“Every moment during Navaratri holds immense value, as it is when the Divine Mother radiates Her utmost grace and boundless compassion. During this sacred period, She embodies forgiveness and extends unconditional love and blessings to all who seek Her divine presence.” (Sri Karunamayi.)

Navaratri is of the most sacred periods of the year, when Devi (Divine Mother) is worshipped in Her triple aspect of Power (Kali), Love (Lakshmi) and Wisdom (Saraswati.)  The whole festival is devoted to goddess Durga, whose nine forms are worshipped on nine days.

For a comprehensive explanation of this sacred occasion please see this article by Swami Sivananda: https://www.dlshq.org/religions/durga-puja-or-navaratri/

For a guideline to personal sadhana during Navaratri given by Her Holiness Sri Karunamayi, please click here:

NAVARATRI is of the most sacred periods of the year, when Divine Mother is worshipped in Her triple aspect of Power, Love, and Wisdom.  We will invoke her blessings with Vedic puja and mantra that help establish a closer connection with the Divine. All welcome (as your schedule allows) at the SCHOOL OF LIFE: 4217 East West Hwy, Bethesda MD 20814. RSVP: shantiyoga.sol@gmail.com or call: 301 654 4899 or call for more info.

DAILY SCHEDULE
8:30 – 10 am: Morning Puja
10:15: - 12:45 p.m. Chanting, Arti & Flower Offering
1:00 p.m.- 2: Lunch
3:00- 4:30 Chanting and japa (mantra repetition)
8 to 9.10 pm Maha Laksmi Puja

Vedic puja is an exact spiritual science which utilizes the power of mantra and knowledge of the various lokas or planes of being to establish a closer connection between humans and the Divine. 

Dr. Mahapatra Gyanendra, who is devoted full time to the cause of world peace through teaching meditation and performing pujas, will grace the School of Life with his presence for this grand celebration, which culminates with a Havan, Fire Ceremony. 

While all pujas performed for a good purpose bring benefit to all beings, sankalpa is a part of the puja when the names of beneficiaries are recited and thus energetically woven into the ritual, aligning all the forces invoked towards the fulfillment of the person's noble desires. Traditionally, those whose names are included in the sankalpa sponsor the ceremony. This establishes a relationship of reciprocity; it is an expression of faith and gratitude, as well as sacrifice to ensure that the puja takes place for the benefit of all beings. 

We invite you to attend throughout the 9 days, and to sponsor the ceremony to experience the utmost benefit and support the tireless work of Dr. Mahapatra on behalf of world peace.

All may join in person at 4217 / 4209 East West Hwy or via zoom at https://zoom.us/j/7190836440 or dial 719-083-6440, password Omshanti
Sponsorships are available at three levels:

1 day: $100
3 day: $300
9 day: $500

Just the Havan: $50 (Fire ceremony will be at a location TBD)

Each sponsor will receive all the merits as if they had performed the ceremonies with their own hands.

Please register soon. Payments may be made through paypal: shantiyoga@schooloflife.org

Om Shanti, Shanti Shanti