Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagna - Day 6 - July 22, 2015

Dear devotees,

With the grace of our Guru and Goddess Chandika Mahalakshmi, we are now approaching Day 6 of this grand event. 

Today's proceedings went off very well with incredible devotion and participation from everyone who attended. As a reminder, recordings of all the events so far can be found on our Google+ page

July 22, 2015, 7:00 AM

Starting at 7 AM EST, we will perform a Rudrabhishekam followed by Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam. We will all perform archana to the Navakshari Yantram by including the Adhyaya Devata for each chapter after every shloka in Devi Mahatmyam. 

Google Hangouts Event: https://plus.google.com/events/cgfau5470mkboqtiiskndkmhds4

Youtube (Alternate Link): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAAiBTibzW4

July 22, 2015, 5:00 PM

At 5 PM, we will start Navakshari Moola Mantra Japam (1008) with Maatrukaksharam. This will be followed by Ascharya Ashtothram, Lalitha Sahasranamam, Lalitha Trishathi and Mangala Haarathi. 

Google Hangouts Event: https://plus.google.com/events/cmrfhgh044hg3oh0t1he62koqc8

Youtube (Alternate Link): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSc88clHEkM

We welcome each one of you to come and participate. For those of you unable to join us in person, please see livestream links above.

Regards,

Raghu Ranganathan

www.sahasrachandi.com

Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagna - Day 5 - July 21, 2015

Dear devotees,

With the grace of our Guru and Goddess Chandika Mahalakshmi, we are now approaching Day 5 of this grand event.  We are all blessed to be able to participate in such a divine event. Recordings of all the events so far can be found on our Google+ page

July 21, 2015, 7:00 AM
At 7 AM EST, we will perform a Rudrabhishekam followed by Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam. We will all perform archana to the Navakshari Yantram by including the Adhyaya Devata for each chapter after every shloka in Devi Mahatmyam. 

This is a rare opportunity made possible by the incredible dedication and enthusiasm of all our Ritwiks and Parayanikas. We welcome each one of you to come and participate. For those of you unable to join us in person, please see livestream links below:

Google Hangouts Event: https://plus.google.com/events/c6ldlrsprdig3jtubmo1nihs050
Youtube (Alternate Link): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8S7zQA2kv4

Regards,
Raghu Ranganathan
www.sahasrachandi.com
 

Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagna - Day 2

Dear devotees,

Today is Day 2 of Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagna. We completed Chaturavarthi Tarpanam and Sahasra Modaka Ganapathi Homam this morning to obtain the blessings of Lord Ganesha for this grand event. 

The Ganapathi Homam was followed by Navagraha Homam, Vaastu Homam, Shanti Homam, Nakshatra Homam, Raashi Homam, Sri Rudra-Chamakam Homam and Sundari Garbhita Purusha Suktham and Sri Suktham Homams. In parallel, a Chandi Aavarna Puja and Sri Srividya Navavarna Puja was also performed. 

We are live streaming the event here: http://youtu.be/cXmBPtCeVZA

(If you missed it live, you can also watch a full recording here!)

Sri Gurubhyo Namaha

Sahasra Chandi Volunteers

Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagna - Day 1

Dear devotees, 

With the grace of our Guru and Goddess Chandika Mahalakshmi, we are commencing the grand Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagna today. 

Today, we will perform Guru Anugnya, Ganapathi Puja, Maha Sankalpam, Punyahavachanam, Matruka Puja, Yogini Puja, Kshetra Palaka Puja, Vaastu Puja, Navagraha Puja, Pravesha Bali, Ankurarpanam, Rakshabandhanam and Acharya Varanam. 

If you are in the Greater Toronto/Mississauga area, we welcome you to join us at the Hindu Heritage Centre - 6300 Mississauga Road, Mississauga ON L5N 1A7. 

The event will be available for livestream on Google HangoutsYoutube

Regards,

Sahasra Chandi Volunteers

Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam: July 4 - July 10, 2015

Sri Gurubhyo Namaha

Excitement is rising with only 15 days to the start of the Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagna! With the infinite grace of Goddess and Guru combined with tremendous hard work and dedication from all the devotees, we have completed 1000 counts of Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam for the Sahasra Chandi Yagna. 

Please see livestream links below for this week's Parayanams. We are looking forward to your participation!

