Q.9. What is “VAAM MARG”? (Part 9)

Ans. Yogic Sadhanas are carried out in two ways. These are designated as the ‘Dakchin Marg’ and ‘Vaam Marg’ or Tantra. References in this book pertains to the Dakchin Marg - which is the process (Sadhana) of attracting the omnipresent powers of divinity, interacting with them by developing spiritual magnetism and cultivating paranormal faculties therefrom. The Vaam Marg, on the other hand, is the technique of pulling out bio-energy from living beings and utilizing it for exercising psychic control over others and for exorcist activities.

The source of Tantrik power is not the universal divine powers, but the physical energy produced by friction of subtle particles of nature rotating around their axes at tremendous speeds. Tantriks call this energy as Durga or Kali.

In practice, the Tantrik excites the bio-energy of an animate being  by violently killing it or inflicting excruciating pain on it by extraction of flesh or blood. It is tempting for some highly egoistic and ambitious persons to acquire extraordinary powers  through Tantra, But its practise is extremely complex and dangerous. Only an extraordinarily courageous and fearless person learning under an expert can achieve success in Tantra. There are numerous instances of persons becoming mentally deranged, permanently paralysed, sick, losing power of speech, sight or hearing in course of Tantrik practices. The details of Tantra have, therefore, been kept secret and out of reach of common man. In ancient times Tantra was used for welfare activities like self-defence, espionage, treatment of terminally ill and for enhancing the intelligence quotient of mentally retarded. The practice is now extremely rare.  

Q.10. According to the Law of Karma, everyone has to face the consequences of one’s good or bad deeds. How is it then possible for Gayatri to absolve one from sins?

Ans. It has been described that Gayatri dispels the darkness of sin. It does not mean destruction of the result of sin. It means getting rid of sinful tendencies.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 90

👉 MISCELLANEOUS Quotation & Answer (Part 8)

Q.8. How is Gayatri relevant for humankind in the present times ?

Ans.  Each individual is born with certain characteristic traits and IQ., all of which can not be explained as genetic inheritance. For instance, genetics has no explanation for the rare birth of a saint, genius or an idiot in several generations of a family. It is also a fact that many of these exclusive personal traits change in course of growth of  the person from childhood to adulthood. Modern scientists generally ascribe these changes to social environment and education. The science of today is, however, unable to throw light on the reasons for presence or absence in an individual of characteristics like empathy, compassion, large-heartedness, tolerance, courage, equanimity and creativity. Nor has modern science succeeded in devising gadgets or courses for inculcating these virtues.

The spiritual masters in the East on the other hand, maintain that the Absolute Repository of all virtues, which we call as GOD, is that source from which it is possible to acquire positive traits by personal endeavour through specific Yogic exercises under the guidance of a Guru. This is the objective of all spiritual pursuits in the East.

Ever since the dawn of civilization in India, it has been emphasised that no amount of material progress in science and technology can bring about lasting happiness, peace and prosperity for humankind, unless the individual - the unit of family, society, nation and global population, is transformed by infusion of positive thinking. The so-called progress in the West is also responsible for two world wars, nuclear-proliferation, environmental pollution, disparity in living standards, conflicts, poverty and disease all-over the world.

Gayatri is a panacea for all problems - Personal, Family, Social, National or Global : The Gayatri Sadhana is a product of thousands of years of research. Following Gayatri Yoga any individual, irrespective of caste, class, colour, nationality, social status and religious  affiliation can acquire strength from the Indwelling Divinity for solving all problems of life.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 89

👉 MISCELLANEOUS Quotation & Answer (Part 7)

Q.7. Why is the Sadhak advised to keep the progress in Sadhana a secret?

Ans. The purpose of keeping Sadhana secret is only to avoid the possibility of confusion because of multiple interactions with people, so that after dispelling all doubts, one holds fast to it firmly and marches ahead on the chosen path. People try to criticise, find faults and suggest new methods and create doubts in the mind of the Sadhak, if he discusses the method of his Sadhana with several persons. Everyone who is consulted will suggest something new and the Sadhak’s mind will get confused and he will lose faith. He will then change frequently his method of Sadhana and on account of doubt get deprived of its benefits. It is therefore, essential to have full faith in one’s well settled method and it should be pursued with unflinching devotion, under the guidance of an accomplished Guru.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 87

👉 MISCELLANEOUS Quotation & Answer (Part 6)

Q.6. I have been doing Gayatri Sadhana regularly. Nevertheless, at times, I feel depressed and dissatisfied with my progress. What is the remedy?

