“Anaahat-Naad”
‘ANAAHAT NAAD’ as the name suggests is that ‘Naad’ or ‘Sound’ which has been produced without the help of a musical instrument or without disturbing any other object. It is produced by itself. (Most of the sounds are produced when two or more things hit each other or come into contact with each other. Therefore, this kind of sound is categorised as ‘Aaahat Naad’ or ‘Aahat sound’. ) The sound which has come alive by itself in this universe ( ब्रम्‍हांड )that sound of Almighty is called ‘Anaahat Naad’ or ‘Brahamanaad’. In the beginning, of the Universe, there was the origin of the sound or naad, named ‘Aum’ ॐ. And therefore, this sound of ‘Anaahat Naad’ is also called ‘Braham-Naad’. And this, self produced ‘Naad’ is ‘Anaahat Naad’.
A large section of the Rishis, and the Munis is the worshipper of ‘Anaahat Naad’. In this whole Universe, there are 36 zones (or ‘Mandals’) in all and each one has its own ‘Naad’ (or sound), and from amongst them only 10 can be heard, and the rest 26 cannot be heard. These 26 types of Anahat Naad can only be experienced with the help of the ‘Invisible Eyes’ (or ‘the Third Eye’). These sounds are of great importance and provide great strength.
A beginner who has been initiated to learn the subject (‘a saadhaka’) should practice ‘Anaahat Naad’, in the early hours only after finishing off his early morning rituals. For this, one should lie down in ‘Shaava-asana’ ( शवासन ) and with the help of his thumbs (of both the hands), he should close his ears. And by this process, he will experience a strange sound and it should be heard only from the right side (i.e., his right ear). Because the words heard from the left side are of ‘Maya’ and they are worth discarding ( त्याज्य ). Slowly and slowly, in due course of time, through practice, one can start hearing this ‘Anaahat Naad’, without even closing his ears. This is completely a matter of hard practice ( साधना ) .

By:- Dr. R. B. Dhawan ‘Shukracharya’

‘JAPA’ – Its Significance
The Scientists, researchers and the psychologists, after a lot of research work being carried out by them have come to a concussion that the eruption of thoughts or ideas time and again, or the rise of different words has a long-lasting effect on the human mind. And a time comes when these words form the basis of a ‘Mantra’ by themselves (as it becomes a part of the ‘Mantra’). If these ideas or thoughts are good and full of pleasure and are soothing to the human mind, and the ‘Mantras’ are for the benefit of the human beings, then the results are very much beneficial to the human being. They make him feel the Eternal Bliss (or the Blissful State).
On the other hand, if the ideas or thoughts are not good and do not provide any pleasure, or these ideas are put forth in order to displease someone, then the results are not at all good. A person of humane nature who thinks only about the welfare of the mankind, should always stay away from such harmful thoughts.
At times, when a person comes across such circumstances, that is because of his deeds which he had done earlier. The deeds because of which he faces the situation they can be treated only by way of ‘Japa’. And in such a situation, the suffering faced in the form of the results of his ‘karma’ can be corrected only by the induction of good deeds.
Just as, if in a pot filled with water, the sand is being added, then that sand settles at the bottom of the pot. As the quantity of sand will increase, the level of water shall also increase. After a stage, when the quantity of sand increases in the pot, the water starts overflowing from the pot and a time comes when the whole pot will be empty and there will be only sand left in it. Similarly, when by way of the ‘Japa Sadhana’, a saadhak (or a worshipper) increases the good qualities of his Lord in his mind (which is like a pot here), and then by way of Maditation one can push off the bad qualities (or get rid of his unwanted bad sanskaras) which are like water. Thus the significance and goodness of the ‘Japa Sadhana’ is being proved.

