Arrangements for Kumbhabhishekam - Suri Nagamma Letters

In Andhra Desa, the construction of big temples is rare; as also the performance of Kumbhabhishekam. Hence, several people requested me to watch the Kumbhabhishekam ceremony of the Mathrubhutheswara Temple closely and describe it in detail in a letter. But then, is it possible for me to observe it with its manysided activities from beginning to end? I will however write to you whatever I have been able to see and hear.

It has been stated in Ramana Leela about the origin of the temple and the Ashram as under:

When Bhagavan was on the hill, his mother Alagamma came there to live with him in 1917. While there, she was absorbed in tapas and in due course became highly advanced spiritually. On 19th May, 1922, knowing that her end was near, Bhagavan placed his hand on her heart and head, prevented the breath of life escaping out of the body and with his powers guided it to become absorbed in the Atma. Hence the vasanas were destroyed and the jiva was released. It was thereupon declared that the body of the mother had become holy and it was buried to the east of the Pali Thirtham (tank). On the tenth day, devotees consecrated a Linga on the Samadhi after it was touched by Bhagavan. A well was dug by its side known as Alagammal Tirtham. Subsequently

Bhagavan left the hill and came down to live in the present place where the Ashram is located.

The Sri Chakra prepared by Kavyakanta Ganapathi Muni in Bhagavan’s presence was placed near the Linga and was worshipped. Ten years ago, the Sarvadhikari decided to erect a temple on the Samadhi. At the time of the temple construction, the Linga was placed in a small hut near the Samadhi and was worshipped regularly everyday. Alongside the Linga, the idol of Devi Yogamba also was installed five years ago. A photo of Bhagavan, taken while he was in Pachiamman Koil was also placed by the side and worshipped. By Bhagavan’s grace, the construction of the temple was completed and it was decided to have the Kumbhabhishekam on 17-3-1949. The work relating to that was begun on an auspicious day after performing puja to Vighneswara. The Sarvadhikari concentrated his attention on this work and the devotees assisted him in all possible ways. On 1st January 1949, in the early hours of the morning, the foundation stone for Sri Chakra was laid to the accompaniment of music. Immediately after that, as arrangements were being made for the construction of the Yagasala, Bhagavan happened to pass that way. He was made to sit on a chair and its foundation was laid with due ceremony. Subsequently, one of the devotees, Thoppiah Mudaliar, was entrusted with its construction and the Sarvadhikari went to Madras to make the necessary purchases. He returned after about twenty days.

By the 12th of March all the work was over. People began arriving in batches. For the convenience of visitors coming from distant places, two huge thatched sheds were put up near the Ashram gate. In front of the first shed, a reception office was established. In Gownder’s compound, a big shed was put up for the convenience of the ladies. In the ground opposite the Ashram, arrangements were made for

the stay of the volunteers and the police. In the Ashram itself, sheds were put up on the terrace of the buildings. To the west of the hospital, sheds and kitchens were put up for the convenience of the Brahmins, priests and the other orthodox persons who came there for the ceremonies. For the other visitors and for local devotees arrangements were made in the common dining hall and in the Jubilee Hall. For feeding the poor, arrangements were made to supply food packets with Bhagavan’s picture thereon and the distribution was to be made with the help of the police in Bose’s compound. Two fire engines were kept ready, but by Bhagavan’s grace no accident occurred. The engines were, however, used one day to clean the gopuram of the temple by using the hose pipes to spray water. The whole place was lighted suitably. Darbha (kusa grass) and samidhas (chips of wood) were dumped in huge heaps. Bags of rice, vegetables and plaintain leaves came in by lorries from various places. As high officials came in cars, pandals were erected for the parking of cars in the maidan (open field) east of the Morvi guest house. The Municipal and the Railway authorities made special transport arrangements for the visitors. All the devotees in the Ashram without exception, were allotted some work or other. Puri Sankaracharya, who had come to the Ashram some two months previously, sent word that he would attend the function. For abhishekam, the ivory of elephants and holy water from all the great rivers were received. From Kanyakumari and other places bags of holy sand were received. The High Priests of Arunachaleswara Temple agreed to come every day with sandal paste and with camphor to partake in the abhishekam and other ceremonies. Lawyers, doctors, engineers and several high officials said they would participate in the celebrations. Navaratnas (nine precious stones) were also received from several Rajahs.

Kumbhabhishekam really means the pouring of holy water on the image that is receiving puja, offerings, etc., daily in the small shed. These idols were to be placed in the new temple: placing the Linga on the Samadhi ; placing under the Linga the gold Bhuprasthara Sri Chakra; placing behind the Linga another Meruprashthara Sri Chakra; and placing in the assigned places the idols of Yogamba, Vighneswara, Kartikeya, Chandikeswara, Bhairava, Chandra and Surya and the Navagrahas. That is the programme. Before that is done, puja of Mahaganapati, Chandi Yagam, Agama Yagam and others have to be performed. All these items of the programme were completed before a holy fire and in accordance with strict Vedic rituals and to the Agama Sastra. I will write to you about them in another letter.