1st Somvar: Rudrabhishek
22nd July 2019
Rudrabhishek was performed at the Patel residence in Juhu. Swamiji enlightened the devotees about why we perform Rudrabhishek. One chants the name, seeking the grace of Lord Shiva because He is Auspicious and brings Auspiciousness. During the abhishek, dravya was poured onto the Lord in a continuous flow, symbolically indicating that our mind, too, must flow single-pointedly and continually towards the Lord. He then explained Rudram and Chamakam. Sankalp for the welfare of all was taken, before Shodasha Upachaar Puja. Mukhya Puja then commenced by invoking the form of Lord Shiva in a Sphatika Lingam. Abhishek with Panchaamrut (ripe banana, raisins, cow ghee, jaggery and honey) was performed. Then eleven dravyas were offered, namely, cow’s milk, cow’s yogurt, cow’s ghee, honey, sugarcane juice, lemon juice, coconut water, rose water, chandan water, til oil and panchagavya. Abhishek was followed by Lord Shiva’s and Pujya Gurudev’s aarti. Devotees offered bilvapatra, with Om Namah Shivaya written on them with chandan. Prasadwas distributed.
2nd Somvar: Mahamrityunjaya Havan
29th July 2019
Mahamrityunjaya Havan was performed at the residence of Shri Pankaj Vakil. Swamiji explained the meaning of Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. We worship the three-eyed Lord, whose eyes symbolize justice, karma and intuition. Consciousness is Shiva and without Him, the body is only shava. Lord Shiva is Aadhi-daiva, who nourishes us and removes avidya in us, thus we meditate on Him. Further, the mantra indicates that just as a ripe cucumber falls off effortlessly from the creeper, one should be ripe in vairagya, to drop our body effortlessly without pain. Chanting this mantra removes the fear of death and all negativity from the mind and prevents untimely death. Swamiji suggested that all must do sadhana daily and turn within. The havan created wonderful positive vibrations, as each devotee offered aahuti. The program ended with aarti and distribution of prasad.
3rd Somvar – Shiva Sahasranama Archana
5th August 2019
Shiva Sahasranama Archana was done at Shree Krishna Temple, Andheri West. Swamiji explained to all present that while chanting 1000 names of Lord Shiva, one should give up one’s vasanas (cause of restlessness). Thus, one’s mind gets purified. He narrated the story of Lord Shiva’s worship by Lord Vishnu with 1000 lotuses. The story taught us that there should be no compromise in worship. We love the Lord and hence should do puja with utmost devotion and bhaava. Shodasha Upchara Puja was then done by yajmaans, with the chanting of Mahamrityunjaya Mantra eleven times and 1000 names of Lord Shiva. Devotees offered bilva patra to the Lord. The programme ended with aarti of Lord Shiva and of Pujya Gurudev.
4th Somvar – Japa & Meditation
12th August 2019
Japa and Meditation session was conducted by Swamiji at the Patel residence. He explained the importance and power of mantras, indicating that every mantra has a rishi, chhanda, deity, etc. associated with it. Swamiji mentioned that the powerful mantra, Om Namah Shivaya was revealed to Rishi Vashishtha, Vamadev and Kahola. It is in Pankti Chhanda. He explained that this mantra is a Panchaakshara Mantra (meaning five-syllable mantra, Na-Ma-Shi-Va-Ya). This is part of Rudram from Yajur Veda and is chanted verbally or mentally, drawing the mind inwards to Lord Shiva’s infinite form and all-pervasive presence. Swamiji further spoke about the adornments on Lord Shiva’s form - the serpent around His neck, the adorning crescent moon, Ganga flowing from His jata, the third eye on His forehead, trishul as His weapon, damaru in His hand; all of which signify a deeper Truth. Lord Shiva is known as The Destroyer within the Trimurti - the one who transforms the universe. Next, Swamiji taught the various steps in meditation. He spoke about the place, posture, relaxation technique, thought massage, deep breathing, focusing and invoking Lord Shiva, our favourite deity. Japa of Om Namah Shivaya was done, first loudly, then softly and finally mentally, followed by silence. The session concluded with aarti of Pujya Gurudev and prasad.
Thus, during the holy month of Shravan, the devotees had a truly divine experience, performing various Sadhanas.