Category: Cultural
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Brahmasthanam temple – Kalasha Sthapana
Stupika installation Thousands of devotees converge to witness the dedication of a new Brahmasthanam temple. As dawn breaks, Amma walks up a ramp to the temple’s peak, where a temporary platform has been erected. She is accompanied by a small group of pujaris and sannyasis who will assist Her during the Kalasha Stapana. The Stapana…
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Kumbha Mela
January 9 to February 21 2001, Allahabad, UP The Kumbha Mela of 2001 was held from January 9 to February 21. The shahi snan dates were January 14, 24 and 29, and the main bathing date was January 24. About 40 million people were estimated to participate in the holy event. The previous Kumbha Mela…
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And, She closed her eyes…
26 February 2001, reaching Mananthavadi Ashram It was shortly after seven in the evening; the sun had just set-or had it just risen on the little mountain town of Mananthavadi? Perhaps it had risen, to judge by the shine in the eyes of the thousands who had gathered on the grounds of the new Amrita…
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Mananthavady – Stupika Installation
26th February 2001 The Stuptika Pratishtapana ceremony was performed at the Brahmasthanam temple, Mananthavady by Amma on 26 Feb. 2001, a day before She was to consecrate the idol. The highest point of the temple structure, received a sacred Stupika (a pointed metallic apex vessel). The architecture of religious buildings is symbolic. At the lower…
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What is Kali Puja
Kali Pujas take place on the veranda of the Kalari at Amritapuri, which is prepared with exquisitely coloured drawings, made with coloured powders. The diagram represents the peetham (seat) of the goddess who is symbolically present in the form of a tall lamp standing in the centre. Kali is the compassionate Mother in Her fierce…
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Sannyasa, in the service of the world
A Sannyasi is a real servant of the world. In fact, he or she is the only one who serves and loves the world without receiving anything in return.
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Brahmacharya Deeksha ceremony
many of the brahmacharis serve in various branch ashrams or by going on tours to various parts of India and the world. Thus they spread Amma’s message of Love and Compassion.
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Shodasha Samskaras : 16 Rites of Passage
1. Garbhadana Samskara – is performed by a married couple when conceiving a child. This important Samskara raises the act of conception to a sacred occasion, and is powerfully purifying and uplifting for the unborn child. 2. Pumsavana Samskara – is usually performed between the second and fourth month of pregnancy. Its purpose is: to…