Homa

Can I cook food for the Homa?

We are appreciate of individuals who would like to bring food for the Homa and encourage you to contact us at homa@tucsonkarunamayi.org to discuss this further.

Please be advised that the food prepared for the Homa needs to be vegetarian and satvic (i.e. pure food prepared without onions, garlic, meat, fish, seafood, and eggs.) Individuals who would like to cook for the Homa need to also prepare the food in a satvic manner in clean utensils that must not have been used for preparation of non-vegetarian food.

If you are interested in preparing a dish for the Homa meal, please contact us as soon as possible to coordinate the type of dish and number of servings that you would be willing to provide.

Can I eat during the Homa?

Although we advise attendees to not eat during the Homa, we understand that individuals with certain health conditions may need to do so. Therefore they may bring a light snack. We also encourage people to eat a good breakfast before arriving at the Homa Site. We will provide a meal after the Homa.

How can I get to the Homa site?

Please see the Homa Details for directions to the Homa Site. Note: Due to limited parking space at the Homa site all attendees are being directed to the parking area for the Homa. From here, Homa shuttle drivers will take people directly to the Homa Site and at the end of the Homa, we will ensure that you are taken back to the parking lot. Shuttles will run from 7:30am -8:45am in the morning and will resume service immediately after the Homa.

How long does it last?

The Homa ceremony will begin at 9am and can last 3-4 hours. People are strongly encouraged to attend the entire ceremony after which Amma will personally bless all Her children by placing a sacred spot on your forehead using the Homa ashes. This black spot is extremely auspicious and functions to protect you from any evil. At the end of the Homa, a satvic and healthy lunch (which will have been purified and energized by being in the presence of the Homa) will be provided for everyone to eat. The meal will be provided free for everyone in attendance.

I cannot stay for the whole time, can I still come?

We strongly encourage people to stay for the entire Homa and understand people may need to leave early or arrive late due to other commitments. Please note that shuttle service will not be provided during the Homa so may have to park off site and walk to the Homa site.

I would like to attend the Homa but am staying at the hotel and do not have a personal vehicle?

We are more than happy to coordinate individuals to help them get to the Homa site. If you need a ride or are willing to carpool with others, please email us at: homa@tucsonkarunamayi.org

Is there a dress code for attending the Homa?

Although there is no specific dress code for the Homa, we encourage attendees to

• Dress in comfortable but modest clothes that cover the knees and shoulders

• Bring a hat and/or sunglasses

What is a Homa?

A Homa is a sacred fire ceremony where through the power of mantras, the divine forms are invoked. The Homa is performed by Amma and can last up to 4 hours. Attendees are full participants for the Homa in that they chant various Sanskrit mantras for each of the seven Homas and benfit greatly from the blessings of being in presence of the resulting powerful vibrations. The Homa is said to purify both the body and mind as well as the world around us. For this reason, many people believe that being in the presence of this auspicious ceremony overseen by Amma is a tremendous blessing in itself.

Where can I park for the Homa? Is there a cost to park at the site?

Parking for the Homa is free. Due to limited parking space at the Homa site all attendees are being directed to the parking area for the Homa. From here, Homa shuttle drivers will take people directly to the Homa Site and at the end of the Homa, we will ensure that you are taken back to the parking lot. Shuttles will run from 7:30am -8:45am in the morning and will resume service immediately after the Homa. For direction to the Homa parking, please refer to our Directions page.