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Archive for July, 2008
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Kumbaabishekam #8
The region is very beautiful and temple events such as this attract hundreds of people. -
#4 The Importance of the Moon
Our guest again this week is Anne Beversdorf and we discuss the importance of the Moon in Jyotish. Eastern astrological traditions place a much greater emphasis on the Moon than do western systems. This leads to an interesting examination of the differences between these two astrological traditions. We explore the importance of the 27 Nakshatras; [...] -
Kumbaabishekam #7
The special ornamental kalash sits on the top of the temple and, according to the Vedas, attracts and retains the energy of the specific deity of the temple. As mantras are chanted, the water is carefully poured over the kalash. -
Look thou happily
“Look thou happily, along the road of righteousness, by which go the Angirases, well doers; by those roads go thou to heaven, where the Adityas feed on honey; spread thou out upon the third firmament.” – Atharva Veda -
Kumbaabishekam #6
The deities are carefully carried into the temple (above) and then the kalasha (water) pots that sat near the yagya fires are carried to the ladders and then up onto the roof of the temple. -
The protector fire divine…
“May the protector fire divine protect me from all sides. May the rising sun push away the fetters of death. May the dawns shining brightly and mountains firmly set, infuse a thousand vital breaths into me.” – Atharva Veda -
Kumbabishekam #5
The brass deities are prepared for their abishekam; a pouring of liquid ingredients over them in order to purify them and imbue them with the essence of the deity; in this case Rama, Sita, and Lakshaman. Apparently the temple has three sets of deities. The smaller set in the read also has, on the left [...] -
You are brightness…
“You are bright; you are the blaze. Just as your blazing with the blaze, so may I also blaze with the blazing. You are brightness; you are the brightener. Just as you are brightener with brightness, so may I become brightened with cattle and intellectual lustre.” – Atharva Veda -
Kumbabishekam #4
The banana palms are tied to the entrance to the yagya place. Traditionally they bring prosperity and success. In this photo the priest is making the final offering into the yagya fire by using a long carved wooden implement called a vasodara (seen below). The ghee is poured into one end, and drips out the [...] -
We have attained light…
“We have attained light; we have attained bliss. We are united with the light of the sun.” – Atharva Veda