Sri Yagam begins

A grand event of mass prayer for world peace conducted by the Jet USA has commenced in a grand manner at the divine feet of Lord Srimannarayana through Mother Srimahalakshmi, under the aegis of HH Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamy at the Jeeyar Asram at 222, Dey road, Cranbury, New Jersey. The asram brimmed with hectic activity for the past several weeks. The venue for the Sri Yagam was ready by the 22nd due to the hard work put in by hundreds of volunteers. HH graciously inspired them all with his guidance. HH and parivaram arrived at the venue by the 14th of July. By this time, hundreds of rithwiks - many from the various holy places of India trained in the Jeeyar Vedapathasalas and others from the various temples in US were already present. The vast asram reminds everyone of a traditional hermitage away from the city bustle; peace and quiet pervaded throughout the asram encircled by trees. Large areas at the premises are cleared to host a vast Yagasala for the Sriyagam, and an ishtisala for the daily ishtis. Two large halls for tadiya:ra:dhana (dining) are erected, one exclusively for the ruthwiks and the other for the devotees. A big kitchen is also ready to cook the prasadam for the multitude of devotees. The ground is leveled and carpets are spread for the comfort of the visiting devotees. A special place is arranged for the ‘akhanda Harinama sankeerthana’.

On the 23rd, the preliminary preparations for the ensuing yagam are completed with full pomp and glory in the presence of hundreds of devotees who came from the various corners of the world. After the sevaakaalam to the Lord, HH blessed the great number of devotees with theertham (holy water). Then all the rithwiks and devotees proceeded to yagasala, where the required procedures were performed to sanctify it for the Sriyagam. After the Vikshwaksena puja and the Vasthu puja comprising of the Vasthu Homam, Vasthu Bali and Paryagnikaranam (a sanctifying process with fire) were conducted by the Yajnaacharyas Sriman Srinivasacharya Swamy and Sriman Madhusudanacharya along with the other rithwiks under the supervision of HH. He explained the importance of Vasthu puja. Dr. Sriman Samudrala Ranga Ramanujacharya Swamy was honored as the Yajna brahma for the yagam. The weather also cooperated with a cool breeze. It lasted for 2 hrs with the explanation of the events by HH all the while. The devotees enjoyed every bit of the function observing the systematic process performed in the most authentic way as prescribed by the Vedas. Everyone enjoyed the sumptuous prasadam afterwards. In the evening, at 5:30 pm, mass recitation of Sri Vishnusahasranamam was done led by Sri Swamiji.

After a while, ‘mruthsangrahana’ – collecting soil from an anthill – was done so that the soil collected would be placed in earthen plates, in which ‘navadhaanyams’ (nine types of grains), are put chanting vedic hymns. This is called ‘Ankuraropanam’. The plant growth by the end of 9 days suggests the prosperity of the undertaken program. Then kankana dharana was done to all the rithwiks. They were given deeksha vasthrams to participate in ‘havanam’ and chanting of scriptures, itihasas, puranas and divya prabandham etc., Many sponsors took part in the event. HH spoke on the preparations and blessed the devotees and the 108 rithwiks who would offer oblations and chant scriptures at the 33 kundas for nine days. Devotees dispersed to their places in the arranged vans after having prasadam.