Chatur Laksha Moola Mantra Japa

Chatur Laksha Moola Mantra Japa Lord Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita, that yajñas are vital for the sustenance and growth of life. Without yajñas, rains may still fall, but could be out of season, scarce or excessive, destroying crops and lives. In a yajña, God’s grace is sought for the welfare of the whole world. Japa is the repeated chanting of a mantra. Chatur Laksha Moola Mantra Japa is the collective, repetitive chanting of the moola mantra of Lord Ganeša 400,000 times. It consists of root syllables, which are inherently very potent, profoundly impacting both Lord Ganeša and the chanter. The chanter focuses on the Deity, calming his/her mind. Homa is the performing of ãhuti, the offering of dravyas (holy materials), into the homa kunda, the fire pit, while chanting a mantra. Agni, the fire god carries the spirit of the offerings to Lord Ganeša. The yajamãna (one who performs the yajña) chants the mantra aloud and engages his body as well, by performing ãhuti. This results in perfect harmony of his body, speech and mind as he merges with the Lord. Chaturãvritti (multiples of four) Tarpanam (offering) is the offering of water and milk to Šri Ganapati yantra drawn on a plate, while chanting the Ganapati Moola mantra. Tarpanam, offered by male devotees, is said to purify his body, mind and soul, bringing prosperity to himself and the community. Here, we offer back the fruits of performing the japa/homa, as an expression of our selflessness. The above three parts of a yajña have the power to spiritually elevate the participant. Mãrjanam is the act of cleansing by sprinkling water on the pradhãna (main) kalaša designated as Šri Mahã Vallabha Ganapati. This is done by the head priest before the commencement of each japa/homa session. Bhojanam, the ceremonial feeding of the priests, is the final component of the yajña. In this Temple during this nava-dina mahotsavam, beyond the stipulated bhojanam for 40 priests, more free food prasãdam are distributed as Annadãnam. In this Yajña, the above five parts are aimed for 10% of the prior. The aim is for 400,000 times of japa, 40,000 homa ãhutis, 4,000 tarpanam offerings, 400 mãrjanams (sprinkling), and at least 40 bhojanams.

C N Nachiappun
02. July 2018
Singapore