I wasn’t sure that I can make it on the 10th for Ganapathi Homam and Bhagavathi Seva Pooja at my in-laws place at Guruvayur(kerala).Though I had booked my tickets in advance, I wasn’t quite sure if my work schedule would permit me to make this trip. Fortunate was I to be a part of this event. It all began on the 9th evening when the Poojari (Priest) came over and started to verify if all the items for the Pooja were available as per the item list that was provide to Aachan(Father-in-law) by the Poojari earlier. After confirmation on the items, Poojari identified the dining hall as the location where Ganapathi Homam would be performed. This location was more preferred as it was just in front of the Pooja room. But there was no rule as though the Ganapathi Homam needs to be performed in front of the Pooja room. It was a choice given to the residents of the house and all of us gave our consensus on getting it done at the said location. All this was happening around 10:30pm.Poojari then began to clean the location and after which the fire-altar was setup. The fire-altar (vedi) is generally made of brick or stone, and is almost always built specifically for the occasion, being dismantled immediately afterwards. This fire-altar is invariably built in square shape. While very large vedis are occasionally built for major public Homam, the usual altar may be as small as 1 x 1 foot square and rarely exceeds 3 x 3 feet square. Again, whereas major altars at public events may include a hollowing of the earth to create a relatively deep pit, usual altars involve no such excavation and indeed rise only inches above the ground. Pure Sand then was put in the center so that the flooring can be protected from extreme heat which would be generated while doing the Homam.
Most of the family members were involved in some or the other way to help the Poojari to setup the base for the Homam.After all this was done, the Poojari asked the family members regarding what would be a convenient time for performing the Homam the next morning. Again here the Poojari was not very particular with any particular time. According to him, the earlier we can start the better it was. Subsequently we decided to have the Homam started at 5:00am.
We all got up the next morning around 4:00am, took shower, wore new traditional dress and we were all set for the Homam. The Homam started around 5:00am as planned. This whole setup had a spiritual ambience with Sanskrit Shlokas being recited with fire being lit on the Homam bench. All were silent, except the Poojari who was reciting these Shlokas with a high degree of concentration. I had taken some snaps which you can see in this posting. The whole Homam got over around 7:00am and then the Prasad was distributed to the family members and relatives who were present there. The purpose of conducting Ganapathi Homam is to overcome obstacles that may prevent well being of the family.
Most of the family members were involved in some or the other way to help the Poojari to setup the base for the Homam.After all this was done, the Poojari asked the family members regarding what would be a convenient time for performing the Homam the next morning. Again here the Poojari was not very particular with any particular time. According to him, the earlier we can start the better it was. Subsequently we decided to have the Homam started at 5:00am. We all got up the next morning around 4:00am, took shower, wore new traditional dress and we were all set for the Homam. The Homam started around 5:00am as planned. This whole setup had a spiritual ambience with Sanskrit Shlokas being recited with fire being lit on the Homam bench. All were silent, except the Poojari who was reciting these Shlokas with a high degree of concentration. I had taken some snaps which you can see in this posting. The whole Homam got over around 7:00am and then the Prasad was distributed to the family members and relatives who were present there. The purpose of conducting Ganapathi Homam is to overcome obstacles that may prevent well being of the family.
After all this, Bhagavathi Seva Pooja was scheduled to be conducted towards evening. Meanwhile, the Poojari had to go for some other personal event and rest of the people at home got busy with their own activities. Then, towards evening around 4:30pm the Poojari came back and started to arrange everything for the next scheduled Pooja. Bhagavathi Seva is conducted to get the blessing of Devi (Goddess) to everyone in the family. To be frank, the Poojari did brief me in detail about the reasons and benefits of conducting various Pooja. But, it did not stay for long in my memory. Then Poojari then drew Kallam (Drawing done on the floor where the Pooja was to be performed) and then made other arrangements before he began with the Pooja. By the time it was all ready, it was past sunset around 6:30pm and pitch dark. The Pooja began with various Sanskrit mantras and Shlokas recited by Poojari in the light of some 4-5 Vellaku. The whole ambiance was giving me a feel of a Divine Bliss. It also made me feel the beauty of traditional kerala customs. I was sitting very close to the Poojari next to Aachan. As in the morning during Ganapathi Homam, all were quite except the Poojari reciting various Sanskrit Shlokas and Mantras. Bhagavathi Seva Pooja went for about 90 min, after which Poojari gave everyone Pooja Payisam.
Then everyone got back to their daily activities and relatives who had visited began to leave. This day reminds me of Prathista Stapikual (Establishment of Goddess Idol) at our family temple at Kaungal(Kerala). These were events that cannot be witnessed every day. According to me, if given a chance we should never miss out on these types of Events. These are Events which are not repetitive and should be experienced when given a chance. Coz, you never know if you get a chance tomorrow.....
