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Brahmotsava of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir,
17th to 19th March 2011

Every year, in March or April, depending on the Vedic Calendar, on the holy festival of "Panguni Uthiram", the Birthday of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Temple is celebrated in an exceptionally beautiful and divine manner.

This year the Brahmotsava started on 17th March 2011 morning, with a special Hawana in the Yajnashala of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir. Purnahuti was performed by Shri Swami Vishveshwaranandaji. Afterwards special Pujas, Abhisheka and Arati were performed for Omkara-Ganapati and Mahakala-Bhairava, concluding with Prasad-Distribution.

Yajna for a successful Brahmotsava

In the afternoon of 18th March, Utsava Murtis were taken out of the Shrine, placed in the middle of the Mandapa of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir and beautifully decorated with garlands and flowers of different kinds.

Different Silver and Brass Kalashas were established there, filled with Ganges water, which - after an elaborate Puja - would be used for Abhisheka on the next day. 1000 Kalashas, small earthen pots, filled with Ganges water and flowers, were placed in different angles in front of the Utsava Murtis and nearby.

Kalashas filled with Ganges Water, Flowers and Prayers being brought to Ganesha Temple and Lord Kalabhairava Temple for Abhisheka.	Priests performing Abhisheka for Lord Omkara-Ganapati.

In the evening, after Pujas and Arati, a Priest offered rice-corns, Kumkum and flower petals to each and every of these 1000 Kalashas, filled with holy Ganges water and flowers, while three Priests were constantly reciting the holy names of Tripurasundari Devi. After 3 hours of intense prayers the first part of this grand Brahmotsava Celebration was concluded with Arati and Prasad.

Evening Puja started with Swami Vishveshwarananda.	Utsava Murtis wonderfully decorated in the Mandapa of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Temple.

1000 Kalashas filled with the holy Ganges Water and flowers, placed in different shapes.	Puja by Swami Satchidananda.

All the Priests are chanting Shri Lalita-Sahasranama, while one Priest offers flowers and rice to all the 1000 Kalashas.	Mukesh Pandit is blessing two disciples of Shri Prabhuji Maharaj.

On the main day of this Brahmotsava, on 19th March, in the early morning hours, a Lalita­sahasranama Yajna was performed and Purnahuti was offered by Swami Vishveshwarananda. Afterwards the big Kalashas, which were now full of power with the holy and divine prayers, were carried by the Ashramites and Priests on the head around Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Temple, while divine Mantras were chanted and Ganges water sprinkled on the floor. The Kalashas were brought to the respective Shrines for Abhi­sheka. Abhisheka was made for every Deity with Ganges water, Milk, Haldi, Kumkum and other herbal ingredients. After that each Deity got a new dress and nice flowermalas.

Above: The main Kalashas with Ganges Water and coconuts are carried from the Mandapa around the Temple and brought to the respective Deities. Right: Purnahuti by Swami Vishveshwarananda on the start of the main day of the Brahmotsava.

Abhisheka in the Navagraha Temple.

Swami Satchidananda takes care that every Kalasha goes from hand to hand to the Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Shrine.

	Special Dakshina for those Priests who constantly recited the Shlokas during the great ceremony.

The main moment came when Abhisheka was performed to Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Herself with holy Ganges water, Kumkum, Haldi, Milk and other ingredients. Then each of the 1000 Kalashas had to reach the Devi and the holy water had to be poured over Her. A chain of Ashramites, Devotees and Visitors was formed and Kalasha by Kalasha went from hand to hand to the glorious appearance of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi. Inside the Shrine several Priests performed their wonderful duty in offering every Kalasha filled with flowers and Ganges water to the Devi. During this process a group of other Priests constantly recited Prayers.

Kumari Somashekhari is performing the Suvasini-Puja on the end of the third and final day of the Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir Brahmotsava.

After a short break and fresh arrangements the final Arati took place and everybody could receive the Blessings from Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi in form of a Prasadam.

In the night the Full Moon was shining very brightly, since it was a "Super-Moon", which means, that the Moon was extremely close to the earth, which happens very rarely. During this time a special Navavarana Puja was conducted inside the Garbhagriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi. Then a Suvasini Puja followed. With this the Brahmotsava of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir was successfully completed.

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