Rons Bantwal

Mumbai (RBI), July 20: In a spiritually charged and culturally rich atmosphere, the Gopalakrishna Public Trust, Gokula, held an elaborate Rig Samhita Yaga from July 11 to 19, as part of the B S K B Association’s Gokula centenary celebrations. The sacred nine-day Vedic ritual culminated on Saturday July 19, with a Maha Poornahuti attended by hundreds of devotees.

The yaga commenced auspiciously on Friday, July 11, and was led by a distinguished team of Vedic scholars from Chennai and Udupi, including Narayana Acharya, Srinivasa Achar, Vitthala Achar, Vamana Achar, Raghavendra Achar, Manohar Achar, Vedavyasa Achar, and Ravi Kumar Acharya. The proceedings were conducted under the guidance of Gokula’s chief priest, Vedamurti Daregudde Srinivas Bhat.

For nine consecutive days, the yagashala resonated with Rigveda chanting from 6 am to 12 noon, followed by daily poornahuti, mangalarati, Dwadasha Moorti puja, and Vipra Satkara (honouring of priests). On behalf of the trust, honorary secretary Anantapadmanabha Poti and Sahana Poti served as yajamanas, performing all the prescribed rituals with dedication.

Coinciding with the Chaturmasya period, special satvik meals for ritviks and yajamanas were meticulously prepared each day by Ravi Bhat from Udupi, adhering to traditional dietary vows. Comfortable accommodation was provided for all guests and participants at Gokula.

A divine moment

In a surreal and moving climax, as the Maha Poornahuti and concluding rituals reached their peak, the utsava murti (processional idol) of Lord Gopalakrishna was installed in the yagashala. Following sacred fire offerings and Mangal Arati, the idol was carried in a ceremonial procession to the Tulasi Vrindavana.

Just as the Avabhrutha Snana (ritual concluding bath) was to be performed, an unexpected downpour from clear skies bathed the deity, priests, yajamanas, and devotees. Witnesses described it as a divine act by Varuna Deva, triggering emotional chants of “Govinda! Govinda!” from the overwhelmed crowd.

Evenings of devotion and culture

Each evening, the yaga featured Ashtavadhana Seva, a blend of Vedic recitation, shastra and puranic discourse, classical music, bhajans, dance, flute, chende, and saxophone performances, offering a rich feast of spiritual and cultural experiences.

A special highlight was the midweek visit of Paramapujya Sri Sri Vishwapriya Teertha Swamiji of Adamaru Math. Welcomed with traditional honours, the Swamiji received padapuja from B Ramananda Rao and his wife, trustees of the Gopalakrishna Public Trust. In his presence, the evening's Ashtavadhana Seva continued with added fervour, followed by a blessing-laden discourse from the Swamiji.

Support and participation

The yaga was graced by several office-bearers and trust members including:

• Vice president: Vaman Holla

• Treasurer: Haridas Bhat

• Joint treasurer: Ganesh Bhat

• Joint secretary: Chitra Melmane

• Trustees: Krishna Acharya, Shailini Rao, Jagadeeshchandra Kumar, R L Bhat

• Former president: K Subbanna Rao

• Vedamurti S N Udupa

The executive and religious committees, along with scores of volunteers, ensured the event ran smoothly. Hundreds of devotees visited the yagashala throughout the event, receiving teertha, prasada, and participating in anna santarpane (community meals).

As the yaga concluded, Vedamurti Daregudde Srinivas Bhat bestowed phala-prasada and blessings on all sponsors, donors, and attendees, acknowledging their generous contributions to the successful completion of this grand spiritual event.