This is a special yagya performed for the aspect of Shiva called Kala Bhairava who controlls the march of time, and protects those on a spiritual path.  This specific yagya is primarily for balancing the influence of Saturn and can be performed only once a year on this particular day (Krishnapaksha Astami in September). 

From now through February 2006, we will continuue to experience a degree of intensity and forced change in our individual lives due to the position of Saturn and Mars in the heavens.  On a broader scale, we are also seeing destructive events like hurricane Katrina, and that is likely to continue for some time.

This yagya is intended to make the process of individual growth and transition smoother and will create (in whatever small way we can) a spiritually based influence of moderation to the world at large.  Because Saturn is the symbol of obstacles and struggle, this yagya will provide a positive boost in reducing obstacles in our lives.

For a more detailed explanation of the astrology of the present time please click here.

The yagya will take place in a special temple in Kanchipuram that is dedicated to Bhairava, the fierce, destructive aspect of Shiva.  Kala Bhairava is the form who oversees and controls the march of time.  Mythologically, it makes sense that Bhairava would be particularly fierce because when a moment has passed it is destroyed completely and can not be regained.

Since the movement of the planets is also a measure of time, a yagya performed for Kala Bhairava will also balance and soften the influence of the planets in our lives and thus reduce obstacles to our continued growth and happiness.

Kala Bhairava is both a destroyer and a protector.  This apparent conflict is explained by viewing Bhairava as the Destroyer of Ignorance who pushes us forward on our spiritual path by gradually destroying our attachments while protecting us at the same time.  Our old state of ignorance must be destroyed in order to give rise to a new higher state of consciousness.