17th Durga Saptashati Yagnam, Melbourne, Australia
Sunday,the 9th of Jan 2011 will be etched as a day of special significance to the city of Melbourne.Under the able guidance and initiative of SRI Lakshmiji , the Maha Chandi Homam was performed at the Shirdi Sai Sansthan, Camberwell.
Starting at sharp 7.00 am,the pooja started with invocation to Sri Maha Ganapathi.
The entire homam was performed keeping to all traditions in line with guru parampara . The purohits led by Sri Sriraman followed the vedic scriptures to the traditional finesse. The flow of Mantras turned to music in the ears of the devotees present. The 13 chapters of DEVI MAHATMYAM(Durga Saptashati maha mantra) kept coming one after another in such profound force that sent all present to a higher plane. A great feature of the entire pooja was the interaction and participation of devotees.
The highlight of participation was undoubtedly the Fifth chapter when SRI Lakshmiji enthused a majority of those present to perform 72 namskaarams for Manthras .It was unbelievable and extremely infectious. The singing of Mahishasura Mardhini Stotra by the women and the Veda Chanting by men certainly stood out for their sheer quality.
Maha Purnahuti at 2.30 in the afternoon was witnessed by a large number of devotees who were Blessed by the supreme Mother Goddess Durga Parameswari.SRI LAKSHMIJI then patiently distributed Prasaad to every devotee and not only blessed them but also had a relaxed chat with each one.The sumptuous Prasaad provided by the organisers was the final highlight of the day.
Almost 350 Melbournians have been directly blessed by this enormous Homam.
Sri.Lakshmiji’s dedication and devotion for LOKA KSHEMA made it possible for this to happen.
May this become a yearly programme for us in the coming years.