Srinivasa Peruamal Abhishegam Pictures - ISKON Bangalore - Set 3

Set 3 pictures from ISKON Bangalore!

Srinivasa Peruamal Abhishegam Pictures - ISKON Bangalore - Set 2

Some more pictures of Srinivasa Perumal from ISKON Bangalore!

Srinivasa Peruamal Abhishegam Pictures - ISKON Bangalore - Set 1

I received 15 pictures from my friend which I am sharing with you all. These pictures are rare to find and the credit goes to ISKON in Bangalore.

All of these pictures are taken from ISKON Bangalore during the abhishegam (bath) of Lord Srinivasa Perumal. Enjoy these pictures! (Credit: ISKON Bangalore)

Various Abishegams Performed in Indian Culture!

In the Hindu religion, there are so many gods. Poojas, prayers, rituals, ceremonies vary according to the deity the one worships. There is no forcing on this by anyone, but every family has a "Family God" known in Tamil as "Kula Daivam." For example, Tirupathi Venkatachalapathy is a kula daivam for so many families.

Every year, families perform pooja and other rituals to the family god. The family god ensures that the family is given the necessary needs and secure them whenever they are in trouble.

Similarly, each god is performed poojas including abhishegams. Abhishegam is bathing the main deities, is a ritual which is performed during poojas.

Abishegam is performed chanting the vedic mantras often with "Purusha Suktam" for the male deity and "Shree Suktam" for female deity. In addition to this, specific slokas / mantras are chanted specific to the deities. For example, "Ganapatyatharvasheersha Stotram" is also said in addition to Purusha Suktam while performing the Abishegams of Ganapati.

Mostly Abishegams are done only for Lord Shiva. The same is not done to Lord Narayana. It is also said that Lord Shiva is an "Abishega Priyar--he loves Abishegams" So, lots of Abishegams are done for Lord Shiva.

For Lord Shiva's sons--Vinayaga also known in so many other names like Ganapathy, Pillayar, and Murugan also Abishegams are performed.

Various types of Abishegams are:

1. Shuddhodak Abishegams--Done with pure fresh water;


2. Pal Abishegams--Done with Milk;


3. Panneer Abishegams--Done with Rose Water;


4. Sandana (Gandhodakabhishekam) Abishegams--Done with Sandlewood paste mixed with water;


5. Shankhodakabhishekam--Done with water blowing from conch;


6. Manjal Abishegams--Done with Turmeric Powder;


7. Then Abishegams--Done with Honey;


8. Vibudhi Abishegams--Done with Ash;


9. Panchamirham Abishegams--Done with various fruits mixed;


10. Tender Cocunut Abishegams--Done with Tender Cocunut;


11. Kumkum Abishegams--Done with KumKum;


12. Pushpabhishekam--Done with Flowers;

Each time the Abishegam is performed with any of the above, Kum Kum is put on the foreahead, camphor is shown (karpoor Aarthi) and then next Abishegam is performed.

For all the deities, mostly Pal Abhisegam (Milk bath) is done. Other items are added as necessary and based on affordability. Individuals also can contribute to this ritual.

Individuals pray to God for certain favor and in turn they perform one or more of these Abishegams.

Dos and Don'ts In the Temple!

Several of us go to temples seeking the blessings of The Divine! In most of the places like railways stations, schools, or in fact while driving, rules are laid out to ensure the user is convenient. It yields result only if it is followed.

There are no strict rules in most of the temples except like wearing lungies, mini skirts, smoking but there are general DOs and DON'Ts. If they are followed, all the devotees will be benefited not only in peaceful darshan for the self but for others as well. This would also help in keeping the temples clean and less noisy.

If you think I need to do some more, do let me know and I will be glad to add as it would help everyone!

