Using the ancient technology of Vedic Yagyas
to solve modern day problems.
Vishnu and Lakshmi Yagyas -
May 21st to May 30th - $75
Greetings Yagya Friends,

In this email, you'll find photos from the evening portion of the 10 Day Spring Navaratri Yagyas in which was focused on the 10 forms of the Divine Mother (Dasa Mahavidya). It was a beautiful yagya series. Thanks to all who helped make this possible.

Unfortunately, the situation in India seems increasingly dire. I am happy to say that all of our priests in Kanchipuram and Varanasi are safe and well isolated. We do not expect any interruption in the group or private yagyas even if the situation gets worse.

Our May program will begin on the 21st with a focus on Dhanvantri Yagyas - the form of Vishnu who protects our health and Narasimha/Sudarshana Yagyas - the form of Vishnu who protects families.

We are offering this as a supplement to the Mrytunjaya Yagyas that have continued daily for more than a year now. I'm pleased to say that only a small handful of our participants have had covid and for all of them it was mild. I think the yagyas made a big difference.

Enjoy the May Yagya series!

Very best regards,

Ben Collins
The spring Navaratri program included additional rituals every evening. We performed another Abishekam with liquid offerings along with a recitation of the 1000 names of Lalitha - the most beautiful form of the goddess. This is called Lalitha Sahasranam.
The priests also recite the 700 verse Chandi Path, also known as Durga Saptashati. Combined, these rituals take about three hours to complete.
In the photo above you can see Saraswati in the middle. She is almost always shown playing the veena.

On the right you see Lakshmi. You can recognize her by the two lotuses, one in each hand. Her front left hand is facing downward symbolizing her giving abundance, and her right hand is raised in a mudra of protection.

Durga is on the left and you can recognize her because her back left-hand holds a trisul.
In the center above, you see Durga receiving her milk bath.
In the center above, Lakshmi is receiving her milk bath.
In the center above, Saraswati is receiving her milk bath.
The chanting continues with a bath in nicely scented sandalwood.
Then incense is offered (below).
Then light from a ghee lamp is offered (below).
Flowers are added as a nice decoration and then the light from burning camphor is offered (above and below).
Next, the goddesses are dried, placed on the main altar, and elaborately decorated with fresh flowers (below).
In the above image, Durga is in the center, Lakshmi is on the left, and Saraswati is on the right.
More mantras are recited along with the offering of light. This is called aarti.
Saraswati in the center with Durga on the left and lakshmi on the right.
Final blessings and protective mantras are recited and the day is complete.