By:- Dr. R. B. Dhawan ‘Shukracharya’

MANTRA — AT THE ALTAR OF SCIENTIFIC THOUGHTS
“MANTRA” is a scientific thought process. There is no place for ‘Imagination’. The science of Mantras is completely and clearly based on the ‘Laws of science’ ¼oSKkfud fl)kar½. Infact, according to some modern thinkers, the strength of the mantras (or ‘Mantra-Shakti’) is considered to be a superstition. First of all, because of the reality that there are very few people left who know about the strength of the Mantras. And secondly, those who follow, that is also because of the system which has been prevalent, where it is being passed on from the teacher (Guru) to his student (Shishya)! And these students wanted to retain this precious knowledge to themselves only, and did not want to part with it and pass it on to others, as they considered it to be a ‘Sin’. The teachers (Gurus) also imparted the knowledge of these Mantras to only those students (or Shishyas) who were initiated to learn the subject in a proper way as prescribed in the religions scriptures. And it was very much essential for such students (or Shishyas) to wear only the basic undergarment and sit beside the sadhus and Tapasvis, in line with them and were to give an assurance to the Guru that — “This knowledge shall be kept a secret, and only before their death it would be passed on to the most eligible student by taking an assurance from him.” Apart from this, those few people who were keen to learn the basics of this subject, they are also unable to learn them. And therefore, a very important part of Indian Astrology, started by the Indian Scholars and the great Rishis, ‘The knowledge and Importance of the Mantras’ is becoming extinct from this land of Religions.
According to the Laws of Physics, the Mantras can be studied in two ways — (1) The sounds of the words, (2) Internal Electrical Impulse. In Modern Science, it is defined as ‘Alpha Waves’. Therefore, in the form of a law — (1) Laws of sound, and (2) Law of Internal Electrical Mantra. Whenever a Mantra is recited, it produces ‘Sound’. With the production of sound, the vibrations are produced from the Ether and because of the vibrations, the sound is converted into waves and mixes in the atmosphere. And alongwith it the Internal Electricity also, (in the form of electric current), dissolves in the atmosphere. This internal current which is produced because of the “Recitation of words” and is present in the form of waves, sends these waves produced from the words and sent towards a particular person concerned or towards a particular direction, helps in the achievement of success in tasks in hand.
Now, the question arises as to how this Internal Electrical current is being generated. The researchers have accepted that when one is meditating with full concentration, (i.e., a person is in the Dhyan, Manan and Chintan Awastha), at that time, because of the Chemical activity, an electricity like current flows through the body of the person (which can be called the electricity/or electric current of our body), and a peculiar form of ‘Vibrating Current’ is produced in the Mind ¼efLr”d½ which is named ‘Alpha Waves’. (We can also call it — ‘The Current From Mind’). This ‘Alpha Wave’ when combines with sound waves which are produced during the ‘Recitation of Mantras’ and effect another person or helps in the attainment of the desired objective. And, ultimately, helps in the achievement of success in the desired objective for which the Mantras are being recited. This ‘Current of Mind’ or ‘the Alpha Waves’ can be called ‘The Current of knowledge’.

By:- Dr. R. B. Dhawan ‘Shukracharya’

BLESSINGS OF THE RISHIS (‘The Healer of Thy Self.’)

When we meet a person and shake hands with him, at that time, we are affected by the views of the other person. That is why, in our Indian Heritage, we find that people greet with folded hands. So that we do not get affected by their views and the internal energies of a person remain intact inside One’s self only. The Rishis and the Munis and our yogacharyas always bless us by putting their hand on our head, and this system of blessings is prevalent since time immemorial in our Indian society. Blessing a person by putting the hand on the head means if the person who is being blessed, if there is some lacuna in his internal energies to collect the positive rays do not affect us, then it is recharged.
This is the only reason why the human beings get energized unusually after being blessed by the rishis, munis, tapasavis and the yogis. Because of this, when we visit the tapobhumis or the ashrams of the tapasvis or any sacred place, our mind is at peace and the strong positive energies of the rishis which is spread over the entire region is being accepted by our mind and because of its effect only that we attain peace.
These days every person is tense, and worried about various aspects of his life. He is suffering because today materialism is at peak. Today, man has become a slave of machines. Everywhere there is artificiality. And even after completely engrossing himself in this materialistic world and attaining all the luxuries of life, still the human beings are dissatisfied. They don’t consider themselves to be the lucky ones. They don’t achieve mental satisfaction and hence, they are always in search of peace. And this SEARCH is, ultimately, Unending…….!

