In this newsletter you'll find photos from the Navaratri Goddess Yagya that was performed by our priests in Pune, India. I'll have photos from Varanasi and Kanchipuram to share in the next newsletter.

The ritual in Pune was a beautiful occasion and these priests, as well as our Kanchipuram priests will be performing more for us on Diwali night, Thursday, November 4th.

The Diwali yagyas, as is our annual tradition, will be free for all who are currently participating in the Puja.net yagyas.

A big "thank you" to everyone because it is your support that makes these great yagyas possible.

Very best regards,

The goddesses are arranged on a beautiful altar. Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance is in the center with Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom is on the left. Durga, the fierce form of the Divine Mother is on the right.

Above left is Lakshmi, then Saraswati, and then Durga with all her arms holding various weapons.

A feature of this yagya is the abishekam, a ritual bathing of the goddess with milk, curd, and sandalwood and other liquid ingredients.

After the abishekam the goddesses are nestled among fresh flowers notably white jasmine, yellow marigolds, and lotus flowers.

Above and below, the priests are making offerings of flowers while lengthy verses from the Vedas are chanted.

The second half of a yagya is the havan or sacred fire. The priests make offering of various ingredients into the yagya fire while vedic mantras are recited with each offering.

And that concludes this yagya program!