DOs inside the temple

1. Always think about the god;


2. Say only god's name and talk only good things;


3. Chant RAMA RAMA RAMA or your mantra until you come out of the temple;


4. Come in the line and obey the rules set by the temple;


5. Dress code for Men: Preferably wear dhothis and go without a shirt; if not, wear a decent pant and shirt. You can decide on wearing the shirt or to remove it; Only dhotis are allowed in Guruvayurappan temples--in Guruvayur, Kerala and in Madippakkam, Chennai. Shirts should be removed;


6. Dress Code for Women: Preferably madisar, if not in saree or chudidhar or salwaar. Please avoid wearing jeans, or sleveless tops;


7. Use dustbins kept inside the temple; if not availble, bring the waste outside and throw it in the dustbin or garbage box;


8. Eat the prasadam outside the temple in a neat place, put the dhonnai in the container.

DON'Ts inside the temple

1. Do not enter the temple after taking alchoal;


2. Do not enter the temple with your footwear;


3. Do not wear 'lungi', one of the dresses used by Men;


4. Do not wear short skirts or dress that exposes the body parts;


5. Do not talk anything other than chanting Lord Rama or your favorite mantra;


6. Do not wish others inside the temple;


7. Do not namaskaram others inside the temple regarldess of how senior they are;


8. Do not violate any rules set by the temple authorities; it is only for the good of us and others to see the god piecefully and get his blessings;


9. Do not use mobile phones and cameras;


10. Do not eat prasadam inside the temple;


11. Do not spill the waste in other areas, put it in the dustbin;


12. Do not write anything on the walls of the temple;


13. Do not go straight facing the "Lingam / Lord Shiva." The believe is that, his powers would destroy you. It is suggested that you go on the side allocated and not straight towards the Lord. This is only in Shivan Temple;


14. Do not spill the Prasadam.

Jagannath Temple - Kanathur, Chennai

Temple: Jagannath Temple
Name: Jagannath Spirtual and Cultural Centre
Primary Deity: Lord Jagannath (Lord Vishnu or Krishna)
Place: Kanathur in ECR Road, Chennai
City: Chennai
District: Chennai
State: Tamil Nadu
Country: India
Train Route: Get down in Thiruvanmiyur Railway Station in Metro Railway Transport System. If you are from outside of Chennai, come to Chennai and book a cab and ask for ECR.
Bus Route: Get down in Kanathur bus stand in ECR Road. Opposite to Maayajal is a roadside fish market. Take that road and on the first right you will find the sign board directing to the temple.
Special Days: All Days
Additional Information: This temple was built recently. The structure is similar to the one in Puri and Orissa. The temple tower the flag reminds us of the main temple in Puri. The shrine is in wood as against the traditional South Indian stone carving.
Website: http://www.jagannathtemplepuri.com/ (Puri Jagannath Temple Site. I couldn't find the site of Chennai Temple)

History of the Temple

The temple was built recently and contains similar structure of Puri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Orissa. This is very near to the sea, constructed few hundred meters away from the shore. When you eenter the Jagannanth shrine using the few steps, you will be able to see the sea and the beautiful nature.

The people in South India especially the people in Tamil Nadu visiting Orissa is very difficult and hence this was constructed.

Information on Temple and Visiting

This is a replicate of Puri Jagannath Temple in Puri, Orissa, India. Lord Jagannath or Lord Krisha is the main deity. The shrine is made of wood as against the traditional stones in South India.

Once you enter the temple, on the left water taps have been provided for washing your hands and legs before entering the sannadhis. Every sannidhi has been provided the walking path to avoid walking on the grass.

On the left is Vinayak shrine (Sannidhi). He looks different with the head slanting as if he is dancing. Opposite to his shirne is his father Siva's Sannidhi.

The Lord Siva's Sannidhi reflect Kasi Viswanath type. Sivan is also drawn on the wall which looks beautiful. If you look at the eyes, it conveys the blessing and shows the power of Lord Siva.

When you go around the any sannidhi you will few more deities are placed on the walls like Parvathi, Agni.

Then is the main deity, Lord Jagannath. Take the steps with the prayers. You are climbing up in your life to reach GOD is one of the messages I see here. Each step reflects various stumbles or opportunities we go through in the life to reach the GOD and we overcome those and reach GOD.

Pooja is done by the Pandit. The difference in the pooja is that, the Pandit gives you flowers after chanting the mantras. Keep them with you. After chanting mantra, he gives few more flowrs and water (a spoon of water) to wash your hands along with the flower. Then after chanting mantras he asks for your Gothram, Natchathiram (star), (Rasi) (sun sign), Name. He will do archana based on the details you have given him. After that, he gives you theertha prasadam and then flower and banana as prasadam.

