Guru Peyarchi - August 2004 |
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This yagya takes place during the time that Jupiter is changing signs, in this case from Simha (Leo) to Kanya (Virgo). Astrology always considers that a strong beginning brings best possible results. So, as Jupiter begins his movement through Kanya, we perform special yagyas to add strength to his benefic influence. These yagyas are a powerful follow-up to the Guru Poornima yagyas that were performed in the beginning of July. In India, on Thursday, August 19th in Kanchipuram we will perform a special series of pujas and homams for this special occasion. The word for Jupiter in Sanskrit is Guru. And in addition to other significations, Jupiter represents the force of nature that brings knowledge, spiritual enlightenment, and material success. As a deity he is most often represented as Dakshinamurti; a form of Shiva. |
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On this day we will begin with a full Navagraha (9 planet) puja with an emphasis on Jupiter at our own facility, and then all 25 priests will go to a special nearby temple at which they will perform a special kind of yagya called abishekam where the traditional offerings of water, milk, sandal paste, coconut milk, curd, buttermilk, etc. are poured over the murti. It is a very sweet, calming, and quietly calming yagya. |
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At the conclusion of the yagya the priests will go to the largest patasala or training school for young priests in Kanchipuram where we will feed the entire school a special lunch. This is part of the Vedic tradition that whenever a yagya is performed, it is not fully complete unless you "feed Brahmins". So we are happy to do this because a large part of our goal is to help honor and preserve the Vedic traditions. |
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| Listen to Vedic chanting recorded on August 19th. You will hear Vedic slokas for Navagraha with a special selection for the planet Jupiter (Guru). Then you will hear mantras for Lakshmi and Dakshinamurti followed by Vedic blessings from Rig, Yajur and Sama Vedas. | |