Invitation to participate in the

Gayatri Maha Yagya

to Gayatri Devi, Mother Divine

Thurs. Sept. 16^th -- Sun. Sept. 19^th

9:15 am to 4:30 pm

(Lunch break: Approx. 12:30 to 1:30 pm.)

This elaborate traditional four-day Vedic Yagya to Mother Divine for knowledge, peace, prosperity, removal of negativity and neutralization of adverse planetary influence includes over 27 hours of Vedic Recitation, Pujas and Fire Ceremonies.

It is being performed for the first time in Fairfield by Vedic Pandit D.N. Sharma of the Vashishtha Gotra in a specially-built Sthapatya-Vedic "Yagya Shala." This is a unique opportunity to participate in a Vedic Yagya that is rarely performed even in India.

The site for the Yagya Shala is 24 feet by 24 feet, the equivalent of the Vedic measurment of 16 hands by 16 hands, measured from elbow to fingertips. Sixteen poles support a double roof – the second roof in the center is raised, as it is in many Stapathya Vedic buildings. A Yagya Kunda (ceremonial fireplace) is located in the center.

Directions: From Fairfield Iowa downtown, go South on Rte. 1, left on 227^th St., then 300 yard on right.

Highlights of the Yagya:

· Ganesh Puja · Mandap Pravesh: Ceremonial Procession accompanied by drums, conches and bells · Mandala Nirmana: Creation of the Five Mandalas by participants, under Pandit Sharma’s supervision · Navagraha Shanti Puja & Homa (Fire Offering) to the Devatas of the Nine Planets · Vastu Mandala Puja & Homa to the Devatas of the land and structure · Chatuhshashti Yogini Mandala Puja & Homa to 64 Aspects of Mother Divine · Shanti Homa for Universal Peace · Evening Aarti & Pushpanjalim · Gayatri Homa to Gayatri Devi, Mother Divine ·

SPONSORSHIPS INVITED:
Call 472 9952 or 472 9703

Pandit Sharma is making a donation of his time, but there are many expenses associated with the Yagya. Individuals or families may help to formally sponsor the Yagya and thereby directly enjoy its blessings even without attending in person. Sponsors’ names will be recited as part of the "Sankalpa" or resolution. Specific desires of the sponsors can also be included in the Sankalpa.

Individual: $108 Family: $201 World Peace Sponsor: $501 - $1008

Smaller contributions welcome if finances are an obstacle to participating.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Call 472 9952 or 472 9703

Help is urgently needed to construct the Yagya Shala and assist with the many preparations for the Yagya, including making garlands and sweets.

Full details at 21^st Century Bookstore bulletin board and at website:

472 9952 or 472 9703 or www.oocities.org/~yagya

Gayatri Maha Yagya

Order of Events

1. Bhoomi Puja: Inauguration Ceremony performed before construction starts

2. Panchanga Puja: First Day Preparatory and Purificatory Rites, performed outside the completed Yagya Shala.

3. Mandap Pravesh: Procession into the precincts of the Yagya Shala at proper auspicious muhurtha time, accompanied by drums, conch and bells

4. Jala Yatra: Ceremonial procession of water for the Yagya, performed by the women

5. Mandala Nirmana: Creation of the Mandalas

6. Mahadhwajasthapan: Establishment of the main flagpole and flag

7. Evening Aarti and Pushpanjalim: Performed at end of each of the first three days

Second and Third Days (Schedule is flexible: At least steps # 8 through #11 and perhaps some of #13 will take place on Second Day, more if time allows.)

