The Maha Somayagam Concludes on 19 February 2014; as the Yagasala was set ablaze in the presence of thousands of devotees at Karaparamba, Kozhikode,Kerala. The Somayaga organised by M.R.Rajesh of Kasyapa Veda Research Foundation (KVRF) in Kozhikode on Tuesday, The penultimate day of the ‘yaga’ which started on February 13 2014 and culminates on 19th February with the priests setting the ‘yaga sala’ on fire..
Since eons, in Kerala, Somayaga has been carried out on the banks of the River Nila or thereabouts. Historically there are many reasons attributed to it. Perhaps, it is for the first time in centuries, that a Somayaga is being conducted in Kozhikode. In 2008, a Shroutayajna called Pavitreshti was conducted in Calicut. It is the Agnishtoma Somayaga that is being conducted in Kozhikode 2014. Somayaga is a very important constituent of the Shrouta Yajnas (yajnas that are performed as prescribed in the Vedas). It provides extremely beneficial results. Also, it is a ceremony which incurs huge expenditures and portrays a very ancient method of conducting rituals.
It is a confluence and outcome of the farsightedness, philosophical approach and scientific temperament of the Vedic Seers. It is said that Yagas are an intrinsic constituent of the very process of creation. Not only that, it is also considered as the most practical method for achieving the final frontier of realizing the Supreme. The Yaga is conducted for the benefit of all. The benefits of the Somayaga are not limited to the Ritviks (priests of the Yaga) and the Yajamana, but to all those who wholeheartedly participate and perform sacrificial offerings in the rituals in whatever capacity. To get the opportunity to even see the Agni of the Somayaga is in itself an act of virtue. Imbibing and inhaling the sacred fumes arising out of the sacrificial fires of the Somayaga is also a fortune. Hearing the mantras chanted in the Somayaga provide deep mental nourishment, vigour and alertness.
By the acts of sacrifice, the great Rishis were able to positively alter and influence the forces of Nature to fulfill their requirements. “Nikame nikame nah parjanyo varshatu” — this prayer will yield results the very moment it is uttered. The Rishis expanded upon the intrinsic subtle knowledge and practices embedded within the Vedas for re-establishing the harmony of Nature.
Writeup and Photography : Sri Probal Ray Choudhury
REALLY EXCITING. 1 saw one that was held in Auroville near pondicherry. equal to this. the fire rose up to 42 ft and it rained the whole night