Shivpuri, the holy Yajnya Nagar, was founded by Parama Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj who has reiterated the Eternel Vedic message in the form of a Fivefold Path.
Shivpuri is termed as Yajnya Nagar where a Yajnya Pillar was erected as a symbol of Vedic Somayaga, announcing the ringing in of Satya Yuga i.e. New Era of Super-science, Knowledge and Universal Brotherhood.
The serene and peaceful Shivpuri-Ashram is situated at a distance of 1.5 km from Akkalkot town, District - Solapur, Maharashtra, India.
Akkalkot is sanctified by the presence of the great master Shri Swami Samartha Maharaj who is honoured as an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya by millions of devotees following the Bhagwan Dattatreya school of worship.
It is considered as a Gurupeetham 'a place of pilgrimage'.
Visitors feel enthralled by the peace and bliss that reigns at Shivapuri, the abode of Yajnya.
Thousands of visitors come to Shivpuri every year to take Darshan and Blessing of Shree and to learn Agnihotra.
Visit Shivpuri today!!! And Experience its beauty yourself!!!
The place was named Shivapuri after Swami Shivanand Yogendra Maharaj, the father of Parama Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj.
Shivanand Maharaj was the highest among Yogis. He was a Nada Brahma Yogi who examplified the Shabda Brahma concept.Shabda Brahma means "the word that was in the beginning, which was with God, which was God and by which everything was made that was made" (John 1).
People held him in highest esteem as the incarnation of Jamadagni, the great sage of Bhrugu dynasty, who enunciated the Akshar Brahma concept ( concept of the indestructible word). Literally the word Jamadagni in Sanskrit means the blazing yajnya fire.The Vedic word Shiva also connotes yajna fire. Hence Shivanand means fire which grants Ananda or 'eternal bliss'.
Shivanand Yogendra Maharaj possessed astonishing Yogic powers. Even while he used to be in deep sleep one could hear the chant of Mantra in his breathing rhythm.This great Yogi once declared "Death shall not conquer us".
The devotees believe that he is still in the state of Samadhi in Shivapuri in the cellar where the holy body is preserved before the place was sealed with stone. It seems that there is some mission yet to be performed by the holy body in the cellar called Shiva Gumpha.
One can see in the Shivapumpha a radiating Linga, in the Shiva Gumpha, called Shivajyotirlinga. Jyotirlinga is a radiating point in the subtle energy circuit that manipulates the atmosphere beneficially. In the upper portion of shivgumpha there is another radiating point called Somnath-Linga which was established to commemorate the great Somayaga of 1969.
Before actually purchasing this small piece of land in the year 1953 as a proposed site for preparing Swami Shivanand's Samadhi many auspicious signs were shown to Shree. He had seen the 'Rising of the sun' on the horizon as he first cast his glance on the piece of land which later was to be known as Shivpuri.
To Shree that symbolised the ushering in of the New Era.
As if it was the rising sun of Satya Dharma. Shree many times had stated that a special sky is created over Shivpuri.The Seven Stars (the 'Sapta-Rishi' or the seven seers) radiate upon Shivapuri with a special blessing eye! Shree had further stated that if any seed of Sat Karma (Good Karma) is sown in the land of Shivapuri, it sprouts and blossoms in to a big tree within no time and effort.
This land is special. It is conducive to right action and right thought. Shree once said, "Shivapuri in future will be the most Holy place of pilgrimage for innumerable followers of Five fold Path spread all over the world.
They will come to pay their respects to this holy land from where their beloved Master reiterated the eternal and universal message of Vedas. Shivapuri will henceforth be associated with our name like Bodhi gaya is with Lord Buddha, Mathura with Lord Krishna, Jerusalem with Lord Jesus Christ and Mecca with Prophet Mohammed. Purity and sanctity of this place will remain charged for thousands of year to come.
The land on which an Avatara walks remains energised and holy for thousands of years".
The ashram of Shivpuri is the home of many Divine Shrines. The whole Ashram area has a great and celestial history behind it. Every corner, every stone has a story behind it. Shivpuri, truly is a blessed land. A land touched by God Himself.The beautiful temples of Shivpuri are must see for all. The architechture, the grandness fills ones heart with awe and admiration.
All these grand monuments today stand strong, as a witness to all the great events that have happened in this Holy land, bearing testimony to all the Divine figures who have and still continue to, dwell in the precints of the Yagnya Nagar.
The following Monument's and Temples can be seen in Shvipuri:
The Maha Dwara:
This is the Main Gate through which is used as a entry point in to Shivpuri. The Gate is majestic. The Dharma Dhavja (the Satya Dharma Flag) is unfurled on this gate on every Padva, the begining of the New Year, as per the Satya Dharma Calendar. This flag denotes the victory of Good over evil and of Light over Darkness. The gate has three entrance points. One central entrance is for vehicles, which are allowed in the Ashram through this gate only on special occasions. There are two small revolving gates on either side of this central gate. They are the one's which are used everyday foe people to walk in to the Ashram. A similar gate was also erected on the other side of Shvipuri also. This is the entrance going towards the living area.
There is a story behind this gate. On the day, when the Bhoomi Poojan (Foundation Laying) of this gate was to be done, Shreeji was having pain in His legs. People urged Him to not walk much and postpone the event to a later date. But Shreeji did not pay any heed to these requests. he said that He will not postpone or cancel the event. he said that through the gates millions and millions of people are going ot pass through to attend the Glorious Divine events that will be held in Shivpuri and to take Darshan in Shivpuri. He further said that for laying the foundation of such an important gate even if His leg gets broken, He would not mind. With such an energy Shreeji has layed the foundation stone of the majestic Maha Dwara.
The Maha Dwara has beautiful carvings on all the sides. They are all Shubh Chinna (Good Omen) from the Vedic culture.
The Shiv Mandir:
Shiv Mandir is the Samadhi place of Swami Shivanand Yogendra Maharaj. This was the first monument created in Shivpuri righr after the land was acquired. This was done in the year 1954. Shreeji Himself had layed the stone for the Samadhi. Initially when the Samadhi was made ready, the area around it had no other buildings. The Samadhi site was marked with a small monument. Then when the Maha Somyaga was announced in 1969, the construction of the entire structure began. The Shiv mandir and its Shikhar were built before the Maha Somayaga. The remaining structure were built simultaneously.
This is the first monuments that one see's on entering the premises of Shivpuri. This a huge structure, whose top is visible even from a far distance. The Shikhar (Top End of the Building) with its glowing Kalash can be seen from a great distance. This is undoubtedly the first sight that one is greeted with on entering Shivpuri. Its beautifull carved Gopura (Ancient Style of Architure), has the idols of many Divine God's and Goddesse's carved on it. Great detail can be seen in the carvings made on the Gopura. Every Idol has been very carefully carved and even minute details have been taken care of. They say if one looks carefully, the idols actually start looking life like.
The whole Temple is made from stone on the outer side. The Back half of the Temple has been completely made from stone. It has been made from grey stone. The front half has been recetly renovated. It has been lined with white marble from the inside and the outside.
The Shiv Gumpha is located in the Shvi Mandir. It is the actual Samadhi Site of Swamiji. This is located in the cave like structure built under the grey stoned lined monument. It is located under the Shikhar on which today the Kalash has been placed. The actual site has been covered with a Altar, which has white marble on it. On top of this a Shiv Lingam made from white marble has been placed. Shreeji had specifically asked Mr. Parkhe to be personally present at the site when the work of the Altar was being done. He also asked Him to be among the one people who will place the Shiv Linga on top of the Altar. He later said that this was so asked to be done to make sure that the sanctity of the Samadhi site is not tampered with. Shreeji said that Swamiji is in Sanjeevan Samadhi. Nobody should disturb the place.
On a floor above this, one can see another white Shiv Linga. This is the Yagneshwar Shiv Linga, depicting Bhagwan Yagnya Narayan.
Also behind this one can a small Shiv Linga made from grey marble. This is the Kashi Vishweshwar Shiv Linga, depicting the fact that Bhagwan Shiv is now residing in Shivpuri. During the Maha Somayaga, Bhagwan Shiv, disguised as a Saint, had appeared in Shivpuri. He had then expressed the desire to live in Shivpuri. Then when He was being accompainied by one of Shreeji's close disciples, who was taking Him for prasadam, Bhagwan Shiv vanished. Shreeji later explained that this means that Bhagwan Shiv had chosen this land to be His Kailas. That is why Shreeji named this Ashram Shivpuri, the Kailas on this planet.
In the Sabha Mandap (Main Hall), a beautifully carved monument has been erected as the seat of Swamiji's statue. It has been specially carved by experts from Rajasthan, which is famous worldwide for carving's and sculpture's. It is made from Pure White Marble and has been carved from the begining in Shivpuri. The carver's sayed in the Ashram for the period required for carving and carved the entire monument right in the Sabha Mandap. The Idol of Swamiji has been placed in the seat, which can be seen immediately on entering the Sabha Mandap.
Bhagwati Sonamata Temple:
After coming out of the Shiv Mandir, one can see another beautifully carved temple exactly in front. This is the Bhagwati Sonamata Temple. Shreeji had this monument built in the memory of the Holy Mother Bhagwati Sonamata. Bhagwati Sonamata is Shreeji's mother, who served the poor and needy all Her life. She took Samadhi at the young age of 24 years, after toiling all Her life for the betterment of the down trodden.
This also a very beautiful Temple. It also has a similar Gopura Shikhar like the Shiv Mandir. The Temple also has two part's Back half and Front half. The Back Half has been,recently covered by White marble from the outside. It has the majestic Shikhar, on top of which the Kalash has been placed. Under this Shikhar, a life like statue of Bhagwati Sonamata has been placed. Behind this statue, a Tulsi Vrindavan has been built.
Yagnya Vedi:
A memrial for the 1969 Maha Somayag, has been built in fornt of the Bhagwati Sonamata Temple. This is thr exact place where the Yagnya Kunda (Altar) of the Maha Somayaga was built. The Kunda has been permanently preserved by making them of stone. This place is called the Yagnya Vedi. It is at the base of the Yagnya Stambha (Pillar).
Yagnya Stambha:
The Yagnya Stambha (Pillar) stand's in front of the Yagnya Vedi. This massive Pillar stand's at the place where the Yagnya Purna Ahuti of the Maha Somayaga was done.
Shreeji said about the Pillar, that this Pillar signifies the ushering in of the Satya Yuga. This Pillar is reminding everybody, that the Light of Satya Dharma and Agnihotra is spreading throughout the planet.
This Towering structure is 40 Ft tall and is made from stone blocks. It has a Hexagonal base. On each side are carved the message's and teaching's of Shreeji. They have also been carved into a plate of white marble and then etched in golden color. On top of the Pillar, a burning flame, also carved form the stone that was used to build the Pillar, has been placed.
