[GHHF] Day Three of ST Archaka Training: Spiritual Outreach with Grama Sankeertana, Teaching on the Importance of Sankalpam
Kambalapalem Village, Alluri Sitarama Raju District: The five-day Archaka training program for Scheduled Tribe (ST) youth, organized by the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) in Kambalapalem village, Alluri Sitarama Raju district, has reached its third day. Today's training focused on deeper understanding of Puja rituals, alongside a crucial Grama Sankeertana program for spiritual outreach.
As usual, the participants woke up before sunrise and began their day with meditation. After tiffin in the morning, the participants, along with GHHF activists and local villagers, collectively performed "Grama Sankeertana" in the village.
What is Grama Sankeertana? Its Significance:
Grama Sankeertana refers to all the people in a village coming together to praise the name of God, singing bhajans, and moving in a procession. This is not just a bhajan program but a collective spiritual outreach. Its significances include:
Spiritual Atmosphere: It creates a positive, spiritual atmosphere in the village.
Unity: It brings all people together, irrespective of caste, religion, or class, fostering unity.
Dharma Propagation: It propagates Dharma through the chanting of God's name, increasing devotion among people.
Removal of Negative Energies: It is believed that collective chanting removes negative energies from the village.
Prevention of Conversions: In agency areas, it acts as a strong spiritual shield against religious conversions. Collective bhajans and chanting increase awareness and faith in Hindu Dharma.
During this Grama Sankeertana program, the participants enthusiastically sang bhajans and chanted the name of God, moving throughout the village. This also instilled enthusiasm among the local residents.
Following the Grama Sankeertana, the training classes commenced. In the morning session, the trainer, Shri Krishnareddy Garu, explained "Sankalpam," a highly important aspect of Puja rituals.
What is Sankalpam? Its Significance:
Sankalpam means clearly stating the purpose, for whom, where, and when a task is being undertaken before commencing it. In Puja, reciting the Sankalpam is an appeal to God, stating that a prayer or ritual is being performed for a specific purpose, for a specific person, in a specific place, at a specific time. This provides a clear direction and intention to the Puja. Scriptures state that a Puja without Sankalpam is ineffectual.
Sankalpam typically includes the following elements:
Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana: The time of performing the Puja (Panchangam details).
Sthalam (Place): The location where the Puja is being performed (village, region, country).
Karta (Performer): The name and Gotra of the person performing the Puja.
Devata (Deity): The deity to whom the Puja is being offered.
Prayojanam (Purpose): The main objective of performing the Puja (prosperity, health, success, protection of Dharma, etc.).
Reciting the Sankalpam provides a powerful start to the Puja. It enhances the devotee's concentration and conveys to God that a specific outcome is desired from the performed ritual.
The third day of training concluded in the evening with a Bhajan session.
GHHF is offering this training program completely free of cost. GHHF is also covering the participants' meals, accommodation, and travel expenses. Through this program, GHHF is not only training ST youth from agency areas in priesthood but also instilling religious awareness in them and preparing them to resist religious conversions.
Your donations are appreciated:
By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com
PayPal: savetemples.org
By Check: Or you can send a check payable to GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035.
It is tax-deductible.
By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979
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