In the past, Bharatiya people believed in the Vedas. They do so now, and this belief will remain unshakeable in the future as well. Today science speaks of ‘inner vitality.’ Our ancestors were familiar this concept ages ago and it was anchored to this concept that they set out on the discovery of truth. While Bharat must prosper in material, economic, and military spheres, it is important that we develop in the spheres of spirituality and philosophy too. Otherwise all our progress will be shorn of distinction. In contemporary times, because of constant onslaught, the systems of knowledge based on Vedas stand demolished. However, it is our collective effort that during this period of Amrit Mahotsav, India rises to great glory—both materially and in the matters of spirituality. These were the thoughts expressed by Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He was addressing a gathering convened at Chetsingh Ghat in Kashi on the occasion of Agnihotri Vidwan Samman Samaroh. The event was organised as part of the Kashi Chaturmas Pravas of Shankaracharya Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi ji of the Kanchi Kamakotishwar Peeth.
Agnihotri Scholars: Sentinels of Vedic Wisdom
Dr Bhagwat further added that in spite of the adversities, a number of dedicated people are working under pledge to reignite the knowledge of the Vedas. It is because of them that Vedic wisdom is being protected and preserved. The Agnihotri Vedic community is the very embodiment of wisdom, Karma and Bhakti. The ritual of Agnihotra aims to strengthen moral conduct and dharma. The Ahitagni scholars have the capacity to preserve the Vedas and even summon divinity once they hold the Agnihotra pledge. He expressed the hope that empowered with Brahmtej and Kshatratej, Bharat shall becomes a Vishwa Guru. Saluting the Agnihotri scholars, Dr. Bhagwat added that since you are committed to the protection of the Vedas, it is our duty to ensure that the larger Hindu community stands by you.
Dr Bhagwat informed that in spite of the adversities, a number of dedicated people are working under
pledge to reignite the knowledge of the Vedas
Speaking on the occasion, Jagatguru Shankaracharya observed that efforts should be made to connect temples which Agnihotri scholars. The work of Agnihotra is to ensure a Sastriyar and a philosophical atmosphere in the country. He observed that there are two major planks to the progress of Bharat in contemporary times — first, the development of digital India and second, the development of divine India. The strengthening of dharma is imperative in the present times. Dharma Jagran and Kutum Prabodhan activities, as organised by Sangh, testify to this need. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, there should be a policy on preservation of temples. He also added that the Vedas are divine and we must reignite the tradition of Agni worship.
Panchgani and its Significance
Speaking on the significance of Panchgani, Sri Shankaracharya suggested that the fire—produced by the sacred chanting Arni Mantra—is used for fire sacrifice. This fire has five varieties. It is represented as Panchvayu and is essential for a body that is composed of Panchmahabhoot. Its five names are as follows: pranvayu, apanvayu, samanvayu and upanvayu. Angihotra Kshatra is a form of yagna in which one holds a lifelong vow, with Agni as the sacred witness. Observing this yagna, one has to conduct hawan for Suryanarayan in the mornings and for Agni in the evenings. And that it is considered completed only once the two hawan of morning and evening are combined.
Whoever pledges to conduct this Kshaut Yagna along with his wife becomes an Agnihotri. At the moment, there are 140 Agnihotri scholars in the entire country, out of which 100 participated in the Agnihotri Sabha at Kashi.
Continuity of Tradition
The present Shankaracharya organises the worship of Yogaling and Srividya in the same manner as was done by Aadi Shankaracharya. At Kashi, the Sarsanghchalak of the RSS witnessed to the same glorious ritual of worship. At the beginning of the event, both Jagatguru Shankaracharya and Dr Mohan Bhagwat participated in different yagna for nearly 45 minutes and took the blessings of the Agnihotri scholars. Thereafter, Shri Shankaracharya took Dr. Bhagwat through the exhibition of the different yagna equipments and also told him about the various rituals. The proceedings of the day began with a floral tribute to the portrait of Jagatguru Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi ji and the ritual lighting of the lamp. Jagatguru Shankaracharya felicitated Dr Mohan Bhagwat by presenting him with the Angavastra that Agnihotri scholars wear. On this occasion, books written by different scholars were also released from the stage. Several veteran Swayamsevaks of the RSS were also present on the occasion.
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