Stratford UUC To Host Hindu Chanting Ceremony

STRATFORD — Hindu Cultural Center of Connecticut, Inc will host a S?ma Veda Yajna at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 96 Chapel Street on Sunday, May 3, from 2 to 6 pm, followed by prasaad.

All are welcome. The Yanja will be conducted by Acharya Baljeet Shastri.

The S?ma Veda is third of the four Vedas (Books of knowledge of Hindus). S?ma Veda is “Knowledge of melodies.” The name of this Veda is from the Sanskrit word s?man, which means a melody applied to metrical hymn or song of praise. The chanting of the S?ma Veda gives peace of mind and exhilarates the hearer. It consists of stanzas mostly taken from the Rig-Veda, which have been changed and adapted for use in singing.

The priest who sings hymns from the S?ma Veda during a ritual is called an ugd?t. The closest English translation is “cantor.”

Yajna, a Vedic tradition, is a fire ceremony or form of worship where oblations are offered to the sacred fire (Agni) amid the recital of mantras (from S?ma Veda). This form of worship has existed for thousands of years in India. It is a ritual which in its deep symbolism is as relevant to modern times as it was thousands of years ago. It has tremendous effects in raising consciousness to great spiritual heights and in facilitating the process of enlightenment.

Yajnas are performed in a large scale for the general welfare of the entire community welcoming peace, health, and prosperity.

Attendees can participate by following the priest’s instructions and attain blessings. Even passive participants gain benefits.

For more information, visit HinduCulturalCenter.org, send email to HinduCulturalCenter@yahoo.com, or call 203-799-7080.