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. The highlight of the Kumbhabhishekam ceremony is the pouring of the sanctified water from the pots over the top of the gopurams by the priests, at an auspicious moment, to energize the entire temple.
The Kumbhabhishekam we are performing this year is a unique one that is called Maha Rajagopura Kumbhabhishekam, since it is done to consecrate the new Rajagopurams (towers). Meanwhile the sole purpose of Kumbabhishekam or Samprokshanam, is repairing of the temple. It occurs once in 10 to 15 years, depending on the temple’s tradition. This will ensure a good health of the structure and the environment.
The purpose of filling grains in the kalasam is to make the temple tower
or gopuram withstand lightning. The grains act as natural lightning conductor,
which reduce the impact on the structures. For this reason, the kumbam is also
designed to have a pointed edge facing the sky.
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