Shri Shri Mahavishnu Yajña – Barnarddi, Nalbari, Assam, (India) was solemnized for the first time in 1922 AD, from 09(Ninth) of Chaitra to 17th (Seventeenth) Chaitra of Bhaskarabda 1328. This ceremony is known to be the oldest and greatest religious performance of this kind (Mahavishnu Yajña) in present day Assam.
One century ago from now, India witnessed a situation of great social and political turmoil due to the nationwide “ Non-Co-operation Movement” of 1921 AD against the ruthless British rule following the “Jalianwalla Bagh” massacre of 1919 AD. In Assam, the situation was worse due to a severe drought like condition followed by famine and pestilence. In particular, the North-Kamrup area was ravaged by a deadly epidemic of Cholera and large number of people perished. People in terror wanted a respite but there was no immediate solution at sight.
However, a group of pioneering and leading personalities of grater Nalbari area came out together and besides other workable means, sought to save the lives and the country from the onslaught of the unprecedented natural calamities and political unrest by performing a “Brahma Yajña” and thereby seeking solace from the Almighty. Accordingly a largely attended general meeting was held in the premises of “Ramananda Pathsala”, Barnarddi on 13th of Magha of 1328 Bhaskarabda under the president ship of Late Sarat Chandra Goswami, the then Inspector of Schools, Nalbari. In the meeting it was resolved to perform a “Yajña” and a 33 members committee was formed with Late Taranath Kavyavinod as the President and Late Puspa Kanta Sastri as the secretary for the purpose.
It was indeed a difficult task. Although Vedic Yajña was known to be prevalent in ancient Kamrup/Pragjyotishpur/Basisthasram etc. The later emergence of “Tantraism” centering round “Maa Kamakhyadham” and other “shaktipiths”, totally obliterated the knowledge and practice of the customs and rituals of vedic “Brahma Yajña”. Fortunately a scholar named Jaikanta Sarma of Village “Dotora”(Barbhag) was studying Vedanta Philosophy at Benaras at that time, on being contacted, he could not only gather the details but also succeeded to elicit the consent of 3(Three) prominent Benarasi Pandits led by Late Laxman Shastri to come over to Assam to guide and perform the Yajña. However, Pandit Laxman Shastri suggested that in the given situation a “Mahavishnu Yajña” will be more appropriate instead of proposed “Brahma Yajña”.
Great enthusiasm took place amongst the people and immediately another public meeting was called. After great deliberation, people decided to perform a “Mahavishnu Yajña” within the current Assamese Year and fixed “Chitra Purnima” (day of fool moon in the month of Chaitra) to be the commencing day of the Yajña. As regards the place, almost 3 (three) suggested places viz- Namely, Barnarddi and Belsor, the 4(Four) Bigha plot of land owned by Shri Shri Ganesh Devalaya at Barnarddi(Phulbari) was selected as the most suitable place for the “Yajña Bhoomi”. All preparatory works started in war footing as the time was very short . It should be mentioned tat Late Pratap Chandra Goswami(Nalbari) was the chief of the large volunteer force and he started camping at the “Yajña Bhoomi” to supervice the quick and perfect accomplishment of all aspects day and night.
It was really a grand success. A large band of noblemen and women worked tirelessly and the first and foremost session of Shri Shri Mahavishnu Yajña at Barnarddi commenced on the 9th(nineth) day of Chaitra, 1328 Bhaskarabda and continued for 09(nine) days upto 17th Chaitra. 10(Ten numbers of renowned pandits led by Late Laxman Shastri of Banaras offered 1(One) lakh Ahuties reciting 16(Sixteen) cores mantras from the “Purusha Sukta” of “Rigveda”. The “Ahuties” were prepared with pure ghee, rice, yab, til etc. The fire was ignited with dry wooden sticks by friction. Stems of “Billwa tree” (wood apples) and “Samindha” were used as fire wood. Together with the recited mantras, the great fire produced enormous energy which permeated into environment forecasting ecological balance conducive of rainfall, grow and prosperity in Nature. At the same time the energy transformed a positive Changes ensuring respite from all evil affects in all living beings.
Over the last century, the grand “Mahavishnu Yajña” is being performed as an annual rituals. Now, 20,000(Twenty thousand) Ahuties are offered by five priests over 5 days. On the last day, the “Purnahuti” takes place which draws thousands of pilgrims from far and wide. A large numbers of them express in confidence that after visit to the place, their desires have been fulfilled.
Shri Shri Mahavishnu Yajña is a worship by action of the creator of the universe- the “Parama Purusa”, the embodiment of all natural forces. Mahavishnu is the Supreme God, the Param Brahma that exists as the life force in all living objects. He is the “Adhyatma” of all Universal elements as mentioned in the “Geeta”. Let us worship Mahavishnu by all positive acts for Universal good, peace & prosperity.