As in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, desire to conduct a Maha Chandi Homam every day of the nine days came to mind in 2020. Articles for previous years can be found in the Writing Section of this blog.
The photo at the top of this post shows the offering of a "Pushpa Mala" ( flower necklace ) to the Goddess towards the end of one of the Maha Chandi Homams.
Being a year older, there was increased worry about stamina. To top it all, the pandemic situation created increased worry. As before, hoped for help from the Divinities.
Srimathy and Sapna organized the invitation of people to the function: only a limited number of people were invited and even those were spaced apart time wise so less than four physical invitees were present at any one point.
The set up of the massive Golu arrangement in the basement – eleven steps in all with side additions was the work of Srimathy and Sapna.
The following photo shows Srimathy and Smt. Kala Prasad by our Golu:
Boxes of wood were cut and kept ready; but getting coconuts was a problem. Due to trade restrictions, my usual source was running out; miraculously, an alternate source of coconuts came through and provided the massive quantities needed.
Workplace co-operated. Health co-operated – no cold, flu, cough or digestion problems. Weather was generally good.
Special thanks to my friend, Shree Vishnu Pedireddi, who 3,000 miles away from California, shipped a huge box of items to be offered in the Homams: this was very moving indeed: a sample of the items he sent is shown below:
The following photo shows Sapna offering:
The following photo shows Srimathy offering:
The following photo shows James Smith from my workplace and Smt. Kala Prasad offering:
The following photo shows Smt.Uma Sekar offering:
The following 29 second video clip shows Maha Chandi Homam from the 1st day:
There was Divine Music played in front of our Golu sung by people as they came in. Two clips : 28 seconds and 35 seconds of Sri Bala Thiru singing are below. Myself playing the Tabla.
Every day of the nine days was a Maha Chandi Homam performed. On the tenth day Shiva Sahasranama Homam was performed. The first day of Navaratri was very special, because that represented the 601st Homam conducted at home from the start. Guests were fed.
The whole ceremony was pure bliss!