Ans. The feelings of occasional depression, dissatisfaction with progress and momentary loss of interest are not uncommon in course of Sadhana. In order to understand this paradoxical phenomenon, it is  necessary to understand three successively higher phases of spiritual evolution. These are known as :-

(1) The Mantra Diksha or Initiation
This is the initial Kindergarten stage - the ‘Bhuha’ stage of Dikcha, in which the ‘Acharya’ - a representative of Guru, introduces the novice to the concept of Gayatri disciplines through ‘Baikhari Vani’ (by speaking). Any contemplative, spiritually- wise, high-character, talented, person may assume the charge of an ‘Acharya’. Nevertheless, this is a great responsibility, since after establishing the spiritual relationship, sins and virtues of the disciple are shared by the Guru. Since the Guru, by definition, is sinless, his displeasure on any dereliction by the devotee is quite natural. Besides, it must also be very clearly understood, that merely admission to the school of Sadhana through Mantra Dikcha is not sufficient. The devotee must persistently endeavour to qualify for the higher stages of Diksha.

(2) Agni Diksha or Pran Diksha
This is the ‘Bhuwaha’ stage of Dikcha carried out extra-sensorially, through ‘Madhyama’ and pashyanti Vani (Telepathic and soul-to-soul communication). In this case the Guru undertakes refinement and development of the Sukchma Sharir - the conscious and supra-conscious levels of mind (‘Man’: ‘Budhi’, ‘Chitta’ and ‘Ahankar’) of the devotee.

When the devotee graduates to this next higher class of ‘Agni Dikcha’, the Guru extra-sensorally transmits a part of the spiritual charge (Pran) to the devotee, from his own spiritual battery accumulated after prolonged Tapascharya.

The ‘concepts’ planted and developed during the Mantra Dikcha are now translated into ‘action’ by this new acquisition of powerful energy (Pran). At this stage, there is a great turmoil in the inner-self of the devotee, which he/ she apparently feels as a fast growing dissatisfaction with his / her progress, uneasiness and momentary depression. These external symptoms are, in fact, an indication of the churning, taking place within deeper levels of the soul.  Hence, unless the devotee feels this turmoil, it is to be assumed that the activation by the Guru has become feeble, because of some shortcomings in the devotee’s Sadhana.
    
After Agni Dikcha, the devotee becomes more enlightened and is able to discern his / her personal faults, however trivial they are. The term Agni Dikcha owes its nomenclature to the process of ‘Incineration in the inner-self by the fire of discernment’. The phenomenon is parallel to the exercise of Tapascharya for the purification of physical body.

There are three clear signs of a person undergoing Agni Dikcha. (1) A strong inclination to perform ‘Tap’ for self-purification, (2) A feeling of discontentment with one’s progress and a desire for speedy innergrowth and  (3) realisation of many shortcomings in  one’s thoughts, behaviour and nature.

Here, it must be emphasised that ‘Only that Guru can give Dikcha, who has himself earned and conserved sufficient spiritual charge by performing Tapascharya’.

(3) Pran Dikcha (‘Swaha’ stage)
This is the highest level of Dikcha in course of which the transfer of spiritual energy takes place from the soul of the Guru to the soul of the devotee. This is the process through which the Guru hands over spiritual succession to the most deserving disciple. In other words, it means appointing the spiritual successor.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 84

👉 MISCELLANEOUS Quotation & Answer (Part 5)

Q. 5. What are indications of progress in Sadhana?

Ans.  After prolonged and persistent ‘Sadhana’ with faith and dedication , the following characteristics appear in the devotee:-

1. Magnetism in personality; sparkling eyes; force in speech; a glowing countenance; gravity and stability in expression. These qualities deeply impress everyone coming in contact with the devotee. People interacting with a devotee of Gayatri behave in conformity with his / her wishes.
2. The devotee feels a new celestial energy operating from within.
3. The devotee progressively loses interest in improper
(sinful) activities. If, some wrong is inadvertently committed by him, he feels extremely repentant. He neither becomes elated on favourable happenings, nor loses equanimity while facing unfavourable circumstances.

