Prathista Utsav
By Supriya Thirunarayanan
Mandir of Madison successfully completed the four-day long Prathista Utsav (July 9-12,
2009) of Lord Sri Vishnu, Sri Lakshmi devi, Sri Shiva in Lingam form, Shri Ambal, Shri
Hanuman, Shri Subramanya, Shri Durga, and Shri Krishna in accordance with the sastras
(treatises on ethical and social philosophy). The gods are now blessing all the devotees in
their great grand postures. The temple committee thanked those who donated to this
massive Prathista program and prayed to the Lord God to bestow his supreme bliss to all
attendees and families, friends and the rest of the animate/inanimate beings of his leela
vibooti.
Session 1, July 9 – Spectacular Rangoli and colorful floral decorations welcomed the
devotees to the New Mandir Hall where arrangements were made for the avahana. The
auspicious event started with Ganapati pooja and concluded with Raksha Bandana for all
devotees and Akanda Deeparadhana. Jaladhivasam or abhishekam of the idols by the
devotees was performed with panchamrutham, milk and water on this day. Potluck
Prasadham was offered.
Session 2 and 3 on July 10 – The day started with Mantapa Aradhana in the morning. In
the evening, homam was conducted for Agni prathistapana. Dhanyadhivasa or avahana of
the gods with the navadhanyam was conducted by the devotees in the evening. Prasad
(gift) was sponsored by Volunteers.
Session 4 and 5 on July 11 – The Kalasams were decorated and poojas were
performed for the Kalasas. The Mahahomam was conducted in the morning. Cultural
programs were performed in the afternoon to entertain the devotees. After a small break,
the event continued with Shayadhivasam. The idols were covered with flowers and songs
were sung for the gods to rest. Fanning the Lord was one of the seva that devotees
performed during this day. Fireworks entertained our little devotees. Prasad was
sponsored by Mata Amritananda Satsang, Madhu Saajan and Sunitha Sudhir.
Session 6 on July 12 – The Mahahomam continued this day with the vedic recitals.
Chanting/repeating of the vedic mantras was performed by the devotees to activate the
Kundilini Shakti or spiritual transformational power. Devotees then carried the holy water
in the Sacred Kalasas on their heads and performed a group pradhakshanam around the
Mandir premises. The holy water is then poured on the idols by the devotees. Swami Sri
Adhyatamanandajis surprised the devotees with his presence around this time. He
delivered a spiritual speech and showered his blessings to all the devotees. All the
murthies were decorated by flowers and ornaments. Blessed are those who had the first
glimpse of the immaculately decorated idols. Arthi and pooja was performed. All devotees
had a sumptuous meal sponsored by Indian Darbar.
Some devotees left with a complimentary kalash but everyone left with a very pleasant
feeling of being a part of this great event.
About the author:
Supriya Thirunarayanan is a neurologist at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and
Clinics and volunteers at the Mandir of Madison.
Mandir of Madison successfully completed the four-day long Prathista Utsav (July 9-12,
2009) of Lord Sri Vishnu, Sri Lakshmi devi, Sri Shiva in Lingam form, Shri Ambal, Shri
Hanuman, Shri Subramanya, Shri Durga, and Shri Krishna in accordance with the sastras
(treatises on ethical and social philosophy). The gods are now blessing all the devotees in
their great grand postures. The temple committee thanked those who donated to this
massive Prathista program and prayed to the Lord God to bestow his supreme bliss to all
attendees and families, friends and the rest of the animate/inanimate beings of his leela
vibooti.
Session 1, July 9 – Spectacular Rangoli and colorful floral decorations welcomed the
devotees to the New Mandir Hall where arrangements were made for the avahana. The
auspicious event started with Ganapati pooja and concluded with Raksha Bandana for all
devotees and Akanda Deeparadhana. Jaladhivasam or abhishekam of the idols by the
devotees was performed with panchamrutham, milk and water on this day. Potluck
Prasadham was offered.
Session 2 and 3 on July 10 – The day started with Mantapa Aradhana in the morning. In
the evening, homam was conducted for Agni prathistapana. Dhanyadhivasa or avahana of
the gods with the navadhanyam was conducted by the devotees in the evening. Prasad
(gift) was sponsored by Volunteers.
Session 4 and 5 on July 11 – The Kalasams were decorated and poojas were
performed for the Kalasas. The Mahahomam was conducted in the morning. Cultural
programs were performed in the afternoon to entertain the devotees. After a small break,
the event continued with Shayadhivasam. The idols were covered with flowers and songs
were sung for the gods to rest. Fanning the Lord was one of the seva that devotees
performed during this day. Fireworks entertained our little devotees. Prasad was
sponsored by Mata Amritananda Satsang, Madhu Saajan and Sunitha Sudhir.
Session 6 on July 12 – The Mahahomam continued this day with the vedic recitals.
Chanting/repeating of the vedic mantras was performed by the devotees to activate the
Kundilini Shakti or spiritual transformational power. Devotees then carried the holy water
in the Sacred Kalasas on their heads and performed a group pradhakshanam around the
Mandir premises. The holy water is then poured on the idols by the devotees. Swami Sri
Adhyatamanandajis surprised the devotees with his presence around this time. He
delivered a spiritual speech and showered his blessings to all the devotees. All the
murthies were decorated by flowers and ornaments. Blessed are those who had the first
glimpse of the immaculately decorated idols. Arthi and pooja was performed. All devotees
had a sumptuous meal sponsored by Indian Darbar.
Some devotees left with a complimentary kalash but everyone left with a very pleasant
feeling of being a part of this great event.
About the author:
Supriya Thirunarayanan is a neurologist at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and
Clinics and volunteers at the Mandir of Madison.
Photos taken at this special event courtesy of
Mandir of Madison
Mandir of Madison