Gomantak-Ved-Sanskrit Darshanam
The "Gomantak-Ved-Sanskrit Darshanam" is the intellectual and ritualistic heart of the Goa Spiritual Festival 2025. Held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Shri Kshetra Tapobhoomi, the event was structured into multiple sessions (Satrams) that meticulously integrated various branches of Indian knowledge systems. The day commenced with the "Prathama-Satram" (First Session), focused on the formal inauguration through the "Shruti Shobha Yatra"—a sacred procession of the Vedic scriptures—and the "Shruti Poojanam" (worship of the Vedas). This beginning emphasizes that the festival’s authority is derived directly from the "Shruti" or revealed knowledge of the sages.
The "Dwitiya-Satram" (Second Session) transitioned into the "Vedic Satram," featuring the "Chaturveda Pathanam" or the recitation of the four Vedas by scholars and students. Key lectures during this session included a "Veda Vyakhyanam" by Ve. Mu. Jnaneshwar Patil and a presentation on "Dharmashastra" by Vedmurti Saish Parab. A notable cultural inclusion was the "Sanskrit Kanya Sadarikaranam," a presentation by young girls showcasing their proficiency in the Sanskrit language, highlighting the Peeth’s commitment to gender-inclusive spiritual education
The Integration of Yoga and the Science of Well-being
The "Trutiya-Satram" (Third Session) was dedicated entirely to Yoga, termed the "Yoga Satram". This session moved beyond the physical asanas to explore the intellectual history and scientific foundations of the discipline. Ma. Gayatri Mashelkar delivered a lecture on the "History of Yoga Literature," providing a historical context that is often missing in contemporary Westernized yoga circles. This was followed by Ma. Rutuja Gujar’s discourse on "Yoga Science," bridging the gap between ancient practice and modern biological understanding.
The practical aspects were addressed by Ma. Prashant Waghre, who demonstrated the "Suryanamaskar" (Sun Salutation), and Ma. Tejas Satarkar, who lectured on "Yogic Diet" (Yogic Aahar). The inclusion of diet underlines the holistic nature of the Peeth’s teachings, asserting that spiritual progress is inextricably linked to physical purity and nutritional discipline. The guest list for this session included influential figures such as Adv. Brahmideviji, President of the Satguru Foundation, and Ma. Laukik Gawade, emphasizing the organizational support for these health-oriented initiatives.
