Aug 07, 2009
The Hindu Temple of St Louis announced its Maha Kubhabhishegam celebrations from October 1 to Oct 4, 2009
Significance of Maha Kumbabhabhishegam
‘Agama sastras’ say that through time, due to intended and unintended deficiencies during worship, and demands by devotees, the Deities’ divine power gets progressively diminished. It recommends for ‘punar-uddharana’ (rejuvenation ritual) ‘kumbhabhishekam’ - every twelve years.Human omissions and commissions call for re-consecration every twelve years, the period that Jupiter ( Guru) takes to complete a full round of the Zodiac. This rejuvenation is important to recharge and maintain the divine vibrations of the installed Deities. During this elaborate religious event several homas are conducted according to agamas. The priests will perform havans/homams in the yagashala outside the temple over the week to infuse divinity and spiritual power into 108 kalasas (sanctified pots) filled with consecrated water, with vedic chanting and religious rites.
This was done 12 years ago when this temple was consecrated on July 06, 1998.
Over period of time, The Temple has been a major contributor to our community in St Louis.The Temple has show cased Our religion in positive way to the western world, helping them to appreciate our Culture, beliefs and faith. All major Hindu festivals are celebrated in the Temple with devotional and cultural fervor and enthusiasm. The Temple draws on an average 1500 devotees every week and during our important festivals – 1000+ devotees on that festival day.
To kick start the Maha- Kumbhabhishegam preparations, The Hindu Temple created The Steering Committee, chaired by Dr. Krishna Reddy and various sub – committees were formed to support the great effort it takes to Organize and solemnize the once in 12 year event. The Temple needs to raise $ 250,000.00 towards the expenses for Maha Kumbhasbhishegam alone in a short period of 4 months.
Hence the Fund Raising committee was formed, chaired by Dr Sharad Parikh and supported by Vice Chairman - Ashwin Patel and Members : G. V. Naidu, Rao Ayyagari, Sendil Rathinasabapathy , Rajya Laxshmi Naidu, Anantharama Balachandran, J. Sawardekar , Suresh Shah and Puran Luthra.
The Fund Raising committee organized a Grand Fund Raiser Dinner on July 11, 2009 ( Saturday) in the Temple Basement. The Event was attended by around 200 + devotees and their families, among other initiatives to create awareness for the upcoming celebrations and getting the required support for the same from all.
Following a Prayer by Temple Priest, Srinivasji, Dr Krishna Reddy , Chairman of the Maha Kumbhabhishegam Steering Committee welcomed the Attendees in his welcome address. That was followed by a detailed Power point Presentation by Dr Sharad Parikh on the Maha Kumbhabhishegam celebrations – The Importance of the Kumbha Abhishegam , Brief History of The Temple, the Religious functions associated with The Kumbhabhishegam and the Expense Plan . Dr Parikh also presented the Sponsorship details which helps the Temple to raise the required funds for meeting the expenses
The Temple raised 250,000 Dollars thru pledges and donations at the fund raiser
In addition thru Matching pledges an additional 202000 was raised; thus taking the total to over 450000 for the Hindu Temple of St Louis
Ashwin Patel the Vice Chairman presented the vote of thanks to conclude a very successful start to the Temple Event
The Hindu Temple of St Louis
725 Weidman Rd St. Louis, MO 63011
Telephone:(636)-230-3300
E_mail : contact@hindutemplestlouisorg