Bhagwan Parshuram Mandir:
From the base of the Yagnya Pillar a magnificient Temple structure can be seen. This is the Bhagwan Parshuram Temple. This has been covered with a beautiful red marble. A Gopura Shikhar has also ben built over this Temple similar to the Shiv Mandir and Bhagwati Sonamta Mandir.
In this Temple, the Pure White Marble Idol of Bhagwan Shree Parshuram has been placed. The Bhagwan Parshuram Paduka also have been placed here.
The Temple has a half door, which is kept open during the day, through which the Idol is visible even from a far distance.
On the top of the Temple, The Dashavatar, have been depicted, through beautiful statues.
Go Samadhi:
After The Bhagwan Parshuram Temple, one can see a very beautiful statue of a Cow, under a magnificient monument.
This is the Go Samadhi. A stone image of a Cow, in a sitting down position has been placed under a Stupa like monument.
Shreeji had The Go Samadhi (Cow Memorial), built in Shivpuri in the memory of the Cow, whose milk and ghee were used in the 1969 Maha Somayaga in Shivpuri.
Shatagni:
On the way back, near the Yagnya Vedi, a Topha (Cannon), made from stone has been kept. Shreeji refered to this Cannon as the Shatgni.
The Cannon has been placed ther to signify the power of the Satya Dharma. It issues a word of caution to any dark power trying to undermine the power of the Light. It signifies that the Power of Satya Dharma has cleansed the world of all evil and Darkness. It warns any Darkness, that might try to ressurect, that the Power of Satya Dharma will destroy it again, as it has done now. So it is better not to spread again at all. It It signifies the victory of the Truth and Light over Falsehood and Darkness.
Shreeji's Samadhi:
Shreeji's Samadhi has been placed on the same place, where His cabin was built, during the Maha Somayaga, from where He watched over the entire event.
This is also th same place where Bhagwan Shiv, in the disguise of a Saint, had met with Him and had expressed the desire to reside in Shivpuri.
A cane cabin has been erected, at the site today to denote the exact area of His Samadhi.
Vahinisaheb Samadhi:
This has been built very close from the site of Shreeji's Samadhi.
A cane cabin has been erected, at the site today to denote the exact area of Her Samadhi.
Shreekantji Samadhi:
This has been built in between both Shreeji and Vahinisaheb's Samadhi place.
A cane cabin has been erected, at the site today to denote the exact area of His Samadhi.
Dharmatma Tatyaji Maharaj Smarak (Memorial):
This beautiful Temple ahs been built near the Ayurvedic Centre. A Bust image made from Bronze has been placed in the Temple. It is in between the Ayurvedic Centre and the Ayurvedic Manufacturing Unit. It is surrounded by a garden consisting of rare Ayurvedic Herb's and beautiful flowering plant's.
Shivdarshan:
'Shivdarshan', the house which Shreeji dwelled in during His stay in Shivpuri was built later after the Yagnya. It has a outer room where Shreeji sat to give Darshan to all the devotee's who cam to Him. It also has a Hall, where Vahinisaheb met and gave Darshan to all the devotee's who came to her.
Swami Shivanad Yagendra Maharaja, in whose name the Ashram is called Shivpuri, had indicated that there be a lot of beautiful Flower's and plant's around Him. On one ocassion Swami Shivanand Yogendra Maharaj remarked "Behold, the fragrancesof flowers pervades our garden".
In fulfillment of these words a garden is laid out at Shivapuri where you find the fragrance of flowers pervading among the existence of rare trees like Rudraksha (Eleocarpus-ganitrus-Roxb), Camphor (cimamomum- Camphora,L.) and Kadamba (Anthocphalus-cadamba,Mig) etc and several potent medical herbs.
Shreeji had also mentioned it a couple of times. When Shreeji was still dwelling in Guru Mandir, He would send a few of His devotee's everyday to form and maintain a garden near the Samadhi of Swamiji. He would specifically instruct people about the way the garden has to be developed. He would also always inquire about the progress of the work in the gardens of Shivpuri.
When He started dwelling in Shivpuri 1984, He would everyday go to all the Shrines for Pooja and Darshan. During this time He would also personally look at all the trees in the gardens and make sure people are taking due care of them. He would also not like if a certain tree went dry and would feel sad about the incident. He also used to be very happy and joyed if a new tree was planted. Whenever somone showed the inclination of working in the gardens of Shivpuri or planting some new trees or developing some new area into a garden, He would be very pleased. He always encouraged people to look after the gardens and spend time working in the area in Shivpuri.
Shreekantji also carried the same feeling about Shivpuri and its Gardens.
He would constantly work towards the maintenance and upkeep of the premises especially the trees and the gardens.He developed many new gardens and also planted many new trees. He instructed people personally how to plan a new garden and how to procure the necessary trees.
Many new ideas were also initiated by Him. He instructed the people to have the entire garden area to be covered by Drip Irrigation Method. As stated earlier, Shivpuri lies in an area of low rainfall. Due to this the avarage corp of this area is also effected. There were times when even drinking water became scarce. In this scenario, there was very little or no water left for the trees in the gardens of Shivpuri. Shreekantji immediately instructed the people to even buy the water via tankers if necessary, but give water to the garden trees. He also built watering holes in the gardensfor the birds and other animals like Hare, Deer, Peacocks, Jackals, etc who came looking for water.
The Ashram of Shivpuri has many beautiful Garden. All of them have been designed keeping a theme in mind. Most of the trees growing in the Ashram premises have been planted around the 1950's.
The whole Ashram looks like one huge beautiful place with many green areas distributed throughout the campus. A lot of themed gardens gives the visitor a chance to see all of them one by and also learn a lot about the trees and herbs planted in those gardens. The Gardens are all well spread out and one can walk from one to the other.
Many visitors throughout the year visit Shivpuri. They are mesmerised by the sheer beauty of the place. People come from all over the world and they are deeply impressed by the beautiful gardens and preserves of Shivpuri.
Water Supply:
Shivpuri has three wells and three borewells in the Ashram Premises. They supply the entire ashram with all the water that is needed. The water for all the purposes like Cleaning, Cooking, for the guest rooms, gardens, farm crops is taken from these water sources. Big tanks have been built at variuos places in the Ashram, where the water is pumped from these resources. From here the water is then distributed to various places for local use. The Drip Irrigation System, which provides water supply to the gardens is connected to similar tanks near the garden areas. From here the water is given to all the plants through the Drip Parallel's.
Themed Gardens:
Shivpuri has the following Themed Gardens:
Mango Plantation:
This plantation is near the Go Samadhi area. It has a total of about 300 Mango trees. Some of the trees are of the Alphonso variety of Mango and some are of the Kesar (Indian Breed) variety of Mango. They have been planted in 2004. They are being cultivated as per the Agnihotra Farming Method.
Yagnya Garden:
Many big trees can be seen in the area behind the Banyan tree in Shivpuri. This is the Yagnya trees garden. All the tree used in Yagnya's are planted here. They are Vad, Bilva, Khair, Palash, Audumbar, Pimpal, Shami, etc. They ahev been planted here for the purpose of using in Yagnya's.
Ayurveda Garden:
This has been developed in the area around the Dharmatma Tatyaji maharaja Memorial. It has more than 80 rare Ayurvedic herbs. They have been preserved here. Many students and patients, who come to the Ayurveda center spend time in the garden, getting knowledge about them from the information plates near each tree.
Landscaped Garden:
This has been planned near the Housing quarters. This is a beautifully landscaped garden with water fountains and lotus ponds. A lot of green lawn is growing in this area making it looks like a beautiful postcard picture. The water fountain is used only at evening and nights with multicolored lights. The lotus ponds have beautiful lotuses of 3-4 different colors. Most of the days there are atleast a few lotuses that can be seen. The artificial mounts and the rock garden also add to the scenic beauty of that area.
Tulsi Garden:
A huge plot of Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) has been planted near the Bhagwan Shree Krishna Statue. It has the Krishna Tulas variety of Tulsi (Holy Basil) growing in neatly arranged plots. This Tulsi is used daily for the Pooja of the Dieties.
Bilva Trees:
A lot of Bilva (Aegle Marmelos) trees have also been planted at various places in the Ashram. Shivpuri is the Samadhi Place of Swami Shivanand Yogendra Maharaja, who is a incarnation of Bhagwan Shiva. During the 1969 Somayaga, Bhagwan Shiva had Himself appeared in the form of a Saint and had expressed the desire of residing in Shivpuri. This incident reiterated the fact that Shvipuri is indeed BHU KAILASA, the Holy Abode of Bhagwan Shiva. Bhagwan Shiva, has twice, Once in the form of Swamiji taking Samadhi here and then in 1969 as Saint expressing the desire of living here, has shown the fact that He is now residing in Shvipuri and that from now on this is Kailas. Bilva leaves are needed for the Pooja of Bhagwan Shiva. All the leaves from the Bilva trees in Shivpuri are used for the Pooja of Swamiji and The Kashi Vishweshwar Shiva Linga and other Holy Shiva Linga's in Shivpuri.
Fruit Trees:
A lot of fruit trees like Guava, Chickoo, etc have been planted on the pathway towards the Sonamata Temple.
Flowers:
Many trees bearing beautiful and aromatic flowers ahev been planted on the pathway from in front of the Shiva Mandir till the Go Samadhi. They contain trees like Rose, Jasmine, Champaka etc. All the flowers collected from these trees are used for the Pooja of the dieties in Shivpuri.
Rudraksha Trees:
There are many Rudraksha Trees in Shivpuri. Usually Rudraksha trees grow only in high altitude zones and in cooler climates. But they are still growing in Shivpuri, despite it being in the plains.
Swami Shivanad Yagendra Maharaja, in whose name the Ashram is called Shivpuri, had indicated that there be a lot of beautiful Flower's and plant's around Him. On one ocassion Swami Shivanand Yogendra Maharaj remarked "Behold, the fragrancesof flowers pervades our garden".
In fulfillment of these words a garden is laid out at Shivapuri where you find the fragrance of flowers pervading among the existence of rare trees like Rudraksha (Eleocarpus-ganitrus-Roxb), Camphor (cimamomum- Camphora,L.) and Kadamba (Anthocphalus-cadamba,Mig) etc and several potent medical herbs.
Shreeji had also mentioned it a couple of times. When Shreeji was still dwelling in Guru Mandir, He would send a few of His devotee's everyday to form and maintain a garden near the Samadhi of Swamiji. He would specifically instruct people about the way the garden has to be developed. He would also always inquire about the progress of the work in the gardens of Shivpuri.
