10 Days of Rig Veda Yagyas in Kanchipuram
December 16-25
($75, includes the entire family)

The Rig Veda is the oldest of the four Vedas dating back around 3,500 years to the late Bronze Age. Its 10,00 two line verses contain instructions for a wide variety of yagyas focused on the powerful fire sacrifice called havan or homam which plays a central part of every yagya programs.

We have assembled a group of highly trained Rig Veda punsits to perform the entire text of the Rig Veda as a yagya. The recitations will be accompanied by traditional offerings of ghee and wood into the yagya fire continuously during the ten day program. This is a monumental effort on the part f the priests and one that is rarely available due to its complexity.

All yagya generate "sattva" or purity which results in spiritual advancement, material success, and peace. In the Bhagavad Gita Krishna says:

"Devan bhavayatanena te deva bhavayantu vah,
Parasparam bhavayantah shreyah param avapsyatha."

Translation:

"By performing yagya, you nourish the gods, and the gods will, in turn, nourish you. By mutually supporting one another in this way, you shall attain the highest good."

Below is a general summary of the most important yagyas contained in the Rig Veda:

Agnihotra

  • Honors Agni, the fire deity.
  • Central to many other yagyas and forms the basis of Vedic rituals.

Soma Yajna

  • Praised in the Rig Veda as a means to commune with deities like Indra and Varuna.

Ashvamedha

  • A royal yajna that promotes strength and prosperity.
  • Horses are a powerful symbol representing vitality and sacrifice.

Rajasuya

  • A ritual that affirms power and authority.
  • Homage to various gods and ancestors.

Purusha Suktam

  • Mentioned in Rig Veda 10.90, this hymn describes the creation of the universe through the sacrifice of the cosmic being, Purusha.
  • Symbolic of the interconnectedness of all existence.

Agniṣṭoma

  • A Soma yajna dedicated to Indra and other gods.
  • Involves extensive chanting and offerings to the sacred fire.

Vajapeya

  • A yajna often performed to establish supremacy
  • Includes offerings of clarified butter, grains, and Soma.

Darsapurnamasa

  • Monthly sacrifices performed on new moon and full moon days.
  • Honors various deities for cosmic balance and prosperity.

Chaturmasya

  • Seasonal sacrifices performed at the change of seasons (winter solstice)
  • Aims to ensure agricultural fertility and stability of natural cycles.

Gavamayana

  • A complex sacrificial rite involving cows and their offerings.
  • Reflects the Vedic reverence for cattle as sacred beings.

The Rig Veda primarily serves as a source of mantras and hymns used during these yagyas. Its focus is on invoking the deities and philosophical reflections.

"Saha-yajñāḥ prajāḥ sṛṣṭvā purovāca prajāpatiḥ."
(At the beginning of creation, the Creator, having created mankind together with sacrifices, said: "By this shall you prosper; let this be the fulfillment of your desires.")
— Bhagavad Gita 3.10

"Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti."
(Truth is One, but the wise call it by many names.)
— Rig Veda 1.164.46

"Sam gacchadhvam sam vadadhvam sam vo manamsi janatam."
(May you move in harmony, speak in one voice; let your minds be in agreement.)
— Rig Veda 10.191.2

10 Days of Rig Veda Yagyas in Kanchipuram
December 16-25
($75, includes the entire family)

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Maha Sponsorship Subscription ($200/month)

Participate as a maha sponsor and enjoy participation in every daily yagya program, plus the 10 day yagya series. Billing is by subscription and continues on a monthly basis until you discontinue.