How is Athi Ruthra Maha Yajnam performed?

Lord Shiva is worshipped traditionally in the form of a "LINGA" - resembling the brahmanda - without a begining or an end. "ABHISHEKA" is ritual of worship dearest to His heart. The "ABHISHEKA" is performed while chanting mantras of Vedic and scriptual lore. Sage Satapatha in his treatise "Maharnava Karma Vipaka" listed four types of Abhisheka. Those are:

1.       Rudram

2.       Ekadasa Rudram

3.       Maha Rudram

4.       Athi Rudram - each being more protent than the preceding one.

The text of "Rudra Prasnam" is given in' the fifth prapathakam of the 4 th Kanda of " KRISHNA YAJUR VEDA TAITREEYA SAMHITA".

Sri Rudram as it is called consists of two major divisions: NAMAKAM& CHAMAKAM. Each of them consists of eleven "ANUVAKAS" or paragraph.

Methods of chanting Sri Rudram :

• Chanting of Namakam & Chamakam once.
• Chanting of whole of Namakam & first Anuvaka of Chamkam; then repeat whole of Namakam & second Anuvaka of Chamakam and so on till the eleventh chanting of the whole of Namakam is followed by eleventh Anuvaka of Chamakam - this is called "EKADASA RUDRAM".
• "EKADASA RUDRAM" being chanted by eleven Rithwiks (Performers of the Yanga) simultaneously constitutes a "LAGHU RUDRAM".
• Chanting of "EKADASA RUDRAM" by 121 Rithwiks (11 x 11) simultaneously is called "MAHA RUDRAM".
• "MAHA RUDRAM" being chanted by the same Rithwiks for eleven consecutive days constitute "ATHI RUDRAM".
• Therefore in "ATHI RUDRAM" is included chanting of 14,641 NAMAKAMS and 1,331 CHAMAKAMS. Simultaneously with Rudrabhishekam, Rudra Homas are conducted by 121 Rithwiks in 11 Homakundas.

A Linga is installed specially for Rudrabhishekam daily. Side by side Rudraparayanas and Rudra Homas, other related rituals such as Sri Sai Gayathri Homas, Lingabhisheka Poojas, Kramarchana Parayanas and Tarpanas will also be performed.

Where is Athi Ruthra Maha Yajnam being celebrated?

The loacation is Chennai, India. In the southern suburb of the city at Thiruvanmiyur an open ground of nine acres is the venue. A high roof construction to seat thousands of devotees has been installed, including the yagasala with eleven homakundas. Ancillary facilities such as residential accommodation and kitchen facilities for the exclusive use of the Rithwiks have also been erected.

Why is the Athi Ruthra Maha Yajnam being celebrated?

Athi Rudra Maha Yajnam has been celebrated for "Loka Kalyanam" (for the welfare of the world) -- for peace and prosperity of its inhabitants, for global peace, for realignment of the elements to their pristine glory.

Man has abused the bounties of Mother earth and exploited them callously and polluted them for his personal benefits. To restore the balance in the environment of planet earth, this Athi Rudra Maha yajnam is performed. Hence the beneficiaries are the living creatures of this world.

An yajnam being performed by the Avatar of the age - "Rudra Himself - all of us who are a part of it, those who attend at least one session and those who hear even a fraction of it should consider ourself blessed.

Baghavan Baba in his discourse on 19 th August 2006 at Prasanthi Nilayam during an earlier Athi Ruthra Maha Yajnam declared,
"This yajna is conducted to realize the "Atma Tatma", not with a view to achieve some physical and worldly benefits. This yajna is not merely for a few individuals; it is for the entire world. The mantras chanted here have mixed in the air and spread to the entire universe. These sacred sounds entered our hearts and purified them. Hence, do not think that the mantras in this chanted yajna are confined only to this place. They are spread to the entire world. The yajna is not only for the benefit of India but also to all countries".