When He started dwelling in Shivpuri 1984, He would everyday go to all the Shrines for Pooja and Darshan. During this time He would also personally look at all the trees in the gardens and make sure people are taking due care of them. He would also not like if a certain tree went dry and would feel sad about the incident. He also used to be very happy and joyed if a new tree was planted. Whenever somone showed the inclination of working in the gardens of Shivpuri or planting some new trees or developing some new area into a garden, He would be very pleased. He always encouraged people to look after the gardens and spend time working in the area in Shivpuri.
Shreekantji also carried the same feeling about Shivpuri and its Gardens.
He would constantly work towards the maintenance and upkeep of the premises especially the trees and the gardens.He developed many new gardens and also planted many new trees. He instructed people personally how to plan a new garden and how to procure the necessary trees.
Many new ideas were also initiated by Him. He instructed the people to have the entire garden area to be covered by Drip Irrigation Method. As stated earlier, Shivpuri lies in an area of low rainfall. Due to this the avarage corp of this area is also effected. There were times when even drinking water became scarce. In this scenario, there was very little or no water left for the trees in the gardens of Shivpuri. Shreekantji immediately instructed the people to even buy the water via tankers if necessary, but give water to the garden trees. He also built watering holes in the gardensfor the birds and other animals like Hare, Deer, Peacocks, Jackals, etc who came looking for water.
The Ashram of Shivpuri has many beautiful Garden. All of them have been designed keeping a theme in mind. Most of the trees growing in the Ashram premises have been planted around the 1950's.
The whole Ashram looks like one huge beautiful place with many green areas distributed throughout the campus. A lot of themed gardens gives the visitor a chance to see all of them one by and also learn a lot about the trees and herbs planted in those gardens. The Gardens are all well spread out and one can walk from one to the other.
Many visitors throughout the year visit Shivpuri. They are mesmerised by the sheer beauty of the place. People come from all over the world and they are deeply impressed by the beautiful gardens and preserves of Shivpuri.
Water Supply:
Shivpuri has three wells and three borewells in the Ashram Premises. They supply the entire ashram with all the water that is needed. The water for all the purposes like Cleaning, Cooking, for the guest rooms, gardens, farm crops is taken from these water sources. Big tanks have been built at variuos places in the Ashram, where the water is pumped from these resources. From here the water is then distributed to various places for local use. The Drip Irrigation System, which provides water supply to the gardens is connected to similar tanks near the garden areas. From here the water is given to all the plants through the Drip Parallel's.
Themed Gardens:
Shivpuri has the following Themed Gardens:
Mango Plantation:
This plantation is near the Go Samadhi area. It has a total of about 300 Mango trees. Some of the trees are of the Alphonso variety of Mango and some are of the Kesar (Indian Breed) variety of Mango. They have been planted in 2004. They are being cultivated as per the Agnihotra Farming Method.
Yagnya Garden:
Many big trees can be seen in the area behind the Banyan tree in Shivpuri. This is the Yagnya trees garden. All the tree used in Yagnya's are planted here. They are Vad, Bilva, Khair, Palash, Audumbar, Pimpal, Shami, etc. They ahev been planted here for the purpose of using in Yagnya's.
Ayurveda Garden:
This has been developed in the area around the Dharmatma Tatyaji maharaja Memorial. It has more than 80 rare Ayurvedic herbs. They have been preserved here. Many students and patients, who come to the Ayurveda center spend time in the garden, getting knowledge about them from the information plates near each tree.
Landscaped Garden:
This has been planned near the Housing quarters. This is a beautifully landscaped garden with water fountains and lotus ponds. A lot of green lawn is growing in this area making it looks like a beautiful postcard picture. The water fountain is used only at evening and nights with multicolored lights. The lotus ponds have beautiful lotuses of 3-4 different colors. Most of the days there are atleast a few lotuses that can be seen. The artificial mounts and the rock garden also add to the scenic beauty of that area.
Tulsi Garden:
A huge plot of Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum) has been planted near the Bhagwan Shree Krishna Statue. It has the Krishna Tulas variety of Tulsi (Holy Basil) growing in neatly arranged plots. This Tulsi is used daily for the Pooja of the Dieties.
Bilva Trees:
A lot of Bilva (Aegle Marmelos) trees have also been planted at various places in the Ashram. Shivpuri is the Samadhi Place of Swami Shivanand Yogendra Maharaja, who is a incarnation of Bhagwan Shiva. During the 1969 Somayaga, Bhagwan Shiva had Himself appeared in the form of a Saint and had expressed the desire of residing in Shivpuri. This incident reiterated the fact that Shvipuri is indeed BHU KAILASA, the Holy Abode of Bhagwan Shiva. Bhagwan Shiva, has twice, Once in the form of Swamiji taking Samadhi here and then in 1969 as Saint expressing the desire of living here, has shown the fact that He is now residing in Shvipuri and that from now on this is Kailas. Bilva leaves are needed for the Pooja of Bhagwan Shiva. All the leaves from the Bilva trees in Shivpuri are used for the Pooja of Swamiji and The Kashi Vishweshwar Shiva Linga and other Holy Shiva Linga's in Shivpuri.
Fruit Trees:
A lot of fruit trees like Guava, Chickoo, etc have been planted on the pathway towards the Sonamata Temple.
Flowers:
Many trees bearing beautiful and aromatic flowers ahev been planted on the pathway from in front of the Shiva Mandir till the Go Samadhi. They contain trees like Rose, Jasmine, Champaka etc. All the flowers collected from these trees are used for the Pooja of the dieties in Shivpuri.
Rudraksha Trees:
There are many Rudraksha Trees in Shivpuri. Usually Rudraksha trees grow only in high altitude zones and in cooler climates. But they are still growing in Shivpuri, despite it being in the plains.
VEDA AGNIHOTRA CENTER:
Veda Agnihotra Centre (VAC) was started to make Agnihotra Material and Literature available through out the world.
Building:
Today VAC is housed in the plush new Admin block. It has a very elegant looking display area, where all the Agnihotra Material and Literature are arranged for people to see and buy. It has a space of around 1500 Sq. Ft on the ground floor and around 1500 Sq Ft on the first floor. It has a very sleek counter made from grey Granite stone.
Products:
VAC mainly displays Agnihotra requirements. With it VAC, also sells the Ayurvedic and Aromatic Products like Incense, etc made in Shivpuri Ashram. It gives the visitors an oppartunity of buying authentic and pure products at a discounted price. The visitors enjoy a major discount on the MRP. Also available through VAC are CD's and Cassette's on Shreeji, Agnihotra, etc. There are various CD's with devotional songs and chants about Shreeji. Also available in a CD format is the audio recorded version of the Divya Sandesh. One can also purchase from here Photos and rare pictures of Shreeji.
Also being made available through VAC are 100% Pure cotton T- Shirts with the prints of the Yagnya Stambha in Shivpuri and the Shivpuri Insignia, in two different designs and four different colors. There is also a choice of with or without collar T- Shirts. Cap's with the Shivpuri official Insignia are also available in two different colors.
Book Store:
The first floor houses a large book store, where all the publications made by Shivpuri or by Shivpuri allied publishers are available for sale. It has a very spacious and airy area where guests can walk and browse through the books with leisure.
The entire store is managed electronically through computers and bar codes.
One day, Swami Samarth Maharaj, called His closest disciple, Shree Ballappa Maharaj and gave Him things form His (Swami Samarth Maharaj) personal use. Swami Samarth Maharaj then asked Ballappa Maharaj to form a Guru Peetha (Seat of the Guru and Dharma) in the name of Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj. He also asked Ballappa Maharaj to provide some Food and a Place of residence to all the Devotees who would come to take Swami Samarth Maharajji's Darshan. He asked Ballappa Maharaj to make sure that the work of spreading the message of Swami Samarth Maharaj will go on till the Sun and Moon remain in the sky.
So, on recieving this message from His Guru and Master, Ballappa Maharaj found and Guru Peetha and a Math (Monastery) to do the work. This Math is called Guru Mandir or Ballappa math. He started the tradition of providing all the devotees with Food and Accomodation in the Math.
When Shreeji became the Peethadeesha (The Person In Charge of the Guru Peetha), He continued all the initiatives started by Ballappa Maharaj. He would make sure that no devotee left the Math without getting something to eat. In the early times VahiniSaheb, would herself cook food for all the devotees, who came to take Darshan in the Math.
Shreeji continued this tradition even when He started residing in Shivpuri.
He founded the Sati Chimamata Annapurna Samiti, to make provide Food and Accomodation, to all the devotees coming to Shivpuri. He named it 'Sati Chimamata', after the Holy Mother Chimamata from Rajimwale family. She was a very Pious and Charitable Lady, who devoted all Her life for serving the Lord. She would also give Food everyday, to the people in Her town, as Prasad of the Diety Bhagwan Rajiv Lochan.
Shreeji started the Annapurna, in Her Holy Memory.
Following the tradition of Guru Mandir, Shivpuri, has been engaged in the noble work of providing food and accommodation to visiting pilgrims since almost Four decades.
Building:
Annapurna is housed in a grand building in Shivpuri. It is 5000 Sq Ft large. It has a huge kitchen, where the food for Prasad to be given to the people is cooked. The Food for the Naivedyam of the Dieties is also cooked in Annapurna.
Annapurna has a huge storage room for storing the raw ingredients required for cooking like flour, rice, pulses, etc.
Annapurna has a big hall for people to sit and have their food. There is also a small hall where the daily inmates eat their food.
Annapurna building also has four rooms to act as residences of the inmates working in Annapurna.
Food Materials:
Most of the ingredients that are used for cooking in Annapurna are grown using Agnihotra Farming Methods. Some of them like Wheat, Jowar, Bajra, Pulse's, Groundnut's, etc are grown in the farms of Shivpuri. Some of it is grown by Agnihotra followers in various parts of th Nation. The milk that is required for Tea, Curd's, Buttermilk, etc is used from Shivpuri's own Goshala.
Timing's:
Prasadam is provided to the devotees irrespective of the time of the day. Prasadam continues 24 hours. No devotee must leave without food. To do this the Prasadam is offered round the clock. Sometimes if the devotees come late at night, then fresh food is cooked for them by the Ashram inmates. Nobody is sent back without Prasadam.
Devotees:
Prasadam, is provided to all the people who visit the Shivpuri Ashram everyday. It is a tradition which has been followed for many decades now. Many devotees visit the Ashram and spend longer duration of period with an aim of studying the Vedas and other Indian Sciences like Ayurveda, Yoga, etc or meditating or offering physical Seva. The Ashram operates the Annapurna to provide food for all the visitors who come here everyday from all over the world.
