From a planetary perspective time is controlled by Saturn. This yagya directly eases the influence of Saturn in our lives, removes obstacles, and increases our enjoyment.
The yagya took place in a beautiful old temple in Kanchipuram, about 1 hour from Madras in South India.
As always, Ganesha is the first deity honored to remove all obstacle to the successful completion of the yagya.
The Kala Bhairava murti is always shown with a dog, because the dog is the vedic symbol of dharma; the natural order of life. In one of his right hands, you see Shiva's trident.
The yagya consisted of a fire yagya (homam) followed by the ritual bathing of the deity called an abishekam.
This yagya requires many different ingredients; specific seeds, leaves, twigs, bark, spices plus all the liquid ingredients for the abishekam.
Of course there are lots of fresh flowers and beautiful flower malas.
Everyone gets involved in the preparations.
First pujas are done in front of the Shiva temple. As is traditional a water pot (kalasha) with a coconut on top is used to invoke the deity. The purified and enlivened water will later be used in the abishekam.
Then the homam takes place.
At the end of the homam a small bundle of cloth with a coconut and various offerings is prepared and offered into the yagya fire to conclude the ceremony.
Afterwards, the priests take the water in a rather grand procession to the Kala Bharaiva temple. The Vedic tradition considers the god to be in the water pot, so he is carried carefully on the head of the priest and is shaded from the hot sun by a colorful umbrella.
At the temple the murti is first rubbed with sesame oil.
and then washed with water.
Milk is poured over the deity.
Then turmeric (haldi) is mixed with water and offered.
Then sandalwood.
Then scented sandalwood.
Then pancha amritam; a sweet mixture of chopped fruits, yogurt, ghee, and honey is offered by being smeared over the deity.
It is then washed off and the deity is sprinkled with vibhuti; sacred ash that is a favorite of Shiva.
Then the deity is dried off, dressed and decorated particularly with lots of fresh flower malas including a garland of lemons.
The yagya concludes with chanting the 1008 names of Kala Bhraiva.
Special ghee lamps are prepared.
The event concludes with special pujas and the recitation of special mantras while the ghee lamps are waved in front of the deiy.
