Using the ancient technology of Vedic Yagyas to solve modern day problems.

Yagya Friends, In a few days, our January program begins with a focus on Hanuman and Manyusuktam to start the year off with a boost to our strength. We add daily Mrytunjaya Yagyas to protect our health in this time of COVID. You can use the buttons above to sign up if you'd like to participate. Jupiter, which represents dharma and rituals like yagyas, is moving through Capricorn through April. By performing the Hanuman yagyas we strengthen the positive qualities of Jupiter in our own charts and enhance Jupiter's ability to protect dharma (Natural Law) in our lives and the world at large. In December we focused on Family Yagyas and the Sarva Devata (sarva=all, Devata=deities) at our small temple in Kanchipuram. The temple is special because it contains all of the main gods and goddesses which is very rare. I think you'll enjoy the photos of the December yagyas. They're very beautiful. Thanks as always for your on-going participation and support! Best regards, Ben Collins

Every yagya always begins with Ganesha - the Lord of Beginnings. In this temple, these two are together plus there is another one mounted in the wall.

In a temple, the deities are purified through a ritual called "abishekam" in which liquid offerings are poured over the deity while vedic mantras are chanted. The photos of milk and sandalwood being poured over the deity are especially pretty and you can see a lot of detail that would otherwise be unseen.

Ganesha's brother is Subramanya and he is the divine general representing the energy of Mars. He is shown above with his two wives (Devasena and Valli). He is holding a vel (spear) given to him by his mother Parvati so that he could destroy a particularly nasty demon.

Rudra abishekam is the core ritual in a Shiva temple. This temple contains several large Shiva Lingams. Rudra Abishekam is performed every day during our yagyas.

Dakshinamurti is a form of Shiva who is the transcendent guru. He is always shown seated beneath a tree. His right foot is on the head of a demon who represents ignorance. His left leg is always crossed. He holds a rosary for mantra japa (repetition), a flame representing the light of knowledge and consciousness. One hand is extended downward in a blessing, and the other has the middle finger touching the thumb in a mudra (gesture) of knowledge.

Another of the Shiva lingams in the temple. This one has nicely carved sides that stand out during the abishekam.

This Navagraha temple is a brief walk from our temple. Each planet receives abishekam and beautiful decorations as well as offerings of fresh fruit and coconuts.

Another temple in this area contains a beautiful Durga. She is recognized by the flames that surround her head symbolizing her power.

This is Kala Bhairava - a form of Shiva who annihilates the darkness of ignorance. He is always depicted standing in front of a dog who represents dharma. There are more Bhairava temples in Tamil Nadu than any other area in India.

This is the main Shiva Lingam in our temple. It is very old and was carved from stone that contains tiny flecks of emeralds that sparkle green when viewed close up.

Hanuman represents dharma (natural law), strength, and devotion. These days all of these qualities are needed in our personal lives and the world at large.

This Durga is my favorite deity in the temple. She was moved here when her original temple was demolished due to road construction. She has a very regal but calm and harmonious energy.