Shivpuri has its own Goshala (Cow Farm). Currently we have about 40 cows and around 15 young calves. Most of the current lot of cows have been born right here in Shvipuri.
Guru Mandir has a tradition of Cow rearing for more than a hundred years. There was a Cow shed in the court yard of Guru Mandir, till around 1950's. Then the existing building was built and the Cow's were shifted to another location.
Shreeji was very fond of Cow's. He had a Cow farm built in Konahalli, in a farm owned by Mr. parkhe, on the Solapur - Akkalkot road. He would visit the farm often on important festival days, etc to give sweets and other food items to the Cow's. He always enquired about their well being and asked the people there totake great care of the Cow's in the farm. The Cow farm still stands there and even today has a number of Cow's, which are being reared and cared for by the family of Mr. Parkhe.
Shreeji would always promote people to start their own GoShala (Cow Farm). He said that the cows are a very integral and essential part of the Yagnya Sanstha (System).
So for the rejuvenation of the Vedic knowledge and for doing Yagnyas, Cow's are needed. That is why the rearing of Cow's has been in the human systems for a long time. The milk and other milk products that are made form the milk are part of the daily food products acroos most of the planet and is used in almost all cultures. Also Cow's are essential for Agriculture as the Bulls are used to tilling the land and the Dung and Urine from the Cow's acts a very potent Organic Manure and pesticide. That is maybe one of the chief reasons that Cow's have been reared by human's since ancient times.
Go Samadhi:
Shreeji even had a Go Samadhi (Cow Memorial), built in Shivpuri in the memory of the Cow, whose milk and ghee were used in the 1969 MahaSomayaga in Shivpuri. He strongly abolished the concept of flesh offerings in the Yagnyga fire and urged people to practice Ahimsak (Without flesh sacrifice) systems of Yagnya.
Shivpuri, thus has a very long association and history of Cow rearing.
Cow Rearing Methods:
All the cows in Shivpuri are reared using organic and vedic methods. They are even given Ayurvedic medicines form time to time to keep them healthy. Also some herbs which Ayurveda has said as Lactation increasing are given to the Cow's. An doctor has been specially appointed for the maintenance of health of the Cow's. A detailed report of every Cow has been kept to make sure that the medication and other important things can be given on time. Also a milking record and a Service record of all the Cow's is kept to assure timely Weaning off and then timely conception to happen.
Building:
A new Cow Shed was erected in Shivpuri, in the year 2007. Today it has been built to accomodate upto 60 cows. It is a strong structure with ample space for the Cow's to walk around and rest. It is made from concrete for sheilding the Cow's from the elements. They are safe iside during the scorching heat and the occasional thunder storms that are very usual in the area around Shivpuri. During the summer as the heat touches scorching heights with temperatures touching upto 45 degree celcius, the Cow's are safe inside the new shed. Special provisions like putting up of Vetiver (Khus) curtains, etc is done to avoid too much heat from entering the shed and bothering the Cow's health.
Calf Shed:
A special shed has been built near the main building for the young calves. They are kept separate because there are sometimes chances of them hurting themselves due to the excess jumping around they do. A separate shed enables them to have their own space, where they can play around by themselves. Also if the running around of calves has known to cause disturbance to the Cow's. They are kept in a different shed and allowed to drink the milk from the Cow's during the milking time. They are also let loose with the Cow's during grazing time in the fields. Special care is also taken of the calves to maintain a steady growth rate. They are also given Special Ayurvedic medicines to ensure optimum growth and development. Also the On Duty Vet does a complete routine check up of the calves to guarantee a disease free growing period. A detailed record of the calves is kept individually to mark the growth rate, Service period, etc.
Fodder:
We also accept donations for other services like Sponsoring the Cow Fodder, Medicines, etc. One can also contribute towards this cause.
Great care is taken in making sure that the Cow's are fed the right fodder. The Cow's are fed Green Grass, Dry Grass, Go Khadya (Cow Feed) which is a powder like material which made from a combination of various Pulses, Whole Rice Flakes, Sesame Seeds, Whole Wheat Flakes, Groundnut Paste, etc., Special Ayurvedic Formula and also they are given time to graze around in the open fields and meadows around the Cow Farm. Some farms around Shivpuri have been specially developed to become grazing grounds for the Cow's. The Dr and Green Grass, that is fed to the Cow's, is also grown in Shivpuri Farms on Agnihotra Farming Methods. Various Medicines as per Vet Specifications are also given to the Cow's to ensure optimum health. Only recently in the year 2008, a new fodder cutting machine was bought, which cuts the fodder into pieces short enough for the Cow's to eat easily. The specific watering times are also noted and the Cow's are given ample and clean ground water from the wells or Borewells of Shivpuri. This guarantees a contamination free drinking water and restrict the transfer of water borne diseases.
Milking:
The Cows's are milked two times a day. Once at 5 am and then again at around 4 pm. Experienced staff members only are allowed to do this activity, as an inexperienced person can end up hurting the Cow. The milk from these cows is used in Annapurna-kitchen. This milk is also used for the Naivedyam (offering to God). the milk is used to make Naivedyam both in Shivpuri and Guru Mandir. Fresh milk is sent ot Guru Mandir every day for the Naivedyam purpose.
Milk Distribution:
Some milk is also distributed in the nearby localities. People from the areas around Shivpuri come to Shivpuri every morning and evening to collect the milk. They have said that though milk is also available around the places where they live but they prefer the Milk form Shivpuri as it is more Tasty and Pure. They also say that the milk form Shivpuri is 100% Pure and they guarantee that it is adulteration free, which is not always as story with the milk available outside. So even if it means travelling 1-2 kms by walking or by a bike, they prefer the milk from Shivpuri than any other.
Shree Shreekantji Maharaja insisted that the milk form Shivpuri be given to the people living in the areas around Shivpuri. He said that the milk will help the small children in the area to grow becoming strong and healthy. He would always make sure that the people were given their daily requirement of milk. Sometimes when the milk was not enough, due to some reason, He would ask the Shivpuri inmates to buy milk from elsewhere for Shivpuri needs like Annapurna etc but give the everyday people their necessary amount. He would not like the children to be deprived of their daily milk and thus hamper their health, even for that one day.
Today more than 100 families collect milk form Shivpuri Goshala everyday. Shvipuri is trying to ncrease this number by buying more Cow's and increasing the milk production.
Cow Dung:
The Goshala also serves as a source for the Cow dung for making the Dry Cow Dung Cakes which are necessary for Agnihotra purposes. All the Dung is collected throughout the day and kept in an area specially demarcated for the drying purposes. Shivpuri inmates, Agnihotris visiting Shvipuri and some employees do the work of making the Dung Cakes. It is a process which involves cleaning the dung, mixixngit with water, blending it cohesively to form a homogenous mixture and then making it into a round form and laying it on the ground for drying. Today all this activity is being done on the terrace of the new Cow Shed. This has enabled the esay transfer of Cow Dung ad there is no loss during transport. also it is concrete slab, which ensures a flat cleanable surface for the Cakes, making them really flat, round and clean on drying. After drying, the cakes are then placed in a jute bag, around 300 Cakes in each bag. These bags are then stored in a dry place, away from directsunlight in a special storage facillity. Here later, some of the Cakes are then transfered into smaller packing size of 30 each, for selling purposes. They are sold through the Veda Agnihotra Center (VAC). nd the Pure ghee required for Agnihotra.
Cow Ghee:
Cow Ghee is a necessay element of Agnihotra. Pure Cow's Ghee is made everyday in Shivpuri from the cream that is collected in Shivpuri. The Ghee is made using the Ayurvedic method of making Ghee. All the Ghee made in Shivpuri is then used in Shivpuri. Some is also sold in 500 gms and 0ne kg containers through the VAC.
Milk Products:
Some milk products are also made from the leftover milk. Products like Curds,Shrikhand (Indian Yoghurt Sweet) and is also made available to the people living around Shivpuri.
Manure:
Broken pieces, leftover dung and Urine are collected into a soak pit. This is situated behind the Cow Shed. All of these are emptied, every seven days into a manure pit which is dug near the Northern end of the Shed. All the farm and Cow Farm waste like leftover fodder, dry leaves, twigs and the material from the soak pit are mixed together in this pit. it is a closed pit method of making manure. Agnihotra Ash is also added to this mixture. This method is as per the Agnihotra Farming Methods. All the manure that is made here is used in the Gardens of Shivpuri and also in the Farms.
Proposed:
A new shed for Cow rearing, which can house up to 100 cows is under planning. Shivpuri plans to build a dairy project also where Pure Ghee, etc can be made on a large scale.
Go Daan:
We run the GoShala on a no-profit basis. We urge people to come forward and donate towards this noble cause.
We also accept Go Daan (Donation in form of Cow). People who want to donate a cow can contact us via Letter, Phone or Email.
We also accept donations for other services like Sponsoring the Cow Fodder, Medicines, etc. One can also contribute towards this cause.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Five Fold Path - A way of happy life
A common man finds himself confused about the path to be followed. For the benefit of mankind Shreeji has bestowed us with Five Fold path. It is the essence of Vedas. These are the fundamental principles of Satyadharma of Vedas.
They are presented in simple, lucid, eloquent and easily practicable manner. Fivefold path consists of five principles. However, these are not to be dissociated from each other. In fact, all five disciplines put together makes one single unit.
It is an ideal way of life in which one strives to practice all these disciplines at one time. The essence of Vedas is offered to you in the most simple manner at your doorstep. There is no chance for confusion.
Let us understand the five principles in short.
1. Yajnya
Along with creation the Almighty father ordained the practice of Yajnya (Agnihotra) to mankind. He commanded, "O man behold, Yajnya is Kamadhenu (All giver). Practice Yajnya with utter devotion using your body, speech and mind. Yajnya is for your happiness and welfare. Your life is dependent on the five elements of the nature. By the practice of Yajnya the cycle of nature is balanced. Thus, even your life will be happy. If nature bestows abundance upon you, you must repay it with a feeling of gratitude in the form of Yajnya. One who does not perform Yajnya is selfish".
Yajnya is first principle of Five Fold Path. It is the process of purification of atmosphere with the agency of element fire. Yajnya involves offering of specific organic substances into the fire accompanied by chanting of mantra vibrations and nurturing the feeling of total surrender to the will of Almighty. This is the secret of practice of Yajnya. Yajnya are based on various rhythms of nature. They are divided in to two types.
