Posted By

Tags

Papakura Temple marks the World’s First Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

32 Special Wooden Statues installed  for permanent view

Venkat Raman
Auckland, September 1, 2019

Chief Priest Parameswaran Chandru

Sri Ganesha Temple, incorporating ‘Karpaga Vinayagar,’ in the South Auckland suburb of Papakura became the first in the world to commence ‘Vinayaka Chaturthi’ Festival with special prayers offered to the Lord and other Deities this morning (September 1, 2019).

32 Statues being brought in a procession to the Temple

The event was exclusive to donor families and hence was not publicised. Thousands of people are expected at the Temple tomorrow and for the next eleven days.

About 200 men, women and children had assembled at the Temple at which 32 Wooden Statues, donated by as many individuals and families, were installed along the walls in the Main Temple Hall, each carrying 32 different names of Lord Ganesha (See List in this Story).

Each of the names depicts the Lord in various ‘Moods,’ ‘Stances’ and stages of life of Lord Ganesha, known to the Tamil-speaking people as ‘Pillayarappa,’ ‘Vinayakar’, among other names including those of places.

A Section of Worshippers at the Ganesh Chaturthi inaugural

Special Prayers

Vinayaka Chaturthi Festival today began with Vigneswara Pooja, Puniyaha Vahachanam, Procession of 32 Wooden Ganesha Idols around the Temple by the respective donors, Installation of the Murthis on the Temple Wall, Nithya  Pooja and Anna Dhanam. 

32 Statues being brought in a procession to the Temple

Chief Priest Parameswaran Chandru, who is endeared by a cross-section of New Zealanders including by people of other religions and faiths, conducted the proceedings with the support of his other Priests.

He said, “This Temple has not only the blessings of Vinayakar, the Main Deity but also that of the Trustee, Devotees and people of New Zealand. We are extremely proud and privileged to have 32 Wooden Statues donated by our devotees. Vinayaka Chaturthi is the most important Festival for this Temple and activities this year will be extensive over the next 12 days, until September 12, 2019,” he said.

32 Statues of Lord Ganesha waiting to be installed

Chandru said that the Temple will be open from 530 am tomorrow until at least 1030 pm with no break. There would be special prayers and the Temple will be open throughout the day without a break- but just for the day, he said.

Monday September 2, 2019

Morning Events: Highlights: Asta Draviya Sahitha Moola Mantra Homam, Vishesha Ganapathi Homam 

530 am: Asta Draviya Sahitha Moola Mantra Homam, Vishesha Ganapathi Homam, Vigneswara Pooja, Puniyaha Vachanam; 545 am: Sthapana Kumba Pooja; 550 am:  Draviya Homam; 610 am: Draviya Abhishekam; 715 am: Morning Special Arathi for Chaturthi; 745 am: Prasadam Distribution and Breakfast

Note: All Poojas are common on Chaturthi Day. Devotees keen on participating in the Morning Homam should register at the Temple with $101 fee.

8 am to 10 am: Chaturthi Archana $11; 10 am: Vigneswara Pooja, Swasthi Punniyaham
1015 am: 108 Kalasha Pooja; 11 am:  Draviya Homam; 1130 am: Rudra Abhishekam to Utsava Moorthi at Vasantham Mandapam; 12 pm: Uchikala Pooja (Arati) Maha Deeparathanai; 1215 pm to 2 pm: Chaturthi Sangalpam Archana  $11; Rudra Abhishekam    (Sponsorship $101)

Evening Events: Highlights: 108 Ashtothara Kalasabishekam And Adarvashirsha Homam
5 pm: Vigneswara Pooja, Swasthi Punniyaham; 530 pm: Ashtothara Kalasa Pooja; 545 pm: Moolamanthira Homam and Adarvashirsha Homam, Draviya Homam; 550 pm: Poorna Ahuthi; 6 pm: Shodasa Draviya Abhishekam; 630 pm: 108 Kalasabishekam, Neeranjanam; 645 pm: Ganesha Divya Namavali (Bhajans); 715 pm: Mahadeepaarathanai for Moola Sthanam; 730 pm: Vasantha Mandapa Deeparathanai; 8 pm: Tiruveethi Ula (Procession); Prasadam Distribution and Dinner.

If you wish to include your  name for 108 Kalasam, please register with the Temple Priest or Trustees at $101.

The Birthday of the Remover of All Obstacles is marked by millions of Hindus all over the world, while in the West Indian state of Maharashtra it acquires a sublime atmosphere with a week-long programme of prayers and entertainment.

Pictures for Indian Newslink by Nagesh Nemani

Share this story

Related Stories

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Indian Newslink

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement

Previous slide
Next slide

Advertisement