July 4, 8:00 AM: Google Hangouts | Youtube

July 4, 4:00 PM: Google Hangouts | Youtube

July 5, 8:00 AM: Google Hangouts | Youtube

July 5, 5:00 PM: Google Hangouts | Youtube

July 6, 7:00 PM: Google Hangouts | Youtube

July 10, 7:00 PM: Google Hangouts | Youtube

Regards,

Sahasra Chandi Volunteers

Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam - Week of June 27, 2015

Sri Gurubhyo Namaha

Please see links below for this week's Devi Mahatmyam Parayanams. Sri Chakra Navavarna Puja and Sri Chandi Dashaavarana Puja will be simultaneously performed on the Sri Chakra and Chandi Navakshari Yantra.

Saturday, June 27 9:00 AM - Google Hangouts Livestream | Youtube

Saturday, June 27 4:00 PM - Google Hangouts Livestream | Youtube

Sunday, June 28 4:00 PM - Google Hangouts Livestream | Youtube

Tuesday, June 30 7:00 PMGoogle Hangouts Livestream | Youtube

Wednesday, July 01 9:00 AM - Google Hangouts Livestream | Youtube

Wednesday, July 01 4:00 PM - Google Hangouts Livestream | Youtube

A quick reminder to check our Publications page on this website. We have recently added several texts published by our Ashram, including Lalitha Sahasranamam Namavali, Devi Mahatmyam, Chandika Mahalakshmi Nyasam and Mahayagakrama (Bhavanopanishad Prayoga Vidhi). 

Regards,

Sahasra Chandi Volunteers

Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam - June 19 - 21, 2015

Sri Gurubhyo Namaha

Preparations are in full swing now with less than one month to go for the Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagna! 

The parayanam sessions in Toronto/Mississauga and San Francisco Bay Area leading up to the Sahasra Chandi Homam have been amazing. We have had an outstanding participation from the community and the vibrations from the chanting have been divine. Special thanks to all the hosts and volunteers who have been organizing each pooja with utmost devotion and dedication. 

At this time, we would like to share a few photos from the Chandi Homam and Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam conducted by Sri K.R. Yegnarathnam during his visit to the San Francisco Bay Area this year. 


Please see below for the webcast and Youtube links for this week's Parayanam sessions. 

June 19th Evening 6:30
Webcast | YouTube
June 20th Morning 8:00
Webcast | Youtube 
June 20th Morning 11:00
Webcast | Youtube 
June 20th Afternoon 4:00
Webcast | Youtube 
June 21st Morning 9:00
Webcast | Youtube 

Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam - June 12 - 17, 2015

Sri Gurubhyo Namaha

Please see below for livestream and Youtube links for this week's parayanam sessions. You can find an Ashram publication of Devi Mahatmyam Sanskrit text on this page

June 12, 7:00 PM: Google Hangouts | Youtube

June 13, 9:00 AM: Google Hangouts | Youtube

June 13, 4:00 PM: Google Hangouts | Youtube

June 14, 9:00 AM: Google Hangouts | Youtube

June 14, 4:00 PM: Google Hangouts | Youtube

June 17, 7:00 PM: Google Hangouts | Youtube

Regards,

Sahasra Chandi Volunteers

Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam - May 30 - June 1, 2015

Dear all,

Following the 113th Vardhanthi Celebrations of our Guru Sri Vimarshananda Nathendra Saraswathi Swamigal this Friday, May 29, we will be conducting Devi Mahatmyam Parayanams this weekend per schedule below. 

Please register on the Google Hangouts event page to receive event updates via email. 

May 30, 2015 - 9 AM EST: Google Hangouts Event | Youtube

May 30, 2015 - 4 PM EST: Google Hangouts Event | Youtube

May 31, 2015 - 9 AM EST: Google Hangouts Event | Youtube

June 1, 2015 - 7 PM EST: Google Hangouts Event | Youtube

Regards,

Sahasra Chandi Volunteers

An Ode to our Guru

On Friday, May 29, 2015, we will be celebrating our Guru Sri Vimarshananda Nathendra Saraswathi Swamigal's 113th Vardhanthi in the morning and chanting Devi Mahatmyam that evening. To mark this auspicious occasion, we would like to share the following ode to our Guru written by Sri Ramakrishna Dikshithar, poorvashrama son of our Guru Sri Vimarshananda Nathendra Saraswathi Swamigal.

