Seeking blessings for the nation

ON JANUARY 12, PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi began an 11-day special ritual in the run-up to the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of Shri Ramlala at the grand temple in Ayodhya Dham on January 22. The ritual was initiated from Nashik Dham – Panchavati.

Panchvati is in Maharashtra’s Nashik, which is an important pilgrim site. In the Ramayana, the instance of Sita Haran – or abduction of Sita by Ravana – had taken place at this place.

In an emotional message, the Prime Minister noted the feeling of Ram Bhakti immersing the whole nation in the run-up to the Pran Pratishtha.

A special ritual

He mentioned that he would be starting the special ritual according to the suggestions received from some pious souls and great men of the spiritual journey. He added, “according to the ‘Yama-Niyams’ suggested by them, I am starting a special ritual”.

Yama refers to restraints, moral disciplines, or moral vows in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The Yoga Sutra talks about the eight limbs of yoga – where each offers guidance to living a meaningful and purposeful life.

Yogabhyas, or the practice of yoga, not only adds to physical strength, endurance, and flexibility, but also in calming the mind. The first limb, Yama, refers to vows, disciplines or practices that are primarily concerned with the world around us, and our interaction with it.

Five Yama Niyams

There are five Yama-Niyams, i.e., Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (right use of energy), and Aparigraha (non-greed or non-hoarding).

Yoga transforms life. The rigour and commitment to its practice can teach us to be kind, truthful and use our energy in a constructive way. Thus, benefitting not only us, but also everything and everyone around us.

As a true leader, Prime Minister Modi has thus decided to follow the 11-day ritual for the benefit of all. During this period, the Prime Minister will continuously follow the rules like Brahma Muhurta Jagran, Sadhana, and Satvik diet in his daily routine, added reports.

‘Time of divinity’

Brahma Muhurta is considered the ideal time (Muhurta) for perceiving the ultimate knowledge of Brahma, the Creator. It is the ‘time of divinity’, when our prana (life force) is at its peak in the early morning – right before sunrise. Waking up during this period can give numerous benefits.

Sadhana is a yogic practice – an action – that promotes harmony. When practicing Sadhana, one gets an intense and gratifying sensation of victory.

Eating Satvik diet finds emphasis in the Chhandogya Upaniṣhada. Following such a diet purifies the mind and becomes part of our pure consciousness. It says “ahara śhuddhau sattva śhuddhiḥ” (7.26.2) or “people with pure minds prefer pure,

Importance of diet

Satvik food: It is said that Bhagavad Gita (17.7) mentions the importance of diet as “āhāras tv api sarvasya, tri-vidho bhavati priyaḥ, yajñas tapas tathā dānaḿ, teṣāḿ bhedam imaḿ śṛṇu”. Krishna tells Arjuna, “The food preference is mainly of three types; the same is true for the sacrifice, austerity, and charity they are inclined toward. Now pay attention to their distinctions”. However, some reports suggest that PM Modi is undergoing an 11-day fast.

PM Modi has undertaken a significant step that holds great spiritual importance. It symbolises his dedication and devotion towards Lord Ram and his teachings. He aims to connect with the divine and seek blessings for the wellbeing of the nation and its citizens.