Laksha Modaka Maha Ganapathi Homam
World Shakti Day 2024 and the grand Laksha Modaka Maha Ganapathi Homam unfolded at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, on the sacred banks of the Ganges. Framed by the majestic Himalayas, the event celebrated divine femininity, inclusivity, and spiritual empowerment within the heart of Sanatana Dharma. Initiated in 2018 by GRD Iyers GuruCool, World Shakti Day has grown into a global movement inspiring equal access to Vedic learning and rituals for all, especially women.
The highlight of the celebrations was the 5th Laksha Modaka Maha Ganapathi Homam, in which one hundred thousand modakas were offered into the sacred fire to invoke the blessings of Lord Mahaganapati—the remover of obstacles and bestower of prosperity. The five-day event began with the Mahaganapati Chaturavrutti Tarpanam performed by over 108 trained Ritwiks from GRD Iyers GuruCool, leading gracefully into the elaborate Homam that marked a union of faith, precision, and devotion.
The rituals took place around a beautifully adorned Chaturakara Homam Kundam, surrounded by sacred darbha and kusa grass. As sacred chants resonated through the air, Guruma Smt. Sridevi Gayathri Ramesh ignited the holy fire, invoking Lord Varuna, Lord Bhruhaspati, Lord Agni, and Lord Mahaganapati. The atmosphere was alive with divine vibrations, deep reverence, and a sense of universal harmony that touched every participant’s heart.
The event brought together the global GRD Iyers GuruCool community of Ritwiks and disciples who showcased disciplined Vedic learning and impeccable execution of rituals. Their collective dedication reflected Guruji Shri Ramesh Natarajan’s vision of nurturing holistic spiritual education that transcends barriers of gender and geography.
Participants described the experience as transformative—an immersion in divine energy that fostered inner clarity and peace. Many shared that witnessing thousands of modakas offered in synchrony amidst the echo of ancient mantras created a profound connection to the timeless traditions of Bharata and the universality of Shakti.
World Shakti Day 2024 at Rishikesh embodied the essence of Loka Kalyanam—world welfare—by harmonizing ancient rituals with modern inclusivity. The Laksha Modaka Homam stood as a symbol of spiritual renewal, collective strength, and faith in the power of divine grace to guide humanity toward unity and wellbeing.