Maha Ganapati Temple, Maricopa, AZ

“Sarvaroga Nivrityartham, Sarva Yaga Phalapradham Sarva Sampathkaramnreenam putrapoutrabhi vardhanam”

The ceremonies surrounding the Kumbahbhiskekam of a temple are steeped in tradition going back to the Agama Shastras. These centuries old scriptures describe the detailed process of constructing and upkeep of a temple along with the religious rites associated with it. 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. Priests trained in the shastras perform various ceremonies over three days culminating in the Kumbhabhishekam. The significance of some of them are detailed below

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). In addition, Adi Vaasa Homam, Nyaasa Homam, Panch Sooktha Homam, Durga Trisathi Homam and Kalaan Yasa Homams will be performed.

Adhivasam: The immersion ceremony performed to cleanse the vigrahas. It is believed that when the shilpis sculpt the vigrahas, a great deal of pain is inflicted on the granite and sparks emanate when the chisel meets the stone. By immersing the vigraha in water, milk, flowers and paddy, the vigraha is cleansed and cooled. Dhanyaadhivasam: immersion of deities in paddy. Jalaadhivasam: immersion in water. Pushpaadhivasam: immersion in flowers

Netronmeelanam: The ceremony where the Shilpi (sculptor of the Vigraha) opens the eye of the vigraha using a silver awl.

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.

Ashtabandhana: A special mixture containing eight special ingredients are prepared to adhere the vigraha to the peetam (pedestal). This paste is made by the shilpis in a special ceremony. This paste ensures a watertight seal between the vigraha and the peetam.

Jeeva Kala Avahana: This involves the transfer of energy into the vigraha. Through the chanting of spiritually charged mantras, the vigraha is imbued with all attributes associated with the deity. 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 vigrahas and perform some of the pujas throughout the three day event. Through the participation of the community, the powers of the chanted mantras are multiplied thereby benefitting the devotee and their community.