By Nidhi Kumari

With the foundation stone for the soon to be built Indian Parliament House, being laid recently, we spoke to Pandit Raghavendra Bhatta, one of the six acharyas who performed the pujan with PM Modi. Here, he enlightens us about the importance of Bhoomi Puja in Hindu culture, his feelings and interaction with the Prime Minister and a lot more. Excerpts…

What is the significance of ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ in our culture and tradition?

You will find mention of this in Athravveda. Earth is my mother-land and I am its child. The first thing that we should do after waking up in the morning – before touching her from our feet is to thank Her and apologize. Like this, when we have to build some- thing and of such grand structure; it is important to take permission from Her. This is the first stage of Bhoomi Pujan.

The Bhoomi Pujan commences with praying to Lord Ganesha, so that the task completes successfully without any obstacles and cleanse all the negativities, sadness, fear and pain in us to grant the peace of mind.

Talking about performing the Puja with Modi ji, did you have any interaction with him? Also, how did you feel when you learned that you are one of the acharayas for this historic event?

There wasn’t any informal conver­sation as such and we only spoke about the Puja. I can say one thing that – the best thing about Modi ji is that he was chanting the mantras in absolute clarity with us and that was truly amazing.

Speaking about my feelings when I was informed that I need to perform Puja with PM Modi, it took me 3 phone calls to inform my family. I was so happy and privileged having been the chosen one. We have performed Puja across the globe. I have performed Puja in many countries, mainly in Africa and Asia. Earlier in 2014 – with the President of an African country Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, we have performed Pooja with jubilance and I was feel­ing great when I was invited for it. I couldn’t imagine anything for some time. Now I am feeling more blessed in parliament Pooja Event. I am thankful to Jagadguru Shankara­charya of Sringeri Math who blessed us for the successful task. I am also thankful to my Parents for the same.

Tell us about the the Sringeri Peetha Gurukul that you have been a part of. Also, tell us about the students.

In Gurugram, there is a Sheetala Matha temple which is popular since the time of Mahabharath. In this premises, Karnataka’s Sringeri Peetha has been established. In 10 years, over 200 students are gradu­ated from here (Gurugram’s Sringeri Peetha).

Students from various parts of the country come here to learn Rigveda, Krishna Yajurveda, Puja Paddathi and Jyothish as well. After learning and practicing, they work in different parts of the country as ‘Mukhya Pujari (Main Priest.).

There will be 10-20 students in Gu­rukul every season. One of them has gone to Senegal, performing Puja at the first established temple there. I was really happy when I went there to lay the foundation stone. He’s been working there since one and half years. I feel very happy when­ever I hear his name. There are many students who came here and flew with flying colours of Bhakthi. Some have done B’Ed, some are working as well, along with performing Puja.

You are from Karnataka, how did the journey from there to Delhi and Gurugram happen?

I have studied in Karnataka and since class 10th – I wanted to join Gurukul but could not tell my parents that I wanted to join Gurukul. And every year end of school – I used to tell my friends that I would not be studying with them from the next year.

I used to tell but never told where I would be going. I took Gurukul sankalp (oath). After 10th, we had 2-3 months’ break from school. A new Gurukul opened in Kolluru. So, there was a Hindi teacher who was also an expert in Sanskrit. He came home and asked my father if any child would like to join in. We are 6 broth­ers and 4 sisters, and at that time 3 of my brothers were in the house while the rest had gone outside for their Higher education.

So, my father asked me if I would like to join. I thought to myself that God heard my Sankalp and I am be­ing invited from here, so, I went there and studied and from there journey started. I studied from Sri Vamanaa Bhatta and Manjunath Adiga, who came to escort us. They are also from Sringeri Sharda Peet and a Vidwaan (scholar) Vamana Bhatta formed another Gurukul in Kamala Shile which I was a part of it. After 2 years, I was blessed with an opportunity to come to Delhi and hence the journey started.

Since then, I had it in my mind that I wanted to meet the PM of the country and be a part of a grand puja. In 2001, I had this in my mind and I couldn’t sleep whole night thinking that when I would visit Delhi, I would meet the PM and should perform Puja for a grand task. At that time, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the PM. And I have had this in my mind since then. I am feeling happy now that I have met PM Modi. Everything is blessing of Sri Shankaracharya and my Parents Late. Shankara Bhatta and Susheela Bhatta.

Speaking about the present corona times, people seem to be depressed and in fear. What motivational mantra would you like to give them?

All I can say is that – every day in the morning, one should perform all the 12 steps of Surya Namaskaar (Yoga), as it kills laziness. I advise people to watch happy and lively shows that give them a reason to smile and make them laugh. Most importantly chant ‘Mahamritunjay Mantra’ in the morning, if one can­not chant it, try to listen. This will give you positive vibration.