Speech of HH Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji on the 8th day of Shata Chandi Yaga – August 2, 2024 – Mysore
You have all witnessed the 8th day of Shata Chandi Yaga. 8 Is indicative of Ashtalakshmi who dispels the 8 types of poverty and hardships. She bestows health, wealth and auspiciousness. Here, we have a tradition of offering parayana and then Homa.
We have all heard the discourse on the Markandeya Purana which details the Chandi or Durga Saptashati – these are 700 slokas to Devi; like the Krishna Saptashati or Bhagavad Gita is chanted in praise of Sri Krishna. Devi is also extolled as Krishna Sahodari – the sister of Sri Krishna.
HH has watched the live telecast of the Chandi Saptashati and blessed us all.
Soon, we shall have the Ramayana Yaga in the Karya Siddhi Hanuman temple. The priest from the Chandramouleeshwara temple and Sri Virupaaksha Swamiji and Dr. Panchaakshari Shivacharya Swamiji from the Suttur Matham are also here today.
Many people asked HH for more rooms to be constructed, but HH refused saying Nature must be protected and the trees and greenery at the ashram must remain untouched.
Today, in Brahmanda Purana, we shall discuss a small incident from the Ramayana. Sri Rama is instructed by Bharadwaja Maharshi to vow to always protect nature and the forests.
If a person nurtures one tree, scriptures say it grants the merit of nurturing 100 trees; and one shall attain the abode of Heaven. When HH gave a doll to a child, the child cared for the doll like it were a sibling. Teach children to care for plants and water them.
If our desires are to be fulfilled, we must plant and nurture trees. Trees and vegetables are very dear to Shākhambari Mata. Even today, devotees from Tumkur reported that the saplings which they received 2 years ago during Chaturmasya are thriving and being well cared for.
May you all be well.
Jaya Guru Datta.
Sri Guru Datta.