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ICCT & GHHF
GandaBherunda Lakshmi Narasimha Maha Yagnam
at Panakala Narasimha Swamy Temple,
Mangalagiri – Feb 8 thru 12, 2014
What is GandaBherunda Narasimha?“Ganda” is defined as cheek or a face with forehead. “Bherunda” means terrible, ferocious and frightening. Lord Narasimha is a rare incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is depicted in half man-half lion posture, and is mainly worshipped in South India. Lord Narasimha as GandaBherunda is a combination of bird and animal with two heads and said to have manifested, as he was not able to control his anger. He took this incarnation to annihilate the demon King Hiranyakashapu, the father of the great devotees of Lord Vishnu, Prahlada. Lord Narasimha took a more terrible form of bird-animal with two heads – GandaBherunda. He believed to possess extraordinary strength. GandaBherunda used to lift four elephants effortlessly.These faces of GandaBherunda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy are as follows:
1) Hayagreeva
2) Varaha
3) Narasimha
4) Bhalluka
5) Ugra Simha (Lion)
6) Vyagramukha (Tiger)
7) Garuda
8) Anjaneya.What is Yagna?Yagna, also referred to as yagya or yaga, is a very sacred and auspicious religious ritual involving the sacrificial fire, construction of Homa kundas with specific dimensions, chanting of the Vedic Pandits, pouring of purified ghee and fulfilling the responsibility to the welfare of humanity. This Yagna is done at a particular auspicious time with specified actions for desired results. Specified mantras stipulated by Vedas for particular Gods are repeated to create vibrations to purify the cosmos. These Pandits, who perform the yagya, are very well trained in the Vedic scriptures. They chant the mantras loudly to evoke a sense bhakti among the attendees and also exuberate peace and joy among them.
Yajnas areconsidered highly beneficial to the individuals, society, environment and the cosmos itself. All living beings and nonliving entities also gain much from Yajnas. Scriptures as well scientific research have revealed that yagyas remove pain, sorrows, and miseries; cures all kinds of diseases, stress, and tensions; improves health; negates many harmful effects, creates positive thinking, purifies the atmosphere; improved the cultivation; help yield more milk from cows; elevate the human mind; bestow happiness and joy.
Vedas and other Scriptures
Vedas are replete with slokas giving the need to do yagyas and also the importance of performing them. There are many mantras in the four Vedas and other scriptures related to Yajnas that encourage and inspire us to perform holy and sacred Yajnas.
The first sentence in Rig Veda clearly talks about the Yagna and how it should be done:“Agni Meede Purohitam Yajnasya Devamritvijam, Hotaaram Ratna Dhaatamam.” (RV1-1-1-1). It clearly described the words “Yajna”, ”Purohit”, “Ritvij” and “Hotaa”, implying that Yajna is to be performed with the guidance of Purohit, Ritvij, and Hotaa.
Similarly Rigveda mentions about the importance of Yagna in the following slokas:
“Aa Vakshi Devaam Iha Vipra Yakshi Cha” (RV 2-36-4) Means –O learned man! Invite the Gods and perform Yajna i.e. sacred fire.
“Juhota Pra Cha Tishthata” (RV1-15-9) Means it is a God’s order to perform Yajna and develop.
“Pra Yajnamanmaa Vrijanam Tiraate” (RV7-61-4) Means performing sacred Yajna solves all problems of life.
“One’s intellect is purified with the Yajna” (RV 3-32-12)
“Adam Krinivantum Vedim” (RV1.170.4) which means that the Yajnashala is to be beautified and well decorated.
“Juhota Pra Cha Tishthata”(1.15.9) that is One who performs Yajna acquires fame and pleasures in his/her life.Similarly Atharvana Veda also mentions the need for conducting Yajnas:
“Eijaanaha Swargam Yanti Lokam” (AV 10.4.2.) It says that the Yajna provides ‘Swarga Loka’ (all pleasures) to the performers. Yajna Karma fulfills all desires. Hence he who performs Yajna is always satisfied.
“Imam Yajnam Vitata Vishwakarmana” (AV 21.35.5). It means Yajna is the blessing of almighty God.Yajurveda also mentions the need to conduct Yagyas:
“Ayam Yajyo Bhuvanasya Naabhihi” (YV23.62). Yajna is the centre of this world because God creates, sustains and deluges the Universe for the benefit of all Jives.
“Yajyena Yajnamayajantata Devaha” (YV) It states that all virtuous deeds in this world are called ‘Yajna’.Brahmanas also enumerated the fruits of Yagna thus:
Yajyo Vai Shrashthatamam Karma” (Shatpath Brahmana (1.7.1.5), which means Yajna is the best deed that purifies water, air and should be done with the intention of selflessness.
“Swarg-Kaamo Yajet” (Tandaya Brahmana: 16.15.5) It means that Yajna should be performed with the intention of attaining worldly pleasures.
“Yajyovai Shreshtatamam Karma” (Shatpath Brahman: 1.7.1.2). Yajna Karma is the best deed in the world.
“Yajyohi Shreshtamam Karma” (Taittriya Brahman: 3.2.1.4)Encourage your Friends and Relatives
Gandabherunda Lakshmi Narasimha Maha Yajnam is being conducted at Panakala Swamy Temple at Mangalagiri near Guntur from February 8 thru 12, 2014. It is indeed an extraordinary opportunity to witness this Yajnam since it is done very rarely. Encourage all your friends and relatives to attend and experience the bliss, joy and happiness; to accrue good karma; and also receive numerous blessings in the physical, spiritual, psychological dimensions of the individuals.
Dhanyavad,
Prasad S Duggirla, MD (Chairman, India Cultural Center and Temple, Memphis TN, USA. Phone: 91- 96180 94883.
Prakasarao Velagapudi, PhD (President, Global Hindu Heritage Foundation, Frisco TX, USA. Phone: 91-85007 38140.
