Maha Kumbhabhishekam 1980
THIRUCHEMBUR MURUGAN TEMPLE
MAHAKUMBHABHISHEKAM OF THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED TEMPLES PERFORMED IN THE BENIGN PRESENCE OF JAGADGURU SANKARACHARYA
H.H.SHRI JAYENDRA SARASWATHI SWAMIJI OF SRI KANCHI KAMAOKOTI PEETHAM
ON 24TH JANUARY 1980
Sivagamam: Sivasri Allur V.Viswanatha Sivacharyar
Celebrations Committee
A celebrations committee was formed under the chairmanship of Shri Harish Mahindra, noted Industrialist. Prominent individuals, corporate leaders and industrialists adorned the celebrations Committee as Patron Members.
Chairman
Shri Harish Mahindra
Organising Secretary
Shri P.S.Subramaniyan
Temple Construction Committee
Chairman
Prof. T.V.Ramanujam
Vice Chairman:
Shri K.K.Unni
Hon. Secretary:
Shri. P.S.Subramaniyan
Members:
Shri V.Ramadurai,
Shri K.N,S.Sastri
Shri S.Venkiteswaran
Shri N.S.Pursram
Temple Architects: Shri T.Kumaresa Sthapathi
Building Architect: Shri C.S.K.Raj
Contractor: New Consolidated Company
KANCHI MAHASWAMI:
As the construction of the Temple Complex was nearing completion, the Samaj thought that it would be a great privilege and blessing for all the devotees in Bombay, if Paramacharyal could grace the city of Bombay and participate with His Divine presence for the Maha Kumbhabhishekam.
Accordingly, representatives of the Samaj visited Kanchipuram and requested His Holiness Paramacharyal to suggest a suitable date for the Maha Kumbhabhishekam and also requested Him to visit Mumbai for the celebrations. As suggested by the great sage the Samaj decided to perform the Maha Kumbhabhishekam on Thursday, 24th January 1980. Shri Paramacharyal deputed Jagadguru Sankaracharya H.H. Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal to visit Mumbai and participate in the Maha Kumbhabhishekam.
His Holiness Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal undertook His maiden Vijaya Pada Yatra to Mumbai and enroute, visited many pilgrim centers.
POOJA PROCEDURES:
Traditionally, the Pooja rituals for Guruvayurappan and Dharma Sastha temples, especially in Kerala are performed as per Tantra Sastras and the Pooja rituals for Lord Vinayagar, Lord Muruga and Goddess Durga are performed in accordance with Agama Sastras. Therefore the Samaj decided that the pooja rituals for Lord Vinayagar, Lord Muruga, and Goddess Durga will be performed by Sivacharyas from Tamil Nadu as per Agama Sasthras and the rituals for Lord Guruvayurappan and Lord Dharma Sastha will be performed by Nambudris from Kerala as per Tantra Sastras.
As advised by Kanchi Paramacharyal, the Samaj approached Dr. Shri Allur Viswanatha Sivacharya, Principal of Agama Veda Patashala, at Allur, near Trichy, to guide the Samaj in the consecration and the Maha Kumbhabhishekam of the Temples. Shri Allur Viswanatha Sivacharya, with his immense experience in Temple Pooja rituals has been of significant help to the Samaj. Since then, he has been advising the Samaj on all matters relating to Temple Pooja rituals, festivals, etc.
Similarly the Samaj approached Shri Diwakaran Nambudri, of Tantra Vidya Peetham in Kerala to assist the Samaj in Pooja rituals related to Guruvayurappan and Dharma Sastha Temples.
YAGA SHALA RITUALS:
As prescribed in the Agama Sastras, a Uttama Paksha Yagashala (33 Homa Kundams for Lord Muruga – which is the maximum as prescribed in the sastras) and one each for Lord Vinayagar, Goddess Durga Devi, Navagrahas, was set up. Similarly, the Yagashala for Lord Guruvayurappan and Lord Dharma Sastha was erected. The rituals commenced on 21st January 1980 and the consecration of the temples and the Maha Kumbhabhishekam of the temples were performed on 24th January 1980, in the benign presence of His Holiness Jagadguru Sankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.
Shri K.V.Jagannathan (Kee Vaa Jaa):
Shri K.V.Jagannathan (popularly known as Kee Vaa Jaa) who specially came to Bombay to participate in the functions described this temple situated in the west coast of India similar to the temple in Thirchendur which is located in the east coast. Accordingly, he described this temple as “while in the east coast there is Thiruchendur, in the west coast there dwells Muruga in Thiruchembur”. It was a historic occasion for all the south Indians, domiciled in Mumbai to witness the Divine presence of Lord Muruga in Thiruchembur. Over 25,000 devotees from all over Mumbai participated in the festival. Special cultural programmes were organized to mark the event.