“DIVYA – CHAKSHU : The Third Eye
In the yogic scriptures, we find reference that – “Amongst the living beings, the human body which is regarded as ‘Supreme’ consists of three eyes –
(a) the 2 eyes, which can be seen by everyone; and
(b) the ‘Third Eye’ which is invisible.”

The great learned men, the intellectuals refer this ‘Invisible eye’ as the Third eye or Divya Chakshu. The yogacharyas call this ‘Suspenseful eye’ as “Shiva-Netra” as well and the Rishis and Munis call it ‘the Third Eye’. Generally, it is believed that that this Third Eye is with Lord Shankara only. But it is a myth. The yogacharyas are of a very clear view that every human being possesses this Third Eye and it is present in our “Agayachakra” . Every human being can especialize and energize his ‘Divya - Chakshu’ or open (activate) his Third Eye.

After a human being closes his eyes and goes off to sleep and enters the dream zone of his mind and the person visits the dream zone of his mind and the person visits the dream world, all this happens in the light of this ‘Third Eye.’

Those human beings who are able to energize their Divya-Chakshu, they not only gain knowledge (without physically reading or intaking knowledge, this knowledge is called ‘Brahm-Gyan’ ), but also come closer to the world of science. They are able to reap the benefits of the ‘intellectual world’ or the ‘world of knowledge.’ The person is able to concentrate. He is able to differentiate, very clearly between the well-wishers and the people who are against him. The person is able to view his future. And ultimately, the person is able to make the necessary changes in his life style, or his way of living and reach a level, where his mind is always fresh and cheerful and his body is always cleansed of the impurities, and he is in a position to maintain good health and he is, even, able to come closer to the God, ‘ the ALMIGHTY’.

What is Death?
Life is like an eternal stream. Each of us has been living since time immemorial and would continue to do so for millions of years in future. Ignorance of facts makes us believe that life begins in the womb of mother during pregnancy and ends with cessation of functions of heart and brain. It is a myopic point of view– a misleading concept. Modern medical science would make us believe that soul has no independent existence of its own, that the body itself is the totality of a living entity and the being is lost forever on death of the body, But Alas ! Physical sciences themselves are even today in infancy. Take for instance the subject of velocity of electricity. So far, over three dozen theories have been advanced in this context each contradicting the earlier ones. No doubt man has learnt to make use of electrical current, but he is still uncertain about its mode of propagation. To the material world the ever-changing theories of physical sciences may not matter much but it would be unfortunate for mankind to apply the same norms to research in spirituality. Whereas scientists consider body itself as the total existence of a living being, a research scholar of spirituality puts forward evidences of paranormal activities of the departed, defying explanation by material sciences. Then there are authenticated versions of small innocent children, who have identified places and people of their past lives proving beyond doubt that a being goes through cycles of birth and death again and again. Sucking milk from mother’s breast immediately after birth, itself indicates the presence in the infant of a memory from previous life. Extraordinary talents of many young children too are indicative of knowledge acquired in an earlier existence.
Soul (not mind which is recognized as soul in the west) and body are not one and the same entity. Just as one is required to change clothes according to the requirements of occasion, the soul too changes bodies. As it is not possible to wear the same clothes throughout one’s life, the soul with its infinite continuity in time, cannot dwell in the same body. That is why it seeks to find a new body again and again. Though, generally, one discards the old worn and torn clothes only, at times it becomes necessary to do so prematurely, when they are accidentally damaged, torn or have become unusable on account of some other reason. Likewise, though the soul continues to live in the body till the later becomes infirm due to old age or diseases, it may also leave it at a younger age in a contingency.

