On Saturday, 18 October 2025, Sri Sathya Sai Global Council – New Zealand welcomes spiritual seekers, families, and community members to a deeply uplifting event: Ekadasa Rudram. Beginning at 8:30 am at the Vedic Centre in Papatoetoe, Auckland, the day promises profound spiritual energy, collective prayer, and vibrant tradition dedicated to the wellbeing of all beings and the pursuit of global peace.

The Essence of Ekadasa Rudram

Ekadasa Rudram is rooted in the timeless recitation of Sri Rudram—a powerful Vedic hymn from the Krishna Yajurveda. This ancient chant invokes the many forms of Lord Shiva, revered as the source of cosmic energy, purification, and transformation. The “Ekadasa” aspect refers to eleven distinct recitations, amplifying spiritual potency and collective intent.

Rudra Parayanam, the focused reading of the scripture, and Abhishekam, the ceremonial bathing of Shiva’s lingam, jointly form a tapestry of devotion and ritual purity. Participants believe these practices not only cleanse the soul but also radiate positive vibrations throughout society.

Programme Highlights

The day commences at 8:30 am, welcoming attendees with a spirit of harmony and unity. Key elements of the programme include:

Rudra Parayanam: Trained priests and community members lead the group recitation of Sri Rudram and Chamakam, linking ancient wisdom with contemporary aspiration.
Abhishekam: The Shiva lingam is bathed with water, milk, honey, and other sanctified offerings, representing gratitude and surrender to the divine.
Prayer for Peace: “Samastha Lokha Sukhino Bhavanthu”—May all beings be happy—is intoned throughout, expressing the event’s central goal of universal wellbeing and peace.
Collective Meditation: Groups gather to meditate, reflect, and offer silent blessings for friends, family, and the wider world.

The Vedic Centre in Papatoetoe, a spiritual hub for Auckland’s Hindu community, serves as a welcoming venue, allowing easy access for local families and guests.

The Meaning and Power of Rudram

Sri Rudram has been described by scholars and devotees as the “heart” of Vedic liturgy. The chant is believed to possess the capacity to neutralise negativity, restore balance, and invoke auspiciousness in life and society. Rituals like Abhishekam have long been interpreted as bridges between Earth and cosmos—a way for devotees to participate in the cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution.

Many spiritual traditions highlight the effect of group chanting: increased spiritual resilience, collective focus, and a palpable sense of harmony. Global Sai communities regularly perform Rudram for disaster relief, healing, and world peace.

Community and Inclusion

Sri Sathya Sai Global Council emphasises inclusivity and selfless service. Ekadasa Rudram in Papatoetoe is open to all—devotees, newcomers, children, elders, and curious guests of every background. Volunteers arrange seating, offerings, and guidance to ensure everyone can participate meaningfully, regardless of experience or familiarity with the ritual.

Special arrangements allow for those wishing to learn the chants or discuss the philosophy behind the hymns.

Universal Prayer: Samastha Lokha Sukhino Bhavanthu

Central to the day is the prayer “Samastha Lokha Sukhino Bhavanthu”—a Sanskrit invocation for the happiness and prosperity of all beings, everywhere. This mantra underscores the universalism of Hindu practice, linking personal growth with the wellbeing of the planet.

Sai Centres around the world adopt this prayer as a guiding principle, blending devotion with responsibility for collective harmony and peace.

Event Organisation and Contacts

The Vedic Centre, located at 32 Glasgow Avenue, Papatoetoe, is well-known for hosting vibrant spiritual gatherings. For more details or offers of support, community members may contact organisers Jay Jeyashankar or Mahesh Athi, whose details are widely circulated in local networks.

Sri Sathya Sai Global Council – New Zealand provides additional resources via their website and social channels, ensuring accessibility for all interested parties.

Practices for the Modern Seeker

Ekadasa Rudram is more than ritual—it is an invitation. Aucklanders and visitors discover a unique blend of scholarly recitation, heartfelt prayer, and immersive cultural experience. The event encourages individuals to cultivate inner peace, resilience, and compassion, and to carry those qualities into everyday life.

Sai teachings emphasise human values—truth, right conduct, peace, love, and nonviolence—reminding attendees that spiritual action and social responsibility are forever intertwined.

Summary

Ekadasa Rudram at Papatoetoe’s Vedic Centre is a window into ancient tradition and contemporary community spirit. Through sacred chanting, vibrational prayer, and open-hearted inclusion, Auckland’s spiritual community sends forth a powerful message: that the happiness and wellbeing of all beings is both a sacred duty and a shared aspiration. The event stands as a testament to the transformative power of collective prayer and the enduring appeal of unity in diversity.