From Asar 28, 2081 to Shrawan 32, 2081, “Aitihasik Shree Pashupati Kotihom Yavam 108 Srimadbhagwat Bishwa Kalyan Masik Gyan Mahayagya – 2081” was organized at the sacred Pashupati area, Hans Mandap,Kailash Danda Kathmandu by the Manav Sewa Foundation, Nepal and other organizations.
This grand Kotihom Mahayagya was held purely for national peace, global welfare, and the happiness, peace, and prosperity of all Nepalese. Additionally, the remaining funds from the Yagya were allocated to support Nepal’s exemplary orphanage- Mamaghar Anathalaya Support and Care Center Nepal (Mamaghar Orphanage Ashram in Lalitpur) which provides free food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education to orphans and children deprived of basic needs. The funds also supported the construction of the building for Chhoriko Ghar Jyestha Nagarik Aashram (Chhoriko Ghar Senior Citizen Ashram in Bhaktapur) which provides free food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare to helpless, distressed, poor, and elderly citizens deprived of basic necessities.
The Kotihom Mahayagya saw the presence of renowned storytellers such as the revered Radhika Dasi Mataji, the international storyteller Devi Pratibha Ji, the eloquent Pandit Dinbandhu Pokharel, the Shrimad Devi Bhagwat storyteller Dr. Kanta Bhattarai, Devi Chandrakala Sakhi Ji, and many other saints, sages, and narrators.
During this historic Mahayagya, sacred mantras were chanted, and divine discourses on various Puranas, filled with nectar-like wisdom, music, and spiritual stories, were delivered by renowned national and international saints, sages, scholars, and famous narrators. These discourses, combined with philosophical teachings that integrated spirituality and science, enabled listeners to understand the mysteries of life, the universe, and God. Through this knowledge, participants realized the true essence of religion and spirituality, immersing themselves in the sacred knowledge of divinity and making the most of this invaluable human life by attending such a historic event and listening to the immortal tales, gaining eternal merit.
The Kotihom Mahayagya not only set an exemplary precedent in eliminating the long-standing practice of untouchability in our society, but it also promoted religious tolerance and harmony with the presence of great gurus and saints from Buddhist, Kirant, Hindu, and other faiths. Additionally, it made a significant contribution to women’s empowerment. This Kotihom set forth an extraordinary example of unity, peace, joy, tolerance, brotherhood, harmony, reconciliation, and mutual respect across the world.
Experiences and Statements:
The Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya is considered the largest and most well organized Mahayagya in Nepal’s history. From the very beginning, the overwhelming participation of devotees played a significant role in making this Kotihom even more historic. Approximately 10 million devotees had the opportunity to witness the Kotihom Mahayagya directly, while many more were able to watch through live broadcasts from various media outlets, making it a golden opportunity for devotees.
The Mahayagya saw the participation of renowned saints, monks, politicians, individuals from various organizations, as well as artists and actors from both Nepal and abroad. All these personalities praised the Mahayagya with a positive perspective. Here are some of the notable statements made by them:
Former Prime Minister and Chairman of the CPN (Unified Socialist) Madhav Kumar Nepal: Former Prime Minister and Chairman of the Unified Socialist, Madhav Kumar Nepal, participated in the Shri Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya and shared his blessings, stating that the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya has conveyed a unique message in the realm of religion. He also mentioned that organizing such a grand Kotihom is a matter of pride for all.
Chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Rajendra Lingden: “The Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya has become a strong pillar for the protection of religion and to unite all Sanatanis under one bond.”
Swami 1008 Krishnanand Ji Maharaj Kalidas Baba: “It is impossible to fully describe the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya, which had the participation of 10 million devotees. This is a divine event. The Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya plays a crucial role in the establishment of a Hindu nation.”
Shree Ishwar Krishna Maharaj: “I may have organized many Mahayagyas in the Pashupati area, but such a well-organized Kotihom Mahayagya is spreading a unique message not only in Nepal but across the world about Nepal, Nepalese, and the Hindu religion. It is divine and grand.”
National President of the Nepal Vyas Saint Committee, Kuber Subedi: “The Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya has clarified the faith of Nepal and Nepalese towards religion. It has unified saints and Brahmins across the country. The Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya has created a historical legacy in Nepal.”
Journalist Tikaram Yatri: “The Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya is truly excellent in protecting religion while providing the general public with positive, free knowledge in the present context. It is praiseworthy.”
Senior Journalist Rishi Dhamala: “There are no words to describe the Pashupati Kotihom. It is truly beyond imagination.”
Media personality and Singer Krishna Kadel: “It is our good fortune to be able to witness the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya, which was organized with the aim of not only religious work but also social service.”