4. If he curses someone on becoming deeply hurt, the adversary encounters great misfortune.
5. On the other hand,, his good wishes always result in the welfare of the concerned person.
6. He develops the faculty of thought reading. None can  hide his shortcomings, covert actions and motives from the penetrating gaze of a Gayatri devotee.
7. He can communicate telepathically with people living far away.
8. The environment around him is very quiet and serene. People find unusual peace, purity and serenity in his presence.

9. When at the zenith of his progress, he can paranormally transfer a part of the spiritual energy (collected by him in course of his Sadhana through ‘Tapascharya’), to any deserving individual, for which the latter need not make the required effort. This is called the process of ‘Shaktipat’ in yoga, which the Guru uses for grooming the best disciple as his successor.

10. While contemplating, during the waking hours or in course of meditation he may see emissions of multicoloured lights, other para-normal lights or hear celestial sounds or words.

These are some visible signs of progress in ‘Sadhana’ Besides, the devotee acquires many paranormal capabilities,   which are much beyond normal human experience, knowledge and resources.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 83

👉 MISCELLANEOUS Quotation & Answer (Part 4)

Q.4. Will one incur divine displeasure if there are some inadvertent errors during worship?

Ans. Absolutely not. The Creator is like our Mother. The Divine Mother has only love for her children. How can She punish unless the fault is deliberate? One may contemplate on God even while lying on bed (when one is sick) or without proper physical cleanliness or rituals. The benefits, however small, will definitely accrue. One should not have the least apprehension about harm or divine displeasure due to errors in worship. If any mistake is committed in the rituals of Tantrik Sadhana, the deities, who are mostly demoniac,  may get annoyed and harm an errant Sadhak. However,  Gayatri  is the Divine Shakti, the affectionate mother, full of forgiveness and compassion. She loves her child who lisps and cannot even speak properly. Gayatri is such a Kamdhenu.       

Even erroneous worship having righteous aims and objectives becomes fruitful, if it is faithfully done. It is said about Valmiki that he could not even utter Ram properly and by uttering ‘mara, mara’ attained godliness. In Rightist path of Sadhana, sentiments are more important than rituals. None has been harmed on account of any omission in the method of Gayatri worship. Still, if there is any apprehension, the guidance of a spiritual master in this path of Sadhana can be sought in the matter.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 82

👉 MISCELLANEOUS Quotation & Answer (Part 3)

Q.3. What are the rules to be followed after taking Diksha?

Ans. After initiation, the devotee is expected to maintain  regularity in daily routine of worship (Upasana), a persistent endeavour for developing purity in thoughts words and deeds by studying scriptures and interacting with saintly persons (Sadhana) and by donating a part of one’s time and resources for welfare activities (Aradhana). Strict adherence to the routine of Upasana - Sadhana - Aradhana is essential. Nevertheless, if there are some momentary disruptions because of contingencies, one should not have any misgivings about divine displeasure, because God, like mother, is full of love, patience and forgiveness.

Though certain restrictions on diet (such as vegetarianism and abstention from hard drinks) are recommended for accelerating progress in Sadhana, these are not mandatory for the beginner. The devotee has free choice of time and period of Upasana to suit his / her routine.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 81

👉 MISCELLANEOUS Quotation & Answer (Part 1)

Q.1. Why is Gayatri Mantra regarded as Guru Mantra?

Ans. Every body knows that one can learn very well under the direct guidance of a capable teacher. This, however, does not mean that a person devoid of knowledge and character be accepted as Guru. Instead of accepting an illiterate person as teacher and suffer the consequences it is better to regard the scriptures or any rishi  or devatma as one’s Guru and for this purpose even a picture or an idol of the person concerned can be used.