The Words of Pt. SHRIRAM SHARMA ACHARYA Ji

            Astrologers while studying a Birth-chart analyze the Grahadasa and Antaradasa and the after effects of different planets and in this context, then they try to see how much good or bad, these effects are in the birth-chart. But as far as the effects of the planet ‘Saturn’ are concerned, the astrologers consider it as a planet which is too harsh in nature. Regarding the Mahadasa of Saturn, the astrologers view it as a period which signifies “Suffering, full of sorrows, and losses, etc”. in the life of a human being. The person concerned is unable to see anything or visualize anything and his mind is blank (or ‘Shunaya’) and he is unable to think rationally. The person feels lethargic. He is unable to think properly. He is not rewarded properly. Time and again his near and dear ones abuse him. Even the readers will agree that whatsoever is being said about the effects of the planet Saturn, during its Mahadasa, is absolute truth.

          Generally, it is said that Saturn is like a Judge, and possesses the powers just as the powers possessed by a Judge. But in every birth-chart its effects are different. It behaves not only as a planet which punishes a human being but it does give various other results as well. For example, if Saturn is in Taurus or Libra rashi and in the ‘Kendra sthan’ (centre  of the birth-chart), or it is in the birth chart as a yogakaraka in Kendra, or in ‘Trikonesh’ or if  ‘Kendresh along with Trikonesh’ or if  ‘Trikonesh and then in Kendresh’ then during its mahadasha, Saturn has the following good results like in agricultural activities, cattle and the herd, servants, a good remuneration, money, materialistic goods (luxuries), success in achieving goals, a good flourishing business, state honours, political benefits, etc. Therefore, it is clear that Saturn gives not only malefic results but also benefic, and these results depend on the different situations. In different situations, at times just like other planets, it gives us peace and prosperity. To declare Saturn as a planet ‘full of sorrows’ is a perception shared by thinkers and people at large. This is however, far from the truth. The reality is that Saturn helps one in the realization of truth and a just and an equitable planet.

          ‘‘Aayurjeevan, mrityukaran, vipat, sampat, pradata shani’’

आयुर्जीवन, मृत्यूकरण, विपत, संपत, प्रदाता शनि ||

            Lord Shani bestows his blessings on all beings, in return for only being worshipped and remembered.

          It is, however, another matter that in this mortal life human beings indulge less in good deeds and spend most of their energies in bad deeds. Thus, true to the system of justice the human beings bear punishment more than being rewarded. Therefore, this is also the reason, why this planet Saturn is considered more as inauspicious and one that inflicts punishment for wrong deeds. Traditionally, Lord Saturn is so perceived and worshipped –

          ‘‘Neelanjansamabhasam raviputram yamagraJam| Chhayamartand – sammootam tam namaami shaneshcharm||’’

नीलन्जनम समाभासम रविपुत्रम यमग्रजम | छायामार्तंड सम्मूतम तम नामामी शनेशचरम ||

            This form of Lord Saturn reminds us of the Judge wearing his long robes and encircled by several advocates dressed in black coats. The verse above means- ‘‘I worship Lord Saturn who embodies such form – with a dark blue aura and jet black demeanor with a radiant glow (All Judges wearing their black robes look as if carrying a radiant glow), he is the son of Lord Suryadev (‘Sun’ is the king amongst the planets and has given birth to Lord Saturn), he is the elder brother of Lord Yama (Lord Yamraj symbolizes ‘a Jailor’ of ‘a hangman); he is born of Chhaya and Martand (Sun’s reign. Light and shade (chhaya) – are the symbols of darkness. Somewhere its light and Somewhere its darkness (crime), because of which these are born. Its a slow moving planet (“In the courts the dispensation of Justice is a long and a tardy process. That is why, it is said – “In the Lord’s court, there may be delays, but the Justice is done”). For delays in Judicial matters, it is wrong on the part of the people to blame the Judicial system.

          Hence, the verse is very appropriate in describing the view point of a Judge, as it says – “I offer my prayers to a Judge who is a Jet black demeanor (it is like the colour of ‘kajal’) with a radiant glow, who is karmaputra of the reigning power, who is appointed as the chief-administrator by the reigning power, he is appointed by the reigning  power because of the tensions created by the human beings during darkness (or we can say the crimes committed by the bad elements during darkness), and apart from these, he is the one who might be a slow mover and because of a lot of thinking process, it might be delayed but the Justice done is the true  Justice and in the right perspective.”

