Page 2 - Newsletter Mar 2019

From The Editor’s Desk

Dear Members, thought and action. Consuming the

Balambika Divya Sangam (BDS) would like ‘theertham’ or ‘abhishekam jalam/paal ’ has
spiritual as well as medicinal value due to
to thank its members for their selfless
support and generous sponsorships, which its composition of the herbal dravyam

make it possible for viewers around the items. In our homes, when we perform

globe to witness the multitude of services thirumanjanam for our ‘shaligrama’ and
and rituals performed within the precincts ‘srichakra’, we experience a similar sense of

of the Malur Sri Balambika Temple. Be it satisfaction in being able to worship and of-
fer our services to the divine energy.
outreach programs conducted by the
volunteers, or abhishekams and alanka- Being able to be physically present to

rams for the deities, everyday, we enjoy the observe and absorb the divine bathing of
colorful displays on WhatsApp, and start the gods, and drink the abhishekam

our day with Sri Bala’s blessings. Although theertham/milk is indeed a blessing.

it is not possible to be present physically to Participating in the chanting of the
imbibe the spirituality, we all can surely namavalis, sahasranamams and Vedic

experience the divine benefits of the rituals mantras invokes the blessings of the deity
from where we see it. There is a special sig- and furthers our spiritual growth. As our

nificance associated with the specific days elders and gurus have always encouraged,

chosen for these abhishekams – Chaturthi we should all make some time in our busy
(Ganesha), Panchami, Ashtami, Pournami, schedule to visit our local temple regularly,

and Nakshatra tithi. For Ambal, these days and contribute our services in mind and

have deep allusions to religious fervor and body. This simple step will slow down our
spiritual bliss. fast paced lives, help us answer the true

As outlined in the Agama Shastra, the ab- purpose of our birth, and enable us to view
hishekam procedure with its chose dra- the world with a better perspective.

vyams (items used in the offering), such as Sarvejana Sukhinobhavanthu.
turmeric water, milk, curd, honey, sandal-

wood paste, tender coconut water, to name

a few, have each a deep meaning and impli-
cation for the deity as well as the devotee.

While these materials can be suggested as
having curing properties for the stone idols,

it also signifies the royal treatment befitting

a king or a queen. Above all, the entire pro-
cess of the abhishekam, when watched with

sincere devotion, amidst Vedic chantings, is

intended to spark a sense of devotion that
cleanses the sins and encourages purity in

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