Dear Devotees,

SRI SUBRAMANIA SAMAJ is in its 80th year. To commemorate the historic occasion, the Samaj will be conducting Athirudram and Sahasra Chandi Maha Yagnam from 27th December 2024 to 7th January 2025 for universal peace and well-being as enshrined in our Vedic scriptures.

More than 150 learned Sivachariars from various temples from Tamil Nadu will be performing the 12-day Mahayagnams, with 2 sessions each day.

ATHIRUDRAM-27th December, 2024 to 1st January, 2025

‘Athi’ means the ultimate, and Athirudram is the ultimate form of worship to Lord Shiva, the singular purpose whereof is for universal good, peace and prosperity.

Shri Rudradhyaya occurs in the fifth Prasna of the fourth Kanda of Krishna Yajurveda and the celebrated Panchakshari Mantra, Namah Shivaya, occurs in the middle of Shri Rudram in the 8th Anuvaka. The three hundred names of Shri Parameswara are woven in twos or threes with ‘Namah’ before and after the names, thus giving the name of ‘Namakam’ to Shri Rudram. At the close of the 11th Anuvaka, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, also known as Triyambaka Mantra, occurs- a prayer to the three-eyed Shiva, seeking protection from death and to remain steadfast on the path to Liberation. As Shri Rudram occurs in more than a hundred branches (Shakhas) of Vedas, it is called Shatarudriyam.

Athirudram is 11 Maharudrams, i.e. chanting of Sri Rudra Mantras 14641 times over a period of six days.

Maharudram is hailed as the greatest Prayaschitta (expiation) of even the worst of sins. gggt grade Agree”. The combined Japa, Abhisheka, Pooja and Homa by so many Ritwiks simultaneously to Shri Parameswara’s 11 forms-Mahadeva, Shiva, Rudra, Shankara. Nilalohita, Ishana, Vijaya, Bhima, Devadeva, Bhavodbhava and Adityatmaka Rudra-purifies the atmosphere and leads to universal peace and wellbeing. Participation in the Athirudram leads the devotee to invoke and worship the various attributes and aspects of Lord Shiva, and the power of Shri Rudram & Chamakam leads to good health, good & long life and prosperity. The Athirudram will be followed by Sahasra Chandi Maha Homam commencing on 2nd January 2025 to 7th January 2025.

Chandi or Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmyam occurs in Markandeya Purana, spread over 700 verses in 13 chapters. It recounts three important stories of victory of Devi Durga in wars with Asuras, the annihilation of Madhu-Kaitabha by Mahakali, Mahishasura by Mahalakshmi and Shumbha-Nishumbha by Maha Saraswathi. Chandi Homa is one of the most powerful methods of worshipping Devi. Ahuti is offered to Devi in Agni with chant of all the 700 verses of Chandi. Poornahuti is offered at the close of each of the 13 chapters of Chandi. This is preceded by elaborate rituals of Japa of Chandi and various other mantras including Ratri Sukta and Ahuti with Navakshati Moola mantra. The Main Homa is concluded with Japa, offerings of various Naivedyas, vastras, garlands, ornaments etc, and Vasordhara with chant of Devi Sukta. When Japa of Chandi mantras is done nine times, it is called Nava Chandi; when Japa is done a hundred times, it is known as Shata Chandi; when Japa is done a thousand times, it is called Sahasra Chandi

It is said that by participating in Sahasra Chandi Mahayagnam, a devotee is assured of protection from all evil and inimical forces and attainment of wholesome mundane and spiritual wellbeing including removal of all obstacles from all aspects of our lives including that of our families.

Your generous contribution in general and for specific purpose is most gracefully accepted. Thiruchembur Murugan Temple.