Temple Balasthapanam – 19-Jan-2025
Balasthapanam is a ceremony performed by Ādiśaiva priests (Ācāryas) as part of Shaivism, a Hindu tradition that worships Shiva as the supreme being. The ceremony involves the following steps:
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Transferring divine energyThe divine energy of the deities is transferred to pots of water called kumbams.
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Moving deities to a temporary templeThe deities are moved to a temporary temple called a balalayam, which is a Sanskrit word meaning “mini temple”.
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PrayersPrayers are performed to the kumbams.
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Returning divine energyThe divine energy is returned to the deities through the Balasthapana Kumbabishekam.
Balasthapanam is also performed before a temple is renovated. In Hindu religious practice, temples are required to be rejuvenated every 12 years, and restoration work is done at this time. After the redevelopment is complete, a grand consecration ceremony called the Maha Kumbabishegam takes place.