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Eastern Mind
09 May 2012, 03:20 PM
Vannakkam: In agamically designed temples, every 12 years, there is an elaborate recharging of the temple called a kumbabishekam. The first one, when a temple is opened is called Maha kumbabishekham. Basically, the entire temple is ritually bathed, but especially the main tower above the moolasthanam. It is a time for cleaning, renovations, and more. It is the only time a presiding deity can actually be moved.

In preparation, the entire energy of the presiding deities and all other deities is ritually transferred into water pots, and held there temporarily in the yagasala, a temporary structure to the front of the temple.

If you think a regular puja can be long and drawn out, these special once every 12 years ones are totally elaborate. Celebrations/rituals last into the days or weeks, outshining each temple's annual festival.

This year, from July 1 to 5 is the 2nd kumbahishekahm for my local Ganesha temple. There will be 6 or 7 priests (small in number when compared to larger NA temples, and really small compared to large Indian temples) The festivities will go on each day from dawn to dusk, with it building to a crescendo of energy when the main pot containing the energy of the deity is put back into the murthy by pouring it back on Him.

The main structural change is the installation of the kodimaram, or temple flagpole.

If you ever have the chance to attend one of these magnificent ceremonies, I would highly recommend it. There is a ton of energy and great blessings can be had at these auspicious times.

Aum Namasivaya

Purana
09 May 2012, 09:21 PM
The consecration of a Hindu temple happens every 12 years is a big affair. Worth to go and see it and received the good vibes and blessings from it. This is the period where to veneration, blessings etc etc at it's highest. I would really recommend to my brothers and sisters here to attend if you can. Take a day leave if need to. A day or two leave is definitely a good 'trade-off' to attend this special event that occurs once every 12 years.

Most of the Hindu temples in my place had their last consecration in 2005 - 2008. :( I'm going to have a long wait before attending another.