Dr. Krishna Raj Adhikari, Chairman of the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Vikas Samiti: “The Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya is truly a historic event, primarily because it is being conducted with proper rituals. There are sacred fire ceremonies, scripture recitations, and a knowledge-based Mahayagya. With the utmost respect for women, there are storytelling and discourse programs taking place. The greatest religious Mahayagya is being held, and this opportunity has been provided by the revered Balyogeshwor VijayShree Krishnamurti Ji Maharaj.”
Rita Thapa Magar, President of the National Folk and Duet Song Academy of Nepal: “I have observed many programs related to folk songs and religious events, but none were as well-organized and excellent as the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya. This is unparalleled in the past and will be so in the future.”
The International Significance of the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya:
The Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya was not limited to Nepal alone. Its reach and significance extended globally. Through social media and other communication platforms, the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya became an important medium for Sanatanis scattered around the world.
The presence of the popular storyteller, Devi Pratibha Ji, who has established her identity globally through storytelling from India, added to the international stature of the Mahayagya. She narrated religious stories for half a month, further enhancing the prestige of the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya on an international scale.
In addition, Indian media outlets, such as Devi Pratibha’s Facebook page & her YouTube channel with millions of subscribers, India’s popular Bhakti Darshan TV and several other television channels, broadcasted live coverage and news about the Mahayagya, spreading its recognition internationally.
Devi Chandrakala Sakhi, who is based in London and delivers Ram Katha discourses, along with her associated media, also played an important role in elevating the event’s international presence.
Moreover, the Mahayagya saw the presence of renowned Indian storytellers like Aniruddhacharya Ji, Shri Kalidas Baba Ji Maharaj, the world’s youngest storyteller Anuradha Pandey and executive chairman of the Indian Business Association, Shri K.K. Sharma, among hundreds of others. Their participation and efforts significantly contributed to the global reach and impact of the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya, making it a success internationally.
The Scale of the Ritual:
According to Vedic traditions, the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya commenced on Ashar 28 (July 12) at the auspicious time set by the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Vikas Samiti. It was conducted in line with religious traditions. The Mahayagya was organized in various locations such as Hansa Mandap, Kailash Danda and Sumargi Bhavan in the Pashupati area, with the presence of hundreds of spiritual leaders.
In terms of scale, the Mahayagya included the Kotihom (offering of one crore oblations) along with musical and theatrical presentations of religious stories like the Shrimad Bhagavat, Ram Katha, and Devi Bhagavat. Additionally, a 10-firepit Yagya (ritual fire sacrifice) was conducted daily by expert Acharyas and priests as per Vedic traditions.
Number of Participants: After the commencement of the Kotihom, it is estimated that around 500,000 to 1,000,000 devotees visited daily for worship and to listen to the stories. Over the span of 32 days, approximately 9 to 10 million devotees attended the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya.
Kotihom Mahayagya Activities: Throughout the 32 days of the Mahayagya, more than 155 spiritual leaders regularly performed havan (sacrificial fire rituals) with prayers for world peace. Along with this, prominent storytellers delivered discourses, there were daily recitations of the 4 Vedas and 18 Puranas, Maharudrabhishek (a powerful ritual for Lord Shiva), worship of 5,100 sacred water pots, lighting of one crore lamps, and the worship of the earthly Shiva Linga with one crore bel patra. These were some of the significant activities carried out during the event.
Some news related to the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya:
● A month-long grand Kotihom Mahayagya begins at Pashupatinath today:
Nagarik News
Kathmandu
1st Shrawan 2081
The grand Kotihom Mahayagya will begin today at Banakali, within the Pashupatinath temple premises. The organizers, including the Human Service Foundation and nearly a dozen other organizations, have announced that preparations for the month-long Kotihom Mahayagya have been completed.
During the Mahayagya, there will be blessings and discourses from Jagadgurus, sadhus, saints, and renowned storytellers, according to organizing committee member Khemraj Regmi. Furthermore, esteemed narrators such as Pandit Dinbandhu Pokhrel, Radhika Dasi, ShreeRam storyteller Chandrakala Sakhi, and the popular young storyteller of the Shrimad Bhagwat, Devi Pratibha, will deliver their narratives.
The Foundation has also announced that the grand knowledge Mahayagya will feature 108 pandits conducting continuous recitations of various scriptures, uninterrupted fire ceremonies with Vedic mantras, worship of more than a hundred girls as divine goddesses, mass charity, honouring of senior citizens, and the construction of a mountain made of rice, among other regular events.
● An article from Kantipur Daily’s Koseli section: On the Vyasasana, Acharya Krishna Damai:
Bhadra 22, 2081
Ghanashyam Khadka, Deepak Sapkota
Is life a flower or a thorn? Someone should ask Acharya Krishna this question. His response will come swiftly, soaked in Vedic philosophy: “At birth, it’s full of thorns, but as you understand it, it becomes all flowers!”
