Mumbai: The 102-year-old Asthika Samaj in Matunga, Mumbai, recently celebrated Maha Kumbhabhisheekam, also known as the re-consecration of the idols of Lord Sri Ram and Lord Sri Anjaneya, after five days of rituals.

Kumbhabhishekam is performed every 12 years in accordance with the Agama Shastra, a sacred text that outlines temple rituals, consecration, meditation, and other traditions. This temple is often referred to as Kochu Guruvayoor or “little Guruvayoor,” named after the renowned Lord Krishna temple in Kerala.

During the ceremony, Vedic pundits performed homams (fire rituals) and then went to the temple tower to conduct Abhishekams, where they poured holy water over the Kumbh (brass) pots to mark the re-consecration. Following this, they offered pujas (prayers) to the idols inside the temple. The Sita-Rama Kalyanam (marriage) ceremony was also performed for the idols after the main rituals.

The entire ceremony was conducted by Vidwan Sri Govindaraja Bhattacharya, along with a team of 21 learned pundits from Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Maha Kumbhabhishekam is regarded as the pinnacle of all festivals, as it enhances positive energy and must be carried out with the utmost devotion and joy.