All human beings are born through the same biological process as other animals. Man is, therefore, in no way different from other species of animal kingdom, until he takes the first step towards his spiritual evolution by way of initiation in Sadhana. This ceremony of initiation amongst the Hindus is known as the Upnayan Sanskar.  The newly initiated person is called a Dwij (i.e. born-again) in spiritual parlance.

Each Hindu is traditionally required to undergo Upnayan Sanskar. In course of this ritual, the subject is made to wear a Janeu (sacred thread) across the body on the left shoulder as a constant reminder to follow the disciplines of Gayatri in life, (The Christians wear the crucifix for a similar purpose). During the Upnayan ceremony, the Guru initiates the person concerned exclusively in Gayatri Mantra. This is why it is known as the Guru Mantra.          
Literally too, the word ‘Guru’ in Sanskrit means ‘Heavy’, ‘powerful’ or ‘significant’. Since, this Mantra has been  referred to in the scriptures as the very manifestation of omnipotence and omniscience of God it is justifiably called as Guru Mantra.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 79

👉 QUERIES ABOUT ANUSTHANS (Part 6)

Q.13. What  is the ideal ‘Bramhabhoj’ after completion of the ‘Anusthan’?

Ans. In an Anusthan the last ritual is ‘Brahmbhoj’ after Poornahuti in the Havan. Traditionally it requires feeding Brahmans or young maidens. Qualified, deserving Brahmans are not easily available, these days. Alternatively, maidens (who being symbolic of mother power of God the Matri Shakti, are fed to augment faith) are offered food, but at times they are not permitted by self-respecting parents to take food in a stranger’s house. Brahmbhoj has, thus, ceased to have relevance in the contemporary society.

Under these circumstances, Brahmdan i.e. ‘Dissemination of spiritual wisdom’ (Sadgyan) can truly serve the purpose of Brahmbhoj. For each Ahuti, one is recommended to donate one paisa (one hundredth of local currency) for Brahmdan and with this amount procure literature pertaining to ‘Yug Nirman’ (resurrection of moral values in the society) and distribute it to deserving persons. In this manner, one can sow seeds of spiritual wisdom in many hearts, the fruits of which are reaped by the readers and motivators alike.

Q.14. What should one do if some unfavourable unforeseen events occur during an Anusthan?

Ans. Under such circumstances one may discontinue the Sadhana, Jap etc. for the period and resume it later from the count of disruption. However, a mental recitation, without a rosary, is permissible in all circumstances.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 77

👉 QUERIES ABOUT ANUSTHANS (Part 5)

Q.10. What is the significance of Havan (Yagya) in an Anusthan?

Ans. Jap and Havan are basic ingredients of an Anusthan. After initiation (Dikcha) the worshipper (Sadhak) makes a total surrender to Gayatri and Yagya (his spiritual parents), which are inseparable. Invocation of both is done through specified procedures during the Anusthan.

Q.11. What are the number of ‘Ahutis’ prescribed for various types of Anusthans?

Ans. In ancient times, it was convenient to oblate one tenth of the total number of Japs in the Havan in an  Anusthan. In the present circumstances, it is sufficient to offer one hundredth number of ‘Ahutis’. The number thus amounts to :-
  
(a) Small Anusthan - 240 Ahutis.  
(b) Medium Anusthan - 1250 Ahutis.
(c) Big Anusthan - 24000 Ahutis.    The number may however, be varied depending on circumstances.

Q.12. How are the number of Ahutis distributed during the Yagya (Havan) in course of Anusthans?  
Ans. Havan may either be performed each day or on the last day of the Anusthan. Oblations required each day are equal to the number of ‘malas’, (cycles of rosary) whereas on the last day the number of ‘Ahutis’ should be equal to one hundredth of the total number of Japs (recitation of Mantras).
                          
When more than one person participates in the Havan, the cumulative number (number of persons multiplied by number of Ahutis) is counted. (e.g. 100 Ahutis by 5 persons will be considered as 500 Ahutis; for 240 Ahutis 6 persons may offer together 40 ‘Ahutis’ each etc.).

