Sri Ganapati Homam
Sri Ganapati Homam is a sacred fire ritual dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and intellect. This ‘Homam’ is performed to seek blessings for success, prosperity, and the removal of any hindrances in one’s life.
Significance:
• Removal of Obstacles: Invoking Ganesha helps in overcoming challenges and obstacles.
• New Beginnings: It is especially auspicious for starting new ventures, be it personal or professional.
• Spiritual Growth: Promotes clarity of mind and enhances intelligence.
Benefits:
• Enhances mental clarity and focus
• Attracts wealth and prosperity
• Fosters harmony and peace at home
Ekadasi Rudra Abhishekam
Sri Rudram – Namakam and Chamakam
Sri Rudram, also known as Rudraprasna, is a hymn devoted to lord Shiva. It is part of the ‘Yajur Veda’ and one of the greatest of the Vedic hymns for all round benefits and to remove all Doshas & Difficulties.
In most of the Poojas and Homas it recited by the Vedic pundits. Sri Rudram is in two parts. The first part, chapter 16 of the Yajurveda, is known as Namakam because of the repeated use of the word ‘Namo’ in it. The second part, chapter 18 of the Yajurveda, is known as Chamakam because of the repeated use of the words ‘Chame’
Structure of Namakam and Chamakam
1. Namakam: This part contains 11 sections (‘Ekadasa Anuvakams’) where Rudra’s omnipresence is established by seeing Him in all creation and different aspects of Lord Shiva are invoked. Each section includes various descriptions of Lord Rudra, focusing on his attributes and powers.
2. Chamakam: This section follows the ‘Namakam’ and is a prayer for various blessings. It includes requests for spiritual & worldly benefits, such as health, wealth, peace, and spiritual growth, often concluding each request with ‘Chame’
Key Themes
• Invocation of Shiva: The Rudram emphasizes the power and significance of Lord Shiva in the universe.
• Spiritual Purification: Chanting helps in cleansing the mind
• Desire Fulfilment: The Chamakam section is particularly focused on fulfilling various needs and aspirations in material and spiritual domains.
Benefits
• Protection: It is believed to ward off negative energies and bring safety.
• Blessings: Regular recitation can lead to divine blessings in personal and spiritual life.
• Mental Clarity: Helps improve concentration and mindfulness.
Ekadas Rudra Abhishekam
Ekadas Rudra Abhishekam is the chanting of Sri Rudram eleven times in a certain pattern. This is performed on the auspicious day of Pradosham (removal of sins) period of dusk on Trayodashi (13th day of the Lunar fortnight) or any other auspicious day like Full moon day.
All eleven sections (Anuvakas) of Namakam are chanted followed by the first Anuvaka of the eleven sections of Chamakam. This pattern is repeated ten more times with each of the other ten sections of Chamakam.
During all the eleven cycles of the chanting , an Abhishekam (Sacred bath) is offered to Lord Šiva with various items. After the Abhishekam, Lord Šiva is reverently decorated with divinely attire, garlands and jewellery. He is then honoured with “Rudra Thrisathi” archana (the chanting of 300 descriptive attributes of Lord Šiva) while offering flowers or akshatai (raw rice applied with turmeric) every time the word ‘Namaha’ is chanted after a name of Lord Šiva. The concluding ritual is the Aãrati.
Ekãdaša Rudra Abhishekam takes around 4 hours from the start to the Aãrati.
It is a free event organised by Sri Sathya Sai Global Council (New Zeeland). Everyone is invited to participate. Please RSVP for catering purposes. devotional.events@sai.org.nz.