ஸ்ரீ புஷ்களாம்பிக சமேத மஹாசாஸ்தா ஆலய கும்பாபிஷேக பத்திரிக்கை - Printed Version

ஸ்ரீ சியாமளா காளியம்மன் ஆலய கும்பாபிஷேக பத்திரிக்கை

ஸ்ரீ புஷ்பகளாம்பிக சமேத மஹாசாஸ்தா ஆலய கும்பாபிஷேக பத்திரிக்கை

Food Arrangements

Devotees may please take note that during the 4 days from 2nd to 5th February 2020, arrangements will be made for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the temple.

With a view to assess the quantity of food required to be arranged over the 4 days, devotees are requested to inform the number of persons expected to be present on each of the dates. This will enable better preparedness in such a way that adequate quantity of food is cooked and made available and no wastage occurs either.

The idea is not to be frugal but avoid surprises of shortage and wastage. We are sure devotees will agree to this.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon of your presence.

Thanks for your understanding and support.

Need Volunteers

Devotees will be pleased to know that activities in preparation for the Kumbhabhishekam are progressing as planned.  The formal invitations are expected to be despatched in the next couple of days.

The 1st Kalam will be on Sunday, 2nd Feb; 2nd and 3rd on Monday, 3rd Feb; 4th and 5th on Tuesday, 4th Feb; and 6th on Wednesday, 5th Feb followed by Kumbhabhisekam.  The detailed agenda will be found in the invitation which will also be uploaded in this blog.

The main purpose of this communication is to enlist volunteers.

As is typical of any large event, several helping hands may not be adequate as day progresses.  Devotees willing to volunteer, say about 10 to 15, are requested to give their names and the date from which  their services will be available so that tasks can be assigned.

Looking forward to wholehearted support.  Let us together make the Kumbhabhishekam a grand success.

Renovation Work in Progress

With the setting up of Balalayam on 6th December 2019, renovation of the temple has started and has been progressing with full vigour.

Recent photos of the work being carried out can be seen in the link given here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/G9gpcjNGoNss64X19.

God willing everything should go well and in time for the Kumbhabhishekam.

Devotees' continued support towards this is solicited.

Balalayam – What is Balaalayam in the Kumbhabhishekam ceremony?

Balayalam is a miniature temporary structure erected during the renovation and Kumbhabhishekam ceremony in a Hindu Temple. The divine presence of the main deity in temple is transferred from the murti worshipped to a Kalasha. This Kalasha is placed atop the Balalayam. ‘Baala’ means mini and ‘Aalaya’ means temple or structure in Sanskrit.

During the Jeernodharana (renovation period) of a temple, the divine presence of the Murtis is transferred to the holy waters contained in the Kalasha (pot). Pooja is done to these Kalashas and Ustava deities (the small murtis of the main murti of the temple that are used during processions).

The Kalashas remain in a miniature structure known as Balalayam. During this time the devotees will not be able to see or do poojas to the moola vigrahas or murtis worshipped in a temple. The scheduled poojas will be done only to Utsava deities.

The divine presence of the temple deity will in the Kalashas atop Balalayam until it is transferred back to the Moola vigrahas or the main murti. Scheduled Poojas to Moola vigrahas will start only on the Kumbhabhishekam day.

The above content is borrowed from https://www.hindu-blog.com/2010/09/balalayam-what-is-balaalayam-in.html by Abhilash Rajendran

Balalayam - 6th Dec 2019

The renovation activities of the Mahasastha temple will commence on Friday, 6th December 2019 @ 7:30 a.m. with the consecration of the Balalayam.  Effective that day, until the Kumbhabhishekam on 5th February 2020, there will not be any abhishekam to the moolavar.  However darshan of the deities will be possible.  Devotees may accordingly factor this in their travel plans.

