Abhishekha is Sanskrit word to describe the process of cleaning and washing the sacred idols of Hindu god and godess in any temple during a pooja. It is a daily ritual performed by the priests in any temple, where in the idols are washed with milk, honey, curd, etc and finally bathed in water as a purification process and later it is distributed among the devotees.
What is the purpose of conducting the abhishekha?
There have been debates regarding conducting abhishekha for stone idols in temples. These age old granite idols have the tendency to develop cracks on ageing. Regular contact with agents such as milk, honey and oil help in keeping the idol intact, thus preserving these ancient sculptures.
Another interesting observation is that, the base on which these idols are mounted, is made up of specific alloy of gold, silver and traces of lead, which have medicinal properties when combined with milk and honey. This is why milk and panchamrita from the abhishekha that are distributed are said to have special properties that cure many diseases.
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