Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav A festivity adorned with various Yajnas such as Rashtra Yajna, Jnan Yajna, Bhakti Yajna and Karma Yajna

With Sanatan Sanstha’s initiative, the ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav’ was held in the sacred land of Gomantak (Goa) from 17th to 19th May 2025 on the grounds of Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi, Ponda. This event was so significant in the history of the ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ that it deserves to be recorded in golden letters. The Founder of Sanatan Sanstha, Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Jayant Athavale conceptualised this Mahotsav. It wa organised to mark His 83rd Birthday and Sanatan’s Silver Jubilee year. Around 25,000 brothers and sisters from 23 countries, including India, were present for the Mahotsav. The total number of attendees at the venue exceeded the population of the local Tehsil, and hence, a District Collector was appointed for the event – a unique feature of this Mahotsav !

1. Meticulous organisation at the venue

The event was impeccably organised, leaving no room for any complaints. The arrangements for meals, tea, and the programme venue were excellent. No matter where one sat, all movements and visuals on the stage were clearly visible. Lodging for attendees was arranged in hotels and temples’ devotee residences, and a well-planned transport system ensured their travel to and from the Mahotsav. All seekers of Sanatan were seen carrying out their satseva with deep devotion. Their conduct was exemplary – courteous, disciplined, and humble. We (my wife and I) experienced this personally. Disciplined seekers who forge bonds of faith and affection are the true strength of Sanatan Sanstha !

2. Sanatan Rashtra and the Shankhnad Mahotsav

Sanatan means eternal. Therefore, ‘Sanatan Rashtra’ means a Nation that is eternal. Our Dharma is Sanatan, and a Nation that has the foundation of Sanatan Dharma is ‘Sanatan Rashtra’. Every Nation is founded on certain values and principles. Since our Nation is based on eternal values and eternal principles, it is a ‘Sanatan Rashtra’. We often say, ‘It (whatever we do) should be founded on Divine Principles’. This Divine Principle is none other than Brahman. The Brahman Principle is eternal. A Nation established on this eternal Brahman Principle which upholds eternal values, alone can become a Vishwaguru (‘Vishwa’ means ‘world’ and ‘Guru’ means ‘spiritual guide’). This was the message that the ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav’ aimed to convey. It signifies the beginning of a new era.

3. Purpose of performing the Dhanvantari Yajna during the Mahotsav

This Mahotsav, conducted in accordance with the code of conduct of Sanatan Dharma, was adorned with various Yajnas like Rashtra Yajna, Jnan Yajna, Bhakti Yajna and Karma Yajna. Hence, it concluded with the Dhanvantari Yajna. Dhanvantari is an Incarnation of Shri Vishnu. Though the body obtained by Deities or humans is perishable, it is only through the body that Divine missions can be accomplished. Therefore, even this perishable body is of utmost importance. A healthy body is essential to carry out Divine missions and to protect Dharma and culture. A body free from ailments and diseases alone is capable of action. For the establishment of the Divine Nation and to carry out religious missions, it is extremely important for society to attain a healthy life. Dhanvantari Yajna was performed with these very noble intentions.

A healthy life is not limited to physical well-being; it includes mental health too. The mind often becomes emotional. We cannot always restrain the various emotions that arise within us. The surrounding environment also influences our thoughts, leading to good as well as bad thoughts. This can make the mind impure. Besides, mental weakness also affects physical health. Another purpose of the Dhanvantari Yajna was to ensure that the mind remains pure and sacred under all circumstances.

Various means are necessary to preserve eternal values. Therefore, it is not correct to claim that only one specific means is the most effective. ‘Whatever tool is available for the protection of the Rashtra, Dharma, and culture is valuable and extremely effective in the given circumstances. We must use all such tools to achieve our ultimate goal. Other things hold no value apart from that Supreme Goal. Therefore, our mind and intellect must be powerful to discard everything that obstructs our goal. The maturity of the mind and intellect supports the body. With this understanding, we must become prepared.’ – This was the message the Dhanvantari Yajna gave to all patriots.

We have blown the conch of ‘Sanatan Rashtra’. Now, in the true sense, our mission has begun. We must not rule out the possibility of facing extreme challenges time and again; hence, taking special care is essential. Every individual involved in this mission is important. Thinking of someone as superior or inferior and behaving accordingly can become a hindrance to our goal. We cannot allow such notions to have any place. Every spark born from fire continues to express its brilliance until it extinguishes. This national Yajna teaches us about brilliance. Every individual involved in this mission is like a spark. Let this flame become a conflagration and destroy inauspicious elements. The significance of the Fire Principle was explained through this Yajna.

– Mr Durgesh Parulkar, Devout Hindu Author and Orator, Dombivli, Maharashtra. (20.5.2025)

The deeper meaning underlying the ‘Sanatan Dharmashri’ Puraskar

During the ‘Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav’, those who had devoted many years of their life in service to the Nation, were honoured with the ‘Hindu Rashtra Ratna’ and ‘Sanatan Dharmashri’ Puraskars. I now dare to express the meaning I have inferred, with my limited intellect, about the ‘Sanatan Dharmashri’ Puraskar. From the day I received a letter informing me that I would be receiving this Puraskar, I was particularly drawn to the name ‘Sanatan Dharmashri’. However, it took me a few days to fully understand its precise meaning and significance.

When the moment of receiving the Puraskar arrived and all of us were called for it, I began to grasp its deeper significance. Upon realising its meaning, I was deeply moved. The deeper underlying meaning of the Puraskar outweighed the joy of receiving it, establishing a deeper realisation within me and making me somewhat solemn. The ‘Sanatan Dharmashri’ Puraskar is unlike any other general Award. It carries a profound meaning and essence.

As mentioned earlier, ‘Sanatan’ means ‘eternal’, and ‘Dharmashri’ means ‘Brilliance of Dharma’. The name was coined by Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale, and realising the underlying meaning, I understood that by bestowing this Puraskar, He was indirectly telling us – ‘You must acquire the brilliance of eternal Dharma’. This brilliance of Dharma has the potential to grant an individual Artha (Wealth), Kama (Desires) and Moksha (The Final Liberation). Even Maharshi Vyas has conveyed the same – Abide by Dharma sincerely and meticulously, and you will easily attain Artha, Kama and Moksha.

The meaning of abiding by Dharma should be understood as explained by Sage Vyas and from a spiritual perspective. It is as follows – ‘This entire animate and inanimate Creation is visible to our eyes. Though we experience it through our sense organs, this Creation is perishable. In spiritual terminology, that which is perishable is considered untrue. Only Brahman is the Truth. Every living being is a fraction of Brahman. This fraction of Brahman is eternal. Becoming aware of this Brahman is nothing but Self-realisation. While this eternal fraction lives in a fleeting, that is, perishable and untrue world, one must not forget the relationship with Brahman.

Through the medium of this Puraskar, Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale has entrusted us with the responsibility of performing Divine missions and spreading His thoughts. All of us have accepted this responsibility. The moment I became aware of this aspect, I was deeply moved. I realised – Now I have to shoulder this great responsibility throughout my life.

– Mr Durgesh Parulkar

Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale has entrusted us with the responsibility of performing Divine missions !