MAHA RAJAGOPURA KUMBABHISHEKAM
First Ever Rajagopuram in Arizona
A 54 Foot tall Agamic Monument rooted in 12th Centur
Deepa pooja & 108 Sumangali pooja
Samoohika Sathyanarayana Puja
Sri Vari Venkateswara Swamy Sahasra (1008) Deepa Alankara
Sri Bhakta Anjaneya SwamySahasra (1008) Vada Mala Seva
Thiru Kalayanam Utasavams
Kumbhabhishekam Highlights
Kumbhabhishekam (Kumbha-Shikhara or crown of the temple, Abhishekam-sanctification with spiritually charged water) is performed to consecrate new shrines, re-consecrate existing shrines after a renovation or every twelve years. The highlight of the Kumbhabhishekam ceremony is the pouring of the sanctified water from the pots over the top of the gopurams by the priests, at an auspicious moment, to energise the entire temple. The Kumbhabhishekam we are performing this year is a unique one that is called Maha Rajagopura Kumbhabhishekam, since it is done to consecrate the new Rajagopurams (towers).
About Rajagopuram & Kalasam
Symbolically, the Rajagopuram represents the feet of the deity. A devotee bows at the feet of the Lord at the entrance as he steps into the temple and proceeds towards the sanctum sanctorum, leaving behind the world of worries. On a cosmic level, the temple tower acted as a lightning conductor in olden days, as it was the highest structure in that area. And the towers on top of the altar where the deities are installed, are comparatively shorter than RajaGopuram and are called Sannidhi (Altar) Gopuram or Vimanams.
Kalasams are assembled set of concentric cone, cylinder and globe shaped metallic structures which are installed on top of the Gopurams. The Sannidhi Gopurams or Vimanams have just a single Kalasam, whereas the Rajagopurams have multiple Kalasams. The Kalasams are usallly made of an alloy of five metallic elements, such as Copper, Gold, Silver, Brass and Lead. They are filled with seeds of essential grains and pulses, such as rice, millets, corn etc., and completely sealed with special compounds. The seeds are very well preserved for years, through natural irradiation from Sun, against infestation (from within the grains) and decaying. In case of need the stored seeds from the Kalasams are to be used for re-germination and development. Traditionally, the Kalasams are refurbished and refilled with new selected grains, about once in 12 years.
Benefits of Kumbhabhishekam
The Kumbhabhishekam ceremony has everlasting effect on the entire society. The Aagama sastra says:
Sarvaroga nivirtyartham, sarva yaaga phalapradam,
Sarva sampathkaram nreenam putrapoutrabhi vardhanam
It is conducted with the sole purpose of eradicating all illness, obtaining good benefits from various Yagaas, deriving rich benefits for the well being and for the health propagation of the progeny.
The Sanatana Dharma postulates, “Vasudhaiva kutumbakam” – the whole world is one family.
The Puranaanuuru. 192 resonates with “Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir – to us all towns are one, all men our kin.
The Rigveda (RV-1.164.46) resolutely says, “ekam sad vipraa bahudhaa vadanti” – wise men call the ONE (supreme) by many names and forms.
Indeed, the Kumbhabhishekam brings all round prosperity not only to any particular group of devotees, but also to the society as a whole. With above said, we invite you to partake in this spiritual event and receive divine energy that will permeate the temple. There are many opportunities where the devotee can touch the Gopura Kalasas & Offer Navarathnams to Gopura Kalasas, Offer Oil in their own hands to Ganapati and Shiva inside their shrines and perform some of the pujas throughout the five day event. Through the participation of the community, the powers of the chanted mantras are multiplied thereby benefitting the devotee and their community.
Sahasra Kalasabhisekam
In Vedas, Lord Vishnu tells Brahma that propitiation in the form of ablution with 1008 vessels, filled with holy water and other sacred materials, pleases Him (Vishnu) exceedingly. Whoever witnesses Lord Vishnu during this ablution with faith and devotion, obtains the fruits of bathing in the sacred rivers like the Ganges, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri. The ceremony is equivalent to the great festivals such as Kumbha Mela on the banks of the holy Ganges River.
Sri Maha Ganapati Puja & Sri Viswakshena Puja and Swasti Punyaha Vachanam
Lord Ganesha as Maha Ganapati and Viswakshena are propitiated to remove any and all obstacles for the ceremonies following which Punyaha Vachanam is performed to purify the temple and the Yaga Shala.
Homam/Havan/Yajna
Homams are performed by offering ghee, grains and spices to the fire accompanied by the chanting of mantras. Ganapati Homam (to remove all obstacles), Sudarsana Homam (for peace and victory over negative energies), Navagraha Homam (to alleviate malefic effect of Navagrahas and to appease the Navagrahas), Vaastu Shanti Homam (for the worship of the elements of nature and balance the forces that control the flow of energies), Moola Mantra
Homam (oblations to the deities residing in the temple by chanting the Moola Mantra of each deity). On Friday May 6th Special Sri Sudarsana Homam is performed this homam ushers prosperity and wealth for the entire community. In the evening 108 Shuvasinis (ladies) will be performing Sri Lalitha Trishati and Lakshmi Ashtotra Sata Nama Deepa Puja.
Go (cow) Puja
According to the scriptures, all the 330 million devas reside in a cow. Cows are also considered an embodiment of Maha Lakshmi. The cow, after the puja will be led into the temple in a ceremonial procession.
Yantra and Navaratna Sthapana
Yantras are geometric representations of the power of the deity etched on gold, silver or copper plates. These along with the navaratnas (9 gems) are offered where the deities will be placed. These elements are said to glow in the inner worlds and are prominently visible to the Gods and Devas. This is a unique opportunity for all the devotees to offer Navaratnas in the pedestal where the gods will be placed.