Mysuru: As part of the Diamond Jubilee Year Celebrations of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Avadhoota Datta Peetha is conducting Nakshatra Ishti rituals from Nov.4 to Dec. 8, for the well-being of the society at Poundarika Rangastala in the Ashrama premises on Nanjangud-Ooty Road here.  

Ishti means offering in a general sense and also denotes ‘yaaga.’ Ishtis are performed according to Shrouta tradition by highly qualified and dedicated Vedic scholars.  Nakshatra Ishti is an elaborate ritual prescribed in Yajurveda. In this ritual, separate offerings are made on the occurrence of each Nakshatra, (according to Panchanga – Almanac) to the deities of the popular 27 Nakshatras and also Abhijit (period between Shravana and Uttara Aashaadha), Poornima and Amaavaasya, Chandra, Ahoraatra, Ushas, Nakshatra (unnamed Stars), Surya, Aditi (Deva Maata) and Vishnu (presiding deity of rituals).

The Vedic scriptures emphasise the need to perform various types of Yagas that are aimed at the betterment of humanity. The present Nakshatra Satra Yaga will bring forth peace, prosperity and enhance the spirit of brotherhood among the global masses.  

Nakshatra Ishti rituals will be performed following the Nakshatra mentioned in the Panchanga, as on date. Those born under that particular Nakshatra can participate in the Upasana and Homa rituals. This is the main object and Sankalpa of the Nakshatra Ishti Yaga.

The Vedic scholars performing these rituals as Ritwiks, are:  Brahma Sri Matturu ChennaKeshava Avadhani Prabhu (Adhwaryu – Chief Pundit); Brahmasri Dr. Sanat Kumara Sharma Agnihotri (Yajamaana – Custodian);  Brahmasri Raghavendra – Matturu; Brahmasri Dwibhashyam Hanumat Prasanna – Mysuru; Brahmasri Nikhil Joshi Ghanapathi – Mysuru; Brahmasri DVS Manoj Kumar – Mysuru. The rituals will he held under the guidance of Sri Ganapathy Swamiji and Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji. Daily events: 7 am – Bhagavata Parayana by Sri Swamiji; 8.30 am – Srichakra Puja, Ganapathy Homa; 10 am to 1 pm – Nakshatra Ishti rituals, Poornahuti and Prasadam; 6.30 pm – Bhajans and Namasankeertana.