These Mantras are essential for the wellbeing of every human being. The Vedas transcend the individual (Vyasti) and concerns inself with Samishti swarupa (collective form).

What is auspicious about the dates being chosen for Athi Ruthra Maha Yajna?

The days and timings have been determined by Baghavan hilmself. He ordained that this Chennai Athi Rudra Maha Yajnam shall be performed at the beginning of the auspicious time of "Uttarayana." The date of commencement will be 19 th January 2007 and the final day will be 30 th January 2007.

The morning session will be started in the "Bramaha Murtha" time (between 4.00 AM and 5.30AM) and concluded around 10.00 AM. The afternoon session will commence from 2.00 PM and will be over by 4.30 PM. These will be followed by divine discourse by Baghavan, lectures by scholars and specialists and music and cultural programs. The Proceedings will come to close by 5.30 to 6.00 PM.

The Poornahuthi will be in the forenoon session on 30 thJanuary 2007.

For the last question "WHEN" - the days and timings have been fixed by Baghavan Baba hilmself. He ordained that this Chennai Athi Rudra Maha Yajnam shall be performed at the beginning of the auspicious time of "Uttarayana." The date of commencement will be 19 th January 2007 and the final day will be 30 th January 2007.

The morning session will be started in the "Bramaha Murtha" time (between 4.00 AM and 5.30AM) and concluded around 10.00 AM. The afternoon session will commence from 2.00 PM and will be over by 4.30 PM. These will be followed by divine discourse by Baghavan Baba, lectures by scholars and specialists and music and cultural programmes. The Proceedings will come to close by 5.30 to 6.00 PM.
The Poornahuthi will be in the forenoon session on 30 thJanuary 2007.

What are the protocols and procedures for the Athi Ruthra Maha Yajna?

En essence, it is according to the strictest adherence to the letter and sprit of the procedure laid down in the “Agama Shastra”. Perhaps nowhere else such strict adherence to "Agama Shastra" will be encountered as in these, conducted under the direct supervision of Veda Purusha Himself, Baghavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. All Rithwiks were selected by Baghavan himself. They strictly practice all the austerity regarding food, dress and living style.

All individuals volunteering to serve in the yajnam also have to strictly adhere to austerity prescribed for them by Baghavan Himself. Strict adherence to these values prior to and during the yajnam will result in these becoming a way of life even after the yajnam.

The water for the Abhishakam from the designated rivers in the country will have to be collected in a specified container by designated devotees, as the origin of these rivers while chanting these mantras and seal them and bring the container to the yagasala. Every single item of the offering of the yajna has to be procured and preserved in this uncompromising purity not only of quality but also the thought and actions of the performer.

During the first Athi Rudra Maha Yajnam at Prasanthi Nilayam, when guidance was sought from Baghavan about the location and the height of istallation of the LINGA for abhishekam, the direction was that it should be visible to the person sitting in the last row of the huge Sai Kulwant Hall. He said "I want everyone to witness and derive grace and benefit from it".

Baghavan and the New World

The New World is not a world without suffering. But it is a world in which man will not inflict suffering on man. It is not a world without darkness, but it is a world in which man believes that he can conquer darkness. It is not a world without death, but it is a world where man knows that there is life beyond death. The New World is not a world that looks up to God in heaven for its redemption, but it is a world where men join hands with God on earth, to bring heaven down to earth. In this heaven on earth no one will be allowed to starve or go without raiment and shelter; none will suffer without medicine and care when needed. No child born into this new world is denied opportunity of right to education. This is the vision and that should inspire us today.

Some, may think that such an idea is Utopian, and not practical. But let us remind ourselves, the greatness of man lies in aspiring and working for goals that are seemingly unreachable. We should have implicit faith that with Swami by our side, anything can be achieved. The Sai Avatar has come with a mission. It is bound to be fulfilled. Let us find fulfillment in our lives by being part of this glorious divine mission.