          The similarity between a Judge and Lord Saturn is just because of their external appearances, but more important is their internal similarity. In the birth-charts of all the Judges, civil servants, philosophers, scientists, etc. the Lord Saturn plays a very vital role in helping them achieve the highest positions. Apart from this, when a person is about to be punished for his bad deeds, at that time also Lord Saturn’s effects are there. Whether, they are in the form of Mahadasha or Antaradasha or Sadhesati, the results are always against the wishes of the person concerned.

          If the rewards are against the wishes of the person concerned then, generally, Lord Saturn’s results are in the following forms, for example – disease, illness, loss of finances, attachment to someone else or going to Jail, separation from near and dear ones, death of someone in close relations, or getting a disease which is equivalent to death, agitation (i.e., retaliation) or quarrels in the family, etc. If the food-habits of a person are irregular then he might get some sort of health problem. And to get rid of such problems, during the ‘dasha-antaradasha’ or the period of ‘sadhesati’, the Lord Saturn gives illness to a human being, so that he can be cured by medicines. By this, he rectifies him and gives indication by putting him on the right path.

          Most of us know that immediately after the period of sadhesati, a human being feels fresh and on each and every individual, after every 30 years, Lord Saturn showers  his blessings. When a person is old, and during the third phase of his blessings, Lord Saturn removes all difficulties and forever.

          In this form, Lord Saturn is similar to a doctor who for the well-being of his patients, in the operation theatre, is not at all bothered by his cries, because the reality lies in the cure of the disease. Therefore, to blame Lord Saturn is wrong, Just as, a child is frightened on seeing an injection in the hands of the doctor.

          Similarly, when an individual accumulates wealth by indulging in wrong methods then Lord Saturn, during his dasha-antaradasha, definitely gives him loss of wealth. Similarly, to save the people at the hands of a cruel administrator, he very cruelly brings an end to the reign of such Emperor. If there is increase in social exploitation then like a revolutionary, Lord Saturn tries to bring in social change in the administrative system. Lord Saturn shows the right path to a person who is disheartened and feels helplessness. Therefore, Lord Saturn is like a “Revolutionary Thinker” or “Social Reformer.”

          A person is disturbed because of his increased desires and requirements. Lord Saturn, though being a Prince, willingly agreed to be a servant. He did not accept any Princely grandeur. Rather than accepting horses or elephants, he satisfied himself with ‘mahisha’ only. He did not accept gold or silver ornaments but accepted iron ones. Urad dal and mustard oil give him satisfaction. He is not at all fond of colourful silken attire but prefers simple clothes and that too black in colour. Lord Saturn who blesses the Politicians, Judges, advocates, philosophers, etc. and helps them in achieving high positions and live a life in a grand style. And similarly, if a person who is at a very high position but he is cruel, whether, he is an Emperor like King Vikramaditya or the Lord of the universe ‘Indra’ he punishes them and converts them into a beggar. But his own life is simple and without being ostentatious.

          So, we can definitely say that Lord Saturn is an incarnation of “Lord Shiva” who in order to make others drink ‘the Nectar of Life’ himself drank ‘Poison’

          Now, it is for you to contemplate that – ‘what if Lord Saturn was not to be there amongst the planets …….? Then this universe would have been a place full of darkness?

“Om Shai Shaneeshcharaya namah”.

ओम शम शनेश्चराए नमः ||

By:- Dr. R. B. Dhawan ‘Shukracharya’

Medicinal Effects & Therapy for Eyes

The technique of yagya for the treatment of physical and mental diseases does not comprise only of the decomposition and transformation into vapor phase and release of medicinal phytochemicals from the herbal medicinal preparation; medicinal samidhas (wood pieces) and healthy nutritional substances offered in the fire of yagya are also processed to help in inducing increased vigor and immunity

Yagyopathy or yagya-therapy incorporates pulmonary drug-administration by inhalation and infusion through skin pores during yagya (agnihotra, homam) conducted with selected herbal (plant medicinal) preparations that are offered in fire along with chanting of specific Vedic hymns (mantras). The types and quantities of herbs used in the preparation of the material (havan samagri) for oblation in the fire of yagya, the type of medicinal woods used in the fire, the selection of mantras to be chanted during the herbal-oblations, the timings of yagya etc are specific for specific effects. Typically, the material (clay or metal) and design of the agni-kuñDa (fire-pit) is also chosen as per the Vedic scriptural prescriptions for desired effects.

