By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 25: The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Kuching will celebrate its Maha Kumbhabhishegam (Temple Consecration Ceremony) from October 27–30, marking the completion of its reconstruction.
According to Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Association Kuching president Dato Shankar R P Asnani, Maha Kumbhabhishegam is one of the most significant ceremonies in Hindu temple tradition.
He said priests and Vedic scholars travelling from India will conduct traditional prayers and sacred rituals to consecrate the temple and its deities, invoking divine blessings for the temple and the wider community.
“For our devotees, the completion of the temple fulfils a long-held collective aspiration.
“It renews a sacred place of worship that holds deep spiritual, cultural and historical significance for the Hindu community in Sarawak and provides a home for our religious traditions for generations to come,” he said in a statement issued today.
The celebration will include a chariot procession on Oct 27, beginning at 7.30pm, where it will depart from Sri Srinivasagar Temple, Jalan Ban Hock, and proceed to Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.
On Oct 30, sacred rituals will commence at 7.30am, followed by the main consecration ceremony at 9am, whereby guests of honour are expected to arrive at 10.30am.
“We warmly invite devotees, friends of the temple, and members of the public to join us on this auspicious occasion.
“Members of the press and media organisations are also cordially invited to attend and cover the ceremony. We appreciate their support in sharing this spiritual and cultural milestone with the wider public,” he said.
Following the main consecration ceremony, the temple will observe a 48-day Mandala period of continued prayers and religious observances.
During this period, devotees will have the opportunity to participate in Chandi Homa, a sacred fire ritual dedicated to Goddess Chandi, a manifestation of the Divine Mother associated with protection, courage and the overcoming of difficulties.
Through prayers and sacred offerings, devotees seek the Divine Mother’s blessings for peace, strength, well-being and protection for their families, loved ones and the wider community.
“Chandi Homa participation and sponsorship slots will be available at RM1,500 per slot. Individuals, families, and businesses may dedicate a slot to loved ones, their family or business, or another meaningful intention,” he said.
Devotees and well-wishers are welcome to enquire about the available slots and arrangements during the 48-day Mandala period and may contact the following:
- Karishma: 019-857 0773
- Kamlesh: 019-817 0005
- Sekhar Rengasamy: 011-2707 8052
“The completion of our temple reflects the faith and perseverance of our community, together with the support of a government that values the diverse religious traditions of its people.
“We look forward to welcoming devotees and well-wishers, and to continuing the temple’s role as a place of worship, cultural preservation and community service,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shanker expressed gratitude to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premier and minister in charge of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and Unifor director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau for their support.
“The support extended to our temple reflects the unity and inclusiveness that define Sarawak. It enables our community to safeguard its religious and cultural heritage and pass these traditions on to future generations.
“Our heartfelt thanks also go to everyone who has contributed time, expertise and effort to the reconstruction. Their dedication has helped turn our shared aspiration into a reality.” — DayakDaily