(1) Nitya (Daily) and (2) Naimittika (coinciding with special occasion). Some Yajnyas are performed on full moon and no moon days or on the advent or rise of various stars (Nakshatra Ishti) or the advent of specific seasons such as summer etc. During some Yajnyas the juice of the medicinal herb Soma is offered to the fire, which has tremendous purifying and healing effect on the atmosphere. Agnihotra is to be performed daily and hence it is Nitya Yajnya. It is performed at sunrise and sunset times which are the two most important circadian biorhythms of of nature. Agnihotra is ordained to be performed to coincide exactly with these vitally important transitional movements.
The performance of Agnihotra creates pure, clean and medicinal atmosphere. It cleanses the negative effects of pollution on Prana. It relaxes the mind and unburdens the mind of all stress and strain. Regular practice of Agnihotra activates a healing cycle, making plants, animals happy and peaceful in it. Agnihotra is the simplest and easily practicable discipline for nurturing Total Surrender (Ishwar Pranidhan). Ishwar Pranidhan has been regarded as an alternative to the practice of Yoga and all other disciplines aimed at liberation. This is stated by the great seer Patanjali.
The performance of Agnihotra involves actually little time and expenditure. Exactly at local sunrise and sunset timings a small fire is prepared out of dried cow dung cakes in a semi-pyramid shaped copper or clay pot. Two offerings of raw rice smeared with a few drops of cow`s ghee are offered into the fire with the chanting of following mantras.
At Sunrise:
1. Sooryaya Swaha, Sooryaya Idam Na Mama (Make the first offering)
2. Prajapatayae Svaha, Prajapataye Idam Na Mama (Make the second offering)
At Sunset:
1. Agnaye Svaha, Agnaye Idam Na Mama (Make the first offering)
2. Prajapatayae Svaha, Prajapataye Idam Na Mama (Make the second offering)
2. Daan
Daan is the second aspect of five fold path. It means sharing of ones assets in the spirit of service and humility. Attachments to material possessions burdens the mind. A man continuously clings mentally to his worldly possessions. This burdens him physically and mentally. A poor man does not have wealth and riches so he perpetually thinks about acquiring that object and for that purpose physically strains himself. This carving puts a lot of negative pressure on his mind and body. Having acquired he does not rest. He strives to retain it and acquire more. This is true also in the case of a rich man. The mind is never satisfied. Wants and attachments continuously keep everybody on the strenuous move and keep the mind strained and stressed. Daan develops a feeling of nonattachment to worldly possessions thus it is a great aid for unburdening and reliving stress on the mind. Daan should be practiced for helping our own mind and not for obliging others. It should not be practiced with a feeling that you are doing it for some one else's benefit, but for your own sake. Daan should be practiced without the expectation of name or fame. One should not expect anything in return out of the act of Daan . A pure act of Daan is practiced with the feeling of humility. Otherwise, it becomes a commercial donation or advertisement.
Lord Jesus describes Daan in a perfect way "But when thou doest alms let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth. That thine alms may be in secret and the father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly" - T. Matthew 6-3 & 4.
Daan should be practiced with wealth accumulated by sincere efforts and earning. The wealth should not be accumulated by immoral means. Daan should be given to a needy person. Giving food to a hungry being or allowing shelter to homeless or sharing water with a thirsty is Daan. You should share your assets with a needy person who is not likely to spend the asset for indulgence in negative acts (Akarma). This is called Satpatra Daan. Daan is universal act because attachment is universal. It is the duty of both the rich and poor alike. Attachment gives rise to stress and creates hindrance to the state of happiness. A rich man is attached to his abundant wealth so is the poor man to his tiny fortune. Daan is necessary for both of them. Bhagwat Gita ( Chap 17, 20-22 ) describes Daan in a lucid manner.
"To perform Daan is my pure duty - a Daan practiced with this idea, in a proper and fitting place and time and to a worthy person without expecting any returns from him is known to be Sattvika Daan.
That Daan which is practiced with a view to receiving in return or looking towards its fruits or practiced grudgingly, is said to be Rajasika Daan.
The Daan that is practiced at a wrong place and time to any unworthy person, without regard or disdainfully is said to be Tamasika Daan."
3. Tapa
(Self Discipline):-Tapa is the third aspect of Five Fold Path for happy living. Tapa is a self-imposed discipline over body, mind and speech. Tapa is the mental and intellectual fire burnt by continuous and strenuous effort in which the six crocodiles, passion (Kama), anger (Krodha), pride(Mada), attachment (Moha), envy(Matsar), greed(Lobha), etc. which harass our mind are burnt. Our mind and body are like spoilt children. Actually their basic wants and needs for functioning are minimal. How much food does our body require to live? How much space does our body need for protection? Is there any special cloth that our body needs to continue breathing? All these basic need are minimal and simple. A poor man lives in a simple hut and rich person having physically the same make-up lives in a palatial house. What is the difference? It is our mind that creates the difference. If we develop a habit of living in a palace. Sleeping on soft and smooth beds, eating sumptuous food, our body and mind will continuously crave for it. If denied these perks, the body and mind will revolt against the condition and make you unhappy, sad and miserable. Think, are these things really necessary? Your mind is acting like a wild animal, like a spoilt child. It is undisciplined. It needs training and imposition of rules and regulations. The need of disciplining our mind and body is our own choice, it is a self imposed task and endeavor. It is born out of personal necessity. This self-disciplining is called Tapa.Each and every person needs to follow tapa in one own way or another irrespective of class, sex, creed or anything. To be happy we must decide who is the master. Is it our body or is it our mind or is there a third entity residing in the body which is the master? Yes, the atman (soul) is the master. Body and mind are its slaves. These slaves have exploited their master and have started acting like wild animals. They have started harassing and unnecessarily burdening their master by creating stress and strain. Tapa is the means to tame them. Sincere desire and efforts to discipline ourselves, hard work and intellect are our weapons. Absolute concentration in using these weapons is necessary.
A common man has a peculiar impression about the word Tapa. They feel that to practice Tapa you must go to a forest, wear loin cloth or tree bark, live in a hut, grow a beard, have a sad look on your face etc. No. This is not true. The enemy is within your body. It is so close to you, then why go to a forest? Close your eyes and you will be in solitude. There are no prerequisites for the practice of Tapa. It can be practiced in your own house while fulfilling your worldly duties without even allowing others to know it. The idea is to minimize wants and needs of the body, control the outgoing tendency of the mind and discipline your sense organs. The reason is simply because these things burden our mind and create hindrance in attaining the state of happiness.
Illustrations of Tapa are difficult to quote. What act in context of one person is Tapa, may not be Tapa in case of other person. If a person is attached to food then he may think of disciplining himself by following food Tapa i.e., controlling the intake of food. But the fellow next door may be poor or sick and may be naturally consuming less food. Thus can we say that this person is also practicing food Tapa ? No. The idea is to eradicate attachment and carving. The other person may be addicted to alcohol. Food may not be his problem. The point is that the weakness and targets for practice of Tapa should be identified and decided by the person himself. According to Gita (17, 14 - 8) there are three types of Tapa: "Nurturing devotion and regard towards holy persons, teachers etc. purity, straightforwardness, non indulgence in sex, nonviolence are physical Tapa.
Speech that does not hurt others and which is truthful, agreeable and beneficial, as also study of Vedas are said to be Tapa practiced with speech.
Serenity of mind, kindliness, silence, self-control, and purity of heart are said to be mental Tapa. This three fold Tapa practiced with great faith by men who are not desirous of fruit is said to be Sattvika Tapa.
That Tapa which is practiced to gain respect, honour, adoration, and that with ostentation and which is unsteady is said to be Rajasika Tapa.
That Tapa which is practiced out of foolish notion, with self-torture or for the purpose of ruining others is termed as Tamsika.
The practice of Tapa should be continued with courage. The battle between the mind and intellect is perpetual and unending. The mind is very powerful and cunning. It harps on a person's weakness and shortcomings. It knows how to shatter the fortress of our plans. One has to fight the battle of Tapa with endurance, strong will power and strenuous efforts. If your mind deceives you and breaks you down, even then you must start afresh with out feeling sad, march towards the goal, the practice of Tapa should be continued.
Even in the past without Tapa no one has attained knowledge of the self. By practice of Tapa will power is developed and nourished. It improves our perception and grants a special insight to see beyond the material world.
Desires are unending. It is like a vicious circle. The circle never ends. One keeps revolving around trying to satisfy them. One sensual desire fulfilled triggers another. By resorting to Tapa we can get out of this circle. It is by eradication of desires that happiness is achieved and not by gratification. One has to perceive the difference between need and desire. Tapa purifies the body and makes it a suitable instrument of the Divine.
4.Karma
Karma is the fourth aspect of Five Fold path of Vedas. Karma means right action performed with out attachment. Its purpose is self-purification. Cause and effect is the universally accepted, elementary law of physics. Each result or action has a cause behind. If you create friction it will give rise to heat. If you create collision of two objects it will give rise to noise. If this principle is transposed to the realms of philosophy it takes the shape of ' Law of Karma '. It is described as " reap as you sow ". Each action begets its fruits. Right action naturally begets good fruit; on the contrary, wrong action begets bad or miserable fruit. A good action is called Karma and bad action as akarma. Resultant to good Karma one experiences love, peace and happiness opposite to which Akarma creates misery and sorrow. Naturally if you sow good, tasty and healthy seeds, you will expect good fruits. You cannot expect tasty and good fruits from bad, diseased and poisoned seeds. All that has been stated here is pur e sense and logic. This the simple but important law of Karma of the Vedic Fivefold Path. Vedic scriptures state in concrete, unambiguous and clear words what is good action, what is bad action. For that matter all scriptures, revelations, sayings of prophets, masters, avatars, saints, etc. based on the Vedas clearly state the right actions. One should follow these directions in day-to-day life. It is easy and there can be no confusion.
For even a single fraction of a moment one can never remain without committing an action. Action is ever present. You move, speak, laugh, hear, eat, run and breath every moment of your existence.
A living being is compelled to perform actions continuously. Vedas state that one must perform all necessary Karma. One should thoroughly and mindfully perceive the difference between good Karma and negative Karma. Because Karma creates bondage it is not practical to avoid performing actions. The ancient Yogis and Sages like Janaka, etc. have attained perfection while performing their ordained duties. They have never run away from duties due to fear of Karmic bondage. Having shunned your sense organs from exterior action, if you mentally indulge in pleasures of sensual organs then it is clear hypocrisy. It is better to perform the actions of your body without being attached to them. The Vedic secret of Karma is that a person must undertake all necessary and ordained Karmas in his life. The only thing is that he is to alertly follow the injunctions of Vedas to reason what is good action and what is bad-action. While performing Karma one has to stay away from expectations of the fruits of one's Karma.
