Mysuru:  Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji of Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysuru, inaugurated the Ashram’s 86th branch in Varanasi (Kashi) on Nov. 10. According to tradition, Kashi Samaradhane ritual will be performed at the Ganapathy Ashram premises in city on Dec. 1.

Addressing a press conference at Patrakartara Bhavana yesterday, Datta Peetham Secretary H.V. Prasad said, “The new Ashram building constructed at Kedar Ghat of Varanasi under the guidance of Pujya Swamiji was inaugurated by Sri Swamiji. Statues of Dattatreya and Hanuman were consecrated at the new Ashram. Atirudra Mahayaga was performed at Kashi from Nov. 14 to Nov. 24. A huge pandal had been erected for this purpose and more than one lakh devotees participated. The eleven-day Mahayaga was carried out in 11 Homa Kundas, 121 Ritwijas chanted popular Rudra Prashna Veda mantras of Krishna Yajurveda, which was repeated 14,321 times.”

As part of Kashi Samaradhane ritual, Rudra homa, Rudrabhisheka with Ganga jal to sacred Sachchidanandeshwara Shiva Linga, Holy Ganga jal samprokshana and Anna Santarapane will also be held.

Ashram PRO Siddartha and Media Convenor Ramesh were present at the press meet.