Chapter 9: Yagna Preparations

Evening Bhajans commenced at 05:00 PM. Buddhist Monks were invited to His Residence's Prayer Hall and were offered traditional gifts and food.

The Auspicious evening session commenced with prayers to Ganapathi. Maha-Sankalpam was made for performing the Ati Rudra Maha Yagna. Afterwards Svasthi Vaachanam, Svasthi Punyaaha Vaachanam (prayers for auspiciousness and blessings for the Yaaga and the people) took place.

This is for the negation and purification of any inadvertent errors in conducting the Yaaga, or any impurities in the materials used. This is traditionally done before any auspicious religious ceremony is conducted.

Kalashapooja was performed inviting deities to occupy their positions in various places and in the to protect the Yagna and the Ashram during the celebrations.


Bimba Sudha was performed to remove any defects in the idol that might have been during the Idol making.

Prayers continued and chanting of Sri Rudram commenced. The Lingam was bathed in Water (Jalaadhi Vaasa) followed by Milk (Ksheeradi Vaasa). All devotees participated in Ksheeradhi Vaasa. After Ksheeradhi vasa, Pushpa Phaladhi vasa was performed. A sacred thread was tied to teh lingam as Rakshabandhanam. This was followed by Shayyadi Vaasa.

The Shayyadheevasa ('sleeping' of the Lord) was next performed. The lingam was placed in a cozy bed with fruits, flowers and incense. Lullaby was sung and various types of aarathi was performed, which included Aarathi with a single oil wick, with five oil wicks and Meru Aarathi, followed by Camphor Aarathi. Sentries - Indra on the East, Agni (S.E), Yama (S), Nirariti (SW), Varuna (W), Vayu (NW), Kubera (N), Shiva (NE), Brahma (above) and Ananta (below) - were posted to ensure a peaceful rest to the Lord!

With these Agama Shastra Rites, the Ashtavadhana Seva, the day’s ceremonies concluded with the Maha Mangala Aarathi.

Next was distribution of Deeksha Vastrams. All the ritwiks were given Deeksha Vastram kit. It was ceremonial function that was personally performed by Swmay in the Bhajan Mandir in 2006.

 He was personally presiding over the ceremony here as the organizers distributed the kits.

For the lady chanters, rich golden border sarees were offered. Exactly of the Prasanthi standard. Our kits had Two Panchi and Angavastrams (long pieces of cloths for draping on the lower and upper body). A soap, tooth paste, tooth Brush, A turkish towel, A Hand towel and few other essential items.

With this the evening session came to a close.

The Chief Priest announced that we were to assemble in the Yaga Shaala by 06:00 AM for the first session of the Yagna.

We had our dinner. It was party of devotees dining together. And it was not over for the day. After Dinner preparation for the next day continued. Decorations, cleaning the Yaga Shaala, and the pathras (utensils), painting Rangoli with Rice flour etc went uptill 11:00 PM.

We retired for the day after everything was done