devotees had already gathered for Bhajan. We quickly freshened up, and returned to the Yaga Shaala.