Children's Program
Children's Program
- Monthly Hanuman Chalisa
- Gyatri Havan
- Children’s cultural activities
- Holi
- Janmastami
Children’s Program, Organized by: Chander Ahuja ji and Neena Sharma Ji
Durga Temple Of Westchester is committed to preserving our Sanatan Traditions and Culture and passing on these values to our younger generations. Our Children’s program aims at education and encouragement of our youth to learn these values and apply them in day-to-day life. Our teachings are based on the four principles of Sanatan Dharam (Hinduism) as stated below.
The four principles (also called (Purusharthas) that guide Hindus towards a fulfilling life with a goal of breaking the cycle of Samsara (rebirth) are
– Dharma (Righteousness/Morality)
– Karma (Desire/Pleasure)
– Artha (Prosperity/ Wealth)
– Moksha (Liberation/Spiritual Fulfillment)
Hindu Dharma to children can be taught through various methods, including storytelling, visual aids, and involving them in our daily religious practices and encouraging them to participate in our cultural activities. By incorporating such methods into a child’s schedule, they can develop a deeper understanding and appreciate their culture and the values of Hinduism.
Mantra chanting and involving them in celebrations and preparations for participation in our festivals. Bring them to the temple and help them become familiar with traditional practices. This will create a foundation for a meaningful spiritual journey.
At Durga Temple our children participate in lots of cultural religious activities.
We do monthly Hanuman Chalisa and GyatriYagana with children and their parents also participate. Children recite Hanuman Chalisa- they chant Mantras and sing Bhajans, followed by Yagna.
We also celebrate their birthdays. They are also encouraged to participate in cultural activities during our religious and non-religious functions.
Our plans are to increase more activities for Children. Many of our children also take Hindi Classes on Zoom.
Gyatri Havan and its importance!!
Gayatri Havan, also known as Savitri Yagna, is a revered Vedic ritual in Hinduism that involves chanting the Gayatri Mantra while offering sacred substances into a consecrated fire. This practice is believed to invoke the blessings of Gayatri, a manifestation of Savitri (the Sun God), and to purify both the environment and the individual performing the ritual. Considered the simplest yet most potent form of Yagna for worshipping Maa Gayatri and the Sun God Surya, Gayatri Havan is seen as a powerful path towards spiritual growth, enlightenment, and the dispelling of negative influences and is said to bring success, prosperity, good health, and spiritual fulfillment.
The Gayatri Mantra itself is one of the most sacred and influential mantras in Hinduism, dedicated to the divine goddess Gayatri.
Benefits of Chanting the Gayatri Mantra;
Calms the Mind: It helps to quiet the mind, improve concentration, and foster a sense of inner peace.
Enhances Learning: Regularly chanting this mantra can boost cognitive function, making learning and memory retention easier.
Understanding Havan; Havan is an ancient Vedic ritual in Hinduism where specific materials, such as ghee, grains, herbs, and other sacred substances, are offered into a fire accompanied by the chanting of mantras and prayers. The purpose of this ritual is to invoke divine blessings, purify the environment, and attain spiritual and material well-being.
Key Aspects of Gayatri Havan
Gayatri Mantra: This mantra is a part of the Rig Veda, one of the most ancient and revered scriptures, and is considered one of the most powerful mantras in Hinduism.
Fire Ritual (Havan): The ritual involves offering various substances like ghee, milk, and honey into the fire while chanting the Gayatri Mantra.
Spiritual Benefits: It is believed to bring spiritual enlightenment, wisdom, and peace of mind; while removing obstacles and negativity from one’s life.
Protection and Healing: Fire is considered a protective shield, warding off negative energies and influences.
Purification: Havan purifies the environment and the participants, promoting spiritual growth and overall well-being.
Importance of Gayatri Havan
Connection to Savitri: Gayatri is associated with Savitri, the Sun God, and the Gayatri Mantra is believed to invoke the blessings and energy of the Sun.
Power of the Mantra: The Gayatri Mantra is considered one of the most potent mantras, believed to bring enlightenment and spiritual power to those who recite it with devotion.
Spiritual Cleansing: Havan assists in cleansing the soul and eliminating negative influences, leading to enhanced spiritual well-being.
Divine Energy: The fire and the chanting of the mantra are believed to invoke divine energy, which can bestow blessings and protection upon the participants.
Scientific Perspective: Havan and Epilepsy
Emerging research suggests that the components used in Havan may possess volatile oils with potential therapeutic properties, particularly in the context of epilepsy. A metadata analysis indicates that these oils might influence the central nervous system through nasal inhalation, potentially raising the threshold for seizures. The routine practice of Havan could help maintain a consistent level of these therapeutic components in the body, contributing to epilepsy prevention.
Source: J Epilepsy Res. 2015 Dec 31;5(2):33–45. doi: 10.14581/jer.15009
The Power of Chanting: Spiritual research indicates that chanting has a profoundly positive impact on the mind, body, and soul, opening the heart and healing the mind. Chanting can reduce anxiety and anger by boosting immunity, increasing energy levels, and regulating the hypothalamus, the brain’s emotional control center. It also helps to calm the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for anger. Repeating Sanskrit mantras, such as the Gayatri Mantra, is believed to enhance both mental and physical well-being.
