Sadhaka Adinatha, who traveled with Bodhinatha returned with him last night and brings us photos and a great story from the trip. Bodhinatha was the chief guest at the Hindu Temple Of Greater Cincinnati, in Ohio, where a new shrine for Lord Murugan was completed. The event was the Sri Valli Devasena Sametha Sri Murugan Maha Kumbhabhishekam, July 02-04, 2004…
The first of a number of special ceremonies was for the Utsava murthis (smaller icons or murthis which can be used for special festival and for taking outside of the temple in parades.) In this mystical ceremony, the eyes of the murthis are opened for the first time and the first things that the Deity sees are special auspicious people and items placed in front of the Deity.
As a sannyasin (renunciate monastic), Satguru Bodhinatha was among the first people to be seen by the Deity. Such is the power of the priests in performing this ceremony that Bodhinatha mystically experienced simultaneously being Bodhinatha looking at Murugan and Murugan looking at Bodhinatha.
A well known Cincinnati vocalist, musician and composer, Kannicks Kannickswaran, was commissioned to create a musical CD to commemorate the event.
Bodhinatha presented the first copy to the temple.
Kannicks and his daughter perform one of the songs on the CD
Devotees of Lord Murugan join Kannicks for another song, this one especially composed for the Cincinnati Murugan.
The CD was presented to all who sponsored the Festival, and the remainder will be sold to raise funds for the temple. Here Bodhinatha honors Kannicks with a traditional shawl.
Following the musical performance, Bodhinatha gave a talk. The senior priest of the temple, Pandit B. C. Sharma introduces Bodhinatha and prefaces the talk. Pandit Sharma is highly respected and appreciated for his English talks and explanations of temple activities and their meaning.
Following the talk, Pundit Sharma graced Bodhinathawith a shawl.
During preparations for the Maha Kumbhabhishekam, spiritual force is gradually infused into a group of kumbhas or pots which are filled with water and special substances. The priests then carry these containers around the temple
Those who sponsored the puja were also given smaller kumbhas to carry around the temple.
A ritual ablution or bathing of the Deity takes place in which milk, yogurt, turmeric, honey, vibuthi and sandalwood power are poured over the murthi, culminating in the pouring of the sanctified waters from the kumbhas, transferring the power into the stone images.
Maha Kumbhas on the stage inside the beautifully decorated Yagasala in the temple main hall. Temple Priest Sivachariya Devanathan performing the Homam.
Poornahuthi.being performed by Sivachariya Devanathan.
The climatic Kumbhabishekam performed by Sivachariya Devanathan, accompanied by Sivachariya Raja Shanmugam (at that time, Priest at the Maryland Murugan Temple).
The first Maha Theeparadhana after the Maha Kumbabhishekam.
The son of Srinivas Bhattar, one of the temple priests, watches the abhishekam (bathing) with rapt attention. The smaller Utsava murthis (parade deities) also receive abhishekam
Shanker and Mahendran two of the key volunteers who have given tirelessly of their time and energy hold Murugan’s silver flag and Vel, or Lance.
Having completed the Maha Kumbhabhishekam, temple priest Sivachariya Devanathan works with Sivachariya Raja Shanmugam on final touches. Sivachariya Raja Shanmugam flew in from the Murugan Temple in Bethesda, Maryland especially to help with this ceremony.
Bodhinatha blesses the exquisitely dressed and decorated deities. After the Kumbhabhishekam, a Kalyana Utsavam, wedding ceremony was performed for Murugan and his two shaktis, two of the divine energies that this great Deity uses in motivating mankind along the spiritual path to the realization of our true Being. Iccha shakti, the force of desire and Kriya shakti, the energy of action are represented by the two wives. The third shakti Jnana shakti the power of spiritual discrimination, insight and wisdom is represented by the lance, the Vel, revered by devotees of Lord Muruga around the world.
The climax of a long-building crescendo of spritiual energies is the final arati, a ritual waving of flames in front of the Deity, bringing forth powerful blessings from the inner worlds.
A vibrant energy prevails as the Utsava murthis are carried on a palanquin for their first trip outside the temple.
Hindus from many diverse regions and ethnic backgrounds have come together to construct this temple, and the care that they take to always respect each others traditions, to allow time in the temple for each tradition and to work together harmoniously is a fine example for not only Hindus around the world, but for all people of all cultures and backgrounds.
Four different Hindu lineages and traditions are represented at the temple by four different priests of widely diverse backgrounds. It was truly inspiring to see the special care that each one took to support and commend his fellow priests.
As the sun sets in the cool clear evening, the procession returns to the temple. The Utsava murthis are returned to their new home and final blessings are performed. Soon after, as Bodhinatha leaves the temple, Fourth of July fireworks explode in the distant sky in every direction around the temple, A surprising and perfect ending to a perfect three days of mystical ceremony and celebration. Congratulations to the priests, the volunteer staff and the many supporters for ajob well done.
