A Temple is a home of the Divine, meant for collective spiritual benefit and upliftment. The omnipotence of the supreme is manifested into Idols by Mantra Sakti at the time of consecration (PrathiSthapana) through a precise process ordained by the scriptures called Agamas, thereby making the Idols into Deities. After the original consecration of Shiva-Vishnu Temple in 1986, the power of mantra manifested in the Deities is to be maintained by regular worship and periodic renewal, as prescribed by the Agamas. The scriptures ordain that the renewal process should take place “once every 12-years” from the original day of consecration. This is performed through a religious process called Maha Kumbhabhishekam. Two Maha Kumbhabhishekams were previously performed in 1998 and 2010. In preparation of our 3rd Maha Kumbhabhishekam in July 2022, we must perform necessary maintenance, repairs, renovations, upgrades to existing temple structures (Sanctums, Sanctorums, Gopurams, Vimanams, Dwaja Sthambams, Deities, Nava Grahas, etc.), as well as adding new structures and installing new Deities (Kohsta Vigrahas, etc.).
How is Maha Kumbhabhishekam Performed?
At the start of Maha Kumbhabhishekam, the divine power of the main Deities (Moola Vigrahas)
is temporarily transferred by the priests, following procedures of Agama, into holy water (Mantra
Jalam) collected in Kalashas (Pots). These Kalashas are initially brought into a makeshift temple
called Balalayam. Between July 6th and 10th, 2022, the Kalashas are relocated into Temple’s
Yagashala, where offerings are made into the holy fire, and daily worship, rites, and other special
ceremonies are undertaken. Until the final stages of Maha Kumbhabhishekam, the Deities are
worshipped in the Kalashas. Upon completion of Temple renovations and replacement of Ashta
Bandhana (to secure Idols to peetams), the divine power in the Kalashas is transferred back to the
Moola Vigrahas by pouring the Mantra Jalam (holy water preserved in Kalashas) on Temple
Vimanams and Gopurams, while chanting elaborate mantras. This process is called Maha
Samprokshana and Ashtabandhana Jeernodharana - together, called as Maha Kumbhabhishekam.