Brahmotsava-Celebrations
for Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir
on 28th and 29th March 2010

Like every year, when the Moon is in his full state, this year too Brahmotsava of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir was celebrated in the great typical ancient Indian Vedic style.

To celebrate this auspicious day in a grand way, preparations were going on already a day before, when 1000 small earthen Kalashas were put in different formations (See pictures), filled with Ganges water and beautiful flowers and when the Utsava Murtis were placed in the middle of the Temple, beautifully decorated and surrounded with flowers.

In the evening of the full Moon day, when everything was scientifically arranged, the Chief Pujari with his Assistant Priests started the prayers followed by the Pooja with the 1000 names of the Divine Mother (Lalita Sahasranama), chanted by the Chief Priest. With every name small, small rice corns, tiny flower petals and Kumkum were put into each of the Kalashas. It is quite a long process but spiritually very, very powerful. The first day concluded with Arati and Prasadam distribution.

Specially decorated Mandapa of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir during Brahmotsava

On the main day, on 29th March, Swami Vishveshwarananda, Swami Satchidananda, the Chief Priest and Assistant Priests carried the big main Kalashas around the Temple. In each particular direction one of the priests was performing a special Drishti-puja for protection. Carrying the Kalashas on the head, everybody proceeded inside the Temple to put them in front of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi. Thereafter Abhishekam of all the Deities was made in different shrines and in the end the final Abhishekam of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi itself was performed. First of all the Ganges water inside the big Kalashas was offered to the Devi. After that the 1000 small Kalashas, filled with Ganges water and flowers, were brought by a human chain inside the Garbha Griha of the Devi, where the priests were conducting the Abhishekam. This process was the key point of the entire Brahmotsava. Everybody taking part, felt delighted, that through his hands the holy water finally reached Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi.

The Utsava Murti of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi	The Chief Priest, Suresh Panditji, performs Puja

The prayers were going on constantly during this procession and everybody was extremely busy.

After a small break, the Temple was again cleaned, Shringara for the Deities was made and then the final Arati was performed.

In the night a long Navavarana Puja was performed on the Meru-Yantra, in front of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi. After this auspicious, elaborate Puja, a married lady, whose husband is alive, a 'Suvasini'�, was worshipped and honoured with gifts.

This grand Brahmotsava of the year 2010 ended with distribution of Prasadam for all.

Every Kalasha is filled with Ganga water and flowers, along with prayers. 
Every Kalasha carries one of the 1000 names of the Divine Mother.

Special Mantras during conclusion of the worship by Omkarananda Ashram Priests	Navagraha Puja

The holy Kalashas are carried around the Temple and finally will be offered to Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi.

Abhishekam of the Navagraha Murtis	Suvasini Puja