The Post of Vishnu
October 22, 2007
In the yagya statala there were four large posts that structurally held up the center of the structure. These were made from small trees that had been felled, stripped of bark, and then painted different colors.
One pole for Vishnu (seen above, although I am not sure why his was black), one for Shiva (white) and one for Brahma (red) and the final pole was for Indra, the King of the gods. Although Indra is not much worshiped anymore, he is mentioned all through the Vedas.
Each day, during the vastu pujas, each of the poles received a quick puja with offerings of water, rice, and flowers.
Participation
October 21, 2007
One of the greatest aspects of this trip was that we were the ones to perform all the pujas. We had two priests who guided us through the process while the other 15 priests chanted the mantras. It made the longs days enjoyable and interesting. In my opinion there is something special about performing the yagyas beyond being just fun.
First entry
October 20, 2007
The yagya stala had been made ready, and we completed a full morning of preliminary pujas. Now it was time to enter the yagya site for the first time. The vedic tradition, particularly Jyotish (astrology) considers beginnings to be vitally important to the success of any endeavor, so this moment was timed rather precisely.
The main water pot was installed in its place and we were ready to go for the next four days. Note the clear blue skies…the last time we would see them for the balance of the trip. It was hot, about 94 F and fairly humid but there was a nice breeze and it was not at all unpleasant.
Invocation
October 19, 2007
At the beginning of the five day yagya, the first day was spent doing pujas to invoke the various deities and to prepare the site for the days that followed. These beginning pujas took place in the first area that would later be used for the 100 priests at the end of the yagya.
After these pujas were completed, we took the various items, including the kalasha (water pot) and walked three times around the entire site. This is called pradakshina and is a traditional form of respect.
64 Yoginis
October 18, 2007
This mandala was in one corner of the yagya stala and is certainly pretty on its own with the alternating squares of colored rice. But symbolocially it is very interesting. The circles of white rice will support clay pots of water topped with a coconut and mango leaves. One pot for each of the three main forms of the goddess; Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati.
In the story of Durga as told in the Devi Mahatmyam (also known as Chandi Path) there are seven forms of the Divine Mother plus the Mother herself. These are called the Sapta Matrikas; Brahmi, Maheshwari, Aindri, Kaumari, Vaishanvi, Varahi, and Chamunda, plus Parvati. Each of them have eight attendants. So there are a total of sixty four forms of the goddess.
When Durga was fighting with the asura Raktabija, each drop of his blood turned into another demon to attack her. And in response she manifested these sixty four forms and defeated his army, and ultimately him.
So when you see this mandala, it is as if you are seeing the oneness of the goddess as the whole mandala, then three forms along the top, and then sixty four forms, each denoted with a single betel nut.
Rice Mandalas
October 17, 2007
Each corner of the yagya stala featured one or more malas made with colored rice. This one is for the 9 Planets (Navagraha). The center row has the the Sun (red) in the center, the top is Jupiter (yellow) and the bottom red triangle is Mars.
The right row starts with a green arrow for Mercury, then white rice for Venus and the Moon shape at the bottom.
The left row starts with black Saturn in the center, with rahu on the top and Ketu on the bottom.
Yagya Stala
October 16, 2007
The September trip to Varanasi started with a 5 day yagya way out in the countryside about 1 hour from Varanasi. The yagyas were held in a traditional structure called a yagya stala. As you can see it is constructed from local wood and features a thatched roof.
The second building was just being completed when we arrived and it was amazing to see how complex the installation of the thatch was. Layers of lager rougher material was topped with what looked like dried rice straw. The entire building was made without any metal at all, as is the vedic tradition. Even the rope which held together all the joints was made from coconut husks.
Days 2, 3, 4 and 5 featured lots of rain, and aside from what blew in form the sides, the sheltered area stayed completely dry.
The world is coming to an end!
October 14, 2007
From the Times of India….and you just know this means the world is going to end.
“Gods made in China: Chinese manufacturers have started making figurines of Indian Gods too. Chinese made idols have been available at gift shops in Varanasi for a few years now. Many shoppers have been buying them unaware of the fact that even the tiny statues of Ganesha or Shiva are now “Made in China”.
When the creator dances
October 7, 2007
“When the creator dances, the worlds he created dance. To the measure that he dances in our knowledge, our thoughts too, dance. When he in our heart dances, all parts of life dance. Witness in the ananda of the Self, the dance of Him who is like a dancing flame.”
-Tirumantiram
Milk
October 6, 2007
“When milk is poured into milk, oil into oil, water into water, they blend in absolute oneness. So also the illumined seer, the knower of the atman, becomes one with the atman.”
-Crest Jewel of Discrimination