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.
For details contact 9884048, A.S. Kumar, trustee. Email: vediccompetition@gmail.com. Website: www.omcharitabletrust.com
