The event was held in the divine presence and guidance of Pujya Sri Swami Ananda Saraswati, the respected founder of Vishvamitra International Group. People from various walks of life came together, inspired by the spirit of yoga and its teachings of peace, unity, and self-awareness.

Many distinguished guests attended, including the Hon’ble Deputy Chief of Mission from the Indian Embassy, Sri Amararam Gurjar, and the Mayor of Siracusa, Mr. Francesco Italia. Their presence added great value and encouragement to the gathering.

The entire event was beautifully arranged by Smt. Stefania Rossitto, President of Vishvamitra International ONLUS, and Shri Avv. Stefano Pipitone, President of Vishvamitra Foundation. With the wholehearted support of Swamiji’s disciples, the yoga session became an uplifting and memorable spiritual experience.

A very special highlight of the morning was the release of the second edition of the Italian translation of the Bhagavad Gita. This timeless scripture is a source of light for seekers across the world, and its translation allows even more people to benefit from its wisdom.

As participants practised yoga together in the open air, a deep sense of calm and togetherness could be felt all around. The programme truly reflected the soul of yoga: physical well-being, mental peace, and global unity.

Those who could not attend in person can still be part of the celebration by watching the official video here:

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Swamiji’s message

The Divine Nine Nights of Shakti”या देवी सर्वभूतेषु मातृरूपेण संस्थिता।नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥” (“Salutations again and again to the Divine Mother, who resides in all beings as the universal Mother.”)

Introduction

Navaratri, the nine nights of divine worship, is one of the most sacred festivals in the Hindu tradition. It is a celebration of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, and is observed with deep devotion, fasting, prayers, and spiritual discipline. Rooted in the Vedas, Puranas, and Tantra Shastras, Navaratri marks the victory of Dharma over Adharma, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance.This festival is observed four times a year, each aligning with a crucial transition in nature. However, Chaitra Navaratri and Sharadiya Navaratri hold the most significance, especially for devotees seeking divine blessings, spiritual elevation, and self-transformation

The Origin of Navaratri

Navaratri has its origins in ancient scriptures and is deeply connected to the worship of Devi Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The Markandeya Purana, especially the Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati), narrates the battle of Goddess Durga against Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of divine energy over demonic forces. We also see references from Devi Bhagavata Purana, Ramayana,and Mahabharat too.”सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके।शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरी नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥”(“O Goddess, You are the source of all auspiciousness, the consort of Shiva, the giver of boons. We surrender to You, O Narayani!”)

The Four Navaratris & Their Significance

Navaratri is celebrated four times a year, aligning with seasonal transitions that affect both nature and human consciousness.

1. Sharadiya Navaratri (Autumn – Sept/Oct)

• The most popular Navaratri, celebrated in Ashwin month.

• Marks Durga Puja and Vijayadashami.

• Worship of Devi as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

2. Chaitra Navaratri (Spring – March/April)

•Observed in Chaitra month, starting on the first day of the Hindu New Year.

• Ends with Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.

• A time of new beginnings, rejuvenation, and deep spiritual practice.

3 & 4 Gupta Navaratri (Magha – Jan/Feb & Ashadha – June/July)

• More esoteric, followed by Tantrics, Yogis, and Sadhaks Used for mantra siddhi, spiritual purification, and deeper sadhana.

Each of these Navaratris serves as a spiritual milestone, allowing devotees to elevate their consciousness and surrender to Shakti

The Importance of Chaitra Navaratri

“चैत्रे मासि जगन्माता प्रकटेन्दु समप्रभा।दर्शनं यच्छति भक्तानां दुर्गतिं नाशयाम्यहम्॥”(“In the month of Chaitra, the Divine Mother appears like the full moon. She blesses Her devotees and removes all suffering.”)

1. A Time for New Beginnings Chaitra Navaratri marks the Hindu New Year (Vikram Samvat 5027). It is a time for self-renewal, setting intentions, and embracing new possibilities.