The medicinal firewood (samidha) used in yagya are cellulose-rich and have less calorific value, the arrangement of selected firewood to control the air-supply and temperature variation are also optimized so that the fire breaks up molecule-to-molecule bonds of the sacrificed substances causing them to sublimate or vaporize, rather than triggering their independent combustion process[1].

The technique of yagya for the treatment of physical and mental diseases does not comprise only of the decomposition and transformation into vapor phase and release of medicinal phytochemicals from the herbal medicinal preparation; medicinal samidhas (wood pieces) and healthy nutritional substances offered in the fire of yagya are also processed to help inducing increased vigor and immunity[2].

The medicinal and nourishing output of the yagya are naturally inhaled through the nose (via deep breathing) and mouth (via rhythmic chanting of mantras). Moreover, because of being spread in the surrounding air the vaporized substances also enter the body through the skin pores. Doing yagya in the early morning (few hours around the sunrise time) at a neat place is most effective as the atmosphere is relatively clear and air is fresh (free of pollutants). If yagya is performed regularly at the same place, after several days the surrounding environments would become purer and remain so almost the entire day. Still, early morning time gives the best effects in terms of cleanliness of our skin (soon after bathing), metabolic state of our body, best impact of sunlight, etc.

People have a common belief that the smoke produced during this fire-ritual kills the bacteria so the effect of yagya is nothing but what could be achieved by burning the wood or dry cow dung. However, scientific experiments[1, 4] conducted to study the effects of – (a) proper yagya, (b) burning wood or cow dung, (c) control (no treatment) upon samples of same bacterial culture, incubated in identical conditions, show significant difference. The effect of yagya was found consistent and remarkably better (about 75% bacterial growth reduction, on an average) better than the controls while that of (b) was inconsistent; on some samples, it showed slight reduction (at the most 15%) as compared to the controls.

- The words of Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya

The Meaning of Yagya

In its gross form,

Spiritual implications of these are: devap¿jan – recognition, respect, consecration (in the individual self) and expansion of the divine virtue; sangatikaraña – coherent conjunction (of the thoughts and deeds) with the divine disciplines; dana – donation, sacrifice of one’s talents and resources for divine causes and noble purposes.

In terms of psychology the above meanings correspond respectively to the positive attitude of attitude of excellence, respect, cooperation and altruist service. In behavioral sense, honoring the elders is equivalent to devapujan; constructive collaboration and amity with colleagues and fellows of same age-groups is sangatikaraña and generous help for the progress of the youngsters and the downtrodden is dana.

All efforts of selfless service, constructive contributions in noble missions and cooperation of virtuous personalities are 

The rituals of deva-ahvahana (invocation), devapujan (worship) and ahutis in the physical process of Yagya, also involve the above aspects of Yagya.

Invocation and worship of divine powers is performed by collective chanting of specific vedic mantras in specific rhythm. Yagya is performed collectively right from the initial preparation to sacrificing the ahutis and arati. This is the best example of cooperation.

The altruist effect of

More importantly, these account for the fact that – we should donate our resources, wealth, and potentials for expanded effects rather than storing them for selfish motives and luxuries. The feeling of “idam na mam” (this is not mine) is indeed the root of happy progress of any society. It teaches that all the materialistic resources, power and honor available to one are directly or indirectly earned with the help of the society; the talents, education, sagacity, etc too are also not attainable without thy grace. These should therefore be applied constructively for the betterment of the society, of all beings.

