Model turned Sadhvi Harshanand Giri’s first sermon, explanation on Shaktipeeths, know what he said?

Bhopal-based Harsha Richhariya, once a well-known face in the world of modeling and anchoring, has now moved on to a new spiritual path under the name of Swami Harshanand Giri. In fact, after turning to spirituality two years ago and formally taking sannyasa last month, he on Friday started his first public Devi discourse in Lakshmipura village, about 22 km from Ujjain. This occasion came during the 108 Kundiya Yagya, where he explained in depth the importance of Goddess Shakti, Mata Sati and 52 Shaktipeeths for about one and a half hour. Despite the scorching heat, a large number of devotees turned up to listen to this spiritual discourse.

In his first sermon, Swami Harshanand Giri engaged the audience with an interesting spiritual explanation. He said that just as there are 52 letters in the Hindi alphabet, similarly there are 52 Shaktipeeths also. Seed mantras originated from these Shaktipeeths and 52 alphabets were created from these seed mantras. This was an idea that presented ancient knowledge by linking it to linguistic structure.

In fact, his first step towards preaching after retirement was widely publicized. For this program organized in Lakshmipura village, huge hoardings were put up at various places, on which “Devi Pravachan – Harshanand Giri” was written and his photographs were also displayed. In this sermon which started at around 1 pm, Swami Harshanand Giri presented his point from the well-known story of King Daksh and Mata Sati. He gave an important life message through this story that one should not go anywhere without invitation. Along with this, he established the spiritual connection between the 52 Shaktipeeths and the 52 letters of the Hindi alphabet and gave a detailed explanation of them.

Took sannyasa in Moni Ashram located in Ujjain

It is noteworthy that Swami Harshanand Giri had formally taken Sannyasa on April 19 in the presence of Mahamandaleshwar Swami Sumananand Giri Maharaj of Panchayati Niranjani Akhara at Moni Ashram in Ujjain. After sannyasa, he gave up his household life and adopted the name ‘Swami Harshanand Giri’. There was a lot of discussion and some questions were raised on social media regarding his decision, but he continuously answered his opponents by remaining firm on his spiritual path.

Know what he said in his sermon?

During the sermon, ‘Harshanand Giri’ also emphasized that “earlier the entire earth was Sanatani.” She admitted from the stage that this was her first such big public stage, and she was quite nervous before going on stage. She described the difference in the experience of speaking in front of a camera and speaking in front of thousands of people, but also said that it was only with the blessings of her Guru and Mother that she was able to deliver this sermon successfully. This was a reflection of his spiritual dedication and humility.

Emphasis on Guru’s grace

Reiterating that accomplishment of any work is impossible without the grace of Guru, Harshanand Giri said that the story cannot be possible without the grace of Guru and Mata Rani. Describing Friday as Mata Rani’s special day, he saluted the mother power and said, “If you are there, we are there.” He explained that in this universe, Mahadev and the Mother of the World are such powers which have neither beginning nor end. Goddess is the form of consciousness and awakening, whose appearance is not described in any scripture. He also said that listening to Devi Katha is possible only by the special grace of Mata Rani, it is not in everyone’s luck.

In fact in his discourse, Swami Harshanand Giri also clarified the principle of Mahadev and Adishakti being incomplete without each other. He explained that just as both parents have equal importance and complement each other, similarly Shiva and Shakti can never be separated. He emphasized that Bhagwati is present in every Shiva temple and Mahadev is present in every Devi temple, which is a symbol of their indivisibility. Referring to Devi Bhagwat and Shiva Mahapuran, he said that without Shakti, Shiva is also void, because only Shakti makes Shiva active. Harshanand Giri called upon the devotees to remember Mata Bhagwati with a true heart, saying that the Mother herself comes for the protection and welfare of her devotees.