Ishavasyam Festival to be Celebrated at Karunadham from July 23-25

Ishavasyam Festival Begins at Karunadham Ashram

The Ishavasyam Festival-2026 is set to commence on July 23 at the Karunadham Ashram in Nehru Nagar, Bhopal. The three-day event will include a Sarvabhoum Digvijay Maha Yajna to mark the 11th anniversary of the Shri Mahalakshmi Devalay.

This religious ceremony will continue until July 25, with 1500 oblations (aahutis) being offered daily. The Maha Yajna will be conducted under the auspicious guidance of Peethadheeshwar Gurudev Shri Sudesh Ji Shandilya Maharaj, as informed by Shri Shashwat Shandilya of the Ashram.

Rituals and Ceremonies Planned

The first day, July 23, will focus on establishing the foundation of the Yajna. The rituals include Panchang Prayog, Jal Yatra, Atharva Pujan, Mandal Sthapana, Agni Sthapana through Arani Manthan, and Acharya Pujan. This day is dedicated to commencing the Yajna process by adhering to Vedic traditions, with the ignition of fire through Arani Manthan symbolizing purity.

On the second day, July 24, the elaborate program will continue with Nitya Pujan, Brahmin Varan, Dakshin Agni Sthapana, and oblations offered with ghee accompanied by chants from Shukla Yajurveda. Special sacrifices like Vajapeya, Rajasuyam, and Sautramani will be performed, seeking prosperity, victory, and spiritual progress. The day's rituals will conclude with Turiy Sangeet, enhancing the spiritual and musical experience.

The third and final day, July 25, will also feature Nitya Pujan and oblations with Vedic chants. A grand procession of Atharva, led by the patrons of the Vedic Akhada, will take place. The three-day observance will conclude with a dance performance by young girls and a community feast (Bhandara).

Cultural Programs and Conclusion

Cultural programs are also scheduled during the festival. On July 23 and 24, performances will begin at 8:00 PM, aiming to add joy to the spiritual atmosphere with various presentations by local artists.

The culmination of the Yajna will be the Purnahuti at 12:30 PM on July 25, the most significant part of the Yajna's conclusion. Following this, at 7:30 PM, a divine Aarti of Mata Mahalakshmi will be held, praying for the well-being, prosperity, and good fortune of all devotees.

As per the schedule, the Pujan-Havan sessions will commence daily from 8:30 AM. A community feast will be organized at the end of the festival, offering all devotees an opportunity to partake in the sacred prasad. This event is expected to unite the community and foster spiritual consciousness.