The 'Pran Pratishta and Sthapana', i.e. initiation and installation of the new 'Mataji's Murti', was a ceremonious three day affair that had everyone enchanted in devotion to Mother Goddess. The one of a kind, meticulously crafted, artistically designed, gorgeous and very live and beautiful statue came all the way from India.
As soon as the 'Murti' (statue), had arrived all Her devotees' were impatient to see the light of the day when they would have 'darshan' of the adorned ornate Goddess and offer their prayers. The Goddess was welcomed with much glory and festivity. Vedic prayers, Chants, Mantras, Bhajans and collective 'Jai Mata Di', filled the Shiva Temple Hall from early hours of May 14th to the late hours of 16th of May. Extensive pujas and prasad arrangements had been made for the occasion.
Several devotees took part in the entire celebration with eagerness, enthusiasm, willing participation, selfless seva, admiration, devotion and more. The first day five Brahmin Pandits did the initial Vedic puja for which Mrs and Mr Hasmukh Seth were the representative 'Yajman" along with many members who had contributed for the purpose and were present for the 'Vedi Poojan' samaroh. A divine atmosphere was created when all of them were reciting the prayers in unison. Certain prayers like the 'Devi Samput paath' and others were recited several times. On the first day after the deliberations of prayers with combined muscle power and much physical effort the Goddess was placed in position. The 'Jaladiwas' and 'Dugdhadivas' ceremonies which is cleansing of the Goddess with water and milk for purification were conducted.
A segment of prayers were also offered in the evening too. The second day similar prayers were conducted in the morning for 'Annadiwas' and 'Faladiwas' ceremonies when the Goddess was offered a tonne of wheat and later adorned with pounds and pounds of fruit.
It was an amazing sight to see how detailed and intricately it was done. In the evening the Goddess was provided with sleep comfort called, 'Shaiyadiwas' wherein provisions were made bhajans by Vaishno Seva Samitifor her resting time. The third day was 'Akshaya Tritiya' which is considered one of the most auspicious days in the year. A 'Shobha Yatra' was organised to begin the day with children dressed in costumes and much fan fare. This day was the the main day for 'Pran Pratishtha' which means the day the Goddess' presence comes into being. This was done within the 'Abhijit Muhurat' which is again considered very auspicious. This day, She was adorned in new clothes and jewellery and She was now here for all Her devotees to rejoice and pray in Her praise. Everyone present was mesmerised and anxious to make their offerings to their dear Goddess Mother. An attractive arrangement was made to recreate the 'Vaishno Devi' cave that many devotees of the Goddess visit in the mountains of Jammu in India.
It was a major highlight of the whole program as the sand and melting ice laid in the path felt like one was walking through the river, 'Ban Ganga', the covered back, the entrance and the exit felt like the cave itself and the 'puja sthan' with the 'pinda' placed exactly as they are in Vaishno Devi created an impact which could be felt as if we were in Jammu. A special 'Mata ki Chowki' by Vaishno Seva Samiti was graced by the presence of Shri Chamunda Swamiji, a renowned devotee of the Goddess and a spiritual leader. They sang many 'bhajans' (religious songs) in praise of the Goddess which many joined in to sing along. Before the Maha Aarti and Maha Prasad the Vedic Heritage trust board formally thanked Shri Chamunda Swamiji for coming, and everyone present for making these three days most successful and memorable. During these three days all the members of Vedic Heritage Inc and devotees of the Hanuman Temple missed OUR beloved Guru Maa whose absence was greatly felt as her presence, blessings and guidance during programs such as this is priceless. But, She was blessing us from Lonavala and Her training helped the Trustees and Priests even think of organizing such a program.
