Shri Ganesha Chaturthi Celebration,
in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, on 10th September 2021

On the holy day of Shri Ganesha Chaturthi Celebration a beautiful Altar for Lord Ganesha had been established in the Yajnashala of Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga Mandir, the Headquarters of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas. After conducting elaborate Pujas, Priest Sanjay Panditji offers the Karpura Arati to Lord Ganesha. Among different sweet dishes, fruits and coconut, Modaka sweets have been placed in front of Lord Ganesha. Modaka is a favourite sweet of Lord Ganesha, therefore it was specially prepared for Him by the Omkarananda Ashram Priests.

An extremely powerful Yajna was performed for Lord Ganesha, along with the recitation of special Beeja Mantras (mystical syllables), by Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, President Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas (left), and the Chief-Priest of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, Shri Suresh Panditji (right), accompanied by other Priests.

From left to right: Shri Swami Satchidananda, Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari, the three direct Sannyasi Disciples of Sadgurudev His Divinity Shri Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati, are standing at the Main Entrance of Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga Mandir, holding sacred Kalashas, which will be used for Abhisheka of Shri Omkara-Mahaganapati. They are ready for the holy procession, the Kalasha-Yatra, to the Mandir of this Deity. Priest Mukesh Panditji in front purifies the route with Gangajal, and Chief-Priest Shri Suresh Panditji purifies the air with the smoke of fragrant Guggul.

From the entrance of the Headquarters of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, the three Swamis have reached the lovely Omkara-Mahaganapati Mandir, along with the Kalashas, which will be placed inside the holy Shrine for Abhisheka of Lord Omkara-Mahaganapati.

After Abhisheka and Alankara a final Arati is offered for Lord Omkara-Mahaganapati.

In the evening time Devotees assembled in the Mandapa of
Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir for Arati.

Guru-Bhakti-Ratna Kumari Somashekhari had prepared a few excellent Bharatanatyam Temple-Dances in Honour of Lord Ganesha.

Kumari Somashekhari during her Temple-Dances, through which she adored Lord Ganesha.

Finally, Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, President Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, told in his brilliant and flawless speech to all the Devotees and Guests, how essential it is, to call Lord Ganesha, the Lord of the Atoms, for help at the beginning of every important task.
Swamiji praised the Priests for having conducted on this special occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi such a divine and elaborate Maha Ganapati Homa and Pujas for Lord Ganesha in the morning. He praised them also for their daily Temple-Pujas and Hawanas, besides keeping the Temples of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas so shiningly pure and clean. Swamiji said, that this shows the true dedication of the Omkarananda Ashram Priests. Dedication, specially in form of Karma Yoga - selfless Divine work - and real Love for God - Devotion or Bhakti - flowing naturally from one's heart, are among the two most important requisites for attaining infinite Divine Blessings, Swamiji emphasized.

After Swami Vishveshwarananda's speech several Devotees approached him and thanked him for his wonderful, inspiring words, which were the most befitting conclusion for the auspicious Celebration of Ganesha Chaturthi in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas.

Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah Om