The central theme of

In

- The Words of Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya

essence Yagya means – virtuous actions inspired by altruist objectives. Vision, courage and sentiment of keeping the least for self-joy and sharing the maximum possible for the welfare of the society as a whole is the core of performing Yagya and adopting its philosophy in human life.Yagya that should be well understood and adopted by all of us could be summarized as – voluntary renunciation of self-centered, possessive and greedy tendencies and adoption of a wider attitude; observance of the sadhana of divine love and altruism. The teaching of Yagya signifies that true progress and happiness of the individual self lies in that of the society.Yagya is most prominent as also implied in the chanting of “idam na mam”after each ahuti. The havan samagri sacrifised (as ahutis) in yagyagni sublimates and expands in open space energized by the sonic power of the mantras and enshowers multiple benefits in terms of purification of environment, soothing medicinal effects of the herbs and psychological strengthening. Some special ahutis of dry fruits, homemade sweets and/or fresh grains also cause positive effects of vigorous health. Yagya. Sincere endeavors of divine worship, self-refinement andvirtuous development are also glorious Yagyas in human life.Yagya is a spiritual experiment of sacrificing and sublimating the havansamagri in the yagyagni with chanting of vedic mantras. This is only the physical process or ritual of Yagya, which has scientific importance and beneficial effects. This agni-Yagya when performed at small scale is also known as havan, homam or agnihotra. However, the meaning of Yagya is not confined to this sacrificial fire-process. It has much wider and deeper meaning. Linguistically, the word Yagya is derived from the Sanskrit verb yaj, which means – devapujan (worshiping divinity), sangatikaraña (harmonious association) and dana (charity).

 The Foundation of Vedic Culture – Yagya

The foundation of the vedic culture emanates from the philosophy and science of

 It was a common belief and an observed fact in the Vedic Indian society that  Yagya  is essential for refinement of human life from that of a  shudra (one which is driven by animal instincts) to a Brahmin’s (sagacious, altruist), to a great personality of divine glory.  Yagyas were pivotal in the all-round progress, prosperity and happiness in that Age. This was indeed natural, as the philosophy and science of  Yagya and the different modes of performing Yagyas  – were discovered and developed by the  rishis  based on their in-depth understanding and research of the human self, the intricacies of the social system and the mysteries of Nature.

In the vacillating tides of time we lost and forgot the originality,  urpose, relevance and importance of  Yagya  in our life. It won’t be an exaggeration or mistake (delusion) to  onclude that this negligence and aberration has been a major cause of our fallen and miserable state today.

Nevertheless, there is a hope, as we somehow remember 

The Vedic mode of  vivaha samskara  (wedding ceremony) takes place in the presence of the sacred flames of  yagyagni. As the  elting heat of the fire welds and binds two metal pieces, the pious glow and spiritual warmth of the  yagyagni 

The funeral process (

The significance of 

Holi, which is celebrated these days as a color-festival with a fuming of some dry leaves and wood-rubbish, was originally a festival of Yagya to celebrate the harvesting of new crop everyyear. Feast full of new grains is supposed to be sacrifised in the holi-Yagya as a mark of expressing gratitude to thy grace. The spirit of purifying the grain before using it in foodpreparation is also associated with this Yagya.