Multiple CCTVS will be provided, so that, everyone can witness the celebration. Arrangements are also made to run special transportation for various parts of the city to the venue.

  text source:    http://www.omkara.tv/faq.htm

photo source: Kouwshigan - www.graffixxsolution.net

    Dear Reader, for this Sunday we have for you an excerpt from Bhagavan's own writing, a chapter from the sacred volume "Sandeha Nivarini".

Devotee: Swami, can we ask you freely about any topic concerning the spiritual path, which we do not know?
Swami: Certainly. What is the objection? Why this doubt? What am I here for? Is it not for explaining to you things you do not know? You can ask me without any fear or hesitation. I am always ready to answer; only, I want earnest inquiry with a desire to know.

Devotee: But some elders say it is wrong to vex the Guru with questions. Are they right, Swami?
Swami: That is not correct. Whom else can the disciple approach? Since the Guru is everything to him, it is best that he consults him in all matters and then acts.

Devotee: Some say that we should reverentially carry out whatever the elders ask us to do without raising any objections. Is that your command also?
Swami: Until you develop full faith in them and know that their words are valid, it will be difficult for you to carry out their orders reverentially. So, until then, it won't be wrong to ask them the significance and the validity of their orders, so that you may be convinced.

Devotee: Swami, whom are we to believe, whom are we to discard? The world is so full of deceit. When those, whom we believed are good, themselves turn out to be bad, how can faith grow?
Swami: Well, My boy! Where is the need for you in this world or any world to grow faith in others? Believe in yourself, first. Then believe in the Lord, Paramatma (universal being). When you have faith in these two, neither the good nor the bad will affect you.

Devotee: Swami, faith in the Lord too diminishes sometimes. What is the reason for that?
Swami: When one is deluded by the mere external world and when one does not attain success in such external desires, faith in the Lord diminishes. So, give up such desires. Desire only for the spiritual relationship; then you won't become the target of doubts and difficulties. The important thing for this is faith in the Lord; without that, you start doubting everything, big and small.

Devotee: Until we understand the reality of Paramatma, it is important, they say, to be in the company of the great and the good and also to have a Guru. Are these necessary?
Swami: Of course, the company of the great and the good is necessary. To make that reality known to you, a Guru too is important. But, in this matter, you should be very careful. Genuine Gurus are scarce these days. Cheats have multiplied and teachers have retreated into solitude, in order to realise themselves undisturbed. There are many genuine Gurus but they cannot be secured easily. Even if you get them, you must thank your destiny if they vouchsafe to you more that one single Sadvakya (spiritual truth) ; they won't spend time telling you all kinds of stories! There should be no hurry in the search for a Guru.

Devotee: Then, what in the world is the path?
Swami: Why, it is just for this that we have the Veda, Sastra, Purana and Ithihasa (ancient scriptures) . Study them; adhere to the path they teach and gather the experience; understand their meaning and the trend of their message from Pundits; follow them in practice; meditate on the Paramatma (universal being) as the Guru and as God; then, those books themselves will help you as your Guru. For, what is a Guru? The Guru is that through which your mind gets fixed on God. If you consider Paramatma as the Guru and do Sadhana (spiritual practice) with unshakable love, the Lord Himself will appear before you and give Upadesa just as a Guru. Or, He may so bless you that as a result of the Sadhana, you may meet a Sadguru.

Devotee: But, nowadays, some great big persons are granting Upadesa to all who ask; are these not Sadgurus, Swami?
Swami: I won't say they are or they are not. I declare only this: It is not the sign of a Sadguru to grant Upadesa (spiritual instruction) to any and every person who comes to him with praise, without considering the past and the future, without discovering the qualifications of the pupil and testing whether he is fit.

