Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – Shubhakrut Yugadi 2022 – April 2, 2022 – Sakshi TV
Compilation by Sindhuri
Yugadi blessings to all. Yugadi is the first festival of the year. The year starts with this. This festival talks about the good, bad and the future of all. Hence, this is the basis for all. We follow this as per Chandramana (moon). People in North, TamilNadu, Kerala and Karnataka celebrate according to Souramana (Sun). It is the ancient tradition for Telugu people only to celebrate this according to moon. But, everyone performs auspicious deeds based on Nakshatra only. Hence, Chandramana (moon) is also indirectly a part of all traditions. The Telugu people have identified this and are following Yugadi as per Chandramana since ancient times. The scholars of Jyotishya Shastra also have decided that the year starts from Chaitra Shukla Padyami. Hence, this is the new year.
On this year, one must wake up early and take head bath, wear new clothes and keep house clean. The entrance of the houses must be decorated with mango leaves. In the days of yore, the houses were wide and big, So, they arranged a mantapa in the front portion of the house and placed the deity of the year along with Panchanga and worshipped. Now, we do not have that chance. So, just worship Panchanga in your altar. Then, offer Yugadi pachadi to God and eat it.
Yugadi pachadi has a significance. All the items that exist in Nature are in it. Jaggery, tamarind, mango pieces, neem flowers, salt, spice – the six tastes comprise Yugadi pachadi. We must add all six but it is said we must add the bitterness more than the other tastes. Some add sugarcane juice too.
There is a reason why we need to eat this pachadi. There are six internal enemies that play games with us. They make us laugh and cry. We need experience to win over them. The Ugadi pachadi of six tastes gives us that. It is symbolic of Sama sthiti. Hence, to win over them, we must certainly eat pachadi. We must chant this while eating pachadi.
śatāyurvajra dehāya
sarvasaṃpatkarāyaca
sarvāriṣṭa vināśāya
niṃbakaṃ daḷa bhakṣaṇaṃ
Follow traditions, worship Gomata. Respect elders. Lakshmi dances in the houses of those who follow traditions. Yugadi festival promotes the feeling that humans must remain untouched by kaama, krodha etc just like a water droplet does not touch a lotus leaf.
Early morning this day, you must wear new clothes, perform Devata puja, offer prostrations to elders and make nice dishes and eat sumptously. In the evening, it is a must to listen to Panchanga Sravana from scholars. It is best to listen this in a temple. All of this is mentioned in Dharma shastras. Do not miss anything. Listen to Panchanga and calculate your Aadaaya (Income) and Vyaya (Expenditure) and plan accordingly to avoid all problems. You will also know about honor and dishonor that is on your way. By knowing so, you can behave accordingly – by remaining indifferent to all of that. In this manner, in order to lead a good life, Yugadi festival helps us.
Introspect about your lifestyle in the past year. Then, you will know how to lead the life this year. Panchanga helps us in this also. This is a best day to start any good activities that you wish to do. This day accomplishes all good deeds. So, if you wish auspiciousness, the entire year will bring you auspiciousness only.
The farmers begin their cultivation activities today and poets commence their writings today. Vasanta Ritu (Spring season) is the king of all seasons. It brings joy in nature and welcomes Chaitra Lakshmi. Hence, we cannot describe this beauty enough. This is the start of happiness and joys for us. Hence, Yugadi is very important in our lives.
God is in the form of Time. A daivagna (scholar) would know the deeds of God. One must listen to auspicious and inauspicious fruits from him and also learn what can be done to avert the inauspicious fruits. Everyone wishes for tomorrow’s happiness. Hence, it is a must to know the fruits of the year. It is for this reason that this is the festival of one and all. A human lives with hope. Some of his desires get fulfilled and some do not. He does not know what time is good and what is not. Hence, the compassionate Lord blessed us with Panchanga (Pancha means five and anga means part – Panchanga is that which has five parts).
Panchanga – Tithi, Vaara, Nakshatra, Yogam, Karanam. Knowing these every day brings goodness.
Knowing Tithi bestows wealth. Knowing Vaara enhances lifespan. Knowing the Nakshatra removes sins. Knowing Yogam cures disease. Knowing Karanam bestows victory. Thus, Panchanga bestows auspiciousness.
Shubhakrut is the 36th year of the 60 year cycle that starts with Prabhava. Lord Agni is the ruling deity of this year. Hence, it is good to do charity of sesame seeds in this year. The Adhipati of Shubhakrut year is Guru. So, everyone must either contemplate on Dakshinamurthy Swami, Hayagreeva Swami or Datta Swami. Your goals will get fulfilled. Guru will drive you on good path.
In this year, out of the nine leaders, five of them bestow auspicious fruits and the remaining bring inauspicious fruits. Out of the 21 sub-leaders, 12 are auspicious and 9 are inauspicious. As a result, the cultivation and cattle will flourish. There will be good amount of rains. People will live happily. With the grace of Kala Purusha, let all worlds be happy and peaceful. May all lead a life of Dharma and daana (charity).
Jaya Guru Datta!