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Pratameshtika – December, 2010

by Douglas Wilson | Jan 11, 2017

This ceremony is traditionally performed while installing the first finished stone in the first course of the Temple structure. Since the Temple was already built, this ceremony was performed when the final piece (kalasam or dome) was to be set on top of the Shiva shrine (mandabam).

 

In relation to the human being, the dome corresponds to the human head. When a baby is born, there is a soft spot on the crown of the head. Even though, as an adult the spot has hardened, that same spot is still there. When Pratameshtika is performed it brings the “shakti” or power down through the body of the shrine, from whence it will flow back up through the body and rise up and out the crown or dome.

 

There is also a YouTube Video of the Pratameshtika Ceremony.

 

Click to view larger images.

After climbing to the top of the dome, Michael Mamas is ready to place garland.
View of shilpis atop the 16 foot high Inner Sanctum.
Todd providing support for participants standing on the ledge during ceremony.
View of participants from top of the dome.
Each devotee climbed to the top and offered rice, flowers, cumcum and performed aarti as part of the ceremony.
Sliced lemon with kumkum placed by the kalasam of east arch.
During Pratamestika the power or 'shakti' is brought down through the dome of the shrine into the body to rise up again and out through the dome.
Michael performing Aarathi (offering light in a spirit of humility and gratitude).
Ceremonial flower petals in flight.
Placing flowers.
Anchoring the light.
Shilpis express gratitude for dakshina received for all their hard work.
Final shot of Inner sanctum all aglow.

Installation & Consecration Galleries

  • Bumi Puja & Panchasilaanyaasam
  • Garbhanyasam
  • Pratameshtika
  • Jalathi Vasam
  • Dwaara Staapana
  • Kumbabhishekam

Mount Soma Galleries

  • Winter at Mount Soma
  • Spring at Mount Soma
  • Autumn at Mount Soma
  • Hanuman Jayanthi
  • 2019 Calendar
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