Significance of Atirudra Yaga at Datta Peetham

Avadhoota Datta Peetham is profoundly happy to announce the conduct of Ati Rudra Yaagam, the ultimate Ritual in the service of Lord Shiva in the holy month of Kartika. Under the sacred guidance of Jagadguru Parama Pujya Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, more than 150 scholars will conduct the great ritual for 11 days from 12th November to 22nd November 2010, according to the eternal Vedic Traditions; enumerated by great seers Bodhayana and Aapastamba.
Importance
Yajurveda is famed for its ritualistic elegance, grandeur and details among all the Vedas. Here, Samhita occupies the vital role, in which Rudra Adhyaaya is the most significant part from the 4th Kaanda (Chapter). Although, the Rudra Adhyaaya has several divisions according to different methods, the division into 169 Mantras is the most prevalent and relevant pattern of conducting Rudra Yaaga.
In these 169 Mantras, the Omni Presence, Omni Potence, Almighty of the God is amply and vividly described. Forces of Nature such as Earth, Energy and Wind along with their derivatives are extolled as the aspects of Lord Shiva. These aspects are also referred as innumerable aspects of Rudra. Hence, this part is referred as Shata Rudreeya in Veda. Therefore, these Mantras attain their pre-eminence among the devout worshippers.
Among the methodologies of utilising the Rudra Mantras, Homa constitutes the most significant variety. Brief definition of Rudra Homa Categories:
1 Ritwik x 11 Recitations = 11 No.s = Eka Rudram
11 Ritwiks x 11 Recitations = 121 No.s = Laghu Rudram
121 Ritwiks x 11 Recitations = 1331 No.s = Maha Rudram
121 Ritwiks x 11 Recitations x 11 Days = 14, 641 No.s = Ati Rudram
According to the last mentioned method, 121 Ritwiks (Pundits), supervised by scholars called Brahma, recite Rudra Mantras and offer Aahuti (Oblation) in 11 Homa Kundas for 11 Days.
Veda Explains that Shatarudreeya Mantra Parayana/ Homa pacifies the ferocious forms of Rudra (Shiva) and stipulates the Parayana/ Homa with Vasordhaara, after the Homa with Shatarudreeya, for appeasing and pleasing the peaceful aspects of Lord Shiva, which would result in Prosperity and Well Being. Accordingly, every day Vasordhaara Mantras are chanted along with incessant flow of ghee into the Homa Kunda, after 11 Rounds of Rudra Homa.
Several ancillary methods of worship such as Mahaa Nyaasa Poorvaka Ekaadasa Rudra Abhishekam, Paarthiva Linga Archana, Veda Paarayanam, Bilwa Archanam, Naama Sankeertanam, Ashta Avadhaana Seva are conducted as part of this great Yaaga, along with Anna Daanam.
Benefits of Chanting or Listening to the Rudra Mantras for Paarayana (Stand Alone Recital), Homa and Abhisheka are very popular. Thousands of generations have benefited in the form of Betterment of Life, Piety, Health, Wealth, Alleviation of Poverty, Misery, Sorrows and Difficulties of Life, with the help of these Mantras.
It is also pertinent to mention that this Sacred Ritual is conducted on the occasion of Silver Jubilee Celebrations (25th Anniversary) of Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Veda Paathashaala (SGS Veda School). Indeed, it is a very rare and sacred opportunity for us to participate in the event, as a glimpse of the Ritual itself will result in immense merit to one and all. The patrons of the event, Sri. Krish Raman & family along with the Organisers extend a Cordial invitation to all the Aastikas (devoted souls) to be part of the Great Ritual and benefit from the great event.
Sri Guru Datta