EVENTS
Contact us to attend any of the following events…
02/17/2023 | Maha Shivaratri (in India, click here for dates) |
Lunar Birthday of Swami Lakshmanjoo (celebrated in India, click here for dates) | |
05/09/2023 | Solar Birthday of Swami Lakshmanjoo |
05/10/2023 | Spring Retreat (4 days) |
09/30/2023 | Swami Mahatab Kak Mahasamadhi (Pitra Paksha) |
10/02/2023 | Swami Lakshmanjoo Mahasamadhi Havan Ceremony (we are taking a group to Kashmir, India) |
10/03/2023 | Fall Retreat (4 days) (we are taking a group to Kashmir, India) |
10/12/2023 | Swami Ram Mahasamadhi (Pitra Paksha) (in India Oct 13th) |
weekly | |
Saturdays 8:00 AM | Weekly Sangha – ongoing free online event |
Sundays 10:30 AM | Weekly worship – Sunday Puja – singing of Sacred Verses given to us by Swami Lakshmanjoo – online |
Annual Festivals:
During his life Swami Lakshmanjoo organized and celebrated two major functions each year.
The most important event was a Havan, or fire ceremony, performed in memory of his Masters Mahasamadhi, i.e., the day his Master left this world and entered the abode of Shiva. This traditional Havan, was performed on a grand scale with Swamiji personally supervising every detail.
The second yearly celebration was that of Swamiji’s birthday. Over a period of three days thousands of devotees and well wishers would come from India and abroad. In his humble Ashram all would enjoy the festivities, not to mention a sumptuous vegetarian meal, and a gift of Prashad from Swamiji’s hand. The entire function was conducted at Swamiji’s own expense, and he would give all his devotees a small gift item, or a piece of cloth that he had worn or used personally. In keeping with this tradition the USF celebrates these functions twice a year, here in Los Angeles.
Mahasamadhi Celebration:
Once a year the USF organizes a Havan to commemorate Swami Lakshmanjoo’s Mahasamadhi.
The date, although slightly different each year, generally falls in the month of September or October. Devotees come from all over to participate in this auspicious function. The performance of the Havan (fire ceremony) is accompanied by the recitation of traditional hymns from Kashmir Shaivism. Devotees perform puja, as taught by Swamiji, after which a wonderful vegetarian meal is served. Devotees enjoy live music, entertainment, and the gift of Prashad.
View the event page for more information.
This celebration is open to all. Please RSVP: (310) 837 0402.
Swamiji’s Birthday Celebration:
In the summer of 1991 Swami Lakshmanjoo visited the United States. In his life, this was his first and only venture outside of India. In early May he outlined a short program for the celebration of his solar Birthday (9th May). Devotees had a wonderful day in Swamiji’s company. It was his expressed wish that in the future, in the US, his Birthday be celebrated on this day each year. In keeping with the program given by Swamiji, devotees gather in the morning to sing puja and other special hymns of Kashmir Shaivism. Lunch follows, after which devotees enjoy an easy relaxed afternoon of music and stories of Swamiji’s life.
View the event page for more information.
This celebration is open to all. Please RSVP: +1 (310) 837 0402 (during office hours Pacific timezone)
Video of Birthday Celebrations of Swami Lakshmanjoo in 1973, recorded by John Hughes. (View on Youtube)
Annual Retreats:
Following both the Mahasamadhi and Birthday celebrations, the Lakshmanjoo Academy, the educational branch of the Universal Shaiva Fellowship, organizes a four-day fall retreat and spring retreat. These retreats offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy group meditation, and also deepen one’s understanding of the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism as taught by Swami Lakshmanjoo.
Each retreat has a specific theme covering one of the many aspects of Trika Shaiva philosophy.
Visit the events page for more information on the above events or contact us
Weekly Study Group (Meditation and lecture):
Considering what is going on in the world we felt deeply inspired to offer a FREE weekly online sangha for everybody, to have a place to connect from anywhere in the world and meet as a community with the goal to uplift humanity.
We study the Hymns to Shiva – Utpaladeva’s Shivastotravali
Saturdays: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm Pacific Time
Please Contact us for more information and visit the events page for more information.
Weekly worship – Sunday Puja – singing of Sacred Verses given to us by Swami Lakshmanjoo
This is a live, online web stream from our Center in Oregon.
Sundays: 10:30 am – 11:15 am Pacific Time
Please Contact us to register for this online event (indicating your “interest” on the contact form) You can also fill out the subscription below.