Readers of Friday Review may recall reports of a rare event that
took place at Naimisaranyam three years ago. A team of Vedic pandits
travelled to the wooded place, hence the name, in Uttar Pradesh and
chanted the Vedas. According to purana, it was there that sage Vyasa
segregated the Vedas into four categories and none had attempted to
organise a rendition in that place. Now, efforts are on to repeat the
act but not at Naimisaranyam but at Pushkar in Rajasthan.
“The world is shaken by violence. No place on earth seems to be safe.
One feels helpless hearing about heart rending reports of lives lost in
mass carnage and due to personal conflicts. This includes mental
violation too, where harsh words make hearts bleed. Dilution in
discipline and values is one of the major reasons for this state of
affairs for which all of us are responsible,” says Sarma Sastrigal,
brain behind the venture.
“The only way to counter the waves of negative energy is to create
positive vibrations, and what better method than chant the Vedas,” he
exclaims. Sri Sarma Sastrigal, priest by profession, is a crusader for
the Vedas and the messages embedded in them. He is the author of several
publications on Sanatana Dharma.
“The success of Naimisaranyam gave me the courage to think of another
venture on the same lines. Like-minded friends were ready and we are
planning to conduct the event in September under the auspices of Loka
Kshema Seva Samiti,” says Sri Sarma Sastrigal.
Why Pushkar?
“Legend has it that it was here that Brahma recited the Vedas and
conducted a yagna. Vedas is nothing but the breath of Sarveswara. The
two are inseparable. He imparted the knowledge to Brahma, who wished to
recite it on earth and was contemplating on a location. He found it when
the lotus he was holding fell at a spot, which is Pushkar, place from
where Earth was initiated into Veda mantra,” explains Sri Sastrigal.
“If Naimisaranyam is the representation of the Almighty as Forest,
Pushkar is His manifestation as Tirtha, body of water. A big temple for
Brahma is located in Pushkar,” he adds. A team consisting of 35 Vedic
scholars, 24 of them Ghanapadigal, led by Sri Gururam Ghanapdigal, will
reach Pushkar on September 10 for the two-day programme of complete
Yajur Veda Parayanam (both Samhita and Brahmanam).
Have arrangements been made there?
“Not really,” comes the reply. Sri Sarma Sastrigal along with a Samiti
member will be visiting Pushkar to decide the venue of the event and
accommodation facilities. “More than anything else, we want the
participation of the local community. They should attend in large
numbers and benefit from this rare event.”
The venture certainly would involve huge expenditure. Is the Samiti getting support?
“At first, we were worried about the cost, but decided to take the
plunge. We hail from humble backgrounds and our only asset is the
knowledge of the Vedas, surrender to which is sure to help mankind.
Funds should not become a deterrent. We are confident that our faith
will bring the needed resources,” says Sarma Sastrigal, who can be
reached at 9444380973 and sarmasastrigal@ gmail.com.
Patasala competition
The three-day, July 22-24, Inter-Patasala Vedic Competition organised by
Om Charitable Trust begins today at Sri Krishnaswamy Kalyana Mantapam,
T. Nagar, Chennai. The annual affair includes lectures, chanting and so
on.
As many as 68 groups are participating in the event, which is getting
bigger every year. “From a compact contest involving 20 groups, it has
developed into a mega event that is drawing over 400 participants from
across the country,” says the organising committee. “It is heartening
that the Veda link is flourishing with so many youngsters eager to
master it,” he adds. The Trust, which thanks philanthropists for their
support, has several schemes to encourage the learning and the teaching
of the Vedas.
Elaborate arrangements have been made from accommodation to food and
security for the three days. The guests’ needs will be taken care of by
150 volunteers, specially engaged for the purpose. “Professionals in
various fields, we gather for the occasion, which is akin to a wedding,”
the source says. “The young members of the patasalas love the
experience, quite a few keeping in touch even after reaching their
respective destinations,” he adds.
Dr. M.V. Ananthapadmanabhachariyar, renowned orator, will preside over
the function on the first day. Dr. R. Krishnamurthi Sastrigal will
deliver the benedictory address. Damal Ramakrishnan will speak on the
Importance of Vedic Learning. The final day, July 24, will feature a
quiz and a skit. S. Gurumurthy will preside over the proceedings.
Vidyashankar Krishnan, vice-chairman and Managing Director, M.M.
Forgings will distribute the prizes.
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