Devotee: Then Swami, I have committed a blunder! When one great person arrived at our village, and when all were receiving Upadesa from him, I too went and prostrated before him and asked him for it. He granted me a good Upadesa; I repeated the Manthra for some time, but, soon, I came to know that the great person was a cheat. Since that day, I lost faith in the name he gave me; I gave up Manthra. Was this wrong? Or, am I right?
Swami: Do you doubt the right and wrong of this? It is very wrong. Just as the Guru, as I told you now, examines the qualifications of the disciple, the disciple too has to critically examine the credentials of the Guru before receiving Upadesa. Your first mistake was that you did not pay attention to this but hastily accepted Upadesa. Well, even if the Guru gave it without the necessary qualification, why did you break your vow and stop repeating the name? That is the second mistake: casting the fault of another on the sacred name of God. Before receiving Upadesa, you should have taken time and known his genuineness and enveloped faith in him. Then, when the desire to accept him as Guru emerged, you should have received the Upadesa. But, once you accept, you must repeat it, whatever the difficulty; you should not give it up. Otherwise, you commit the wrong of accepting without deliberation and rejecting without deliberation. That wrong will be on your head. You should accept a name when you are still afflicted by doubt or a name which you do not prefer. Having accepted, you should not give it up.

Devotee: What happens when it is given up?
Swami: Well, my boy. Disloyalty to the Guru and discarding the name of God - on account of these, your one-pointed endeavor and concentration will wither away. As the saying goes, "The diseased seedling can never grow into a tree".

Jai Sai Ram.

SOURCE-     www.radiosai.org

                  Embodiments of Divine Atma! This Bharath (India) land is the centre of spiritual progress for ages past and the region where Divine incarnations re-establish Dharma for the good of humanity. In order to make known My majesty and My glory as the Divine that has Incarnated, miraculous happenings of an amazing nature do take place in certain areas. Taking advantage of the attraction that those happenings draw upon them, many misuse them for personal propaganda and aggrandizement. They trade for money the vibhuthi (sacred ash) that the pictures in their altars shower! They go about pretending that they are "superior devotees" of a higher order and conferring boons and blessings on the innocent folk whom they fleece. Others put forth false claims that vibhuthi is emanating from the pictures of Baba in their homes, that amrith (nectar) is dripping from them or that material objects are falling from them, like written answers to questions. Samithis and other Units should have no contact with such cheats and crooks. Any one who is attached to such or who encourages such can be immediately removed.

There are others who claim that I am speaking through them, and answering questions put to them. These people must be either insane or hysteria-affected or they are possessed by some ghost or by the greed to earn money thereby. I can only tell you that it is not I that speaks through them. I do not need media; nor do I need substitutes or subsidiaries or representatives. There are some crooks who are publicising that I have allotted them some regions for ministration by them on My behalf, because, they say, My devotees have increased so much that I am unable to at-tend to all of them, single-handed! On the face of it, this is an absurd lie. Moreover, consider another aspect.

Evil forces try to draw away aspirants.

Even those who cry in pure agonising yearning, Sai Sai Sai, and lead pure unselfish virtuous lives, even these find it hard to realise Me; how then can these low scheming vulgar men who know no sadhana, sincerity, truth and humil-ity, how can these people claim that they have been blessed by me? They may wear the same style of dress, imitate gestures and style of speech but these will only bring their falsehood into greater prominence. That I am supposed to "possess" such people or speak through them or shower My Grace on them is an assumption of which one ought to be ashamed! How then can anyone believe it, I wonder.

Sathya Sai Baba. Sathya Sai Speaks 10, chapter 35. 22 November 1970.

start quote:

"Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Sai Ram!
Recently, several charlatans have appeared in various places claiming or implying that they have special powers conferred by Bhagavan Baba. Whenever and wherever it is necessary, we are taking specific measures to curtail the fraudulent activities of these people including direct communication with Sai Centers, use of Sanathana Sarathi, and, if and when it is necessary, legal measures. I have included below several specific quotes from the Divine Writings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. It would helpful for those of you who are having experiences with these "false gurus" in your areas to send these very, very powerful Words, written by Bhagavan Baba, Himself, to the Sai Centers that are experiencing these problems.
Sincerely,
Michael Goldstein"

End quote. thanks to the source:

Source-   http://www.srisathyasai.org.za/programs/whatsnew.asp

What is this organisation about ?

