2023-24
Inauguration of Gaushala and Yagnashala
Published On: March 6, 2023 , Updated on : February 20, 2024
The inauguration of a temple and Yagnashala in a Gurukul is a momentous occasion that is steeped in tradition and history. A gurukul is a traditional Indian school where students live with their teacher and study the Vedas and other ancient texts. The temple and Yagnashala are central to the life of all the Gurukuls where students can come to worship and perform rituals.
Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Hyderabad also inaugurated a Yagnashala, Gaushala and two temples in a shape of a Kalash (the earthen pot), each of Lord Balaji and Neelkanth Varni (Youth form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan). The temple and Yagnashala was decorated with flowers and other traditional decorations.
On the auspicious day of Shivratri, the inauguration was done with special pooja performed by HDH Mahant Swami Shri Devprasaddasji Swamiji and other divine saints. After the puja, all the saints performed a yagna or fire ceremony. Yagna is the offering of oblations to the fire, which is considered a purifying agent. The yagna is an ancient Vedic ritual that is performed to invoke the blessings of the gods. During the ceremony, all the divine saints performed yagna to purify the environment and seek blessings from the gods. They chant mantras and offer various items into the fire including ghee, rice, and herbs. The fire is believed to carry the offerings to the gods, who then bless the temple and its devotees. It brings spiritual significance to the temple but also brings the community together to witness and participate in the rituals. People come from far and wide to witness the ceremony and seek blessings from God and saints.
The yagna is followed by “Gau Pujan” the special Puja of cows in the newly inaugurated Gaushala. Gau pujan, or the worship of cows, is an ancient tradition in India that is deeply rooted in Hinduism. We decorated cows with flowers, applied turmeric paste on their horns and forehead, and offered them various items such as green vegetables, jaggery and grass.The importance of cows is depicted in the holy scriptures as follows:
means Cow is The Mother of The World.
Through the ceremony of Gau Pujan, the Gurukul students learnt the importance of showing respect and gratitude towards all living beings, including animals. They understood that cows are not just a source of milk and dairy products but are also an essential part of our ecosystem. They also learned that by respecting and caring for cows, we are honoring our culture and traditions.
The final attraction of the day was the installation of the deities of Lord Balaji and Nilkanth Varni in their respective temples. The deity is a representation of the god or goddess that is worshiped in the temple. The deity is bathed, dressed, and adorned with jewelry and flowers. All saints and Gurukul staff and students performed rituals to invoke the blessings of the deity.
Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Organization is very proactive in many humanitarian tasks right from its inception in 1949. Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul has branches all over the world, and it is known for providing quality education to its students. The Gurukul has produced many successful professionals in various fields who have contributed to the development of society. The alumni of the Gurukul are known for their strong moral and ethical values and their dedication to the service of others. Apart from academic education, Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul also provides spiritual education to its students. The students are taught about the principles of Hinduism and the importance of living a spiritual life. They are encouraged to practice meditation and yoga, which help in developing a calm and focused mind.
In conclusion, Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul is an institution that provides a holistic education to its students. It is not just a school, but it is a way of life that encourages the development of the mind, body, and soul. The Gurukul system of education is an ancient Indian system that is still relevant in today’s world, and Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul is a shining example of how this system can be adapted to provide a modern education that is rooted in tradition and values.