Sandalwood on a Donkey’s Back?

An old story speaks of a gurukul where one student stayed on for several years beyond the usual course duration. Many of his peers had completed their learning and gone on to live their lives. Years later, these former students returned to the gurukul to share their “success stories” with the acharya, who listened patiently.

As evening approached, it was time for sandhya vandanam (evening prayers). The acharya asked all the alumni to perform the ritual. They went to the well to fetch water but found the water level too low and no bucket or rope available. They returned and informed the acharya.

The water level rose high enough to draw water using just a glass. This was the power of the Vedic mantra—and more importantly, the faith the student had in it.

The others had merely learned the mantras intellectually; they lacked true belief in their power. They had gone on to use their knowledge for careers and comforts, but not for spiritual purpose. As the saying goes, a donkey carrying sandalwood doesn’t know the value of what it bears—it only feels the weight.

Vedic scholar who has learnt all the mantras is like a bulb in a dark room. The faith he has in the mantras is like the electricity. Only when there is faith, the bulb glows. While mastering the Vedas is a monumental task, it is faith that brings them to life and reveals their true power

Let us not underestimate the Vedic scholars who dedicate years of commitment in learning and preserving valuable text in their minds to pass it on for future generations. Only those who understand the power of veda mantras can commit to such a life.

It is easy to disregard the effort that Vedic scholars put in due to the lack of knowledge on what they are, how they are learnt, the kind of effect they have on Nature, and how they help us lead a purposeful life.

Have faith and realize the power of the ‘sandalwood’, the Veda mantras!

– From the divine address of HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
–  June 4th 2025, Quad City Hindu Temple
– Chathurveda Maha Yajna

Chathurveda Mahayajna at Quad City Hindu Temple

The Quad City Hindu Temple is honored to host a Chathurveda Mahayajna, a rare and sacred Vedic event. Both the temple priest community and the devotee community have earnestly requested the divine presence of HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji to bless the occasion.

In honour of the Vedic chantings, Swamiji said…

“It is not easy to listen to even one branch of the Veda being chanted by a properly trained Vedic scholar. Here, you are all truly fortunate to witness the chanting of seven branches of the Vedas.”

Vedic Branches Being Chanted:

• Rigveda – 1 branch
• Yajurveda – 3 branches
• Sāmaveda – 2 branches
• Atharvaveda – 1 branch

This Mahayajna offers a rare opportunity to experience the spiritual potency of multiple Vedic traditions in one place—guided by scholars who have undergone years of rigorous training and discipline.