Social media influencer and former model Harsha Richhariya, who recently became a sadhvi, is now delivering religious discourses for the first time. At the seven-day religious gathering being held in Lakshmipura on the Ujjain-Maksi Road, she is narrating the Durga Saptashati and the glory of Goddess Durga for nearly three-and-a-half hours every day.
After taking spiritual initiation on April 18, she is now appearing on the ceremonial religious stage as Sadhvi Harshanand Giri. During a conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, she spoke about preparing for religious storytelling, learning Sanskrit, spiritual transformation and women’s empowerment.
Read Bhaskar’s full conversation with Harsha
“I’m studying more than I ever did in school or college”
Question: How much preparation is required for a three-hour discourse?
Harsha Richhariya said,
I never studied this much even during school or college. Before beginning the discourse, I spent ten days studying day and night. Many times, it became four in the morning while I was still reading.I studied books such as the Durga Saptashati, Shakti Visheshank and Devi Bhagwat Saar, and also made notes. Whenever I had doubts about a particular episode, I would ask Guruji and saints for clarification. I completely immersed myself in the preparation.
“Understanding Sanskrit verses is the biggest challenge”
Question: What has been the biggest challenge while delivering discourses for the first time?
Harsha Richhariya said,
My education was in Hindi and English medium schools. Sanskrit was never one of my subjects, so I find it difficult to fully understand Sanskrit verses.I do not want devotees to receive any incorrect information, so for now I avoid explaining the meanings of Sanskrit verses. It may take nearly a year for me to properly learn and explain Sanskrit.I believe Sanskrit should be made compulsory in the education system.
A large number of listeners are reaching the Katha venue daily.
Question: How does the transition from anchoring to the discourse stage feel?
Harsha Richhariya said,
Earlier, educated and technical audiences used to sit before me on stage, but now devotees are seated there, connected emotionally.Here, I feel a connection from the heart. Whatever I feel, the devotees also feel. This experience gives a different kind of spiritual joy that can only be felt.
Question: How is your team working during the discourse event?
Harsha Richhariya said,
I took initiation on April 18 and received the opportunity to perform religious discourses so soon after that. Initially, I felt a little uncomfortable, but Guruji encouraged me to move ahead with the support of saints and the devotional music group.The devotional music group is experienced, and the entire event feels like a family. The volunteers, organising committee members and devotees engaged in service are all part of my team.
Sadhvi Harshanand narrating the Katha from the Vyaspeeth (narrator’s seat).
Question: What special message are you sharing with devotees during the discourse?
Harsha Richhariya said,
Through the Durga Saptashati, Shakti Visheshank and Devi Bhagwat Saar, I am describing the power of Goddess Durga.I have always been associated with goddess worship and recitation. Many times during difficult situations, I felt that Goddess Bhagwati herself protected me. I am trying to share those experiences and emotions with devotees.
Sadhvi Harshanand’s social media control room.
Question: How did the idea of narrating religious stories come to you?
Harsha Richhariya said,
I never imagined I would perform religious discourses. But over the last year, many saints and spiritually accomplished people suggested that I should narrate stories related to the Goddess.Guruji said that when God wants someone to fulfil a purpose, signs begin to appear. Then I realised that the changes happening in my life had a purpose. Now I will continue spreading the glory of the Goddess throughout my life.
A Yagya (fire ritual) has also been organized at the story venue.
Question: Why did you feel the need to perform religious discourses?
Harsha Richhariya said,
Religious discourse is not only a spiritual event, but also a medium for women’s empowerment.When the religious stage speaks about divine feminine power and the victory of good over evil, that itself is real women’s empowerment. Society needs awareness against growing negativity and distractions.
Massive spiritual event underway near Ujjain
A large-scale religious ritual involving 108 sacred fire altars is currently underway near Lakshmipura village on the Ujjain-Maksi Road.
A massive bamboo pavilion, welcome gates and fair-style swings have been set up near the venue, where ritual offerings are being performed. Around 150 saints are staying in a nearby building that once functioned as a private hospital.
After the discourse, Sadhvi Harshanand Giri was seen seated among saints on the ceremonial platform.
Media in-charge Rajat Nigam said a 12-member team is editing clips from the discourse sessions and actively sharing them on social media platforms.
According to organiser Rajpal Singh Sisodia, food is being prepared daily for nearly 3,000 people, while more than 1,000 volunteers are managing the arrangements.