*The Sathya Sai Service Organisation

The Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation is a spiritual organisation founded under the inspiration and guidelines of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, for the benefit of the whole of mankind, not having any distinction or separateness on the basis of religion, race, nationality, caste, creed or sect. Around the world, the Sathya Sai Seva centres consist of members of different ethnic groups and different religions, all pursuing their respective religions and fulfilling the teachings of their religions, but joining together for the service of mankind with the firm faith that service to man is service to God.

The organization is a managed on a “NOT FOR PROFIT” basis and in no way advocates the collection of funds in the public arena.

*Who can be a member?

Any individual who is willing to follow the objectives, rules and regulations of the organisation may associate himself/herself with the work and programme of a Sathya Sai Centre. There is no fee or subscription for membership.

What are the objectives of the organisation?

1. To help the individual to 
    a. Be aware of the Divinity that is inherent in them and to conduct themselves 
        accordingly
    b. Translate into practice in daily life, Divine Love and perfection
    c. Fill one’s life with joy, harmony, grace, beauty, human excellence and
        lasting  happiness

2. To ensure that all human relations are governed by the principles of Truth, 
    Right  Conduct, Peace, Love and Non-violence

3. To make devotees of any religion more sincere and dedicated in the practice 
    of their respective religions.

*How are these objectives attained?

1. By observing the 4 principles laid down by Bhagawan Baba, namely…
   
    There is only one religion, the religion of LOVE
    There is only one language, the language of HEART
    There is only one caste, the caste of HUMANITY
    There is only one God, He is OMNIPRESENT

2. By constant remembrance of God and looking upon all creations only as    
    manifestations of Divinity in different forms and shapes

3. By underlining the essential unity of all religions and securing a proper 
    understanding of all religions as being based on Love

4. By looking upon all work as service dedicated to the Divine

5. By bringing to bear upon all life’s problems, attitudes, flowing from Divine 
    Love, such as understanding, tolerance, compassion, helpfulness etc.

6. By basing all actions on love of divinity, fear of sin and steadfast observance of
    morality in society.

7. By engaging in spiritual, educational and service activities, both at the 
    individual and community level, in an organized and systematic manner 
    without expecting material reward or appreciation.

Reference: Loving Welcome, Sri Sathya Sai Central Council of SA

*What are the activities of the organisation?

Healthcare in the Sathya Sai Organisation:

Baba has often stated that the body is the temple that houses our soul and we need to maintain good physical health at all times. It is for this reason, that Baba has opened two Super Speciality hospitals in India and he has led the way for focus on healthcare to the disadvantaged, in many countries. In the South African context, whereby poverty is rife, herein lays a golden opportunity to bring primary healthcare to those people who cannot afford such treatment. The Sathya Sai Organisation of S.A, has, for many years, been facilitating big medical clinics. Examinations such us routine blood pressure check ups to cholesterol tests to administration of medication to disadvantaged people have been done on a regular basis throughout the country with the grace of Baba. The organisation is always appealing to devotees with medical expertise to come forward and assist in such projects.

Objectives
1. Offer free medical care to isolated areas of need.

2. Serve as a diagnosing unit for identification of serious ailments in order to 
    refer  patients  to hospitals.

3. Serve as a general practitioner able to diagnose and treat ailments in line 
    with a GP  practice.

4. Create awareness by educating patients on health and hygiene related issues.

5. Maintain database in order to identify trends.

6. Implement an extensive Education in Human Values programme that will be
    completely integrated into the Healthcare programme. Make people aware of 
    the importance of  maintaining a healthy body in relation to having a peaceful
     life.