Practice of truth (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), compassion (Daya), pondering on holy or pure thoughts (Shiva-sankalpa), Sharing with needy (Daan), pure way of life, celibacy or non indulgence in sex (Bhramacharya), abstinence from anger, alcohol, theft, etc. are some ideal Karmas ordained by Vedas. At every step Vedas guide us as to what is good Karma and what is an evil Karma. There is a list of such " Do's and don'ts " handed down by our scriptures. One has to follow them with alertness and mind fullness. When we achieve this state then all our actions or Karma yields self-purification. It then ceases to be bondage. This is the state of Karmayogi.
Vedas ordain performance of Yajnyas ( Agnihotra ) as the first and foremost action. It is stated that if you indulge in Karma for the performance of Yajnya you are not bound by the resultant bondage. The Karma involved in the performance of Yajnya leads to surrender and self-realization. It is such because the Almighty Father has ordained Yajnya simultaneously with the creation of the Universe.
5.Swadhyaya
Swadhyaya is the fifth aspect of Five Fold Path. The word Swadhyaya comes from the combination of two Sanskrit words i.e. 'Swa' (self or pertaining to self), Adhyaya (study): hence, it means self study for attainment of liberation. The Yoga tradition of Patanjalii includes Swadhyaya in Kriyayoga.
Swadhyaya means the study of "who am I". It is the understanding of and experiencing the true nature of the self (atman) and the cosmic - self (paramatman). It is the study and meditation of whom we call 'me' or 'I' in its real sense. Is the body 'me' or is my mind 'me' or is there an additional entity in the body governing my thinking pattern and impeding me towards indulgence in action? Which is 'I' in the real sense? Is my body and mind the master of my 'self' or is it my 'self' that is the main entity which has assumed the human form with body and mind? What is the purpose of my assuming the body and mind? How can I liberate my 'self ' from the bonds and cycles of birth and rebirth? What is the real nature of the universe? Is it real or unreal? Is it eternal or perishable? What is the aim of my life? All these questions are dealt in the personal Swadhyaya. Meditating on these themes is Swadhyaya. Perfect guidance on these matters can be authoritatively given only by Vedas. Thus Swadhyaya means study an d meditation on Vedas and the scriptures relating to Vedas handed down by masters, yogis, prophets and messengers.
Swadhyaya means understanding the real nature of Karma. We have to apply our power of discrimination to differentiate between right and wrong, good and evil. Meditating on this is Swadhyaya.
Our sense organs give us a tremendous pull towards their objects of enjoyment. We are forced by our mind and body towards objects of sensual pleasures. But once having attained that experience do our organs feel satisfied or gratified? No every satisfaction of desire gives rise to many more carvings. Then what is the means of controlling our needs and carvings of desire?This is Swadhyaya.
Swadhyaya can be practiced by means of repetition of any Vedic or Guru-ordained Mantra with absolute attention. It is not mere Mechanical recitation but is an effort of identifying with the purport of mantras simultaneously with repetition. This automatically unlocks abundant mental energies, Resultant to which one experiences peace and bliss. The Gayatri Mantra is a mantra, which has tremendous vibrational efficacy. One may recite this mantra as a part of his Swadhyaya. Continuous repetition of mantra unlocks subtle energies of the mind and answers to many questions of Swadhyaya are experienced.
Contact: Institute for Studies in Vedic Sciences, Shivpuri, Akkalkot-413216 Dist. Solapur, Maharahstra (02181-220708 www.shivpuri.org
They are presented in simple, lucid, eloquent and easily practicable manner. Fivefold path consists of five principles. However, these are not to be dissociated from each other. In fact, all five disciplines put together makes one single unit.
It is an ideal way of life in which one strives to practice all these disciplines at one time. The essence of Vedas is offered to you in the most simple manner at your doorstep. There is no chance for confusion.
Let us understand the five principles in short.
1. Yajnya
Along with creation the Almighty father ordained the practice of Yajnya (Agnihotra) to mankind. He commanded, "O man behold, Yajnya is Kamadhenu (All giver). Practice Yajnya with utter devotion using your body, speech and mind. Yajnya is for your happiness and welfare. Your life is dependent on the five elements of the nature. By the practice of Yajnya the cycle of nature is balanced. Thus, even your life will be happy. If nature bestows abundance upon you, you must repay it with a feeling of gratitude in the form of Yajnya. One who does not perform Yajnya is selfish".
Yajnya is first principle of Five Fold Path. It is the process of purification of atmosphere with the agency of element fire. Yajnya involves offering of specific organic substances into the fire accompanied by chanting of mantra vibrations and nurturing the feeling of total surrender to the will of Almighty. This is the secret of practice of Yajnya. Yajnya are based on various rhythms of nature. They are divided in to two types.
(1) Nitya (Daily) and (2) Naimittika (coinciding with special occasion). Some Yajnyas are performed on full moon and no moon days or on the advent or rise of various stars (Nakshatra Ishti) or the advent of specific seasons such as summer etc. During some Yajnyas the juice of the medicinal herb Soma is offered to the fire, which has tremendous purifying and healing effect on the atmosphere. Agnihotra is to be performed daily and hence it is Nitya Yajnya. It is performed at sunrise and sunset times which are the two most important circadian biorhythms of of nature. Agnihotra is ordained to be performed to coincide exactly with these vitally important transitional movements.
The performance of Agnihotra creates pure, clean and medicinal atmosphere. It cleanses the negative effects of pollution on Prana. It relaxes the mind and unburdens the mind of all stress and strain. Regular practice of Agnihotra activates a healing cycle, making plants, animals happy and peaceful in it. Agnihotra is the simplest and easily practicable discipline for nurturing Total Surrender (Ishwar Pranidhan). Ishwar Pranidhan has been regarded as an alternative to the practice of Yoga and all other disciplines aimed at liberation. This is stated by the great seer Patanjali.
The performance of Agnihotra involves actually little time and expenditure. Exactly at local sunrise and sunset timings a small fire is prepared out of dried cow dung cakes in a semi-pyramid shaped copper or clay pot. Two offerings of raw rice smeared with a few drops of cow`s ghee are offered into the fire with the chanting of following mantras.
At Sunrise:
1. Sooryaya Swaha, Sooryaya Idam Na Mama (Make the first offering)
2. Prajapatayae Svaha, Prajapataye Idam Na Mama (Make the second offering)
At Sunset:
1. Agnaye Svaha, Agnaye Idam Na Mama (Make the first offering)
2. Prajapatayae Svaha, Prajapataye Idam Na Mama (Make the second offering)
2. Daan
Daan is the second aspect of five fold path. It means sharing of ones assets in the spirit of service and humility. Attachments to material possessions burdens the mind. A man continuously clings mentally to his worldly possessions. This burdens him physically and mentally. A poor man does not have wealth and riches so he perpetually thinks about acquiring that object and for that purpose physically strains himself. This carving puts a lot of negative pressure on his mind and body. Having acquired he does not rest. He strives to retain it and acquire more. This is true also in the case of a rich man. The mind is never satisfied. Wants and attachments continuously keep everybody on the strenuous move and keep the mind strained and stressed. Daan develops a feeling of nonattachment to worldly possessions thus it is a great aid for unburdening and reliving stress on the mind. Daan should be practiced for helping our own mind and not for obliging others. It should not be practiced with a feeling that you are doing it for some one else's benefit, but for your own sake. Daan should be practiced without the expectation of name or fame. One should not expect anything in return out of the act of Daan . A pure act of Daan is practiced with the feeling of humility. Otherwise, it becomes a commercial donation or advertisement.
Lord Jesus describes Daan in a perfect way "But when thou doest alms let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth. That thine alms may be in secret and the father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly" - T. Matthew 6-3 & 4.
Daan should be practiced with wealth accumulated by sincere efforts and earning. The wealth should not be accumulated by immoral means. Daan should be given to a needy person. Giving food to a hungry being or allowing shelter to homeless or sharing water with a thirsty is Daan. You should share your assets with a needy person who is not likely to spend the asset for indulgence in negative acts (Akarma). This is called Satpatra Daan. Daan is universal act because attachment is universal. It is the duty of both the rich and poor alike. Attachment gives rise to stress and creates hindrance to the state of happiness. A rich man is attached to his abundant wealth so is the poor man to his tiny fortune. Daan is necessary for both of them. Bhagwat Gita ( Chap 17, 20-22 ) describes Daan in a lucid manner.
"To perform Daan is my pure duty - a Daan practiced with this idea, in a proper and fitting place and time and to a worthy person without expecting any returns from him is known to be Sattvika Daan.
That Daan which is practiced with a view to receiving in return or looking towards its fruits or practiced grudgingly, is said to be Rajasika Daan.
The Daan that is practiced at a wrong place and time to any unworthy person, without regard or disdainfully is said to be Tamasika Daan."
3. Tapa
(Self Discipline):-Tapa is the third aspect of Five Fold Path for happy living. Tapa is a self-imposed discipline over body, mind and speech. Tapa is the mental and intellectual fire burnt by continuous and strenuous effort in which the six crocodiles, passion (Kama), anger (Krodha), pride(Mada), attachment (Moha), envy(Matsar), greed(Lobha), etc. which harass our mind are burnt. Our mind and body are like spoilt children. Actually their basic wants and needs for functioning are minimal. How much food does our body require to live? How much space does our body need for protection? Is there any special cloth that our body needs to continue breathing? All these basic need are minimal and simple. A poor man lives in a simple hut and rich person having physically the same make-up lives in a palatial house. What is the difference? It is our mind that creates the difference. If we develop a habit of living in a palace. Sleeping on soft and smooth beds, eating sumptuous food, our body and mind will continuously crave for it. If denied these perks, the body and mind will revolt against the condition and make you unhappy, sad and miserable. Think, are these things really necessary? Your mind is acting like a wild animal, like a spoilt child. It is undisciplined. It needs training and imposition of rules and regulations. The need of disciplining our mind and body is our own choice, it is a self imposed task and endeavor. It is born out of personal necessity. This self-disciplining is called Tapa.Each and every person needs to follow tapa in one own way or another irrespective of class, sex, creed or anything. To be happy we must decide who is the master. Is it our body or is it our mind or is there a third entity residing in the body which is the master? Yes, the atman (soul) is the master. Body and mind are its slaves. These slaves have exploited their master and have started acting like wild animals. They have started harassing and unnecessarily burdening their master by creating stress and strain. Tapa is the means to tame them. Sincere desire and efforts to discipline ourselves, hard work and intellect are our weapons. Absolute concentration in using these weapons is necessary.
A common man has a peculiar impression about the word Tapa. They feel that to practice Tapa you must go to a forest, wear loin cloth or tree bark, live in a hut, grow a beard, have a sad look on your face etc. No. This is not true. The enemy is within your body. It is so close to you, then why go to a forest? Close your eyes and you will be in solitude. There are no prerequisites for the practice of Tapa. It can be practiced in your own house while fulfilling your worldly duties without even allowing others to know it. The idea is to minimize wants and needs of the body, control the outgoing tendency of the mind and discipline your sense organs. The reason is simply because these things burden our mind and create hindrance in attaining the state of happiness.
