Thursday, May 25, 2006

Ayyapa - April 2006

April's temple yagya took place in a very nice traditional Ayyapa temple. Ayyapa is a peaceful god that is the resulting child of a mythological story involving Shiva and Vishnu. He is very popular in South India.



As usual, the temple yagya consisted of cooling liquid offerings that are poured over the deity. In this photo we see the temple murti covered in yogurt.




And then scented sandal paste...




After the abishekam, we provide a new silk dhoti and beautiful fresh flower malas. The priests perform the final puja by offering light from burning camphor.




At the end of the pujas the deity looks refreshed, purified, and well...happy.