Early years

Sri Vimarshananda Nathendra Saraswati Mahaswamigal, who was known as S. Rengasamy Dikshithar before he took Sanyasa, was born in May 1902 in Krishnapuram, a village in Tamil Nadu, India. He started studying the Vedas from the age of 8 in a traditional Pathashala under the direct guidance of Sri Ramanatha Ghanapadigal, a knowledgeable and reputed Vedic scholar of that period. After completion of his Vedic studies in the Pathashala, he was trained in all the Vedic rituals, including grand Yagnas like the Soma Yaga, which is ordained in the Karma Kanda of the Vedas.    

At the age of 30, he was initiated into Sri Vidya Upasana Marga by his father Shri Prakashanandanatha, who thus became his Diksha Guru.

Sri Vidya Upasana

Belonging to the reputed and illustrious Suthamalli Guru Parampara of towering masters, it is no wonder that our Guru Sri Vimarshananda Natha is a great master of masters in Sri Vidya Upasana. He also excelled in the Vedic discipline - a benchmark that separates other Sri Vidya traditions from ours. Tantric texts and doctrines are essentially based on Vedas and as such they derive their authority from Vedas. Unless you are conversant with Vedic lore, you cannot fully appreciate the Tantric practices or the values and truths stated therein. Having been proficient in both Vedic & Tantric Systems, our Guru was able to teach correct practices for various religious rites and functions covering a wide spectrum of activities like Pooja, Yagna, Japa and Parayana of various Deities.

He initiated numerous people on Sri Vidya Mantra and it is to his credit that he adopted a flexible and practical attitude to prescribe procedures to practice Sri Vidya Upasana depending upon the temperament , competency, capability, attitude and aptitude of the followers. In fact, rigidity and inflexibility in earlier times made it almost impossible to have access to Sri Vidya Upasana. 

He was a perfectionist who always insisted on 100% dedication and commitment. He insisted on correct intonation and pronunciation while reciting Vedas or chanting religious texts. He taught orally the essential Vedic texts, Upanishads, Sri Lalitha Sahasranama, Lalitha Trisati and other related Devi Stotras, Chandi Saptashati Parayana and other essential mantras to his disciples in a most authentic manner. 

He performed Sri Vidya Upasana in all its gross, subtle and transcendental forms for a continuous uninterrupted period of 65 years from the age of 30. He performed Chakra Sadhana as prescribed in Nityashodashikarnava Tantra. The Chakra Sadhana involves nine months of uninterrupted Sri Chakra Pooja and Sri Vidya Mantra Japa in its most detailed format. He strictly followed rigorous injunctions and prohibitions per instructions from his Guru. This is a rare feat for any Sri Vidya Upasaka of repute. This made him a Siddha Purusha and conferred him all psychic, occult and supernatural powers.

Establishing Bhaskara Prakasha Ashram

He established Bhaskara Prakasha Ashram as a mark of respect, recognition, remembrance and reverence to the Great Tantrikacharya Sri Bhaskararaya who is considered  the incarnation of Supreme Mother Goddess Herself, and his Guru Sri Prakashananda Natha.

He performed and conducted countless Sri Vidya Homams and Chandi Yagnas in many parts of India and initiated numerous people into the path of Sri Vidya Upasana Marga. He conducted the Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagna four times in his Ashram. He performed “Trishati Brahmana Bhojanam,” which involved honouring, propitiating, feeding and worshiping 300 Brahmins by invoking in them the 300 names of Supreme Mother Goddess mentioned in “Lalitha Trishati Stotra” just prior to his taking Sanyasa in February 1982.

He published many books on daily rituals & worship of Sri Chakra. He is instrumental in publishing an authentic Tamil translation of the commentaries on Shakta Upanishads by Sri Bhaskararaya; namely, Tripuropanishad, Bhavanopanishad and Kaulopanishad. As we consider Sri Bhaskararaya an authority on all matters concerning Sri Vidya Upasana, our Guru adopted and propagated many of his practical application manuals to his disciples. He practiced and taught Bhavanopanishad Prayoga Vidhi written by Bhaskararaya as a daily ritual of Sri Vidya Upasana. The importance of the “Bhavanopanishad Prayoga Vidhi” cannot be overstated because this is the ultimate transcendental (Bhavana) aspect of Sri Vidya Upasana.

