Sponsorship Brochure with Puja/Homa Descriptions (for print) Map to Guest Shuttle for the Event

We Invite your Participation and Sponsorship in the 3rd Annual Shri Rudra Mahayajna Homa and Abhishekam and the 1st Annual Chandi Homa Purpose and Benefits of the Pujas and Homas The 3rd Annual Shri Rudra Mahayajna, associated with Kalasha Abhishekam, is considered the most exalted Vedic Ritual. In 2003, under the spiritual guidance of Swami Bodhananda Saraswati, Sambodh Aranya Shiva was installed in a 32-acre forested site belonging to The Sambodh Society.. This Shri Rudra Mahayajna and Chandi Homa is being organized to promote world peace, family well-being; for averting ill fortunes, health problems, financial troubles, marital discords, depression, and to attain inner purity and God's blessings. The worship of Shiva and Shakti in this forest ambience, provides you a rare opportunity, as it takes place under the open canopy of sky, in the traditional environment of Shiva. Eleven Traditionally Trained Priests, in the spiritual presence of Swami Bodhananda Saraswati, and under the leadership of Sree Aswath (Columbus, OH), trained in the Krishna Yajur Veda branch, and Pradip Sagdeo (Kalamazoo, MI), trained in the Rig Veda branch, officiate over this great Vedic ritual. Vedic Mantras chanted by upasakas with the correct intonation, along with ritualistic rigor, enhance the efficacy of the homa. The whole experience transports the participant into the ancient Naimishikaranya Yajnas, performed in the forests of the Himalayan foothills by our ancient Rishis. This is a powerful Maha Yajna encompassing two Nishkama Karmas, namely, Deva Yajna (worship of Rudra, the regents of directions, and other divinities), and Manushya Yajna (performed by congregation of devotees who partake prasada or grace of the Lord). It is very rare that a Homa of this significance and magnitude can be witnessed. Equally rare is the opportunity for the uninitiated to actually participate in the worship. This powerful Homa consecrates land for the Sambodh Center of Human Excellence, to be built here starting in April 2006, setting the stage for creation of a totally serene environment for meditation, spiritual study and practice.

Maha Rudra Abhishekam and Chandi Homa are Performed… 1) To assure that the Purusharthas (the goals of life) are fulfilled. When Sage Yajnavalkya was asked, "Which prayer gives one liberation, health, heaven, riches and makes one transcend mortality?" he replied "By worshiping Rudra." The very word Rudra means "one who melts away the sorrows of samsara." 2) For the sake of "Rta". Rta, the highest purpose of creation, means "right" or "righteousness" . It signifies the eternal and immutable universal and existential order. The Yajna brings this Rta to the individual's awareness. Such an expansion of one's being destroys all sin and sinful tendencies. The Maha Rudrabhishekam is particularly performed for the sake of washing away ones sins and afflictions, for bringing peace, propsertiy and happiness, along with family togetherness. Simultaneously, an Anu Lingam Puja will be performed for those who wish to participate in that worship. The Chandi Homa brings the blessings of Goddess Chandi Ma Vaishno Devi to her worshippers. This Homa is performed to bring peace, prosperity and spiritual attainment. A Laghu Chandi Homa will be performed simultaneously. Sunday, October 2nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. On this same occasion, Special Devata Homas and Pujas, will be offered for the sake of receiving the special blessings from these respective Deities. When performed along with Rudra Homa, the potency of these special devata homas increase manifold. Other Pujas and Homas The Preliminary Rituals will begin at 3:30 on Saturday, October 1st, followed by these Pujas and Homas: 1) The Lakshmi-Narayan Puja and Homa is performed for the purpose of gaining legitimate wealth. Those who are involved in business or are facing financial problems may perform this Homa to receive the blessings and grace of Goddess Lakshmi. Saturday, October 1st 2) The Hanuman Puja is being introduced for the first time. This puja is performed to attain mental strength, intellectual vigor and physical stamina, curing of mental illnesses, acquiring the positive qualities of courage and perserverence. Overcoming stress is very relevant not only to our immediate community, but also for the larger populace, undergoing the stresses of job changes and loss, economic strain, life changing circumstances in the wake of recent tragedies. Saturday, October 1st 3) The Mahamrityunjaya Homa serves to give mental and/or physical relief from chronic illnesses. Participants recite a special mantra invoking Lord Shiva, initiating relief from their ailments. Saturday, October 1st 4) The Ganapathi Homa is meant to remove hurdles in one’s path of accomplishment and to fulfill one’s legitimate desired goals in human life. Those who are frustrated in such efforts may participate in this Homa to bring them Lord Ganesha’s blessings and success in their endeavors. Sunday, October 2nd 5) The Navagraha Puja and Homa is performed to propitiate the 9 planets who overn the material aspect of human life. Among these Navagrahas, Sani (Saturn) and Rahu (the Dragon’s Head) more powerfully influence human affairs. Saturn and Rahu, when malevolent, can cause loss of health, wealth, fame, reputation, and life itself. People who suffer from these afflictions worship the Navagrahas for their removal. Sunday, October 2nd 6) Bright and hard-working children are our future and hope. They need our prayers and the Lord's blessings. Gayatri Devi, the devi of illumination and manifest as the Sun, is worshipped in a special Gayatri Homa by students who seek to enhance their memory power, concentration and recall in their studies, as well as the ability to apply themselves in their education pursuits, for their goals of attaining good grades, success in xaminations, and admission to good colleges. This yajna provides the opportunity to seek that beneficence. Sunday, October 2nd Saturday's program ends with a spectacular Tandava Lasya, a sacred dance duet, performed by Smt Suhasini Riggs and Sri Anish Doshi, as an offering to Lord Shiva. No Shiva ritual is considered complete without this offering to the Lord of Cosmic Dance. SPONSORSHIP: The names of all donors/sponsors of the pujas and homas will be included in the sankalpa (expressed purpose) of the Mahayajna   Sponsors participate in the offering of dravyas (materials) for their particular puja, homas, and/or abhisheka, and the punya (benefit) is accrued to them. All donations will be utilized for the charitable purposes and projects of The Sambodh Society, Inc. The Sambodh Society is building a national center for the teaching of Vedanta and Meditation on the NE side of Kalamazoo, MI, in Cooper Township. To have such a facility located near by is both an honor and an opportunity for blessings and spiritual growth. We invite your participation and sponsorship of this rare spiritual occasion and opportunity. Your support will nourish our project, benefitting the sponsor and the community at large, now and in the future. OM Namah Shivaya!

 

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Updated September 17, 2005