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 76

👉 QUERIES ABOUT ANUSTHANS (Part 4)

Q. 6. Does one himself benefit by doing Jap-Anusthan for others?

Ans. It is true that like helping the needy through one’s own resources, a person reaps spiritual benefits while performing Upasana-Tap for others (“Distant therapy”). The only condition is that it should be carried out to support a deserving cause. On the contrary, if divine powers are sought to further some misdeed, it becomes a sinful act. Purity of motive is, therefore, a pre-requisite for an Anusthan.

Q.7. Is acceptance of a donation or gift in cash or kind is permissible in lieu of an Anusthan done for others?
Ans. It is sanctioned to the extent of minimum amount for bare sustenance. Very little benefit accrues when an Anusthan is performed for others with an eye on deriving maximum personal benefit.

Q.8. What is the time of the day recommended for Jap during an Anusthan? Is it necessary to complete  Jap at a stretch?

Ans. Mornings are best suited. Otherwise, one may complete the count in instalments at different periods of the day.

Q.9. What to do if there is some irregularity during the Anusthan?

Ans. There should not be any apprehension about incurring any divine displeasure as a consequence of an unavoidable irregularity during the Anusthan. Nevertheless, it is advisable to seek protection of a competent Guru toward off possible disturbances and to take care of advertent or inadvertent errors. This service is also provided free from Shantikunj, Hardwar, Uttar Pradesh, India. One is advised to send details of personal introduction and time proposed for the Anusthan for receiving spiritual protection and rectification of errors through the power of Guru. It will doubly ensure success of the Anusthan.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 75

👉 QUERIES ABOUT ANUSTHANS (Part 3)

Q.5. Is it possible to have an Anusthan performed by someone else?

Ans. To get Jap performed by others on payment on one’s behalf amounts to purchasing labour and deriving advantage out of it. This earns no merit. There are some important tasks which require to be carried out by one’s own self. It becomes ridiculous if they are got done by others. Can a servant be appointed to study on one’s own behalf ? Can one entrust his sleep to someone else? Nobody appoints someone else to procreate children on his behalf. How can a disease be cured if a person other than the patient is paid and asked to take treatment on behalf of the patient? In the same way devotional worship of God has to be done in His proximity, attained by  the devotee in person. Self-discipline , penance or endurance are required to be practised and friendship is nurtured by a person himself. Physical exercise is also done by a person himself. The same norm applies to Sadhana.

As for as practicable, one should perform his or her own Anusthan, In specific cases of contingency it can be entrusted to a qualified Brahman. The term Brahman here needs an elaboration. In ancient times individuals considered Brahmans were scholars of the science of Brahma. They possessed a high level of upright character, lived a virtuous life with minimum means of sustenance  and comfort.

Now-a-days, it is difficult to find such Brahmans, who besides having been born in a Brahman family (by caste and heredity) and wearing traditional costumes of Brahmans of yore also have the credibility of Brahmanism in their character, behaviour and thoughts. It is very difficult to find a true Brahman from amongst hordes of hypocrites masquerading as Brahmans.

It is, therefore, recommended that if at all necessary, irrespective of caste and creed, Anusthan may be entrusted to such an individual of high character who has an infallible faith in God and is not desirous of any worldly gains of name, fame or material gain.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 73

👉 QUERIES ABOUT ANUSTHANS (Part 2)

Q.4. What are the basic rules of an Anusthan?

Ans. The set of rules to be followed are :-

(1) As far as practicable, regularity of time and number in the Jap should be maintained in the routine with minimum possible deviations.

(2) The five basic principles i.e. (i) fasting (ii) abstention from sex (iii) self-service (iv) sleeping on ground (v) refraining from leather-ware like shoes etc., are to be followed. (One may instead use synthetics, rubber etc.) If sleeping on ground is not safe because of dampness, insects etc., a hard wooden bed may be used. Self service is essential in making shaves, (avoid the barber) cleaning of clothes (don’t send them to the laundry) personal and for other physical requirements. In case it is inconvenient to cook one’s own food, help of a close family member- wife, mother, sister etc. may be taken. Prepared food items from market (restaurants, dhabas etc.) are strictly forbidden. Sex is taboo during an Anusthan. Not only one should avoid physical sex, stimulation of sex impulse through even casual thoughts and sight should also be checked. Ladies coming in contact should be treated as mother, sister or daughter. The same is applicable to the behaviour of women towards men.

