Mandi to Host Shat Chandi Maha Yajna for Universal Welfare During Navratri

Spiritual Event in Mandi

Munish Sood

Mandi
In Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, a significant spiritual event is scheduled to occur on the auspicious eve of the Navratri festival. The Hridhay Vasi Seva Samiti is set to conduct a Shat Chandi Maha Yajna from March 19 to March 27, inspired by the divine Leela Vilas of Ma Hridhay Vasni Ji and guided by her spiritual presence.

This nine-day sacred ceremony aims to invoke divine blessings for the peace, protection, and well-being of all living beings on Earth. The organizers believe that the collective prayers and rituals performed during this time will foster a spiritually enriching environment dedicated to universal harmony.

Raman Bisht, the Coordinator of Hridhay Vasi Seva Samiti, emphasized that the yajna is a spiritual initiative aimed at the collective benefit of humanity rather than serving individual or local interests.

He stated, “This Shat Chandi Maha Yajna is organized with a universal vision, focusing on the welfare of all humans and the protection of every living being on this planet. The inspiration for this sacred ritual comes from Ma Hridhay Vasni Ji, and all aspects of the yajna will adhere strictly to the disciplines outlined in ancient Shastras.”

Ceremonial Beginnings

The yajna will commence with a traditional spiritual gathering, where Ma Tunga Devi, Ma Jalpa Devi, and Lord Ganesh will be ceremonially brought from Jalana in Nishan form. These sacred representations will be installed at Hridhay Mandir, where they will remain alongside Ma Hridhay Vasni Ji throughout the yajna.

During the nine-day event, learned priests will recite the Shri Durga Saptashati one hundred times, a powerful scriptural recitation dedicated to the divine feminine energy.

Raman Bisht explained that the priests participating in the rituals will adhere to strict spiritual discipline as prescribed in the scriptures.

He added, “The priests will maintain the highest standards of discipline and purity as outlined in the Shastras. We also encourage devotees attending the yajna to embody the same spirit of devotion and discipline to preserve the sanctity of the rituals.”

Daily Rituals and Practices

The daily schedule for the yajna will kick off at 9:00 AM with traditional poojas. Devotees will perform Shri Kumkum Archana at the Goddess's lotus feet, followed by chanting the Navarna Mantra Japam.

The spiritual gathering will continue with a collective recitation of the Shri Hanuman Chalisa, fostering an atmosphere of devotion and unity among participants.

After the sacred recitations conclude around 4:30 PM, devotees observing fasting will be served Phalahar.

In the evening, 108 Deep Daan will be offered to the Goddess, followed by the Maha Aarti. Subsequently, Bhojan Prasad, prepared in accordance with scriptural guidelines, will be distributed to all devotees.

A significant ritual during the yajna will be the daily Kanya Poojan, symbolizing reverence for the divine feminine energy and purity.

Nine Sacred Adornments

A highlight of the nine-day spiritual celebration will be the nine different Shringars (adornments) of Ma Hridhay Vasni Ji, each representing a unique divine manifestation of the Goddess.

These adornments will include Phool Shringar (floral decoration), Phal Shringar (fruit decoration), and Shakambhari Shringar, where the Goddess will be adorned with vegetables symbolizing nourishment and abundance. Other unique forms of adornment will be showcased on successive days.

According to Raman Bisht, these sacred decorations aim to symbolize the various forms of the Goddess and enhance the spiritual connection of devotees with divine energy.

Grand Conclusion on March 27

The nine-day spiritual ceremony will culminate on March 27 with special Kanya Poojan and Havan, where sacred offerings will be made into the holy fire as prescribed in the scriptures.

The concluding day will also feature a Bhandara, where community meals will be served as sacred prasad to devotees and visitors.

Raman Bisht noted that this Maha Yajna is unique as it is believed to be organized under the direct inspiration of Ma Hridhay Vasni Ji, who spiritually guides the process and encourages devotees to participate.

He remarked, “This yajna carries a message of universal welfare and spiritual unity. It is believed that the Goddess herself calls and inspires those meant to be part of this sacred journey.”

He urged devotees and spiritual seekers to join in large numbers and partake in this spiritually significant event leading up to the Navratri festival.