››› MAHA ABHISHEKA: An Introduction
Abhishekha is a religious ceremony where an icon or idol is bathed in special liquids, to the accompanient of religious hymns. This can be done with water, or milk or any combination. When performed with Milk, Curds (Yogurt), Ghee, Honey, Sugar , it acquires a special name and is called Panchaamruta abhisheka (panch – five, amruta – nectar).
Traditionally, the abhisheka of Moola Rama is performed only on two days in the calendar. The first is Chaitra Shuddha Navami (the ninth day in the bright half of the Hindu Lunar month of Chaitra), the day the Lord incarnated as Rama, and the second is BalipAdya or Deepavali, which is celebrated on Kartika Shuddha Pratipath (the first day in the bright half of the Hindu lunar month of Kartika). These abhishekas are called as Rama Navami and Deepavali abhishekas respectively. Another simple abhisheka is done the day after Deepavali. This is called Mari (young) or Maru (repeat) abhisheka.
It would be very difficult to enumerate in full detail all the traditions and religious festivals associated with Rayara Matha. However, keeping in mind the fact that it is Deepavali season it seems appropriate to provide some details about the above abhishekas. In the Matha, the sixteen-fold worship (Shodashopachara pooja) of the Lord is performed every day. This includes abhisheka for the shaligramas, Sri vyAsa muShTi and icons of Sri Hayagreeva and Sri Santaanagopalakrishna. As mentioned above, abhisheka for Moola Rama is performed only twice a year. Since this happens only once in six months, it is natural for a a lot of pomp and glory to be associated with this event. However, this glory is something that needs to be experienced and cannot be explained by mere words.