Fasting can be done in one of the following ways:        (a) Only liquid food like buttermilk, milk, fruit juice etc.(b) Subsisting on fruits and vegetables only (c) taking tasteless food items devoid of salt, sugar and spices (d) partaking only one meal a day (e) choosing only two food items during the period of Anusthan.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 72

👉 QUERIES ABOUT ANUSTHANS (Part 1)

Q.1. What is the difference between daily Upasana, Anusthan and Purascharan?

Ans. Daily worship is a part of routine day to day living. Anusthan is a worship of a higher order in which the devotee is bound by many restrictions and has to follow specified rules and regulations. Consequently, in the latter case, special benefits accrue. Purascharan, however, is a still higher specialised form of Sadhana. For Purascharan a number of specific Mantras and rituals are to be followed. Thus, only an individual with an advance of training is capable of performing a Purascharan. For a layman, therefore, Anusthans are recommended, which are easy to perform.

Q.2. What are the types of Anusthans? How much time is required for each?

Ans. There are three types of Anusthans small (Laghu) medium (madhyam) and Big (Uchch). The counts are as follows :
1) Small Anusthan: 24000 Japs to be completed in 9 days at the rate of 27 cycles of rosary per day. Time taken: on an average, 3 hours per day (with about 10 to 11 Malas per hour).
2) Medium Anusthan: 1,25000 Japs to be completed in 40 days at the rate of 33 Malas per day. Time taken: 3-4 hours per day.
3) Major Anusthan: 24,00,000 Japs to be completed in a year at the rate of 66 Malas per day. Time taken: about 6 hours per day.

Q.3. What are the pre-requisites for an Anusthan?

Ans. Cleansing of body, clothes and implements of worship; the six rituals; ‘Panchopchar’; Jap; Meditation ; ‘Suryarghdan’; (A small Kalash with water and incense are kept along with a photograph or idol of the deity.) Oblations of : water, ‘Akchat’, ‘Chandan’, ‘Flowers’ and ‘Naivedya’. ‘Avahan’ and ‘Visarjan’ at the beginning and end are associated with Gayatri Mantra; Yagya and Brahmbhoj.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 71

👉 QUERIES ABOUT GAYATRI YAGYA (Part 5)

Q.9. Is Akhand Yagya permissible?

Ans. Scriptures do not permit Akhand Yagya.  Yagya should
be completed in a fixed time during the day only. The reason being the possibility of insects, worms etc. getting killed in the sacred fire, which makes it a violent and profane act.

Q.10. How are ‘Tantrik Mukhs’ different from Vedic Yagyas?

Ans. As opposed to Vedic Yagya performed during the day, Tantrik Mukhs are executed at night. ‘Holika Dahan’, burning of ‘funeral pyre’ etc. fall in the category of Mukh.
Mukhs are performed during night for various reasons. The oblations consist of non-eatable and untouchable objects. The sight too is not pleasant. The associated rituals are predominantly full of Tamogun. There is also no consideration for violence or non-violence during the performance. For all these considerations and to avoid interference from prying, Mukhs are organized at solitary, unknown places in utmost privacy.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 69

👉 QUERIES ABOUT GAYATRI YAGYA (Part 4)

Q.6. What is the necessity of collective-Yagyas?

Ans. Yagyas at a larger scale are required to be performed to purify the subtle environment and destroy pollution permeating the atmosphere. It infuses religious sentiments and enthusiasm in persons who are present and those who participate in it get an opportunity to take a vow to abandon one vice by way of offering Dev-dakshina and adopt one virtue or righteous tendency. In this way big Yagyas help in uplifting the moral and ethical levels of the participants.  

The meaning of the word Yagya is to do sacrifice, to give money in charity and do worship. Its practical meaning is that one ought not to spend his entire earnings on himself and his family, but should also contribute a part of it  for the welfare of others. It also implies that divinity and gentlemanliness should be respected and people should live together in mutual cooperation.


