K.A.Viswanathan

Annabhishekam is held only once a year on the Full Moon day in the seventh month of the Tamil year i.e. Aippasi (October/November). This year Annabhishekam was performed on November 6.
 
Annabhishekam which is performed at Shiva Temples, is connected to the rice harvesting time. It is performed at the time of the Full Moon as it is considered to have the enegies of bounty, abundance and expansion. This festival gives an opportunity to people, who believe that God is the creator of food and life, to show gratitude for the bounty they have received.

 The  “Annabhishekam” means bathing  lord shiva with  holy cooked rice and decorated with fruits and garlands. At the Sri Sankara Mattham, Matunga , after the annabhishekam ceremony maha deeparadana  was performed . Performing the grand rice-anointing ritual to Lord Shiva on this day can free you from problems as you express gratitude for what you have been given.