Appeal to Devotees

௳

ஸ்ரீ சுரைக்காயூர் மஹா சாஸ்தா அய்யனார் துணை

ॐ बुधा नाथाय विद्महे  भवपुथराया धीमहि  तन्नो सासथा प्रचोदयात

ஓம் பூத நாதய வித்மஹே  பவபுத்ராயா தீமஹி  தன்னோ சாஸ்தா ப்ரசோதயாத்

Om Boodha Naathaya Vidmahe  Bhavaputhraaya Dheemahi  Tanno Saastha Prachodayaat

October 22, 2019

Dear Maha Sastha devotees,

This mail is in continuation to the earlier emails about the Kumbabhishekam of our ancestral temple at Suraikayur. 

As informed, the Kumbabhishekam will be performed on Wednesday, 5^th February 2020.  The preparatory rituals will start two days before on Monday, 3^rd February 2020.  The details of the various events will be shared soon.

The purpose of the mail is to renew the appeal for generous donations towards the Kumbhabhisekham and to build a much needed sound corpus for a stable and sustainable future towards upkeep and maintenance of the temple in the years to come.

Since the last Kumbhabhisekham in 2008, the temple has been functioning satisfactorily.  Devotees, who have been visiting the temple over many decades will notice the stark and continuing improvements made.  There has been an all round transformation in terms of protecting the temple precincts from encroachments, adding of a Vinayagar sannadhi, building of rest rooms and toilet facilities, availability of a priest and watchman at all times, and an overall better look, feel and satisfying experience when one goes there for darshan.  This positive feel is rather unanimous.  These would not have been possible but for the devotees’ regular visits to the temple with their near and dear ones, their financial contributions and support to the Committee.

After a detailed inspection, the Committee is of the opinion that the following activities have to be attended to before the ensuing Kumbabhishekam: 

1. Repairs to the roof of the main temple and ardhamandapam to attend to the water seepage and leaks
2. Repair to wall cracks in the temple
3. Painting of the main temple, the vimanam, the ardhamandapam, the Vinayagar sannadi and of all the parivara deities
4. Electrical rewiring of the temple
5. Construction of housing quarter for the watchman
6. All expenses connected with religious activities of the Kumbhabhishekam.

In all, it is estimated that the above will work out to about Rs. 30 lakhs.  This calls for generous contributions by all devotees for this noble cause.  Given that there are only three intervening months, the activities need continuous funding.  May we therefore request everyone to contribute liberally at the earliest so that the jobs can be sustained without a dearth of cash flows.  While some of the devotees prefer to make the contribution on the eve of a function, the need for cash flows is immediate rather than later. 

As usual, contributions can be made to the bank account of Suraikayur Chartiable Trust.  They are eligible for tax benefit under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act as a donation.

A detailed income and expenditure statement will be prepared and circulated post the Kumbhabhishekam.

Thank you,

Trust Committee

Kumbabhishekam on 5th February 2020

The next Kumbhabhishegam of Suraikayur Mahasastha Ayyanar koil will be performed on Wednesday, 5th February 2020.  

Devotees will recall a blog post in March 2019 when it was stated that the event will be sometime in February 2020.  After consultations with scholars, the date for the event has been finalised.

The functions will commence on Monday, 3rd, continuing to Tuesday, 4th and culminating on Wednesday, 5th February 2020.

This advance intimation is given to enable devotees to make their travel plans well in time to assemble in large numbers.

We are hopeful that the devotees of Mahasastha Ayyanar will contribute their financial might.  While many have committed large sums of money, an event of this scale needs substantial resources.  A Kumbhabhishekam, which happens once in 12 years, is an opportunity to participate financially in the upkeep and maintenance of the temple and to seek the blessings of the Lord.  While no contribution can be considered small, given the costs involved and the limited number of devotees attached to the temple, no contribution can be considered big either.  So let us try to contribute generously, since the next opportunity to play our part will come only in 2032 when we shall be 12 years older!

A formal invitation will be circulated once it is drafted and printed.

Annual Abhishekam conducted with usual fervour

The Annual Mahabhishekam of  Sri Pushkalamba Sametha Mahasastha Ayyanar and the parivara devathas was conducted on Sunday, 8th Sept 2019, with usual vigour and routine.  The programme commenced at about 8:30 a.m. and ended by about 1:30 p.m.