Q.7. Is ‘Agnihotra’ during the nights justified for matrimonial functions?
Ans. In fact scriptures advise performance of marriages and associated Agnihotra (Yagya) during the day only. However, it has become customary in India to perform marriages during the night because of the convenience and leisure of participants. Agnihotra associated with matrimonial functions performed during the night are, therefore, exceptions. Although marriages during the night  have become a norm for this reason, the best period for the ceremony is considered as the dusk time.

Q.8. What type of clothes are recommended during performance of  Yagya?

Ans. During a Yagya, the purifying energy emanating from the Agnihotra stimulates the outer skin and permeates the body through the physical perforations, bringing out sweat and other impurities from within. It is therefore, advisable to wear loose clothes to permit an easy intake of ‘ Pran’- the life-force and excretion of impure elements (Kalmash). For this reason, in ancient times a two-piece wear of Dhoti and Dupatta was recommended which permitted a free circulation of air in and around the body. Course, heavy and tight clothing is not advisable for this very reason, Dhoti and Kurta are cheap and convenient wears, which, besides meeting the above objectives, also serve the purpose of religious and cultural integrity. Dhoti and Kurta are also easily washable. In those regions where Dhoti-Kurta are not traditional wears, clean-washed Pyjama may be used. Socks should never be worn during the Sadhana. These are considered as dirty as shoes. (However, to ward off extreme cold, one may wear clean socks reserved exclusively, for this purpose).

Though traditionally a yellow Dupatta (Angavastra) on shoulders is recommended, it is not mandatory. Ladies may wear yellow Saree  or a loose traditional wear.
  
For Group performance, it is advisable to keep stock of spare clothes for the visiting participants. Continuance of a Yagya in the night is not justifiable.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 67

👉 QUERIES ABOUT GAYATRI YAGYA (Part 3)

Q.3. Is it necessary to perform Yagya daily?

Ans. Gayatri and Yagya constitute a pair. Gayatri has
been called righteous wisdom and Yagya as righteous act. Coordination of both gives wisdom to solve all problems. Yagya may be performed as and when it is convenient. It can suffice to utter Gayatri Mantra and offer ghee and sugar in fire. If it is sought to be more brief, the purpose of symbolic worship of Agnihotra can also be fulfilled if a Ghrit lamp is lighted, incense- stick is burnt and Gayatri Mantra is uttered. If even this brief ritual cannot be performed daily, it should be done once in a week or on any convenient day at least once in a month. Those who are not acquainted with the procedure, and facilitators and material resources are not available, can write to Shantikunj for performance of Yagya in requisite quantity. Yagya is performed daily in Shantikunj for two hours in three Yagyashala having nine Yagya Kunds each.  

Q.4. How many Kunds are required in a Yagya?

Ans. On a small scale, the members of the family may offer 2400 (cumulative) Ahutis in a Single Kund Yagya. If neighbours, relatives and friends also wish to participate, a five Kundiya Yagya may be organised and five thousand oblations offered.

Q.5. What type of Prasad is recommended during  Poornahuti?

Ans. In the existing circumstances, it is advised to replace Brahmbhoj with Brahmadan, wherein instead of sweets, literature pertaining to Gayatri Sadhana is distributed as Prasad to the deserving participants.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 64

👉 QUERIES ABOUT GAYATRI YAGYA (Part 2)

Q.2. Is it necessary to perform Yagya along with Jap of Gayatri Mantra?

Ans. Gayatri and Yagya form an inseparable pair. One is said to be the mother of Indian culture and the other, the father. They are inter-linked. Gayatri Anusthan cannot be said to be fully accomplished unless it is accompanied by Yagya. In old affluent times Agnihotra used to be performed with number of Ahutis equal to one-tenth of the quantum of Jap, but now, in view of the prevailing circumstances, Ahutis are given in one to hundredth ratio. Those lacking in requisite resources fulfil the requirement of Yagya by performing one-tenth additional Jap.

