IMPORTANCE OF HAVAN AND GRAHAS (PLANETS)

The general practice is the performance of a Havan before Holi, which our Guruji has been performing since He was seven years old. He holds great importance to this annual Havan and explains its significance.

According to Guruji, the month before Holi is when all the Tantric Vidya, or black magic, is at its peak and most effective. The main aim of the Havan at Holi is to send a protective force to all devotees of Lord Narayan, safeguarding them from black magic throughout the year, from this Holi to the next.

Before we go further, Guruji explains the meaning and reason behind performing a Havan. As we may have heard, there are 33 crore demi-gods and goddesses. Apart from these, we have the Pitra Lok, where our fathers and forefathers generally go after death, with their timespan there depending upon their karmas. In our lifestyle, we seldom remember these demi-gods or our forefathers, as we do not know the method of offering or prayer to them. The answer to this is Havan – a method by which the demi-gods and Pitras can be prayed to, offered food, and remembered.

Since the demi-gods and Pitras do not possess the earth and water qualities like human bodies, we cannot invite them to sit with us for their pooja or to offer them food. They have stronger qualities of fire and air, making it impossible for them to come to earth like normal humans. This is why we offer our obeisances and food through the medium of Havan to the demi-gods and Pitras.

Guruji explains that there are two Devis (goddesses) named Swaha and Swadha. The duty of Goddess Swaha is to convert all human offerings in the Havan Kund into food and deliver it to the demi-gods (Devi/Devtaas). The duty of Goddess Swadha is to deliver human offerings to the Pitras (forefathers/ancestors). This is why, during a Havan, the Brahmins performing the ritual generally take the name of a demi-god followed by the word “Swaha.”

During the Holi festival, our Guruji performs Havan and prays to the respective demi-gods to protect his and Lord Narayana’s devotees from all Tantric Vidya, or black magic. This is very important according to Guruji, as a person affected by black magic can have their life destroyed completely, either by being unable to concentrate at work or home or by falling severely ill for years. This magic often results in the destruction of business and wealth, leading to total disaster for the affected family.

This is the main reason why Guruji deems it very important to perform this Havan at Holi. Ultimately, we must fully surrender at the feet of our Guru and let Him handle all these matters for us, which are beyond our knowledge and control – do not forget the magic words “TOTAL SURRENDER.”

Guruji explains that during a Havan/Yagya, the saints pray separately to all the stars and planets, known as ‘GRAHAS’ in Hindi. According to Guruji, these stars have a relationship with each human being stronger than that of a mother and child. Every person is fully and totally governed by stars, as the angle of each star/planet at the time of birth determines the child’s future in all aspects of life, including education, health, wealth, and Bhakti. This is why the saints or Brahmins pray to each Graha (star/planet) to always have good effects on the devotees.

Guruji goes on to explain each Graha as follows:

1. SUN (SURYA): This star determines the fame of a person. If a person’s Surya is in a good position, they become very famous, shining bright among their peers, and generally well-respected. Guruji prays to the Sun to give all His devotees name, fame, and respect.
2. MOON (CHANDRAMA): This is the symbol of peace. Guruji prays to the moon for peace to prevail in all the devotees’ houses and lives.
3. MARS (MANGAL): Guruji refers to this planet as the son of Earth. The earth element is very prominent and important in human beings, relating to blood, a vital constituent of the human body. If Mangal is in a bad position in a person’s horoscope, they generally suffer from diseases like high blood pressure. Guruji prays to Mangal Graha for his devotees to be free from blood-related diseases. Additionally, Mangal Graha in a bad position creates temper/anger issues, while a person with a well-positioned Mangal Graha generates wealth from earth’s products.
4. MERCURY (BUDH): This is the ruler of the brain, the main controller of every human being. All sensations are initiated by the brain, and if it malfunctions, the person loses control over their actions. Guruji prays to Budh to keep each devotee’s “controller room” cool and not overheated (temper), allowing them to perform good and constructive deeds.
5. JUPITER (BRAHASPATI): Guruji prays to Brahaspati to protect all devotees by methods mentioned in the scriptures, as this is the department of Jupiter (Brahaspati).
6. VENUS (SHUKRA): Shukracharya is the Guru of the Demons and hence controls the factor of strength. Shukracharya is the only Guru who knows the “MRITSANJIVANI” mantra, which can turn a dead person alive. No other soul knows this mantra apart from Guru Shukracharya. Guruji prays to him, requesting that he, despite being the Guru of Demons, bless the devotees to keep them strong and famous in life.
7. SATURN (SHANI): Among humans, this is the most dreaded planet. If it is in a bad position, it did not spare even Lord Rama, who, as a prince, should have ruled but had to spend 14 years in the forests due to his Shani. Great kings like Vikramaditya and Harishchandra were not spared either. However, if this Graha is in the correct spot, it bestows immense wealth. Guruji prays to Shani Maharaj that even if he is in a bad position in someone’s life, he should remain calm so that the devotees do not face as many problems as they would have otherwise.
8. RAHU/KETU: These two planets are often taken for granted as always bad. Yes, if Rahu is in a bad spot, the affected person gets totally disconnected from their family and society. However, according to Guruji, if Rahu/Ketu are in a good spot, they are capable of granting Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

Guruji explains that during a Havan/Yagya, the performers of the Havan are actually beseeching the planets/stars to bless all the devotees. Otherwise, Guruji does not have to beg anyone for anything. But when it comes to His devotees’ happiness, even HE has to beg the planets/stars to keep us happy. We must appreciate that Guruji stoops to such low levels of BEGGING just for the well-being of His devotees. We should salute Him and thank Him for what He is doing for us and offer all our obeisances to Him.

Summary

The article discusses the significance of the annual Havan performed by Guruji before Holi, a practice he has observed since childhood. Guruji emphasizes the importance of this Havan as a protective measure against black magic, which is believed to be most potent during the month before Holi. The Havan is a ritualistic offering made to the demi-gods and ancestors, utilizing fire as a medium to deliver offerings. Guruji also explains the influence of various planets on human life, detailing how the Havan includes prayers to these celestial bodies to ensure their favorable impact on devotees. This ritual is seen as a vital act of spiritual protection and well-being, highlighting the necessity of total surrender to the Guru.

Important Points

1. Significance of Havan Before Holi: Performed to protect devotees from black magic.
2. Purpose of Havan: Offers food and prayers to demi-gods and ancestors who cannot be reached through traditional means due to their elemental nature.
3. Role of Swaha and Swadha: Goddesses who deliver offerings from the Havan to demi-gods and ancestors, respectively.
4. Protection from Black Magic: The Havan is crucial for safeguarding devotees from the harmful effects of black magic throughout the year.
5. Importance of Planets (Grahas): Each planet governs different aspects of human life, such as fame, peace, health, and wealth.
6. Guruji’s Prayers to Planets: Guruji prays to the planets during the Havan to ensure their positive influence on devotees.
7. Sun (Surya): Associated with fame and respect.
8. Moon (Chandrama): Symbol of peace.
9. Mars (Mangal): Related to health, particularly blood-related issues, and wealth generation.
10. Mercury (Budh): Controls the brain and mental stability.
11. Jupiter (Brahaspati): Protects devotees through scriptural methods.
12. Venus (Shukra): Associated with strength and vitality.
13. Saturn (Shani): Can bring immense wealth or significant challenges depending on its position.
14. Rahu/Ketu: Often seen as negative, but can grant liberation if positioned favorably.
15. Guruji’s Sacrifice: Guruji humbles himself to pray for the well-being of his devotees, highlighting the importance of total surrender.