2. Worship of Divine Shakti Each day of Navaratri is dedicated to one form of Navadurga, from Shailaputri to Siddhidatri, guiding the devotee from material consciousness to spiritual liberation.

3. Celebration of Ram Navami The ninth day (Navami) of Chaitra Navaratri coincides with Lord Rama’s birth, making it highly auspicious. Devotees read the Ramayana, seeking Rama’s blessings for courage, righteousness, and devotion.

4. A Time for Fasting & Purification Fasting (Upavasa) during Chaitra Navaratri helps: Navaratri is not just a festival; it is a journey from ignorance to wisdom, from darkness to light, from fear to strength. It reminds us that within each of us lies Shakti, the power to overcome obstacles, destroy negativity, and manifest divine grace.Let us embrace Chaitra Navaratri with devotion, surrender to the Divine Mother, and embark on the path of vedantic study.”शरणागत दीनार्त परित्राण परायणे।सर्वस्यार्तिहरे देवि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥”(“O Mother, the refuge of the distressed and protector of all beings, we bow to You!”)

Vidya Vahini Trust and Vishvamitra Gurukulam wishes everyone a happy Yugadi and Chaitra Navaratri.

The post Swamiji’s Yugadi and Chaitra Navaratri message appeared first on Vidya Vahini.

This day is also observed as Gita Jayanti as Lord Krishna did Gita upadesam to Arjuna on this day. Hindus observe upavasam on this day and chant Bhagavad Gita. Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Cuttack organized Bhagavad Gita chanting event and Swamiji graced the last day of the event and provided his blessings. Swamiji was given traditional welcome at the event.

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Swamiji visited the Ram mandir on 13th December, 2024 to seek Lord Rama’s blessings.

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In the morning, before the inauguration ceremony, Swamiji performed a Puja in Swami Dayananda Saraswati Adhishtanam. This was done with great devotion and reverence, as a mark of respect to his guru. The inauguration ceremony began with a puja to the Goddess Lalita Devi by Swamiji, followed by a Vastu puja. Swami Suddhananda ji cut the ribbon at the entrance of the ashram completing the inauguration ceremony. After the inauguration ceremony, Purna Kumbha was offered to the Swamijis present, after which Punyajalam ceremony was felicitated by Swami SakshatKripananda ji maharaj. The entire ashram was decorated with flowers and other adornments for the occasion. 

After the ceremony, the ashram conducted a Bhandara that was graced by all the Swamijis. There was appreciation from everyone for the arrangements made and the availability of sufficient rooms for Swamiji and students to stay in the Rishikesh ashram when needed. The event was successful, thanks to the tireless efforts of the staff (Avinash, Ranjan and Jai Prakash), along with contributions from Ajit and Jyothi Kamath.

Visvamitra Rishikesh Ashram is situated at No. 2, Ward No. 3, Sheesam Jahdi, Muni-ki-reti, Rishikesh – 249137, and is a stone’s throw away from the serene embrace of Mother Ganga (300 meters), the divine Janaki Setu (400 meters), and the revered Dayananda Ashram (800 meters). This location was selected to provide easy access to the Ganga river and other significant locations in Rishikesh for the students and Swamiji. The Ashram provides a comfortable and tranquil environment to its residents, and is well-equipped with all necessary amenities.

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Swami Ananda Saraswati of Yoga Vidya Gurukulam has travelled and very sincerely followed the quarantine rules. As soon as the quarantine period is over, Swamiji has personally went to the Uttarkashi District Headquarters and handed over the donation for the well being of the community.

On 3rd April 2020, Swamiji has handed over a cheque of 1,00,000/- Rupees to District Magistrate of Uttarkashi Dr. Ashish Chautan at Uttarkashi District Headquarters. Honourable MLA of Gantori Sri Gopal Rawatji, Honourable Chairman of Uttarkashi , Municipality Sri Ramesh Semwalji, Sri Rammohan Rawat and others were present during this event.

If you wish to donate to Vidya Vahini Trust, please donate here.

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