The main event of the Shatabhishekam program was the religious or ritualistic program consisting of Homas which took place during three days, Jan 27, 28 and 29 th 2020. Jan 29 th was the day of the birth Nakshatra of Pujya Swami Viditatmanandaji, and that was the day when the Shatabhishekam itself took place. This was the second Abhishekam which marked the celebration of the completion of 80 years, 8 months and 8 days, when a person is said to have seen Sahasra Candra Darśana or 1000 full moons in one’s life.
On Jan 27 th , we had the Sahasra Modaka Atharvasheersha Ganapati Homa with offering of 1000 modakas, as an auspicious beginning seeking blessings from Lord Ganesha, who is the lord of wisdom, and who removes all the obstacles. All rituals begin with prayers to Lord Ganesha. Second was the worship of Lord Shiva in the form of Rudra, the Laghu Rudra, in which the 11 priests chanted the Rudram for 11 times, and Homa was performed as the concluding session with the daṣāṁśa homa (1/10 th ) part being chanted with āhutis to Lord Rudra. Lord Shiva is the lord of knowledge and removes ignorance, and that’s why was invoked for this auspicious occasion.
On the third day, the 29 th January, which was the day of Nakshatra, the main event was the Homa with Sarvaroga Nivāraṇa Sukta, for removing all the diseases which may happen in the body or the mind, and also the Homas for Navagraha and Mrityunjaya, the Navagraha for removing obstacles, and Mrityunjaya for good health and longetivity. This whole ceremony was concluded with the Abhishekam or pouring of the sanctified water on Pujya Swamiji on 29 th January, after the third Homa was over. For this occasion, many Mahatmas were invited and at the same time many Sadhus and many of the devotees also joined the Abishekam. The Abishekam water comprised of the water which was in the Kalashas during the three days of Homas, in which the main devatās were invoked, like Lord Ganesha, Lord Rudra, Mrityunjaya and Navagraha. And other devatās were invoked in different Kalashas and these waters were sanctified because of chanting of mantras and the Homas during the three-day ceremony. And that sanctified water was poured on Pujya Swamiji as a blessing from all the devatās. A special seat was made for Swamiji in the shape of lotus on which Swamiji was seated and Abhishekham was done. Many of the seekers, Mahatmas,
Sannyāsī disciples joined in the Abhishekam and felt blessed to have this opportunity. Vedic mantras were chanted throughout the Abhishekam which filled the atmosphere with a positive energy. The large audience of seekers and guests who had gathered to view the ceremony was thrilled to view the entire proceeding, and the whole occasion as though purified everyone present and filled their hearts with joy.
After the Abishekam, Pujya Swamiji entered the main hall where all the devotees and Mahatmas were gathered, and Swamiji was honoured by a number of Mahatmas and devotees. Especially gifts were brought from Arsha Vidya Gurukulum-Coimbatore Ashram, and prasada from Lord Dakshinamurti, Param Puya Swami Dayananda Saraswatiji’s mālā and a shawl were specially brought to honor Pujya Swamiji Viditatmanandaji on this auspicious occasion. The special mālā and shawl were brought by Swami Sacchidananda Saraswati from Bangalore. From Saylorsburg Ashram, mugut (crown), mala and shawl were offered. On behalf of all three Arsha Vidya Ashrams: Rishikesh, Anaikatti and Saylorsburg, the shawls, mugut, malas were offered to honor Pujya Swamiji. And then Pujya Swamiji gave Anugrahabhāṣaṇam, primarily expressing how all his life has been nothing but grace, the grace from the Gurus and the Lord.
