Details of Poojas/Homas

At the ashram yagnas the following yagnas are performed on specific days. Each yagna is performed for the well being of the entire universe. The yagna is a collective practice and involves many of the Heritage school teachers and students. Each yagna also has a yajamana (the performer of the yagna) - the priests being present merely to facilitate the process. You can be a part of this process by becoming a yajamana. To find out how, click here...

Ganapati Homa

This yagna is done to propitiate Lord Ganapati, the remover of obstacles. It is especially auspicious before starting any new venture. It is said that when He was young, Lord Ganapati obtained a boon from his father - Lord Shiva, that whenever anybody started anything, he would be worshipped first. Ganapati Homas are traditionally performed every Chaturthi (the fourth day of the lunar month).

Durga Homa

Durga is a manifestation of the Mother Divine - the primordial force that creates, sustains and transforms this entire universe. Of the triad or Durga, Lakshmi Saraswati, she is responsible for ridding the universe of negative elements. The Durga homa is performed to remove negative tendencies in our self and the environment.

Navagraha Homa

The Navagraha Homa is done to propitiate the nine planets which influence all aspects of our life. Each planet is related to different aspects of life, and exert their influence in their respective spheres. This homa nullifies the baneful effect of these planets.

Ayushya Homa

Ayushya - pertaining to life - is usually performed on birthdays. It promotes longevity, bestowing good luck on the yajamana. Lord Mrtyunjaya is propitiated and invoked to bless the yajamana. As the name suggests Mrutyunjaya signifies victory over death.

Sudarshana Homa

Sudarshana - a term which is well known thanks to His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - signifies the discus of Lord Narayana. It is supposed to be infallible weapon of Lord Narayana. This homa is helpful in clearing up any confusions or inimical states of mind. It bestows clarity and helps remove blocks in the mind.

Sahasranaama

Sahasranaama literally means - thousand names. These collection of thousand names of the particular dieties extolls the various qualities of the divine in these various forms.

Vishnu Sahasranaama Archana

The thousand names of vishnu.

Lalitha Sahasranaama Archana

The thousand names of the devi.

 

Other Activities

The traditional way of life envisages various stages in ones life right from conception to the final parting. Each of these stages is revered and ceremonies are performed for each stage. Some of these are offered here at the ashram.

Annaprashana

The first time a child is fed rice (solid food) is an important ritual. Performed when the child is around a year old, this simple ceremony involves feeding the child a little bit of rice along with the chanting of mantras.

Vidyarambham

When the infant gets older and is ready to start its education, a simple ceremony is performed where he or she writes the first letter. The priests bless the child for a good education and a bright intellect. This is usually performed when the child is about 3 to 4 years of age.

Upanayana

For those who wish to study the vedas, it is said that the first step is to go through this process. Just like there are prerequisites for any course of study, this is one of the essential prerequisites for studying the vedas. The child is invested with the sacred thread. The three threads signify the responsibility towards parents, society and the knowledge.

Vivaha (Traditional Marriage)

Vivaha, or marriage, signifies the transition from brahmacharya to grahastashrama - from a student to householder. The marriage is solemnised in front of the holy fire and the couple pledge to be bound to each other through thick and thin.

Horoscopes

Horoscopes are cast using traditional methods with the help of computers. You can have your readings done by the experts who also teach at the school.