As we all know, timely rains are essential for proper livelihood of all beings on this Earth. Unfortunately, we have been experiencing untimely and insufficient rainfall over the past few years. There are several techniques that environmentalists, scientists and other socially responsible organisations/people are suggesting. These include and are not limited to: cloud seeding, planting trees, leading a more natural and responsible lifestyle etc.

But, is it high time to look back and see what our rushis recommended in this aspect? Is there any procedure or method that is proven to work from our ancient wisdom that we must look into? There is a mention of ‘Varuna Yagam’ in our scriptures. This yagam started on the 4th morning at Singarayakonda, and it rained beautifully on the 4th evening!

Want to call it a co-incidence? Or Want to open your heart and pay attention to the wisdom shared by the great sages?

Let’s observe few physical elements of the Yaga Sala (a structure that allows one to perform the prayer as recommended in the aagama scriptures, a part of Vedic literature) where this Varuna Yagam is carried out. This constitutes the first step in achieving the goal of a Yajna.

Did you know that the fumes released from this event are good for your overall health too?

Homa dhoomam aayurvruddhi hi dine: dine:

Now that we took a brief look at physical structure, let’s see the internal aspect that takes us one more step closer to achieving the goal of the Yajna.

Mantra dravya visuddho: yagaha

Ruthwiks (all priests who chant the mantras, ithihasas, divya prabandham etc, submit the offerings to Agni devatha) are extremely learned, and do their part with complete obedience and belief in God. Therefore, mantra suddhi (purity of mantra) is achieved.

The initiators (one who initially thought of conducting this specific yajna) must aim for a clean and constructive cause. It is only then that sankalpa suddhi (purity of thought) is achieved.

The material utilised in conducting the yajna must be secured from people who are completely devoted and sincere. It is only then that dravya suddhi (purity of utilised materials) is achieved.

When a Yajna is being performed with these three in place (the mantra suddhi, sankalpa suddhi and dravya suddhi), it is then that the yajna is going in the right direction. But, this does not guarantee God’s grace. It is only equivalent to turning on the green-signal as we always talk about. God’s grace comes through as and when He thinks is right, but when it comes through we must be ready. Unless we turn on the green signal we will not be in a position to perceive and accept His grace. That is why, as agama scriptures are considered to be the word of God, we follow this process of conducting the Varuna Yajna.

Will it rain after the Yajna? It is up to God to answer our prayer and grant the wish! This, God’s grace is the third step in achieving the goal of the Yajna, i.e. the showers of rain in Singarayakonda. And yes! It rained on the first day itself!.

That is why, one must always remember what Lord Krushna said in Bhagavad Githa, 15th chapter 15th sloka:

sarvasya cha:ham hrudi sannivishto:
maththas smruthir jna:nam apo:hanam cha |
ve:dais cha sarvair ahame:va ve:dyo:
ve:da:nthakruth ve:davide:va cha:ham ||

I am the source of knowledge that enables one to react in any situation. I am the reason why one can recollect a memory, or learn, or think. I am the ultimate resulting outcome of any knowledge defined in Vedas. All that is obtained as fruits of work are given by me alone. The essence of all Vedic wisdom is only me.

Let us all now chant THE PASURAM (Dravidian poem) which was sung by Andal as part of Tiruppavai. This poem beautifully describes how Varuna (the controller of rain) must reflect the greatness of his owner (Kurshna) by bringing out the dark clouds filled with water. It talks about how Varuna must shower rains mimicking the immense volume of arrows coming from ‘saarngam’ (the bow of Sri Rama). This is a very brief description of one small part of the poem. The poem showcases Andal’s knowledge on how one must invoke Varuna to do his duty. The way Andal communicates with Varuna shows how her love for Lord. This intense love empowered her to command Varuna to shower rain (this command does not reflect arrogance, but reflects her ownership on God, His administration and the entire existence).

Following her lead, lets chant the poem:

a:zhi mazhai kkanna: onru ni: kaikarave:| ,
a:zhiyul pukku mungandu kodu a:rthe:ri ,
u:zhi mudalvan uruvambo:| mey karuththu ,
pa:zhi amtho:|udai parbana:ban kaiyil ,
a:zhilpo:| minni valmburipo:| ninradirindu ,
tha:zha:de:sa:rngamudaiththa saramazhai po:|,
va:zha ulaginil peydida:y, na:ngalum
ma:rgazhi ni:ra:da magizhinudu e:|o:r emba:va:y ||

We must be thankful to Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swami (the presiding deity of the temple in Singarayakonda) for giving us the permission to conduct the Yajna. May the entire area be showered with right volume of water in right times for a prosperous growth. Let this prosperity be utilised in serving the purpose of God.