Thanks to good rains in the upper catchment areas of river Cauvery, the Goddess which makes the entire Thanjavur delta fertile, green and provider of abundance, was in full flow with release of water from Mettur Dam.  Young locals were happily enjoying the flowing Vettar with gay abandon.  Some of the devotees who arrived by train at Papanasam straight went to the river for a refreshing bath, something city dwellers sadly miss, and thereafter went to the temple to join the proceedings.  A great idea indeed worthy of emulation.  Perhaps the next time, I myself will consider doing the same.

For the last few years it is generally observed that the attendance on this annual day has been reducing despite holding it on a Sunday.  Similarly, devotees of younger age group, the baton holders of the future to carry forward the tradition of a Kuladeivam, is also conspicuously absent.  This is something of serious concern for all devotees and their families.  If the chain of continuous succession through generations is lost, in some ways our connect with our forefathers may too.

It is hoped that the Almighty will show the way forward and ensure better wholehearted participation next year and years to come.

The proceedings concluded with deeparadanai and distribution of prasadam.

Photos take on the occasion are given in the link here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pu67ZAwkM5hecN76A

Annual Mahabhishekam on 8th Sept 2019

Devotees of Sri Mahasastha Ayyanar may please take note that the next Annual Mahabhishegam will be held at Suraikayur on Sunday, 8th September 2019.  As usual, the proceedings are expected to commence around 8 a.m. with sankalpam, followed by homam, abhishegam, alankaram, deeparadhani culminating in prasadam distribution.

Let us assemble in large numbers to receive the blessings of our Kuladeivam.

It goes without saying, devotees' usual support and contributions are most welcome.

Meeting of Devotees

On the auspicious day of Tamil New Year, a meeting was held today, Sunday, 14th April 2019 @ 4 p.m., at P.S.High School, Ramakrishna Mutt Road, Mylapore, Chennai. 

The agenda of the meeting was to update the financials and temple activities with the devotees, plan for Kumbhabhishekam in 2020, induct volunteers and interact with devotees present.

The accounts upto 31st March 2019 were shared with the devotees present.

During the meeting Mrs and Mr Haritheerthan had arranged cold "Kalathi Rose Milk", a well known shop in Mylapore.

Photos taken on the occasion can be found in this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/W9vPHLabxJxYfE6h8

Need Volunteers for Kumbabishekam preparations

The number of families amongst devotees who consider Sri Mahasastha Ayyanar at Suraikayur as their Kula Deivam is a small one. Of these, there are some who are regular in visiting the temple.

The task of conducting the Kumbabishekam is not a small one. While devotees will contribute their might monetarily, there are several activities which are required to be carried out. These include frequent visits to the temple to supervise work, coordination of all kinds, monitoring progress to timelines, any other job, etc.

Devotees, men and women who are willing to slog it out for nothing in return, since these are voluntary tasks, but with guarantee of personal satisfaction that you played a part, may please come forward and give their names.

Kumbabhishekam likely in February 2020

Devotees will recall that the last kumbabishekam of our kuladeivam Sri Mahasastha Ayyanar at Suraikayur was performed on 4th September 2008. As is customary, the next kumbabishekam will fall due after 12 years in 2020. 

It has been advised by the learned that it will be more auspicious to perform the kumbabishekam in Uttarayanam. While the date for the kumbabishekam is yet to be finalised, which will be done in consultation with pundits, it is likely to be sometime in February 2020.

But before that, some civil repair jobs may have to be undertaken to the structure. These include widening of the main entrance to the Sannadhi  for better visibility of Pushkalamba from the hall, repairing of cracks, arresting leaks, scraping and painting, both interior and exterior surface, constructing a tiled roofing outside the temple between the horses for devotees to stand and have darshan under shade. Some repair is also overdue for electrical wiring and fittings. 

These repairs and improvements are expected to take at least about 3 to 4 months. The estimated cost of these is about Rs 8 lakhs. 

