NAVARATRI YAGYAS Sat & Sun April 13 & 14 in Fairfield

NAVARATRI Sat. April 13 & Sun. April 14  2024

Traditional Vedic Pujas and Fire Ceremony to Mother Divine

More Photos at
https://photos.app.goo.gl/7zCxACWr7u1czgUT9

                             

                                            Durga Puja:      1:30 pm Sat.April 13                           

                                 Chandi Homa: 10 am to approx 3:30 pm. Sun. April 14                                                                          Volunteers please come at 9 am.

                            To arrange for formal sponsorship of the Yagya, text (641) 919-9147
                            We need volunteers, too! Please text (641) 919-9147.
                                                                                 
                           Location:         2140 227th St Fairfield, South on Rt. 1,
                                                     go underneath the Rte 34 bridge, left on 227th
                                                     2nd drive on right                                             

Navaratri

Navaratri, celebrated both in the spring and fall, is an especially auspicious time to honor Mother Divine and gain Her blessings for world peace, prosperity and beautiful children and for relief from afflictions of all types, including alleviation of the adverse affects of the planets, liberation from troubles, restoration of friendships and overcoming enemies.

Everyone is invited to gain the blessings of Mother Divine through participation in the Chandi Yagya, which is understood to have powerful effects on the cosmic, global and individual levels.  

Chandi Yagya is performed in two parts.  The first part is a puja to Durga on Saturday afternoon to gain the grace of Mother Divine and receive Her blessings.  This is performed using the elaborate colorful Sarvtobhadra Mandala.  (See photos below).  The second is the Chandi Homa (fire ceremony) on Sunday. Chandi Homa includes the recitation of all 700 verses of Durga Saptashati, a collection of beautiful hymns to Mother Divine.

Those who are able to participate can enjoy very special blessings.  The ancient Rishis outlined the mechanics of how to gain the blessings of the Divine through participation in this traditional Yayga.  There is no set fee for attending the Yagya, but donations are requested to cover the expenses of the Yagya and formal sponsorships are gratefully appreciated.  

Sponsorship of the Yagya:

The Vedic tradition also outlines the value of formal sponsorships of the Yagya by individuals or families. The names of all sponsors will be recited as part of the “Sankalpa” or “Resolution” at the outset of the Yagya. The recommended level of formal sponsorships is $108 for an individual and $151 for a family, but smaller amounts are invited if finances would be an obstacle to participating.
Please call/text (641) 919-9147 if you would like to be a sponsor.

Personal Preparation:

Traditionally, participants in Vedic Yagyas dress in fresh, clean clothing (lighter colored clothes are preferred, with nothing in solid black or dark blue or dark purple.)  Participants should take a bath or shower the morning of the Yagya and the mouth, hands and face should be washed immediately before commencing the Yagya.

Please bring some fresh, washed sweet fruit and flowers.

On the day of the Yagya, it is customary to fast or to eat only very light food before the Yagya.

Fruit juice or milk are recommended drinks.  If food is needed, yoghurt, fruit or cooked vegetables are recommended.  Cooked grains (breads, rice, etc.) are traditionally avoided until after the ceremony.  Pregnant or nursing mothers and children (or a sick or injured person) may eat their normal foods.  After the Yagya, a sumptuous meal may be enjoyed.

During the Yagya, it is customary to drink only water if necessary.   If the toilet facilities are used, hands are washed before returning to the Yagya.

In the Vedic tradition, ladies attend Yagyas or assist in preparations only after a minimum of four days has elapsed since the start of their monthly period.  Also, Yagyas should not be scheduled within 13 days of the birth or death of a blood relative.