World Shakti Day USA
The World Shakthi Day is an annual event organized and celebrated with deep devotion and enthusiasm by the disciples of GRD Iyers GuruCool under the guidance of Guruji Shri Ramesh Natarajan. The 2024 celebration took place from August 30 to September 1 at the Sri Saibaba Temple of Greater Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio. This three-day spiritual festival brought together devotees from various places, all united by a shared spirit of reverence, learning, and community.
Preparations began the day before the formal inauguration. The GuruCool members worked together to set up the kalashas, each beautifully decorated and filled with sanctified water, creating an atmosphere of auspiciousness. With the blessings of Guruji, the stage was made ready for the sequence of rituals that would follow over the next three days, dedicated respectively to Devi, Shiva, and Durga.
The first day was dedicated to the Divine Mother. The morning commenced with vibrant Vedic chants—sukthams and mantras resonating under the steady guidance of Guruji. Concurrently, other GuruCool members offered prayers to Lord Ganesha, Devi, and the Navagrahas. The day’s primary ritual was the sacred Sri Chakra Navavarana Pooja, performed by the upasakas of the Sri Amritha Chaithanya Mandali and the Sri Vidya group of the GuruCool. The ambiance was filled with divine vibrations as both the GuruCool members and the local devotees participated in the Lalitha Sahasranama Archana, invoking the energy of the Divine Mother.
The second day honored Lord Shiva. The rhythmic chanting of the Mahanyasam, Ekadasha Rudram, and Chamakam filled the temple as GuruCool members performed abhishekam to the Shiva Lingam with devotion and precision. The Rudra Kramarchana with bilva leaves added a sacred dimension to the morning rituals. After the midday break, the Rudra Ghana Parayanam took place, led by Guruji. A special highlight of this session was the jugalbandi-style chanting between the male and female members of the GuruCool—a dynamic and graceful exchange that captivated everyone present. The chanting embodied unity, precision, and pure bhakti.
The final day focused on Devi Durga. Early in the morning, Guruji led the setting up of the Agni Mukham for the Chandi Homam, a central ritual of the event. Members of the GuruCool, along with temple devotees, participated in the powerful homam, offering mantras and ahutis with faith and concentration. The culmination of the ritual marked a spiritual high point, radiating an energy of fulfillment and grace. After the homam, water from the consecrated kalashas was used to perform abhishekam to Lord Shiva, signifying the harmony of Shiva and Shakti.
The environment throughout the three days was one of deep devotion and community harmony. The sacred chants, the fragrance of flowers and incense, and the rhythmic ringing of bells created a divine atmosphere that uplifted the minds and hearts of all present. The temple hall transformed into a vibrant spiritual hub where Vedic sound vibrations intertwined with the visual splendor of colorful decorations and glowing lamps.
The evenings were equally joyful, marked by shared prasadam and moments of connection between Guruji, GuruCool members, and local devotees. The first evening concluded with a delicious dinner that fostered camaraderie and bonding among participants. Every meal, every chant, and every smile reflected a shared sense of purpose—coming together to celebrate the divine feminine energy in its myriad forms.
One of the distinguishing features of the event was the teamwork and participation of individuals across states and communities. The GuruCool members took active roles in every aspect—from chanting and ritual performance to decoration, coordination, and hospitality. The meticulous efforts under Guruji’s guidance ensured that the event flowed with grace and order.
The involvement of local devotees added to the festival’s vibrancy. Special appreciation went to Anu Yeddanapudi ji for her dedicated leadership and coordination, as well to many local supporters who opened their homes to GuruCool participants traveling from afar. Their generosity and organizational support ensured that every devotee could focus fully on worship and learning.
The jugalbandi chanting between the male and female members during the Rudra Ghana Parayanam emerged as a memorable highlight. It beautifully demonstrated the collective discipline and spiritual training within the GuruCool. This interaction not only showcased their Vedic proficiency but also symbolized balance and harmony—the essence of both Shiva and Shakti.
For many attendees, the World Shakthi Day celebration was more than a series of rituals—it was a transformational experience. Participants expressed feeling spiritually rejuvenated and inspired by the precision, devotion, and inclusiveness of the event. The opportunity to learn intricate aspects of the rituals directly from Guruji and senior members was particularly cherished.
Learning about the thirteen chapters of Chandi through their guidance and participating in the purnahuthi offered an unforgettable sense of empowerment and connection to ancient wisdom. Several devotees reflected on how the chanting practice not only deepened their understanding of the scriptures but also cultivated a sense of unity among all members.
Local devotees from the Cincinnati temple community appreciated the GuruCool’s sincerity, discipline, and the energy the event brought to the temple. They described the experience as both devotional and educational, leaving a lasting impression on the community. The collective chanting, shared service, and mutual respect created an atmosphere of oneness that transcended backgrounds and distances.
The 2024 World Shakthi Day celebration stood as a powerful expression of devotion, unity, and knowledge under the divine guidance of Guruji Shri Ramesh Natarajan and Guruma Smt. Sridevi Gayathri. Every element—from the meticulous preparation of the kalashas to the concluding abhishekam—reflected dedication to maintaining the sanctity and depth of the Vedic tradition.
This spiritually charged event was made possible through the generous support of the Sri Saibaba Temple authorities, the leadership of key organizers, and the selfless contributions of many devotees. It exemplified the GuruCool’s philosophy of learning through practice and service.
As participants shared a final meal and prepared to return to their respective homes, there was a collective sense of joy and fulfillment. The resonance of chants, the glow of the sacred fire, and the blessings of Guru and Devi remained in everyone’s hearts, renewing their spirit and inspiring them to continue their spiritual journey with renewed commitment and gratitude.