Bhumi Puja for New Auditorium,
on 23rd October 2012

A long-standing wish for the construction of a good, professional Auditorium was finally fulfilled.

There was a great need for the Omkarananda Institute of Management & Technology, for Omkarananda Saraswati Nilayam Inter-College, as well as for Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas to have a place with facilities, which is in benefit for the students, parents and common audience.

It is a tradition, before starting any construction, to seek the Blessings of the Divinities, and specially Bhumi Devi, for a successful and strong building, which is done by the Bhumi Puja. The place for this Puja is normally there, where the North-East pillar will be erected.

The time and date were fixed by the Priests, so that also the Stars would be favourable for the progress of the construction of the new Auditorium.

Deep down in the earth, on the centre point of the North-East pillar, the Priests of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir started the Puja, on 23rd October 2012, at an auspicious time, with the important Prayers and with all the Puja items, which were essential for a perfect Bhumi Puja.

Preparations for the Bhumi Puja by the Priests, on the North-East side, where a Pillar for the Auditorium will be erected.

Holy water is offered to the Puja place by Kumari Somashekhari.

Swami Vishveshwarananda offering Arati.

The first concrete for the pillar is put by Swami Vishveshwarananda...

Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari and Swami Satchidananda, including the Contractor, Mr. Sethi, along with many Workers, took part in the Prayers and Puja. The atmosphere was truly great and one had the feeling that even heavenly forces were joining this beautiful Puja. No doubt, that the invisible Presence of Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati made all the difference.

The final start of the construction came, when at the conclusion of this auspicious Puja, Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari, Swami Satchidananda and the Contractor with their own hands put bricks and mortar above the Bhumi Puja Place, where the pillar starts.

It is the custom, that after Puja nice sweets are distributed.

Everyone, including the Inmates of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, the Priests, the Contractor and all the Workers were enjoying Prasadam from the wonderful Bhumi Puja.

... and Kumari Somashekhari.

Swami Satchidananda fixes a brick in the right position.