SRI LAKSHMI NARAYAN MAHAYAGYA COMMENCES WITH ‘ARANI MANTHAN’

SRI LAKSHMI NARAYAN MAHAYAGYA COMMENCES WITH ‘ARANI MANTHAN’

24-JUNE-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA------------------------The Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mahayagya, being held in Parmanpur under the guidance of the great Indian sage and saint Shri Lakshmi Prapanna Jiyar Swami Ji Maharaj, commenced with the *Arani Manthan* (ritual churning of wood to generate sacred fire). Devotees will also begin circumambulating the *Yagyashala* (sacrificial pavilion) starting Wednesday. Meanwhile, while narrating the sacred discourse, Acharya Shri Vishnu Dutt Shastri shed light on the divine pastimes (*Leelas*) of Lord Shri Ram during the Mahayagya. He stated that a person possessing these three things is truly happy.

The *Panigrahan Sanskar* (ritual of joining hands/wedding vows) takes place during a marriage. At that time, the bride and groom are given certain teachings; according to the scriptures, a man who finds happiness with his wife—regardless of her physical appearance—is considered fortunate. Regardless of a wife's physical appearance, the soul residing within her heart must be beautiful and pure; for no matter how beautiful the skin of the body may be, it will not remain so forever, whereas a beautiful soul remains eternally beautiful. That is why this is described as the first of life's great joys.

A person who remains content with whatever wealth and comforts are received through God's grace is the second most happy individual. Similarly, one who accepts whatever food is available through God's grace—regarding it as *Prasad* (divine offering)—is also considered a person of the highest order of happiness.

He who possesses a virtuous wife with a beautiful soul, accepts whatever wealth God has bestowed, and—through God's grace—contentedly consumes even the simplest of meals, is truly the most fortunate and supreme human being. These three things are attained through great spiritual effort and bring true contentment.