Edmonton Ganesha Temple -- Blessing the Temple Sthupi

The Edmonton Maha Ganapathy Temple.

Bodhinatha with five of the seven priests, as well as the young son of the temple priest who ably assisted throughout the ceremony.

Bodhinatha carries a kumbha at the start of the kalasam abhishekam.

Bodhinatha is joined by the priests. After several days of unseasonal winds and rain, the day has dawned clear and calm.

The temple spire in all its glory, soon to be blessed and re-energized.

A Genie Boom Z 80 60 articulated lift was used in lieu of the more traditional rickety scaffolding to carry Bodhinatha and the priests to the roof.

Approaching the Kalasam which is directly above the main diety. It is said that the kalasam serves to direct spiritual energies down to the diety.

The highly energized and sanctified water is poured over the kalasam.

The kalasam blessing is complete.

Sanctified water is sprinkled on the heads of devotees as a blessing.

Proceeding to the next part of the ceremony. After the ceremony, special puja will be conducted every day for 40 days to stabilize the temple vibration.

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During a Mahakumbabhishekam, the power is transferred from the temple Diety to the brass kumbhas or pots, filled with water and special herbs. Worship to the Diety stops and the kumbas are worshipped instead. As many can attest, this often brings strong winds and rains, as it did in Edmonton. During this time repairs can be made to the shrines, additions, etc. Finally through intense chanting and ceremony the kumbhas are further energized, the water is poured, first over the temple spires (stupis or Kalasas), then over the Dieties. The power is returned to the temple and worship once again commences. Many thanks to the professional photography of temple trustee Sutha Suthaker, for these beautiful photos of the final day ceremonies.