The vaideega kariyams, consisting of dakshina for vedic pundits, material required for the rituals, food for them, prasad for devotees, arrangements, etc., are expected to cost about Rs 12 lakhs.

Devotees are requested to contribute their might commensurate with their capacity, to this common cause.

Contributions can be made to the bank account of 'Suraikayur Charitable Trust'. Devotees are aware that contributions to the trust account are eligible for 80G benefit under Income Tax Act.

May Sri Maha Sastha Ayyanar bless you and family always.

Captivating Alankaram at Mahabhishekam 2018

The annual reunion of the devotees of Mahasastha Ayyanar happened in large numbers this year on Tuesday, 4th September 2018, at Suraikayur, as planned for an elaborate and grand mahabhishekam.

Though there was some amount of water flowing in river Vettar and the canal close to the temple, the abundant rains recently in the Western ghats did not seem to have much impact on the river. Nonetheless, despite limited flow, the entire village was lush green. In fact the tank near the Sivan Kovil was half-full.

This year's abhishekam saw about 15 families present, though small in number, can be considered better than last year's attendance.

As usual, the proceedings included elaborate sankalpam,  homam, abhishekam, alankaram, archanai and deeparadhanai. Particularly remarkable and captivating was this year's chandana kappu and flower alankaram of the deity. I guess the Lord desired to show himself differently and beautiful to His devotees this year as He does uniquely every time.

May His blessings be with all His devotees always.

The event was followed by sumptuous and yummy prasadam consisting of panchamridam, rava pineapple-pomegranate kesari, potato fry, sambar rice and curd rice.

It is hoped that His devotees will assemble in larger numbers next year, particularly the second and third generation devotees who will be the torch bearers of the future. May Mahasastha Ayyanar enable this.

Photo taken of the event can be found in this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/GiHHS6hbbiN7PLBk8

Photos from the Past 2007-08

Recently I was going through some of the old archived albums and stumbled upon photos shared by Sri Haritheerthan long ago.  Somehow these have not been shared.  Can't understand why I didn't do it before.  But they should have been.  Therefore I do it now.  After all, it is better to be late than never.  So here they are for everyone to see and to preserve for posterity too.

The photos cover the period June 2007 to August 2008.  They reflect the various stages in the renovation and reconstruction of the temple, additions of Vinayakar sannadhi and guesthouse, and most importantly consolidation of the temple land by erecting a boundary wall to demarcate its extent, to protect it from encroachment and to secure it for the future generations of devotees of the deity.  It covers a little over one year upto before the Kumbabhishekam of the temple on September 4, 2008.

Link to the album can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Yo6RvpLPkE5vthiT9

Going through the photos one can easily understand the extraordinary efforts put-in by the Kumbhabhishekam Committee Members Sarva Sri R. Laxmi Ratan (late), A. Venkat, K.C. Radhakrishnan, S. Hari Theerthan and K. Narayanaswamy.  Words of praise and appreciation, though they don't seek, are rightfully due to them.  May Ayyanar bless them in their continuing efforts of self-less service to the temple.

Rescheduled - Mahabhishekam on Tuesday, 4th Sept 2018

Devotees may please take note that the 9th Mahabhishekam is rescheduled to Tuesday, 4th Sept 2018.

Subsequent to the blog post and WhatsApp messages conveying the date of event as Sunday, 2nd Sept 2018, several devotees have conveyed that the day happens to be Sri Gokulashtami and therefore wish to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna at home with their families.  The following Sunday, 9th happens to be Amavasai, which is not suitable either. Accordingly, considering the suggestions received for a change in date, the Mahabhishekam is rescheduled as given above.

Devotees may make travel plans accordingly to participate in this year's Mahabhishekam in larger numbers and seek the blessings of our Kuladeivam.

9th Mahabhishekam scheduled for Sunday, 2nd Sept 2018

The 9th annual Mahabhishekam of our kuladeivam, Mahasastha Ayyanar is scheduled to be held on Sunday, 2nd September 2018 at Suraikayur.  As usual, the program will begin with sankalpam of devotees, homam and abhishekam of the deities, followed by prasadam distribution.

