Experiencing Kalasaabishegam

It was the Sri Kandaswamy Kovil’s 105^th year anniversary and this occasion was celebrated with a grand Kalasaabishegam. Kalasaaabishegam consist of 2 words Kalasam – meaning metallic pot, and Abishegam – meaning ceremonial bath. It was the 4^th time that a Kalasaaabishegam was being done in the temple and I wasn’t going to miss it.

Before the pre-Kalasaabishegam physical work started, the youths were bustling away about the event and encouraged their family and friends to participate. The pre- Kalasaaabishegam work started with the shaving of a 1000-plus coconut for the event! Even though all of us had no experience in this field, we did fairly well.

The Yagasalai (sacred altar where the grand Kalasam was place) was decorated beautifully. The kolam at the Yagasalai gave it a nice finishing touch.

In the morning, the devotees started pouring into the temple, eagerly waiting to participate and wear the Tharppai. After the morning prayer, the Kalasa pooja started. It was an elaborate pooja. The priest had to chant the name of devotees and their natchathiram. The pooja was conducted in a structured manner. To conclude the pooja, there were several musical items performed by the temple musicians. To start off, the Nadaswaram player performed several tunes as instructed by the priest, followed by the Thavil player who drummed several “sets”. Later, the Othuvar sung the Thirumurai and it ended with a Barathanatyam performance. After these, the Grand “Maha Kalasam” was taken into procession.

The ceremonial procession of the Maha Kalasam was a very grand. Accompanied by a beautiful parasol, the Maha Kalasam was carried by the junior priest while the chief priest was guiding him. In the front, volunteers carried majestic banners and flags that lead the way. The Nadaswaram and Thavil players played the “Mallari” tune, with the conch shell being blown and Vedic mantrams being chanted. It was a magnificent sight to behold. The ceremonial bath for Lord Sri Sakthi Vale Peruman followed shortly after the ceremonial procession

The highlight of the event was the Maha Kalasam abisgeham followed by the abishegam from the 1009 small kalasams. All those present, especially the aunties, didn’t lose this moment to gaze upon the Lord Sri Sakthi Vale Peruman during the abishegam.

There was a lot of work to be done in the temple and the food serving hall and there was an outpour of volunteers. Most of them were new volunteers, who just “jumped in, rolled up their sleeves and started work”. For me, it was overwhelming to see youngsters just coming to lend a hand. With all the young hands on duty and chatting with new friends, the heavy job was made light. All of us volunteers were having fun amidst helping in temple. Whoever said there’s no fun in volunteering in the temple should have been there to experience the ambience and camaraderie.

The day was truly enjoyed by all present. Yes, enjoyed. Whether it was the priests, temple musicians, volunteers or devotees, all of us enjoyed our experience during the Kalasaabishegam. To top it all, the end of the rituals and ceremonies was “celebrated” with heavy rain. It was as if the blessings were pouring straight from the inner world onto Sri Kandaswamy Kovil. It was an auspicious sign indeed, and it made our hearts drenched with happiness.