Scholars may say this is a condensed summary of the Vedas. Critics may argue that this is a ‘borrowed phrase,’ lacking the weight of experience. And the non-scholarly, Marxist, or reformists with absolute beliefs might claim: “Making someone like Krishna an ‘Acharya’ and having him repeat such phrases will not eradicate caste-based discrimination, but instead, risks legitimizing the ongoing Sanatani caste hierarchy.”
This is because, even after placing someone like Acharya Krishna on the Vyasasana, society continues to uphold the caste-based discrimination against him. So, what’s the point of elevating someone to the title of Acharya if it doesn’t erase the caste distinctions? What’s the purpose of the Vyasasana, if someone sitting on it is still deemed ‘untouchable’? And what’s the purpose of the Vyasasana if, after millennia of chanting “The world is an illusion, Brahma is truth,” the descendants of these sages still practice ritual purity and impurity?
When Acharya Krishna Damai from Kanchanpur sat on the Vyasasana at this year’s ‘Kotihom’ at Pashupatinath during the month of Shrawan, it sparked heated debates, forcing people from all social strata and communities to express their opinions on social media. The Kotihom, held in Pashupati’s courtyard, became the center of numerous controversies and discussions. From Devi Pratibha to Chandrakala Sakhi, the fact that women sat on the Vyasasana and narrated stories compelled advocates of modern gender equality to comment. Similarly, when Acharya Krishna took the Vyasasana, a significant portion of the community fighting against caste discrimination was forced to rise up in intellectual resistance against the narrative that religion is “so inclusive”—a narrative that many started to praise loudly.
● Religious Revolution at Pashupati Kotihom:
Special Report by Naya Patrika
Dr. Mitra Pariyar
Thursday, Bhadra 27, 2081
Although Krishna Damai’s presence on the Vyasasana (sacred seat) at first glance seemed ordinary, in terms of social change, it is an extraordinary and unprecedented event.
The Kotihom Mahayagya, which took place throughout the month of Shrawan in the Pashupati area, became highly renowned and at times controversial. However, that grand ritual, which became the focal point of faith for millions of devotees, made history by seating Krishna Damai, a scholar of Sanskrit literature and traditionally called a ‘Shudra,’ on the Vyasasana. This act signaled the beginning of a religious and Cultural Revolution and set a new direction for Dalit liberation. In this sense, the Mahayagya became a historic event.
In the 3,500-year history of Hinduism, dating back to the Vedic era, this is the first time a Shudra has been given such respect and a place of honour. In 2050 B.S., when an attempt was made to allow Dalits entry into a Kotihom in Chitwan, there was widespread opposition, and Yogi Naraharinath had to flee.
In Pashupati, what Krishna said, how much he spoke, and how he delivered his short discourse is secondary. In a country where Dalits are still prohibited from entering most temples, and where only Brahmins are allowed to sit on the sacred Vyasasana, who can deny that placing a Shudra on this seat is a historic leap forward?
The Social and Religious Impact of the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya:
The Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya, considered the largest in Nepal’s history, has had an incomparable and indescribable religious and social impact, as many have observed. This Mahayagya achieved a feat that no one had dared attempt until now. Elevating individuals from the Dalit community to the position of Vyas (chief priest) is an act of significant social impact that is unparalleled. Despite singing the national anthem every day, proclaiming “hundreds of flowers we are, one garland, Nepali,” discrimination between people still persists in some places. However, the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya has set an exemplary precedent, clearly demonstrating that religion does not segregate people based on caste.
The identification and recognition of talented individuals who have long been suppressed by society – such as Arjun Gandharva, also known as Swami Arjun Krishnadas; Mohan Prasad Chaudhary, a Tharu who has achieved a degree in Sanskrit; Amar Arya, president of the National Democratic Oppressed Upliftment Organization, and his daughter; Acharya Lekh Bahadur Bishwakarma; and Acharya Krishna Damai – were provided with high regard and a platform through this historic national event. This not only allowed them to present their identity but also helped spread the message that there should be no discrimination between people. This is why the social impact of the Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya is truly indescribable.
Similarly, the religious impact of this Mahayagya has been extraordinary, uniting Sanatan Dharma followers from all over the world under one common thread.
The Pashupati Kotihom Mahayagya has had several strong impacts on the religious and social spheres, as outlined below:
1. Successfully uniting all Sanatanis in the cause of religious awakening.
2. Honouring and providing opportunities to individuals from the Dalit community, who have played a vital role in preserving religious culture for many years, thus establishing their identity globally.
3. Conducting religious rituals such as havan and others by 108 priests in accordance with religious scriptures.
4. Honouring organizations and individuals who have long been active in social service.
5. Respecting thousands of senior citizens, spreading the message that elders should be honoured in society.
6. Conducting collective worship of young girls, revered as incarnations of the goddess, thus spreading the message of respect.
7. Acknowledging and providing chances to Dalit individuals who have made major contributions to the preservation of our religious culture over time aids in their worldwide self-determination.