Purva Pratishtha Japam

Purva Pratishtha Japam (Chanting by devotees before Temple opening)

As of 4-14-2021, we have completed the purva pratishtha japam.

Thanks to all who participated. Jai Matadi!

In preparation for opening a dedicated space for the Temple, we are chanting 600,000 repetitions of the Shakambhari Devi Gayatri Mantra.

We are asking supporters to pledge to chant daily with us 16 or 160 repetitions (you may chant along with the video at the bottom of this page if you desire).

People participating in chanting are asked to use the form on this page to report the number of repetitions completed, so we can add their efforts to our total.

We will also be planing several gatherings to chant as a group and one 24 hour continuous chanting session. For the Next Devi Gayatri Chanting Event see our Events Page.

May the abundant nourishment of Shakambhari Amman bless all who chant with us (and their families), may the Richmond area be filled with the palpable shakti of the Devi, and may She bless us to meet our goal of moving into a dedicated Temple space by July.

About Devi About the Richmond Temple

Reason for Japam (Repetition of the Mantra)

Before a Temple is consecrated or an image installed, it is traditional that Japam (or recitation) of the Moola Mantra (Root Mantra) of the Devata (Divinity Aspect) of that Temple be recited by the devotees. This may be called Purva (Before) Praishtha (Consecration) Japam (Recitation) and it is done to attract Devonic assistance and to empower the Temple and Murtis (Icons). This practices is important because it also helps to uplift the consciousness of the devotees of the Temple and the region where a new temple is to be constructed, otherwise the energies of the devotees and that place may not coincide well with the energies of the Temple. It can actually be jolting for people to suddenly be exposed to such intense spiritual energies without some energetic work to easy the transition to a higher vibrational level of atmospheric energy. Swamiji compares this to falling back when standing on a train which suddenly speeds up. If a person is unprepared for the acceleration (or increase of spiritual shakti) it can cause them to loose balance, but when accustomed to the increased energies, a person can remain in balance

We are conducting 600,000 repetitions of Devi's Gayatri mantra at this phase of the Temple project, because when Swamiji was meditating on what the next steps should be this is the practice which the Devi Herself recommended.

Video of the Mantra

Please use this video if you like to learn or chant the mantra. The video contains 16 repetitions and so if you have pledged 160 repetitions you may chant with the video 10 times.

Number Completed: 600,000
Number Left to Complete: 0
(Numbers Updated 4-14-2021 8:00 PM)
Total for Opening Temple 600,000

Mantra Meaning:

ॐ ना॒रा॒यण्यै॑ च वि॒द्महे॑
om nā̱rā̱yaṇyai̍ ca vi̱dmahe̍

"Om. May we have knowledge of Goddess Nārāyaṇī, the Divine Self, the highest Realization, the supreme Wealth, and the Source of Repose for all seekers.

शाकम्भ॒र्यै च॑ धीमहि।
śākambha̱ryai ca̍ dhīmahi

May we perceive through our contemplation Goddess śākambhari, who dwells in the forest, the bearer of nourishment and vegetation, who is the power of the multitudes, who loves those who nourish and protect others, and who is the constant friend of those who praise Her.

तन्नो॑ देवीः प्रचो॒दयात्॥
tanno̍ devīḥ praco̱dayā̎t ||

May that Goddess of Radiant light, Queen of the Universe, impel our actions and our thoughts.

Benefits of Chanting:

Recitation of this sacred mantra brings peace and spiritual realization, it allows us to see the Goddess in all things; it empowers herbs, food, and water for healing; it brings nourishment and heals dis-ease, it grants protection from danger, wild animals, dark forces and negative thoughts, and provides safe passage through forests and remote areas; it inspires love and the motherly quality of nurturing in the chanter. It ends droughts, famine, and epidemics. Gives confidence, courage, and success. It lessens the ego and give strength to the spiritual qualities within people. The Goddess increases nourishment, wealth, and prosperity wherever this sacred mantra is chanted.