Bokaro celebrated a major religious milestone with the installation of a 22-feet tall Deepa Sthambh at the Sree Ayyappa Temple, marking a first in Jharkhand and one of the few of its kind in the country. This grand deepa, believed to be one of the tallest in the country, was ceremoniously installed with the chanting of sacred mantras, creating an aura of divinity that enveloped the temple grounds.
Special Efforts in Bringing the Deepa Sthambh
The Ayyappa Seva Sangham played a pivotal role in this event by arranging for the Deepa Sthambh to be specially crafted and transported from Kerala. The Deepa Sthambh was lit in front of Lord Ayyappa, with traditional diya lighting enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the temple. The presence of this monumental pillar adds to the temple’s grandeur, and the aarti performed in its light was a sight to behold, symbolising the deep reverence of the devotees.
Eminent Guests Elevate the Ceremony
The ceremony was graced by notable personalities, including Shivraj Patil, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, accompanied by his wife and Bokaro MLA Biranchi Narayan. Their participation added a layer of prestige to the event. Saseendran Karat, a member of the Ayyappa Seva Sangham Executive Committee, remarked, “This Deepa Sthambh is not just a structure but a divine entity that radiates a unique energy when lit.” He emphasised that having such a significant symbol of devotion installed in Bokaro is a matter of immense pride for the local community.
Construction and Unique Features of the Deepa Sthambh
Constructed from brass, the Deepa Sthambh stands at an impressive height of 22 feet. It requires 50 liters of oil and 4 kilograms of cotton to light, capable of accommodating 1008 diyas simultaneously. This scale underscores the Deepa Sthambh’s grandeur and the special spiritual experience it aims to provide. The meticulous craftsmanship and the sheer size of the pillar are intended to offer devotees an unparalleled sense of the divine presence.
Significance of the 18 Sacred Steps
The Sree Ayyappa Temple, located in Sector 5 of Bokaro, features 18 sacred steps leading up to it. These steps hold deep symbolic meaning: the first five represent the five senses, the next eight symbolise human emotions, the following three denote human qualities, and the final two stand for knowledge and ignorance. The newly installed Deepa Sthambh is positioned in front of these steps, enhancing their spiritual significance.
A Series of Religious Rituals and Celebrations
The installation was followed by a series of elaborate rituals. Prominent members of the temple committee, including P. Rajagopal, Saseendaran Karat, Mohan Nair, ES Susheelan, Suresh Kumar KA, and Principal P. Shailaja Jayakumar and teachers of Sree Ayyappa Public School-05, were in attendance. The rituals began early in the morning with Mahaganpati Havan, Kalash Puja, Usha Puja, and Kalash Abhishek, culminating in a series of evening ceremonies.
Later on September 2, 2024, the evening rituals will include Deep Aradhana, Ankur Puja, Puja of the Eighteen Steps (Padipuja), Night Bhog Puja, Harivarasanam with Sribhutbali, and the closing of the gates. The following day will follow a similar schedule, with an additional Palliveta procession. The annual puja will conclude on September 4 with a final series of rituals, including Mahaganpati Havan, Bhagavata Parayana, and various other ceremonies led by Sabarimala’s Chief Tantrivarya Brahmshree Mahesh Mohanru Kanduru.
#SreeAyyappaTemple #DeepaSthambh #BokaroEvents #ReligiousCeremony #JharkhandNews #KeralaTraditions #SpiritualSignificance #TempleRituals #AyyappaSevaSangham #DivineExperience