There is a reference in the scriptures to a famous ancient dialogue between Janak and Yagyavalkya. Janak went on pointing out the difficulties in daily performance of Yagya because of non-availability of required materials whereas Yagyavalkya, while emphasising the essentiality of performing Yagya, said that even if charu and other materials are not available, food grains of daily consumption can be offered in Havan. If they are also not available, mental Yagya can be performed by offering meditation and divine sentiments in the fire of reverence and devotion. It has thus been emphasized that not only in Anusthan, but even in daily Sadhana, Yagya is essential along with Gayatri Jap.   

In emergency, house-wives used to utter Gayatri Mantra and offer five morsels of first chapati in the hearth in the kitchen. The daily routine of food to God before taking meals was known as Balivaishwa (cf.. Saying Grace).

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 63

👉 QUERIES ABOUT GAYATRI YAGYA (Part 1)

Q.1. What is the significance of Yagya in spirituality?              
Ans. Gayatri has been regarded as the mother and, Yagya as father of Indian spiritual tradition. Yagya finds place in all sacred and auspicious ceremonies in Indian culture. In Gayatri Upasana too, it is essential. The number of oblations in Havan may preferably be one-tenth of the number of  Japs in an Anusthan or Purascharan. However, if it is not found convenient, one-tenth of this number would also suffice.
  
The spiritual birth of a human being who is otherwise born as any other animal, takes place on his initiation by a Guru, whereafter he becomes a Dwij with Yagya and Gayatri as his parents. It, therefore, becomes obligatory for him to serve his spiritual parents.   

Scriptures prescribe daily ritual of Balivaishwa which means initially offering a small morsel of everyday food as an oblation to fire. (Saying a prayer at the dining table too is a variant of this ritual)  Poornahuti and Brahmabhoj are essential at the end of the Yagya. If one is not able to participate in a Yagya on account of some contingency, a coconut may be offered as oblation as Poornahuti somewhere else, where a large Yagya is being performed.

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 63

👉 QUERIES ABOUT JAP AND DAILY UPASANA (Part 8)

Q.17. What are the restrictions on Upasana during the inauspicious days (birth or death in family etc.)?

Ans. On such occasions, although regular chanting of Mantra with rosary and standard rituals are forbidden, mental Jap and meditation may be done. The objective is two-fold. On the one hand, it protects the devotee from mental and physical exertion, On the other, a quarantine (Sootak) has to follow this rule. Members of such families should avoid touching the idols of the deity, rosary, implements of Sadhana etc. and do only mental recitations of the Mantra. 

Q.18.  Should women discontinue Upasana during  menstrual periods?           
Ans. While undergoing menstrual cycles, women are both mentally and physically under exertion. Besides, they are unable to maintain the required degree of physical cleanliness. As such, they are recommended to do mental Jap only. This rule is also applicable to other states of cleanliness (when there are discharges through sweat, nose, eyes, boils etc.). Proper cleanliness is a pre-requisite for any spiritual exercise.

Q.19. What is the posture recommended for turning the rosary (Mala) during Jap?

Ans. 1. For Jap, select a secluded, noiseless place beneath a tree, in a temple, or at the bank of a river.

2. Be seated in an upright position with crossed-legs (Sukhasan) or on a raised platform if there is some discomfort on sitting on ground. For sitting use a cotton or woollen spread.  Animal hides are prohibited. Let the spine be straight and relaxed. Now keep the left hand on the palm turned upwards on the right lap.

3. Hold the rosary in the right hand so that it hangs like a garland across the bridge formed by joining the thumb and ring finger.

4. Keeping the elbow of the right hand on the palm of the left hand and the arm in a vertical position, turn the beads of the rosary inwards (towards yourself) with the help of middle finger-beginning from the main knot (Brahma Granthi). (Use of little finger and index finger is forbidden).

5. On completion of each cycle of rosary, turn it backwards so that the main knot is not crossed, i.e. the Jap in the rosary is “unidirectional”. It can be done with the help of same fingers which are used for turning the rosary. Keep the body still. There is no harm in changing position if discomfort is felt after some time.

6. Pronounce the Mantra in whispers, so that it is audible to you only.

7. If there is difficulty in using a rosary, fixed time for Jap may be maintained with the help of a clock.
As far as practicable, uniformity of fixed time, duration and place should be maintained. 

✍🏻 Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
📖 Gayatri Sadhna truth and distortions Page 62