We'd got up at a half past 3, this morning, to be in time for the 'Ganapati homam' which had to be finished before sunrise. Towards the end of the hour long prayer and chants, small figurines of the heads of the turtle, buffalo, elephant, pig and lion were buried within the floor and the god's seat was firmly placed above the spot for two reasons viz:-
(a) the animals would absorb the negative aura, if any, that are inherent in the house - in other
words, an antidote for bad 'vaastu'.
(b) the spot's importance in the scheme of things in that by being beneath the god's place in the
house, everyone's gonna treat it deferentially.
A quick breakfast and it was time for the house warming ceremony. Between a half past 9 and 10, the cooking range was lit from the fire from the makeshift stove used for the earlier ceremony. Lekha's pitcher of milk had boiled and spilled out in the southerly direction. The priest has consequently asked us to seek the blessings of our relations who have passed into the mist of time to ensure a trouble free stay at the new house. So much about symbolism!
There was a tight bunch of guests who'd made it for the lunch which was basically a thanksgiving to all the workers who'd put in efforts to get the house to its present state. They're also distributed with new clothes as part of the custom!
The evening 'puja', after sunset, for the goddess was a colourful affair. A very bright 'rangoli' and chants with an array of seven brightly lit lamps made it ceremonial, ethereal and with a mesmerising aura.
Tailpiece.
After seeing the last guest off, we'd settled down for the evening and it was our first night at 'The Quarterdeck'.
(a) the animals would absorb the negative aura, if any, that are inherent in the house - in other
words, an antidote for bad 'vaastu'.
(b) the spot's importance in the scheme of things in that by being beneath the god's place in the
house, everyone's gonna treat it deferentially.
A quick breakfast and it was time for the house warming ceremony. Between a half past 9 and 10, the cooking range was lit from the fire from the makeshift stove used for the earlier ceremony. Lekha's pitcher of milk had boiled and spilled out in the southerly direction. The priest has consequently asked us to seek the blessings of our relations who have passed into the mist of time to ensure a trouble free stay at the new house. So much about symbolism!
There was a tight bunch of guests who'd made it for the lunch which was basically a thanksgiving to all the workers who'd put in efforts to get the house to its present state. They're also distributed with new clothes as part of the custom!
The evening 'puja', after sunset, for the goddess was a colourful affair. A very bright 'rangoli' and chants with an array of seven brightly lit lamps made it ceremonial, ethereal and with a mesmerising aura.
Tailpiece.
After seeing the last guest off, we'd settled down for the evening and it was our first night at 'The Quarterdeck'.
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