The Kalasha Stapana - Consecrating the Kalashas

Thousands of devotees converge to witness the dedication of the new Brahmasthanam temple. As dawn breaks, Amma walks up a ramp to the temple's peak, where a temporary platform has been erected. She is accompanied by a small group of pujaris and sannyasis who will assist Her during the Kalasha Stapana.

The Stapana begins with Amma turning full circle. Greeting the throngs of devotees below, She is engaging their prayers and hearts in the ritual She is about to perform. Then She sits for some time, still and silent in meditation, while the air reverberates with the sound of drums, temple horns and bells. When She stands, Amma first holds the largest of three brass containers, raises it to Her forehead, and again turns a full circle, as if offering it to all the people.

Then She sets it in place on the central post as the base of the stupika. With both hands She pours living grains into the brass container, until the container is full to overflowing. When the grains begin to rain down onto the platform, Amma places a slim divider and then the next container - smaller in circumference, but a brass bowl similar to the first. This too, She fills with grains—and overfills. One more bowl is filled and the edifice is nearly complete. There is a pointed tip yet to be put in place.

Kalasha Sthapana

Abhisheka Kalasha

Arati Kalasha

Prana pratishta