Munish Sood
Mandi
On the sacred eve of the Navratri festival, a significant spiritual event dedicated to the welfare of humanity and the protection of all living beings on the planet is set to take place in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The Hridhay Vasi Seva Samiti will organise a Shat Chandi Maha Yajna from March 19 to March 27, inspired by the divine Leela Vilas of Ma Hridhay Vasni Ji and conducted under her spiritual guidance.
The nine-day sacred ceremony is being organised with the larger objective of invoking divine blessings for peace, protection, and well-being of all human beings and living creatures across the world. The organisers believe that collective prayers and scriptural rituals during this period will create a spiritually powerful atmosphere dedicated to universal harmony.
Raman Bisht, Coordinator of Hridhay Vasi Seva Samiti, said the yajna is a spiritual initiative meant for the collective good of humanity rather than any individual or local purpose.
“This Shat Chandi Maha Yajna is being organised with a universal vision. It is dedicated to the welfare of all human beings and the protection of all living beings on this planet. The inspiration for this sacred ritual comes from Ma Hridhay Vasni Ji herself, and every aspect of the yajna will strictly follow the disciplines prescribed in the ancient Shastras,” said Raman Bisht.
Sacred gathering to Mark the Beginning
The yajna will begin with a traditional spiritual gathering in which Ma Tunga Devi, Ma Jalpa Devi, and Lord Ganesh will be ceremonially brought from Jalana in Nishan form. These sacred representations will then be installed at Hridhay Mandir, where they will reside alongside Ma Hridhay Vasni Ji for the entire duration of the yajna.
During the nine-day event, learned priests will perform the recitation of the Shri Durga Saptashati one hundred times, which is considered one of the most powerful scriptural recitations dedicated to the divine feminine energy.
Raman Bisht explained that the participating priests will observe strict spiritual discipline as described in the scriptures.
“The priests performing the rituals will follow the highest standards of discipline and purity as laid down in the Shastras. We also request devotees attending the yajna to observe the same spirit of devotion and discipline so that the sanctity of the rituals remains intact,” he said.
Daily Rituals and Devotional Practices
The daily schedule of the yajna will begin at 9:00 AM with traditional poojas. Devotees will perform Shri Kumkum Archana at the lotus feet of the Goddess, followed by participation in the chanting of the Navarna Mantra Japam.
The spiritual gathering will then continue with the collective recitation of the Shri Hanuman Chalisa, creating an atmosphere of devotion and unity among the participants.
After the sacred recitations conclude at around 4:30 PM, devotees observing fasting will be served Phalahar.
In the evening, 108 Deep Daan will be offered to the Goddess, followed by the Maha Aarti. Thereafter, Bhojan Prasad, prepared strictly according to scriptural guidelines, will be served to all devotees.
An important ritual during the yajna will also be the daily Kanya Poojan, symbolising reverence for the divine feminine energy and purity.
Nine Sacred Adornments of the Goddess
One of the special features of the nine-day spiritual celebration will be the nine different Shringars (adornments) of Ma Hridhay Vasni Ji, each representing a unique divine manifestation of the Goddess.
These will include Phool Shringar (floral adornment), Phal Shringar (decoration with fruits), and Shakambhari Shringar, in which the Goddess will be decorated with vegetables symbolising nourishment and abundance. Other unique forms of adornment will also be presented on successive days.
According to Raman Bisht, these sacred decorations are meant to symbolise the many forms of the Goddess and strengthen the spiritual connection of devotees with divine energy.
Grand Conclusion on March 27
The nine-day spiritual ceremony will conclude on March 27 with special Kanya Poojan and Havan, where sacred offerings will be made into the holy fire as prescribed in the scriptures.
The concluding day will also feature a Bhandara, where devotees and visitors will be served community meals as sacred prasad.
Raman Bisht noted that this Maha Yajna is unique because it is believed to be organised under the direct inspiration of Ma Hridhay Vasni Ji, who spiritually guides the process and inspires devotees to participate.
“This yajna carries a message of universal welfare and spiritual unity. It is believed that the Goddess herself calls and inspires those who are meant to be part of this sacred journey,” he said.
He appealed to devotees and spiritual seekers to participate in large numbers and become part of this spiritually significant event being held in the lead-up to the Navratri festival.