The place is very silent and you can site there and meditate if ther is no one else. Go around the sannidhi. Do Namaskaram (lie on your stomach with both hands stretched above your head and the tips of each hands touching each other--for Men; You can bent on your knees and bow your head that it touches the grond.

Take your time to do prayers and come down with his blessings so that you can take it with you wherever you go.

Go around the sannidhi and on the back is Sannidhi of Anjaneyar (Baktha Hanuman). There are photogrphas of Lord Rama, Lord Jagannath and the used pooja items. The sannidhi is divided and the back of these photographs is Hanuman Sannidhi.

We sat in the hall for few minutes doing meditation. On the roof, you will see paintings of Krisha and other gods. On the frontside of this hall, you will find the panting describing the great epic Ramayana. With around 20 pictures, the entire Ramayana is explained.

Then is the Maa Vimala's Sannidhi. Here also you can see other deities when you go around the sannidhi.

Then is the Maa Lakshmi's Sannidhi. After you go around the sannidhi, on the left is the cultural academy.

Next is the Navagraha Sannidhi. Here all the Navagrahams--Sun, Moon, Chevvai, Budhan, Guru, Sukra, Sani, Rahu, and Kethu, are kept in line as against the South Indian style of placing them according to their sides.

From here, the gopuram (tower) view is very good. You can take pictures and I did not find any objections.

They temple has basic amneties--water and rest rooms.

Sit for a while in the place alloted. Then you can come out of the temple.

Click here for Pictures including Ramayana Description using Pictures!

Parthasarathy Temple - Triplicane, Chennai

Temple: Parthasarathy Temple aka Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple
Name: Parathasarathy Thirukovil
Primary Deity: Parthasarathy (Lord Krishna), built by Pallavas
Place: Triplicane
City: Chennai
District: Chennai
State: Tamil Nadu
Country: India
Train Route: Get down in Triplicane Railway Station in Metro Railway Transport System
Bus Route: Get down in Ice House Bus Stand. Take opposite road of the school
Special Days: All Days
Additional Information: This temple was built many hundres of years back and belongs to 8th century. Sarathy means charioteer. Lord Krishna was driving the chariot with Arjuna on board during the Mahabaratha war between Pandavas and Gauravas.
Website: http://www.sriparthasarathyswamytemple.org/

HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE

The temple is one of the oldest structures in Chennai. There are shrines for Sri Vedhavalli Thayaar, Sri Ranganatha, Sri Rama, Sri Varadharajar Swamy, the beautiful Narasimha (as Azagiyasingar), Sri Andal, Sri Anjaneya, Alwars, Ramanuja,Swami Manavala mamunigal and Vedanthachariar. There are separate Dwajasthambams (flag) and entrances for Lord Parthasarathy and Lord Narasimha. The gopuram and mandaps (pillars) are decorated with beautiful elaborate carvings, a standard feature of South Indian Temple Architecture. --Wikipedia

Information on Temple and Visiting

Lord Venkateswara promised King Sumathi that he would give darshan as Lord Parthasarathy and he did appear and give darshan.

Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. The Temple had an elephant at the entrance, which is not there anymore.


If you come by vehicle, there is a parking space available. Leave your chappell's outside with vendors. Buy your archana / pooja items.

Free and fee darshan are available and you can decide which one to pick. Currently, the tickets are sold at Rs.10/- and Rs.100/- per person.

Prasadam is sold inside the temple--Vada, Tamarind Rice, Chakra Pongal, Appam, etc.

Almst daily upanyasams are held and you can listen to them and spend some valuable time listening to spiritual stories and slogas.

This temple is said to have Buddha sculptured in one of the pillars inside the temple near Yoga Narasimhar Sannadhi.

There are shrines for Sri Vedhavalli Thayaar, Sri Ranganatha, Sri Rama, Sri Varadharajar Swamy, the beautiful Narasimha (as Azagiyasingar), Sri Andal, Sri Anjaneya, Alwars, Ramanuja,Swami Manavala mamunigal and Vedanthachariar. There are separate Dwajasthambams (flag) and entrances for Lord Parthasarathy and Lord Narasimha.

Prasadam

On most days, devotees are treated to prasadam (offerings to God) consisting of Chakkarai Pongal (A sweet South Indian delicacy made with jaggery, pulses and rice), Puliyodarai (Tamarind Rice) and Thayir sadam (Rice with yogurt/curd).