Mahakumbhabhishekam is held either to formally consecrate a new Temple or reconsecrate an old one, and generally occurs at twelve-year intervals or specifically following renovation, extensive cleaning or renewal.
Kumbhabhishekam is a Hindu Temple ritual that is believed to homogenize, synergize and unite the mystic powers of the deity. Kumbha means the Head and denotes the Shikhara or Crown of the Temple (usually in the Gopuram) and Abhishekam is ritual bathing, (hence the term Kumbha + Abhishekam).
During this elaborate event, homams conducted according to the agamas, are performed by priests in the Yagasala outside the Temple over the preceding days. These homams infuse divinity and spiritual power into kalasas (sanctified pots) filled with consecrated water.
Divine Power is transferred back to the deities by performing an abhishekam (salutary bathing) to the Vigrahas and Vimanas (pinnacles) on the roof with the sanctified holy waters from the kalasas accompanied by Vedic chanting and special rites. On that day at the designated auspicious time, when the Kumbha is bathed with the charged and sanctified holy waters contained in the sacrificial pots, consecrated and sanctified pranic powers trickle down a silver wire and enter the Deity installed inside the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple.
Now that the restoration and renewal work undertaken over the last couple of years, has been completed at Durga Amman Temple, Mahakumbhabhishekam was held this week at what is one of the most significant Temples at Arunachala.
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| Durga Amman Temple, Tiruvannamalai |
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| One of the most famed Temples at Tiruvannamalai |
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| Ceremonies being undertaken inside Temple Compound |
Below a pictorial record of the ceremonies and functions undertaken at this time at the Durga Amman Temple.
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| Homams at Temple |
