Maha Ganapathi, or the Divine Force, has guided the Guru Tattwa
(principle) to take form in His Holiness, Sri Ganapathi Sachchidanada Swamiji.
This is the reason why Sri Swamiji performs Ganapathi Homa regularly. Homa
is a part of Sri Swamiji's family tradition and He attributes much importance
to it. The performance of Homa assists the self purification of those attending,
and balances the forces of nature.
Each aspect of the homa has a specific scientific meaning. One
must understand that the actions of the homa are a nourishment for the Devatas,
who all correspond to basic principals of nature. By nourishing those energies
one gets the support of nature. All objects which are offered into Agni refer
to specific deities. These deities who are governing different main aspects
of Nature, bless us with overall health.
On Sundays the performance of homas is more extensive than on
weekdays, and in Mysore it takes place even in Sri Swamiji's absence. Combined
with Ganapathi Homa other homas,such as Navagraha, Mrutyunyaja and Vastu
Homas take place.
-Navagraha Homas are meant to address the nine planets which govern the events
of all living beings.
Mrutyunyaja is the presiding deity who gives the capacity to
avoid untimely death and all kinds of diseases. Vastu is the deity presiding
over homes and all attendant forces affecting family life and the progress
of children.
These homas combined with Ganapathi Homa support general well being and progress
in worldly life in addition to progress in spritual development.
Sri Swami Ganapathi Sachchidanda also performs Dattratreya Homa frequently.
It is conducted on every full moon day and on the birthdays of each of the
sixteen incarnations of Lord Dattatreya. The Dattatreya Homa is also performed
in conjunction with Navagraha, Mrutyunyaja nad Vastu Homas.
If you want to participate actively in
the homa, a money contribution is required. Apart from the expenses which
are covered by this money, it is considered to be an exhange of energy. This
enhances the spritual benefit to the participant. In fact, the Homa finally
helps us to develop discipline, which is a preparation to experience the
Ultimate Truth.
When you take part in these various sevas, you will receive a
small polyethylene package which contains vibhuti and kum-kum. Vibhuti is
spiritually energized holy ash. It has a special and deep significance. According
to the traditional heritage of India, vibhuti relates to male deities and
kum-kum, which is made mainly from turmeric powder, relates to the female
deities. Sri Swamiji uses both powders for healing purposes. In His method
of yogic healing, both powders should be used regularly.
One has to swallow a pinch of the vibhuti daily to have a variety
of benefits ranging from healing of diseases to spritual awakening. The kum-kum
powder can be used as a pious decoration on the forehead of the devotee,
to protect and energize the spiritual eye.
By contributing Rs 200/-, one has the opportunity to do Sankalpa
(determination) to the homa separately, and one will be given a holy stick
(from the Avadhumbra tree) which will be offered to the Agni (fire god) towards
the end of the homa. Those people are generally blessed by Sri Samiji with
a crystal which looks like a piece of sugar candy. This crystal is spritually
charged by Sri Swamiji and is endowed with healing powers
In order to get the benefit of this prasadam, one must keep the
crystal in a copper vessel filled with pure water, overnight. In the early
morning, one should remove the stone and drink the water. By doing so regularly,
people have experienced relief from many kinds of illnesses. During the day,
the crystal should be kept in a clean, safe place. It is important to clean
the crystal carefully before placing it into the water.
In individual cases, Sri Swamiji may give special instructions
in regard to the use of the stone. Also, a paste of the holy ash is taken
out of the fire pit and sometimes it is given as prasadam. This paste is
considered to contain special spiritual vibrations. One has to put the paste
on the spot between the eyebrows. This enhances the capacity for deep meditation
and sharpness of mind.
 By contributing Rs 20/-, we can include our name in the
Sankalpa of the home in a common way. Participants will generally get a Svetaarka
Raksha as prasadam. This raksha is a piece of a powerful herb called
Svetaarka.
This cloth should be tied around the right hand and must be worn
for at least 3 nights continuously. On the fourth day one can remove the
raksha and tie it to a living, green tree. While tying and untying the raksha,
it is important to meditate on Lord Dattatreya and Sri Swamiji. If one feels
like wearing the raksha for a longer period, one can do so. There have been
many instances where the influences removed bad sprits and cured physical
and mental disorders.
By contributing the amount of Rs. 3000, one can take part
in the Ganapathi Homa, which means on one Sunday each year homa will be performed
in your name and prasadam will be sent by post. It can also be arranged for
Dattatreya Homa, on a Datta Day during the year. Devotees desirous of spritual
and physical upliftment are advised to utilize this oppurtunity and be
benefited.
