REUNION, FRANCE, May 22, 2012 (clicanoo.re): In the courtyard of the Maha Kali Temple on Marechal Leclerc Street, workers from Reunion and India are busy. Everything must be ready for tomorrow, the day given for the kickoff of Kumbhabhishekam ceremonies which will run until 1 June, the great day of consecration.
Work started in August 2010 to restore the religious building whose paintings had faded over the years. Indian architect Selvanathan Sthapati drew the plans. Seven workers from the subcontinent have worked under his direction, reinforced by a local team.
And the result is a most beautiful effect. Construction of a rajagopram structure for the entrance of the main temple, a homam (fire sacrifice place), a dome of gold for the shrine of Shiva, installation of natural stone from Rajasthan: “The space is become more functional, ” explains temple president Narassinguin Luders Camalon. But this renovation is a must, inscribed in the sacred texts. It must happen on average, every twelve years. The Kumbhabishekam also aims to “recharge the atmosphere of divine energy of the temple.”
During the festival’s ten days, the ceremonies will be held under the authority of Dr. S.K. Shivashri Pitchai Gurukal (one of Sivacharyars recognized by the Government of Tamil Nadu) and his priests from South India.
The festival will be marked by four events: the purification of the premises, the fire sacrifice ceremony, installation of deities and the great dedication on June 1. The last day, the holy water will be poured on the temple.