8. Avahita Devata Puja: Opening Puja for the Devas and Devis

9. Devata Avahan: Invocation of over 400 Deities on five Mandalas within the Yagya Shala:

                  e. Navagraha Mandala: Mandala for the Devatas
                  of the Nine Planets

10. Kushkandika: Invocation of Devas in the Kunda (Ritual Fireplaces)

11. Agni Avahana and Agni Sthapana: Invocation of the Fire Deva Agni

(12. Kundamandapapujan: Opening Puja for the Devatas of the poles, Kunda and Mandalas of

the Yagya Shala – performed on the morning of 3^rd and 4^th Days)

13. Homas (Fire Ceremonies) include chanting of Vedic mantras accompanied by offerings of rice, herbs, ghee, etc. into the fire within the Kunda (Ritual Fireplace)

14. Gayatri Homa: Homa to Devi Gayatri

Fourth Day

15. Kundamandapapujan: Opening Puja for the Devatas of the poles, Kunda and Mandalas of the Yagya Shala – performed on the morning of 4^th Day

16. Closing Ceremonies: Performed on Fourth Day

                a. Avahita Devatanam Homa: Homa to all the
                Devatas

Gayatri Maha Yagya

Guidelines for Partipants

Location & General Procedures:

The Yayga Shala is a covered structure that is open on all four sides. Go south on Rte. 1, left on 227^th St., then 300 yard on right you will see the Yagya Shala in field. Please come on time at 9:15 am or after lunch at 1:30 pm. Please bring a pillow or blanket to sit on – no chairs. Plan to stay for the entire morning or afternoon session or both. Traditionally once the Yagya session has started participants do not leave until the session is over. If you arrive late or are coming for only part of a day you may be asked to sit at the perimeter of the Yagya Shala, outside of the covered area. In this case you will be sitting on the ground right next to the Yagya Shala and may want to bring a waterproof poncho in case of rain, and something comfortable to sit on.

Sponsors of the Yagya will be invited to sit inside the Yagya Shala closest to the performance of the various stages of the Yayga and to participate as appropriate. Babies and young children are welcome to sit with their parents on the ground near but not inside the Yagya Shala.

No cameras or camcorders, please. Shoes and all leather items, including belts, purses and watch bands are not allowed in or right next to the Yagya Shala. Please leave your leather purses, wallets or watches in your car or other safe place – an area for storage of shoes and belts will be provided close to the Yagya Shala.

Participants do not point their feet at the Ceremonial Fireplaces, Puja altars or Mandalas, nor do they step directly over them, even if they are on the floor. The right hand is used to make offerings, and any circular motions (such as waving a lamp or incense in the air) should be made in the clockwise direction.

Personal Preparation:

Traditionally, participants in Vedic Yagyas dress in fresh, clean clothing (lighter colored clothes are preferred, with nothing in solid black or dark blue or dark purple.) Participants should take a bath or shower the morning of the Yagya; men should shower or bathe after shaving. The mouth, hands and face should be washed immediately before commencing the Yagya; water will be available at the site.

Participants are asked to bring fresh, washed fruit and some flowers each day to the Yagya.

On the day of the Yagya, it is customary to fast or to eat only very light food before the Yagya such as fruit juice or milk.. Do not eat any meat, onion or garlic during the four days of theYagya. Please plan to eat lunch at the site near the Yagya Shala: light food such as yoghurt, fruit or cooked vegetables are recommended. Cooked grains (breads, rice, etc.) are traditionally avoided until after the ceremony. After the Yagya, a sumptuous meal may be enjoyed.

No eating or drinking (except water if necessary) at any time during the Yagya. There will be a short lunch break on the first three days from approximately 12:30 to 1:30 pm; plan to eat lunch outside of the Yagya Shala. Mouth, hands and feet should be washed after eating. Hands should also be washed after touching the mouth at any time during the Yagya. On the fourth day plan for the possibility of a continuous session without a lunch break.

If the toilet facilities are used, hands, face and feet are washed before returning to the Yagya. Water will be provided on-site. In the Vedic tradition, ladies attend Yagyas or assist in preparations only after a minimum of four days has elapsed since the start of their monthly period. Also you should not attend a Yagya within 13 days of the birth or death of a blood relative.