7. Integrate education and advise on environmental issues such as saving water, 
    using biodegradable chemicals, prevent litter etc.

*Aims

1. Provide health care to people residing in remote areas that would not 
    necessarily have access to health facilities.

2. Start a prevention programme whereby people are educated and taught about 
   health related issues such as hygiene, diagnosis of certain illnesses, and 
   symptoms of  certain illnesses. 

3. Offer a holistic approach to health care including Naturopathy and 
    Homeopathy.

4. Educate people on the effects of diet on ones health. Develop nutritional 
    programs  based on the resources available in the area.

*EHV (Education in Human Values) Classes

This is a universal programme which helps bring out human values that are latent in a child. The topics covered are basically the human values and the sub-values i.e. Truth, Right Action, Peace, Love and Non-Violence.
The lessons will comprise as follows:
Silent sitting
Value based stories
Quotations
Value based songs
Interactive sessions

EHV is a process, designed by the Master Himself, if practiced sincerely, will definitely reveal the hidden potentialities in us. These potentialities are like ‘capsules’ within us, and with continued practice, these ‘capsules’ begin to open up and expand and grow within us, and thereby become a part of us. Therefore we become Divine. There are so many ‘capsules’ e.g. Self-confidence, love, patience, illumined intellect, etc. It is amazing to see what one is capable of doing when one starts to practice EHV. The sky then really becomes the limit!

Our children are exposed to an external environment, which has a lot of negative influence. But EHV works on the very being and essence of a child / person, so therefore no influence will affect one who is engaged in EHV with LOVE and FAITH, because EHV has already taken root and thereby directs us.
A child is like a tree – a tree can only be shaped correctly when it is a sapling; but once a tree it cannot be bend or straightened; so too a child can be corrected and taught good values and this becomes part of life; but one can not change the thoughts of an adult.

*Who is Sai Baba?

Sathya Sai Baba is a spiritual teacher, whose life inspires millions of people worldwide to realise their innate divinity and have faith in God. His teachings are universal to all religions, yet he is not seeking to start a new religion. Rather he urges us to go to the roots of our own faith whatever it may be, to rediscover the universal Truth therein.

He was born on Tuesday the 23rd of November 1926 at Puttaparthi, a tiny remote village in Southern India. His life has been a constant manifestation of His Divinity. and a perfect example of what it means to be human. 
He says "My Life is My message" and teaches the five basic human values of  
TRUTH, RIGHT CONDUCT, PEACE, LOVE and NON-VIOLENCE. 

*What is the mission statement

I have come not to disturb or destroy any Faith, but to confirm in his own Faith, so that the Christian becomes a better Christian, the Muslim a better Muslim and a Hindu a better Hindu. I have come to reconstruct the ancient highway to God; to instruct all in the essence of Vedas, to shower on all this precious gift; to protect Sanathana Dharma, the Ancient Wisdom and to preserve it. My Mission is to serve happiness and so I am always happy to come to come among you, not once but twice, thrice as often as you want me. To set right those who have taken to wrong path and to protect the good people, Sai will be born again and again. 
I have come to light the lamp of Love in your hearts, to see that it shines day by day with added luster. I have not come on any mission or publicity for any sect or creed or cause nor have I come to collect followers for any doctrine. I have no plans to attract disciples or devotees into my fold or any fold. I have come to tell you of the Universal, Unitary Faith, this Path of Love, this Duty of Love, this Obligation to Love. Believe that all hearts motivated by the One and Only God, that all Faiths glorify the One and Only God, that all Names in all languages and all Forms man can conceive, denote the One and Only God. His adoration is best done by means of Love. Cultivate that attitude of Oneness between men of all creeds, all countries, and all continents. This is the message of Love I bring! 

You are all in the Kingdom of Sai! 
You are all in Sai's Home! 
You are all in Sai's Light! 
You are all in Sai's Heart! 

-- Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba –

Source   http://www.srisathyasai.org.za/programs/faq.asp#profile