 Yagya or homam (havan) is also carried out with the religious functions like – Satya Narayan Katha, Bhagvat Katha, Ramayan Parayan, etc. Specific Yagyas (or havans ) are also invariably linked with the vedic as well as the tantrika sadhana-anuÌÚhanas. Gayatri Sdhana is regarded incomplete without  Yagya. The number of ³hutis offered in the havans or Yagyas  organized with Gayatri AnuÌÚhana or MahapuraÌcarañas should at least equal the tenth or hundredth fraction of the number of japas – completed everyday in these sadhanas. Worshiping of different manifestations of thee is also supposed to be adept if rendered with specific kinds of Yagyas, asdescribed in the Holy Scriptures. The kindling of dhupa, dipaka, agarbatti etc during daily upasana are symbols of Yagya, where the incense-sticks are made up of havan samagri and the ghee or oil is sacrifised in the kuñdÃa of the dipaka. The prominence of  tirthas – places of pilgrimage, is also associated with Yagya since the Vedic Age. The places where grand Yagyas were organized and conducted by the rishis, became tirthas and are still revered as holy destinations of pilgrimage in India. “Prayaga” in Allahabad is known as  tirtharaja – the crown of all tirthas. The word “yaga” here is derived from Yagya. The word “prayaga” implies large number of Yagyas. The Dashashwamedha Ghata of Kashi -Varanasi is said to be the place where Lord Ram had performed tens of grand Yagyas of the “Ashwamedha” kind. Similarly, the names of the tirthas like Kurukshetra, Rameshwaram, Naimishyaranya, etc are also based on those of some historic Yagyas .Because of the prominence of Yagya, the Land of Vedic Culture – Bharat (India) is referred as karmbhumi – the glorious soil of noble deeds. The Brahm Puran mentions that – “The yatis of Bharat endeavor tapa-sadhanas, perform havans and generously offer charities (for altruist service). Saintly people pay devotion to thy anifestation, Yagya in the Jambudwipa  (the Indian subcontinent). Because of the noble culture of  Yagya, God Yagya PuruÌa  resides in the Jambudwipa . Bharat is the country of divine prestige in this land. While the other places could be the yogabhumi, only this pre-eminent land of Yagya – Bharat, is revered also as karmabhumi. Devotion of the limitless thy expansion in the form of  yagyagni is indeed a unique bequest of our ancestor rishis

The brilliance and purity of 

agni (fire) is found as the best symbol for thy-worship. The first mantra of Riga Veda – the most ancient scripture of knowledge on the earth, quotes – “Agnimide Purohitam” – signifying agni as the sacred idol of God. This is what is referred in different religious and spiritual scriptures as the Brahmteja, Divine Flame, Sacred Glow, Divine Light,Latent Light, etc. The vedic hymn “Agne Nay Supatha Raye” prays to this omnipotent, supreme power to enlighten and ennoble us to follow the right eous path. The same is inspired in the segment “Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayat” of the great Gayatri Mantra. Yagya in the thread ceremony (upanayan  samskara ) is self-evident as the sacred thread – which is donned to symbolize the initiation of enlightened life is called “yagyopavita”. This thread is always worn in the auspicious vicinity of yagyagni. Yagya  – as havan  or agnihotra, is also supposed to be performed with the devotional programs of katha- kirtana , religious celebrations and the occasions of special festivals, although what we now find in the Indian society is largely a deformed and superficial custom. Pouring some  ghee  and putting a little bit of sweets, cloves, dry fruits, etc on a piece of ember is what symbolizes daily agnihotra in most houses.daha samskara) is also a Yagya . The last  dites – in whatever shabby form we find them today are somewhat related to those of a  Yagya. The kapala-kriya marks the  parñahuti (completion) of this rite and also of the Yagya of the life of the deceased. The shape of the funeral pyre is a kind of  Yagya-kuñda in which the last remains are sacrificed to yagyagni, which transforms the constituents of the body into the basic elements and returns them in the original form to Nature.Yagya  as a holy custom and occasionally perform it – in some form at least, as a symbolic ritual. Although lifeless and deformed, the ‘corpse’ or the feeble and hazy image of this ancient tradition is still with us. Even this way, it is an integral part of our religious customs. All the important ceremonies – including the ïodas samskaras since birth till death, are conducted with some Yagya (or havan ) in a minimal form at least. Yagya. Yagya is the perennial symbol of this divine culture. No other topic is discussed so extensively in the Vedas as those pertaining to Yagya. The vedic religion is principally based on Yagya . The philosophy of Yagya appears to be the life of Indology. Talking of the vedic age automatically flashes in our memory, the images of the great  rishi-munis performing agnihotra-Yagya . Not only the  rishi-munis , but also the  ommon men, the rich and the poor, the kings and the citizens, in those days all had deep faith and respect for  Yagya  and they used to sincerely participate and lend whole hearted support in different kinds of  Yagyas. The saints and sadhus  used to spend at least one-third of their lives in conducting  Yagyas .