This advance intimation is given so that devotees can make travel plans well in time, take part in the function and avail the blessings of our Lord.  Let us gather in large numbers with family.

Contributions to the trust account on this occasion are most welcome.

Urgent Need for Corpus Funds

Dear Devotees,

Greetings and best wishes to you and your family members for a Very Happy New Year 2018.  Let us collectively pray to our Kuladeivam at Suraikayur to keep our families in good health and with all blessings.

The purpose of this communication is to keep you informed of the financials of our temple.  Over a period of time, a small corpus has been created which is fetching a monthly interest of just about Rs 8,000/-.  As against this, the average monthly expenditure is about Rs 30,000/-.  This gap is at present being met by a handful of devotees.  

It is felt that there is an urgent need to increase the corpus as much as possible so that this gap can be met through increased monthly interest inflows.  As such, due to economic conditions in the financial market, the interest rates have diminished significantly.  Hence there is a need for a bigger corpus.  This has rather become an urgent necessity now to sustain the upkeep and maintenance of the temple in a way that there is no deterioration in the quality of experience that the devotees get while they visit for darshan.

To have a better understanding of the kind of expenses that get incurred every month, the following list of heads is provided below:

1. Salary to Kurukkal                         Rs 15,000
2. Salary to Watchman                             3,000
3. Salary to Utilities (electrician, etc)        1,000
4. Monthly provision                                 1,700
5. Electricity                                              2,000
6. Maintenance (cleaning, garden, etc)    3,000
7. Expenses at Mahabhishegam              5,000 (converted to per month)
8.                                        Total             30,700
9.                                        Or about Rs 30,000 p.m.

None of the above can be reduced any further and are as such at the barest minimum level.

There are around 200 families attached to the temple.  Thanks to the blessings of the Mahasastha Ayyanar and the blessings of our elders, all of us are financially doing much better than our earlier generations.  It would only be in the fitness of things that we repay our debt to the Lord in a way that when the time comes for the next generation to take over the maintenance of the temple, we can hand it over to them in a better state than what it was when we inherited it from our ancestors.

With this background, a suggestion is placed before all the devotees for their careful and most favourable consideration.  The idea is to build a corpus of at least Rs 20 lacs per annum for the next 2 to 3 years, or about Rs 60 lacs.  This will fetch a higher interest return, thereby bridge the present gap in income vs expenses.  To achieve this target, every family may consider contributing at least Rs 10,000 per annum.  

For most of the families, Rs 10,000 per annum may not be a big sum.  Devotees will appreciate that this, on an average, works to a mere Rs 833 per month and is much less than what it costs to dine in a restaurant with family these days or to go to a cinema to watch a movie.  Several families have their children living overseas and are better placed to pitch in higher.  In US dollar terms, Rs 10,000 translates to a little over $ 150.

While contributions, both big and small are welcome, devotees may please contribute as much as possible to help in tiding over the situation with ease.  

Since the year 2018 has just begun, this may be the best time of the year to make an annual commitment for the next three years, if not longer.

In case devotees have any other suggestion in mind to enhance the temple's corpus, they are most welcome to suggest.  But please also provide a workable plan for the same.  

Contributions to the corpus may be made to the following account:

     Bank Name   : State Bank of India

     A/c Title         : Suraikayur Charitable Trust

     Account No.  : 30436986822

     Branch           : Kilpauk

     IFSC Code     : SBIN0001853

It may be noted that contributions to the above account are eligible for deduction under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Before concluding this post, there is one other aspect.  Devotees will recall that the last Kumbhabishekam of the temple was performed in a grand manner on 4th Sept 2008.  Come September this year, it will be the 10th anniversary of the event.  In two more years, the next Kumbhabishekam will become due as they are generally done in a cycle of 12 years.  Certainly by then, the Lord at Suraikayur will bless us all even more to renew our devotion and commitment to Him to enable us to pay back in bigger ways possible.

Warm regards.