Illustrations of Tapa are difficult to quote. What act in context of one person is Tapa, may not be Tapa in case of other person. If a person is attached to food then he may think of disciplining himself by following food Tapa i.e., controlling the intake of food. But the fellow next door may be poor or sick and may be naturally consuming less food. Thus can we say that this person is also practicing food Tapa ? No. The idea is to eradicate attachment and carving. The other person may be addicted to alcohol. Food may not be his problem. The point is that the weakness and targets for practice of Tapa should be identified and decided by the person himself. According to Gita (17, 14 - 8) there are three types of Tapa: "Nurturing devotion and regard towards holy persons, teachers etc. purity, straightforwardness, non indulgence in sex, nonviolence are physical Tapa.
Speech that does not hurt others and which is truthful, agreeable and beneficial, as also study of Vedas are said to be Tapa practiced with speech.
Serenity of mind, kindliness, silence, self-control, and purity of heart are said to be mental Tapa. This three fold Tapa practiced with great faith by men who are not desirous of fruit is said to be Sattvika Tapa.
That Tapa which is practiced to gain respect, honour, adoration, and that with ostentation and which is unsteady is said to be Rajasika Tapa.
That Tapa which is practiced out of foolish notion, with self-torture or for the purpose of ruining others is termed as Tamsika.
The practice of Tapa should be continued with courage. The battle between the mind and intellect is perpetual and unending. The mind is very powerful and cunning. It harps on a person's weakness and shortcomings. It knows how to shatter the fortress of our plans. One has to fight the battle of Tapa with endurance, strong will power and strenuous efforts. If your mind deceives you and breaks you down, even then you must start afresh with out feeling sad, march towards the goal, the practice of Tapa should be continued.
Even in the past without Tapa no one has attained knowledge of the self. By practice of Tapa will power is developed and nourished. It improves our perception and grants a special insight to see beyond the material world.
Desires are unending. It is like a vicious circle. The circle never ends. One keeps revolving around trying to satisfy them. One sensual desire fulfilled triggers another. By resorting to Tapa we can get out of this circle. It is by eradication of desires that happiness is achieved and not by gratification. One has to perceive the difference between need and desire. Tapa purifies the body and makes it a suitable instrument of the Divine.
4.Karma
Karma is the fourth aspect of Five Fold path of Vedas. Karma means right action performed with out attachment. Its purpose is self-purification. Cause and effect is the universally accepted, elementary law of physics. Each result or action has a cause behind. If you create friction it will give rise to heat. If you create collision of two objects it will give rise to noise. If this principle is transposed to the realms of philosophy it takes the shape of ' Law of Karma '. It is described as " reap as you sow ". Each action begets its fruits. Right action naturally begets good fruit; on the contrary, wrong action begets bad or miserable fruit. A good action is called Karma and bad action as akarma. Resultant to good Karma one experiences love, peace and happiness opposite to which Akarma creates misery and sorrow. Naturally if you sow good, tasty and healthy seeds, you will expect good fruits. You cannot expect tasty and good fruits from bad, diseased and poisoned seeds. All that has been stated here is pur e sense and logic. This the simple but important law of Karma of the Vedic Fivefold Path. Vedic scriptures state in concrete, unambiguous and clear words what is good action, what is bad action. For that matter all scriptures, revelations, sayings of prophets, masters, avatars, saints, etc. based on the Vedas clearly state the right actions. One should follow these directions in day-to-day life. It is easy and there can be no confusion.
For even a single fraction of a moment one can never remain without committing an action. Action is ever present. You move, speak, laugh, hear, eat, run and breath every moment of your existence.
A living being is compelled to perform actions continuously. Vedas state that one must perform all necessary Karma. One should thoroughly and mindfully perceive the difference between good Karma and negative Karma. Because Karma creates bondage it is not practical to avoid performing actions. The ancient Yogis and Sages like Janaka, etc. have attained perfection while performing their ordained duties. They have never run away from duties due to fear of Karmic bondage. Having shunned your sense organs from exterior action, if you mentally indulge in pleasures of sensual organs then it is clear hypocrisy. It is better to perform the actions of your body without being attached to them. The Vedic secret of Karma is that a person must undertake all necessary and ordained Karmas in his life. The only thing is that he is to alertly follow the injunctions of Vedas to reason what is good action and what is bad-action. While performing Karma one has to stay away from expectations of the fruits of one's Karma.
Practice of truth (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), compassion (Daya), pondering on holy or pure thoughts (Shiva-sankalpa), Sharing with needy (Daan), pure way of life, celibacy or non indulgence in sex (Bhramacharya), abstinence from anger, alcohol, theft, etc. are some ideal Karmas ordained by Vedas. At every step Vedas guide us as to what is good Karma and what is an evil Karma. There is a list of such " Do's and don'ts " handed down by our scriptures. One has to follow them with alertness and mind fullness. When we achieve this state then all our actions or Karma yields self-purification. It then ceases to be bondage. This is the state of Karmayogi.
Vedas ordain performance of Yajnyas ( Agnihotra ) as the first and foremost action. It is stated that if you indulge in Karma for the performance of Yajnya you are not bound by the resultant bondage. The Karma involved in the performance of Yajnya leads to surrender and self-realization. It is such because the Almighty Father has ordained Yajnya simultaneously with the creation of the Universe.
5.Swadhyaya
Swadhyaya is the fifth aspect of Five Fold Path. The word Swadhyaya comes from the combination of two Sanskrit words i.e. 'Swa' (self or pertaining to self), Adhyaya (study): hence, it means self study for attainment of liberation. The Yoga tradition of Patanjalii includes Swadhyaya in Kriyayoga.
Swadhyaya means the study of "who am I". It is the understanding of and experiencing the true nature of the self (atman) and the cosmic - self (paramatman). It is the study and meditation of whom we call 'me' or 'I' in its real sense. Is the body 'me' or is my mind 'me' or is there an additional entity in the body governing my thinking pattern and impeding me towards indulgence in action? Which is 'I' in the real sense? Is my body and mind the master of my 'self' or is it my 'self' that is the main entity which has assumed the human form with body and mind? What is the purpose of my assuming the body and mind? How can I liberate my 'self ' from the bonds and cycles of birth and rebirth? What is the real nature of the universe? Is it real or unreal? Is it eternal or perishable? What is the aim of my life? All these questions are dealt in the personal Swadhyaya. Meditating on these themes is Swadhyaya. Perfect guidance on these matters can be authoritatively given only by Vedas. Thus Swadhyaya means study an d meditation on Vedas and the scriptures relating to Vedas handed down by masters, yogis, prophets and messengers.
Swadhyaya means understanding the real nature of Karma. We have to apply our power of discrimination to differentiate between right and wrong, good and evil. Meditating on this is Swadhyaya.
Our sense organs give us a tremendous pull towards their objects of enjoyment. We are forced by our mind and body towards objects of sensual pleasures. But once having attained that experience do our organs feel satisfied or gratified? No every satisfaction of desire gives rise to many more carvings. Then what is the means of controlling our needs and carvings of desire?This is Swadhyaya.
Swadhyaya can be practiced by means of repetition of any Vedic or Guru-ordained Mantra with absolute attention. It is not mere Mechanical recitation but is an effort of identifying with the purport of mantras simultaneously with repetition. This automatically unlocks abundant mental energies, Resultant to which one experiences peace and bliss. The Gayatri Mantra is a mantra, which has tremendous vibrational efficacy. One may recite this mantra as a part of his Swadhyaya. Continuous repetition of mantra unlocks subtle energies of the mind and answers to many questions of Swadhyaya are experienced.
Contact: Institute for Studies in Vedic Sciences, Shivpuri, Akkalkot-413216 Dist. Solapur, Maharahstra (02181-220708 www.shivpuri.org
Agnihotra - An Age Old Solution to New Age Problems
In today's polluted atmosphere, we witness Mass Destruction of forests, Disappearance of many species of plants, animals, insects, birds, Disturbance in Eco-cycles, Ozone Depletion, Global Warming, Acid rain and Decreasing Agricultural Production. Human health is at stake. Many killing diseases like Cancer and AIDS are on the rise. Increased alcoholism and drug abuse is a great challenge. Human mind is under great stress giving rise to more violence and many complex family and social problems. The list is unending.
Yes, to survive, exist happily and peacefully we must co-exist in Harmony in tune with Nature.
The practice of Agnihotra has been ordained by VEDA as a mandatory duty for each & everyone. VEDA is respected as oldest known revealed knowledge available to mankind. The word “VEDA” originates from SANSKRIT verbal root “VID” meaning “to know”, thus it means “PURE KNOWLEDGE”. This knowledge is in the form of VEDIC MANTRAS, pertaining to happy living and attaining the ultimate goal of human existence i.e. LIBERATION. Knowledge is never confined to the followers of particular religion, cast, creed, color, nationality or sex etc.
Agnihotra is a process of purification of the atmosphere as a cumulative effect of various scientific principles harnessed to give rise to an unparallel purifying and healing phenomenon.
The process of Agnihotra consists of making two offerings to the fire exactly at the time of sunrise & sunset along with the chanting of two small Sanskrit mantras.
Agnihotra balances the cycle of nature and nourishes the human life. It creates pure, clean and medicinal atmosphere. It cleanses the negative effects of pollution.
1. Timings – Sunrise and Sun Set
2. Copper Pot (Pyramid)
3. Cow Dung Cakes
4. Cow’s Pure Ghee & Un broken Un cooked Rice
5. Sanskrit Mantra Vibrational Effect:
1) Agnihotra Times
It is to be performed at two important circadian rhythms of Nature i.e. exact at Sunrise and Sunset. During theses timing, changes of great magnitude take place in the ecosphere, which causes vital impact on life and environment. The beneficial effects of Sunrise agnihotra remains active till sunset and when Sunset agnihtora is performed it gives positive thrust till sunrise. In this manner unending and fully active “HEALING CYCLE” is established in the household.
A computerized timetable is prepared based on latitude & longitude for a particular location.
2) Semi pyramid shaped copper pot
The dimensions of this pot are 14.5 cms by 14.5 cms at the top and 5.25 cms by 5.25 cms. at the bottom. The height is 6.5 cms with three steps.
The shape of the pot matches the pyramid but it is inverted. The Ancient word pyramid means, “Fire in the middle” and is closely connected with the inexplicable energies emanating from its centre and shape. It receives, generates and decentralizes electromagnetic or cosmic waves and emits special healing and purifying energy into the ecosphere. Copper with its properties of excellent conduction of electricity and heat is used because Agnihotra has connection with fire, heat, electromagnetic force and cosmic energy fields.