Our Guru always stressed the importance of doing Japa, Nyasa, Parayana, reciting Lalitha Sahasranama Stotra,Trishati stotra, chanting Upanishads ,Vedic texts like Sri Rudra, Chamaka, Purusha Sukta, Sri Sukta, Sri Chandi Parayana and Bhavanopanishad Prayoga Vidhi as a daily routine for Sri Vidya Upasana. The following audio music albums released by Bhaskara Prakasha Ashram have been dedicated to the lotus feet of Sri Sri Vimarshananda Nathendra Saraswathi Swamigal:

  • Lalitha Sahasranama Parayanakrama consisting of Lalitha Sahasranamam, Lalitha Trisati, Devi Vaibhava Ashcharya Astottaram, Devi Stuti set to beautiful ragas in Carnatic Music by Sri Vimarshananda Nathendra Saraswathi Swamigal and his Poorvashrama brother Sri K.S.Kameswaran. The album also includes Sri Vidya Mantra Keertana composed by Sri Muthuswami Dikshithar.
  • Upanishad consisting of Taitreeya Upanishad, Ganapathi Upanishad, Devi Upanishad, Bhavanopanishad, Tripuropanishad, Kaulopanishad and Mandukya Upanishad.
  • Guru Puja consisting of Bhavanopanishad Prayoga Vidhi, Sundari Garbhita Purusha Suktam and Sri Suktam.

As part of his 113th Jayanti celebrations, we offer our prayers at the feet of our Guru by conducting Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagna in Canada.  

॥श्रीसद्गुरुचरणारविन्दाभ्यां नमः॥

॥श्रीमच्चरणवैभवायै नमः॥ 

Written by Sri Ramakrishna Dikshithar, poorvashrama son of our Guru Sri Vimarshananda Nathendra Saraswathi

Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam: May 16 - 18, 2015

Sri Gurubhyo Namaha

Monday, May 18 is a statutory holiday in Canada and we have planned multiple Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam sessions to make it a divine long weekend for all of us. 

In addition to the parayanams in the Toronto area, Sri K.R. Yegnarathnam is also performing a Chandi Homam (morning) and Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam (evening) in San Jose, CA on Saturday, May 16. If you are in the Bay area and would like to attend these events, please contact us here for venue and timing information. Sri K.R. Yegnarathnam is also giving a discourse at Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple in San Jose on Sunday, May 17 at 6pm. 

Google Hangouts livestream and Youtube recording links for this weekend's Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam sessions are below.

May 16, 9:00 AM EDT: Google Hangouts Event | Youtube

May 16, 4:30 PM EDT: Google Hangouts Event | Youtube

May 17, 9:00 AM EDT: Google Hangouts Event | Youtube

May 17, 4:30 PM EDT: Google Hangouts Event | Youtube

May 18, 4:00 PM EDT: Google Hangouts Event | Youtube

You can find a PDF copy of Devi Mahatmyam text in Sanskrit here

Regards,

Sahasra Chandi Volunteers

Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam - April 11 and 12

Sri Gurubhyo Namaha

With Guru and Goddess' blessings, the Parayanam sessions for Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagna are in full swing. This weekend, we will be chanting Devi Mahatmyam on both days at 10am. 

We will be livestreaming the Parayanam on Google Hangouts. Please register on the Google Hangouts event page in order to receive event/livestream updates via email.

April 11: Google Hangouts Event | Youtube Recording

April 12: Google Hangouts Event | Youtube Recording 

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us here

गुरुं स्तुवीतेति सर्वं शुभं |

Inaugural Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam for Sahasra Chandi 2015 on March 28

Sri Gurubhyo Namaha

With the Goddess and Guru's blessings, we will have our first parayanam on March 28, 2015. The program for this day starting at 9AM EST will be as follows:

Mahasankalpam, Guru Paduka Puja, Sri Rudraabhishekam, Devi Mahatmyam Parayanam (Durga Saptashati /Chandi Paath), Sri Chakra Navavarna Puja, Mangala Aarathi. 

We will be livestreaming this event on Google Hangouts if you would like to join us online: https://plus.google.com/events/cvjnnsl89qfnblrn531osd7m67g

Please contact us directly if you have any questions. 

Regards,

Sahasra Chandi Volunteers