|
 Brahmotsava-Celebrations
for Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir
on 28th and 29th March 2010
Like every year, when the Moon is in his
full state, this year too Brahmotsava of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi
Mandir was celebrated in the great typical ancient Indian Vedic
style.
To celebrate this auspicious day in a grand
way, preparations were going on already a day before, when 1000
small earthen Kalashas were put in different formations (See
pictures), filled with Ganges water and beautiful flowers and when
the Utsava Murtis were placed in the middle of the Temple,
beautifully decorated and surrounded with flowers.
In the evening of the full Moon day, when
everything was scientifically arranged, the Chief Pujari with his
Assistant Priests started the prayers followed by the Pooja with
the 1000 names of the Divine Mother (Lalita Sahasranama), chanted
by the Chief Priest. With every name small, small rice corns, tiny
flower petals and Kumkum were put into each of the Kalashas. It is
quite a long process but spiritually very, very powerful. The
first day concluded with Arati and Prasadam distribution.
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Specially decorated Mandapa of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi
Mandir during Brahmotsava |
On the main day, on 29th March, Swami
Vishveshwarananda, Swami Satchidananda, the Chief Priest and
Assistant Priests carried the big main Kalashas around the Temple.
In each particular direction one of the priests was performing a
special Drishti-puja for protection. Carrying the Kalashas on the
head, everybody proceeded inside the Temple to put them in front
of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi. Thereafter Abhishekam of all the
Deities was made in different shrines and in the end the final
Abhishekam of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi itself was performed.
First of all the Ganges water inside the big Kalashas was offered
to the Devi. After that the 1000 small Kalashas, filled with
Ganges water and flowers, were brought by a human chain inside the
Garbha Griha of the Devi, where the priests were conducting the
Abhishekam. This process was the key point of the entire
Brahmotsava. Everybody taking part, felt delighted, that through
his hands the holy water finally reached
Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi.
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| The Utsava Murti of
Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi |
The Chief Priest, Suresh
Panditji, performs Puja |
 The
prayers were going on constantly during this procession and
everybody was extremely busy.
After a small break, the Temple
was again cleaned, Shringara for the Deities was made and then the
final Arati was performed.
In the night a long Navavarana Puja was
performed on the Meru-Yantra, in front of
Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi. After this auspicious, elaborate Puja,
a married lady, whose husband is alive, a "Suvasini", was
worshipped and honoured with gifts.
This grand Brahmotsava of the year 2010
ended with distribution of Prasadam for all.
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Every Kalasha is filled with Ganga
water and flowers, along with prayers.
Every Kalasha
carries one of the 1000 names of the Divine Mother. |
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| Special Mantras during
conclusion of the worship by Omkarananda Ashram Priests |
Navagraha Puja |
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| The
holy Kalashas are carried around the Temple and finally
will be offered to Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi. |
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|
Abhishekam of the Navagraha Murtis |
Suvasini Puja |
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