3) Cow-Dung cakes
Cow dung possesses medicinal and curative properties and the smoke that emanates from burning the cow dung contains menthol, ammonia, phenol, idol formal in, etc. and has bacteriophages eradicate pathogens.
4) Offerings
Two offerings of unbroken rice smeared with cow’s pure ghee are offered at each Agnihotra time. According to Ayurveda Cow’s ghee is a tonic, cardiac stimulant and invigorating.
5) Chanting of Sanskrit mantras
The power of sound vibrations has been acknowledged in the field of science because some words possess the power of creativity. All the alphabets of the Sanskrit language are endowed with special vibrational powers and Agnihotra mantra helps in spreading subtle energies in the household.
Agnihotra is a science in itself and there are many experiments which show that it is beneficial:
A. Agnihotra and Kirlian photography:-
Kirlian Photographs of human hand 10 minutes before and 10 minutes after Agnihotra. After Agnihotra photograph showed increased energy with healing effect.
Kirlian photographs of living Spearmint plant
Before Agnihotra showed 'red surrounding'
Meaning aggressiveness.
After Agnihotra photographs showed 'blue surrounding' meaning relaxation.
B. Agnihotra Therapy and Drug and Alcohol addicts:-
Alcohol and Drug de-addiction Practice of Agnihotra has been found useful in drug and alcohol de-addiction programs conducted by Lt. Col. G.R. Golecha, (Sr. Advisor) Dep. of Psychiatry, Indian Army. It gives positive strength to the mind and enhances motivation to quit the addiction.
C. Agnihotra and Neuro-Physiological parameters:-
At the Defense Institute of physiology and allied sciences (DIPAS) New Delhi, Dr. Selvamurthy (Sr. Scientist) studied the physiological effects of Agnihotra on the human mind and body. It was observed that during the performance of Agnihotra, the heart rate showed a declining trend, body temperature was raised, GSR remained significantly higher, ECG showed DC shift in base, EEG showed constant changes, power in Alpha band increased, while there was a tendency of suppression in delta power. It has been concluded that Agnihotra atmosphere has distinct beneficial effects on mind and body.
D. Bacteriostatic effect:-
In a series of experiments conducted by a group of microbiologists & pathologists under the guidance of Dr A.G. Mondkar and Shri.Y.B. Sohoni.
The behavior of micro flora was studied in the atmosphere generated by Agnihotra. It was observed that the Agnihotra atmosphere was markedly bacteriostatic. In it more than 96% growth of bacteria was inhibited. Agnihotra atmosphere acted as a shield in which bacteria, especially the pathogenic types were not allowed to grow. In another set of trials conducted in the polluted slums, similar results were noted. It was observed that there is a definite reduction in aerial micro flora after performing Agnihotra.
E. Ecological Farming and Gardening:-
Agnihotra ash and its resultant atmosphere is being employed in ecological farming practices. Hundreds of farmers are regularly practicing Agnihotra farming methods. The fruits, vegetables and grains grown by this method are qualitatively better in texture, taste and size as compared to controlled farms where regular use of pesticides and fertilizers is done. Agnihotra atmosphere induces rapid seed germination and the Agnihotra ash is an effective fertilizer and helps in releasing soluble phosphate from the soil.
§ Help improves concentration levels
§ Reduces stress levels
§ Provides Peace of Mind
§ Improves motivation
§ Helps children mould their mind in a positive manner
§ Binds the family together
§ Helps in De-Addiction
§ Improves Immunity
§ Builds Positive Attitude
§ Builds mind confidence
§ Builds Strong Belief in ALMIGHTY
A Global Phenomenon
Agnihotra is now practiced in more than 60 countries worldwide:
North America: Canada, USA
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Croatia, Czech, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland,
Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, UK, Ukraine, Yugoslavia,
Asia: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, China, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malayasia
South America: Argentinia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela
Central America: Caribbean Islands, Dominican Republic, Panama
Middle East: Israel, Jordan, Syria, Turkey
Africa: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
Start AGNIHOTRA TODAY – A Holistic Life Style for Peace, Prosperity, Health, Happiness and Clean Environment.
Yes, to survive, exist happily and peacefully we must co-exist in Harmony in tune with Nature.
The practice of Agnihotra has been ordained by VEDA as a mandatory duty for each & everyone. VEDA is respected as oldest known revealed knowledge available to mankind. The word “VEDA” originates from SANSKRIT verbal root “VID” meaning “to know”, thus it means “PURE KNOWLEDGE”. This knowledge is in the form of VEDIC MANTRAS, pertaining to happy living and attaining the ultimate goal of human existence i.e. LIBERATION. Knowledge is never confined to the followers of particular religion, cast, creed, color, nationality or sex etc.
Agnihotra is a process of purification of the atmosphere as a cumulative effect of various scientific principles harnessed to give rise to an unparallel purifying and healing phenomenon.
The process of Agnihotra consists of making two offerings to the fire exactly at the time of sunrise & sunset along with the chanting of two small Sanskrit mantras.
Agnihotra balances the cycle of nature and nourishes the human life. It creates pure, clean and medicinal atmosphere. It cleanses the negative effects of pollution.
1. Timings – Sunrise and Sun Set
2. Copper Pot (Pyramid)
3. Cow Dung Cakes
4. Cow’s Pure Ghee & Un broken Un cooked Rice
5. Sanskrit Mantra Vibrational Effect:
1) Agnihotra Times
It is to be performed at two important circadian rhythms of Nature i.e. exact at Sunrise and Sunset. During theses timing, changes of great magnitude take place in the ecosphere, which causes vital impact on life and environment. The beneficial effects of Sunrise agnihotra remains active till sunset and when Sunset agnihtora is performed it gives positive thrust till sunrise. In this manner unending and fully active “HEALING CYCLE” is established in the household.
A computerized timetable is prepared based on latitude & longitude for a particular location.
2) Semi pyramid shaped copper pot
The dimensions of this pot are 14.5 cms by 14.5 cms at the top and 5.25 cms by 5.25 cms. at the bottom. The height is 6.5 cms with three steps.
The shape of the pot matches the pyramid but it is inverted. The Ancient word pyramid means, “Fire in the middle” and is closely connected with the inexplicable energies emanating from its centre and shape. It receives, generates and decentralizes electromagnetic or cosmic waves and emits special healing and purifying energy into the ecosphere. Copper with its properties of excellent conduction of electricity and heat is used because Agnihotra has connection with fire, heat, electromagnetic force and cosmic energy fields.
3) Cow-Dung cakes
Cow dung possesses medicinal and curative properties and the smoke that emanates from burning the cow dung contains menthol, ammonia, phenol, idol formal in, etc. and has bacteriophages eradicate pathogens.
4) Offerings
Two offerings of unbroken rice smeared with cow’s pure ghee are offered at each Agnihotra time. According to Ayurveda Cow’s ghee is a tonic, cardiac stimulant and invigorating.
5) Chanting of Sanskrit mantras
The power of sound vibrations has been acknowledged in the field of science because some words possess the power of creativity. All the alphabets of the Sanskrit language are endowed with special vibrational powers and Agnihotra mantra helps in spreading subtle energies in the household.
Agnihotra is a science in itself and there are many experiments which show that it is beneficial:
A. Agnihotra and Kirlian photography:-
Kirlian Photographs of human hand 10 minutes before and 10 minutes after Agnihotra. After Agnihotra photograph showed increased energy with healing effect.
Kirlian photographs of living Spearmint plant
Before Agnihotra showed 'red surrounding'
Meaning aggressiveness.
After Agnihotra photographs showed 'blue surrounding' meaning relaxation.
B. Agnihotra Therapy and Drug and Alcohol addicts:-
Alcohol and Drug de-addiction Practice of Agnihotra has been found useful in drug and alcohol de-addiction programs conducted by Lt. Col. G.R. Golecha, (Sr. Advisor) Dep. of Psychiatry, Indian Army. It gives positive strength to the mind and enhances motivation to quit the addiction.
C. Agnihotra and Neuro-Physiological parameters:-
At the Defense Institute of physiology and allied sciences (DIPAS) New Delhi, Dr. Selvamurthy (Sr. Scientist) studied the physiological effects of Agnihotra on the human mind and body. It was observed that during the performance of Agnihotra, the heart rate showed a declining trend, body temperature was raised, GSR remained significantly higher, ECG showed DC shift in base, EEG showed constant changes, power in Alpha band increased, while there was a tendency of suppression in delta power. It has been concluded that Agnihotra atmosphere has distinct beneficial effects on mind and body.
D. Bacteriostatic effect:-
In a series of experiments conducted by a group of microbiologists & pathologists under the guidance of Dr A.G. Mondkar and Shri.Y.B. Sohoni.
The behavior of micro flora was studied in the atmosphere generated by Agnihotra. It was observed that the Agnihotra atmosphere was markedly bacteriostatic. In it more than 96% growth of bacteria was inhibited. Agnihotra atmosphere acted as a shield in which bacteria, especially the pathogenic types were not allowed to grow. In another set of trials conducted in the polluted slums, similar results were noted. It was observed that there is a definite reduction in aerial micro flora after performing Agnihotra.
E. Ecological Farming and Gardening:-
Agnihotra ash and its resultant atmosphere is being employed in ecological farming practices. Hundreds of farmers are regularly practicing Agnihotra farming methods. The fruits, vegetables and grains grown by this method are qualitatively better in texture, taste and size as compared to controlled farms where regular use of pesticides and fertilizers is done. Agnihotra atmosphere induces rapid seed germination and the Agnihotra ash is an effective fertilizer and helps in releasing soluble phosphate from the soil.
§ Help improves concentration levels
§ Reduces stress levels
§ Provides Peace of Mind
§ Improves motivation
§ Helps children mould their mind in a positive manner
§ Binds the family together
§ Helps in De-Addiction
§ Improves Immunity
§ Builds Positive Attitude
§ Builds mind confidence
§ Builds Strong Belief in ALMIGHTY
A Global Phenomenon
Agnihotra is now practiced in more than 60 countries worldwide:
North America: Canada, USA
Europe: Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Croatia, Czech, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland,
Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, UK, Ukraine, Yugoslavia,
Asia: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, China, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malayasia
South America: Argentinia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela
Central America: Caribbean Islands, Dominican Republic, Panama
Middle East: Israel, Jordan, Syria, Turkey
Africa: Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
Start AGNIHOTRA TODAY – A Holistic Life Style for Peace, Prosperity, Health, Happiness and Clean Environment.
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