Celebrating the 100th Birth Anniversary of Parama Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Akkalkot

In Kharagpur, West Bengal, India, birthplace of Maha Shree (Parama Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj), a Jyotiruktha Somayag was performed in May 2018 to celebrate Maha Shree’s 100th birth anniversary.

The Yajaman, in this case, Achal Apte, represents the element of fire during the Somayag. Only someone who performs Tretagni Agnihotra regularly can become a Yajaman. He carries this Tretagni fire to the place where Somayag is to be performed and from this (Tretagni fire) the Somayag is started.

Patni (wife of the Yajaman) is vital to the Somayag. The Yajaman must have a wife. She is called upon at various points in the Somayag to be present for certain activities and often to touch and bless utensils which are used. The Patni is the only person who is given her own quarters in the Somayag shala. Achal’s wife is Bhakti. (Photo above: Achal Apte and Bhakti.)
For each Somayag four groups of Rutvijas (priests) are necessary, each well-trained in one of the four Vedas. The training takes at least ten years, and it must begin at a young age for the person to be able to master all the Mantras. They work as a precision-trained team, chanting for many hours daily and carrying out varied procedures, using an array of special Yajnya implements.

Vedas state that Agni-Tatva (source of fire) is present in Ashwatth (peepal) tree (Ficus religiosa). And Agni is to be created from two pieces of Ashwatth tree by friction.

During the Somayag, one is fascinated by the various fires, sceneries and impressions for all the physical and subtle senses.

The beneficial effect of each Somayag lasts for several decades. The atmosphere becomes medicinal, nutritious and disease-free.

The Somayag yields a qualitative and quantitative improvement in the psyche. By using this Super Technology we can eradicate pollution factors on a large scale.

The fumes emitted from the burning oblations in Yajnya serve as nucleus of clouds and rains. Smoke from the burning medicinal plants helps in the purification of the atmosphere and many disease-bearing germs are neutralized. Thus, a healthy ecosystem is created through this Yajnya process.

Photos of this page: 1st row – In a small play, the Rutvijas acquire the Soma in the market and then it is taken to its corresponding place. All happens with chanting of Mantras. Photos above: Preparation and execution of the first fascinating Pravargya ritual.

The Pravargya process is done for three days and is the preparation for the Soma offering. This special herb is watered by the Rutvijas every day with water running first over a gold coin or golden ring.
(Photos right)

The Pravargya ritual is an integral component of the Somayag and takes place several times during the six days. In the process, fresh cow’s ghee is poured into the special Mahavir pot and boiled on fire. Simultaneously, Rigveda, Samveda and Yajurveda Mantras are chanted in deep solemn voice till the cow’s ghee reaches its boiling point. Fresh milk is taken from a cow and a goat at the Yajnya place. When the cow’s ghee has reached its boiling point, and oblation of cow’s milk/goat milk is given to the boiling cow’s ghee, instantly, with very great intensity, the flame shoots up into the atmosphere about 10 meters

(see photos). (Pravargya pictures taken by Mr. Bhaskar Gedala.)


Photos above and left: The rhythmic chanting of Mantras continued for many hours each day. These stem from The Vedas, the ancient most source of wisdom known to mankind on our planet. Specific Mantras of the Rigveda, Samveda and Yajurveda, are also accompanied by Mudras (energetic gestures) and are part of the preparation of the Pravargya which ends in an explosions of LIGHT, catapulting fragrances, nutrients and more subtle energies into the atmosphere. Photo below: The Somayag continued until late night. See orbs (circles of light) – witnesses of the harmony and love present in this event.

This Yajnya is called Somayag because the juice of the Somavalli herb is used as the main oblation.
Soma is known as the king of medicinal herbs.
This Yajnya provides an extra powerful boost of healing energy for the planet.
Countless benefits for a person, family and society are mentioned as a result of participating in, conducting and supporting Somayag.

Photos from this page: 1st row-
The Somayag attendees are invited to crush the Soma herbs with water to obtain Soma juice.
Above: Soma juice offering to the Fire.
Below – The Rutvijas chant at the same time Mantras from the different Vedas, creating special energetic patterns.
Note: Our thanks go to Mrs. Lisa Powers for her research and info about Somayags.

The sixth day came quickly and with it the end of the Somayag, which was celebrated on the banks of the Kasyap river. Many of the energetically highly charged instruments, woods, herbs, fabrics, etc. used during the Somayag were offered to the river, accompanied by Mantras.

(Photos above: the instruments are being brought to the river with happy smiles. The priests gathered under a gigantic Pipal tree (Ficus religiosa) before proceeding to the river.)

The bath in the river is energizing and refreshing!
The priests and Achal along with his wife Bhakti have fulfilled all their duties for a successful Somayag.
The Yajaman Achal and his Shakti, Bhakti had to sleep during these days in a small hut made of cloth in the Somayag shala. They also fasted for 5 full days and had to undergo other strict TAPAS (disciplines), in order for this event to have its maximum effects in Purification and Healing. Gratitude, Respect and Love to them!
(Photos above)

Photos above:
It only takes a few people to do something great in the service of humanity. Our gratitude goes to all of them on the photos – Shri Ramanaji, Bhaskar Gedala, Souvik Das, Srinivasa Rao and his wife Laxmi – and to those who remain unseen!
Divine blessings have been showered on the planet with this Somayag.

At the dawn of the first hour of May 17th, in the silent Fire of the large Somayag Kunda, an offering was performed, consisting of special woods and ghee along with Mantras.
(Photo above left)
Exactly at the time of Mahashree’s birth (00:42 am) we also lit a Vyahruti Homa.
(Photo above right)
These Sacred Fires were accompanied by deep gratitude from all the people present and living in different parts of the planet. Gratitude to this DIVINE MESSENGER for the precious jewel, AGNIHOTRA, a simple and effective technique to heal ourselves in mind, body and spirit, and the planet.