KOCHI: To invoke the blessings of Goddess Chandika Parameswari for vidya dhanam, unity, peace and prosperity of people, the Mattanchery Thekke Madom-based Maharudra Committee is conducting a ‘Chandika Homam’ on October 2 on Lord Dharma Sastha Temple premises at Thekke Madom as part of the Navarathri celebrations.
One of the most important ‘homams’, it is considered a panacea for all ills. It is intended to propitiate Chandika, the embodiment of all divine powers. Goddess Durga is being worshipped in nine forms, each having its own function and purpose. The ‘Homam’ is the best way of venerating the nine forms. It is performed by reciting ‘Durga Saptashathi’, also known as ‘Devi Mahatmyam’ Sanskrit Moolam hymns. The hymns (mantras), 700 in number, are considered to be potent in accomplishing the wishes of devotees. They hymns are devoted to ‘Maha Kaali’, ‘Maha Laxmi’ and ‘Maha Saraswathi’, the Committee has said in a statement.
The preparatory rites and rituals will begin on October 1 with a ‘Prathyaksha Maha Ganapathy’ Homam from 5.30 am which will be followed by ‘Yagasala Pravesham’, ‘Kalasa Sthapanam’, ‘Sankalpam’, ‘Poorvangam’, ‘Acharya/Rithwik Varanam’ and pooja.
The ‘Durga Sapthasathi’, ‘Sree Sooktha Homam’, ‘Poornahuthy’, ‘Deeparadhana’ and ‘Samaradhana’ will be recited.The recital of ‘Lalitha Sahasranamam’, ‘Soundarya Lahari’ and ‘Vishnu Sahasranamam’ and ‘Lalitha Sahasranamam archana’ will be the highlights of the functions after 4 pm. Veda recital, ‘Upachara pooja’, ‘Kramarchana’ and ‘Deeparadhana’ are the other evening rituals.
‘Vighneswara pooja’ and ‘Navagraha pooja’ will begin at 6.30 am on October 2.
‘Chandika Homam’ will begin at 7.30 am. It will conclude after ‘Poornahuti’, ‘Brahmachari pooja’, ‘Kanyaka pooja’, ‘Suvasini pooja’, ‘Maha Poornahuti’, ‘Vasordhara’, ‘Deeparadhana’, ‘Samaradhana’ and ‘Maha Aseervadam’ around 12.30 pm.