Here in Kanchipuram there is a priest whose family takes care of a large number of temples in the area, including parts of the huge Ekambeshwara temple. When we have yagyas in temples, he is most helpful and flexible. It was a surprise when he stopped by the yagya house and asked if we would like to perform Durga abishekam in one of the coutry side temples that he manages. It was an easy decision. So in the evening after Lalitha Sahasranam we drove out of the city to the temple…about 15 km away. 
This temple is in the midst of the fields in the agricultural areas that surround Kanchipuram, so it feels remote and natural. No one other than us and the three priests were there when the yagya was being performed so we were able to stand just outside the inner sanctum which gave a nice close view of the activities. The priests chanted a series of vedic hymns for the nine forms of Durga while they poured water, milk, yogurt curds, sandal paste, fruit, vibhuti, kumkum, and more over the deity. Then she was dressed in a new sari and looked very nice.
Afterwards we stood areound in the cool evening air and ate all the food that was offered; tamarind rice, crisp vada (crackers), and fruit mixed with honey. always find it amusing that just outside the temple is a trisul (3 pointed spear); a weapon to remind us that the Divine Mother also means business!