Soundarya Lahiri under the guidance of the Peetadipathi of Devipuram Peetam, Shri Subbaro Kompella,  provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to devotees for  performing Ganapathi Tharpanams and Lalitha Sahasranama Homam in the middle of the sea, on Lovell’s island on Saturday September 2, 2006.

 â€œAs per the Sastras any ritual performed in the middle of ocean bestows immense benefits upon the devotees. Performing 444 Ganapathi Tharpanams with Ganapathi Mantra during Ganapathi Navarathri and doing Ganesh Nimajjanam in the sea will remove all obstacles and fulfills both materialistic and spiritual desires. Reciting Lalitha Sahasra Nama and joining in the Lalitha Homam in an island is a lifetime opportunity that will bring prosperity to the families and Sowbhagyam to the Ladies!” said Kompella who masterminded the event.

 
Over 320 people from across the NE region and from New York, New Jersey,Texas ,Connecticut participated in the event, which was graced by Pujya Santharamji of JET USA and Pujya Sadasivom of Kaali Temple Madras.

 The site picked for the Yagna was a mound right by the ocean. When the devotees arrived via the ferry they began the prayers with the chanting of the Vishnu Sahasranamam (1000 names of Vishnu).  Then Ganapathi Tarpanams were done by reciting Lakshmi Ganpathi Mantram 222 times after which Shodasa Upachaara Puja was performed to all the Ganapthi Icons. “The mantra used here is very special” said Kompella as he chanted the 24 aksharas or syllables. “Harvard University had a million dollar research grant to identify the impact of the special sounds and they found that the serotonin  level was enhanced when people chanted the Mantra.” Said Kompella.

After the Tharpanam was complete people did “Visarjan” or the sending away of their “Ganesha” by immersing the idol in the ocean to the chanting of “Ganapathi Bappa Morya” . Then the Lalitha Sahasranama Homam commenced.

 

“We first welcome Agni Daveta. We use a special gesture by putting our hands together to denote the seven tongues of Agni. We will then open Agni Devata’s eyes with a special prayer ” said Kompella.  Then Goddess was invoked and the Lalitha Sahasranamam was chanted. Offerings to the Goddess included a brand new silk saree , jewels and coins that were offered into the Holy Fire.  “The greatest offering that we should make to Goddess Lalitha of course is not the material things but the unity between Shiva Shakti, the commitment that husband and wife will live harmoniously without conflict” said Kompella.

As one was perfoming the Thrapanam one could feel the power of nature. The wind was blowing in full force, the roar of the ocean reminded us of the might of water. Since the Homam was done in the open we were directly in touch with the earth and the sky above could be seen at all times. The fire in Homa Kunda help us sense Agni. Thus as we were doing the Pooja,  the power of the Pancha Bhootas (earth,fire,wind,water and sky) which make  up the Prapancha (the universe) was palpable.

The event was planned nearly a year ago by Kompella, who had the vision of doing such a prayer. “When I had the vision, I had no idea how this was to be accomplished, but Mother guided us and here we are” said Kompella.    There were predictions of Thunderstorm. “There will be no rain until we finish the Yagna “ said Kompella and true to his words to the delight of the devotee the rains were delayed until we left the scene. The faith of the devotees kept the rain at bay.


After the completion of the rituals, Mahaprasad made by the devotees was served. The afternoon ended with a fabulous Carnatic music recital by Aparna Balaji who was accompanied by Sri Surya Sunderarajan on the Violin and Vijay Ganesh on the Mridangam. All the artists were very skilled and made a great presentation. As Aparna concluded her recital with the famous Rajaji song “Kurai Onrdrum Illai -  I am satisfied, I do not lack anything Oh krishna “,  she was surely echoing the sentiments of the devotees who felt more than satisfied with this rare event.

 

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