Yajna is path to divine living: Swami Ramswarup Ji

• 78-day four Vedas Yajna underway at Veda Mandir, Yol; emphasis on duty towards parents, teacher and guests

YOL (HIMACHAL PRADESH): A 78-day Yajna based on the four Vedas is currently being conducted at the Veda Mandir, Yol under the leadership of Swami Ramswarup, Yogacharya. Addressing devotees on the occasion, Swami Ji once again highlighted the indispensable importance of Yajna in human life.

Explaining the origin and meaning of the word “Yajna,” he said that it is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yaj’, which signifies worship of the divine, unity, and charity. He elaborated that there are four primary “Devas” (divine beings) in human life — Mother, Father, Guest, and Acharya (teacher). This knowledge has been clearly explained by sages in the Taittiriya Upanishad through the teachings: “Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava, Atithi Devo Bhava” — meaning, regard mother, father, teacher, and guest as divine.

Swami Ji further explained that the term “Deva” also refers to learned scholars and those who give selflessly, stating, “One who gives is indeed a Deva.” In this context, the mother who gives birth is a goddess, the father who earns and nurtures the family is like a god, the guest who imparts knowledge is also regarded as divine, and the Acharya who guides with wisdom is equally divine.

Quoting scriptures, he emphasized that one must serve and obey these four pillars of life with devotion, considering them as embodiments of divinity. Such conduct, he said, is an essential part of Yajna. Referring to the Shatapatha Brahmana, Swami Ji cited the teaching “Yajna is indeed the all-pervading Supreme God.”

Swami Ramswarup Ji stated that, according to Vedic teachings, particularly in Yajurved Mantra 18/29, the divine message “Ayuḥ yajñena kalpatām…” conveys that those who regularly perform Yajna are blessed with increased longevity, prosperity, and overall well-being. He explained that the Vedas present Yajna not merely as a ritual, but as a comprehensive practice that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual upliftment, the benefits of which are vast and beyond complete description.

Swami Ji further emphasized that human beings should perform Agnihotra (fire ritual) regularly to attain happiness, peace, long life, and prosperity. He underlined that this guidance is a divine command given in the Vedas and not a man-made tradition, highlighting its importance in leading a balanced and harmonious life.

He urged all present to recognize Yajna as a direct manifestation of the Almighty, to cultivate a sense of divinity in all, and to collectively perform Yajna/Agnihotra by offering ghee and sacred materials into the sacred fire with devotion and unity.