Maha Khumbhabhishekam from April 16

Amidst chanting of Vedic mantras, 'Maha Khumbhabhishekam' rituals will commence at Pavakulam Shiva temple in Kochi from April 16.

Amidst chanting of Vedic mantras, 'Maha Khumbhabhishekam' rituals will commence at Pavakulam Shiva temple in Kochi from April 16.

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Besides the 'Maha Khumbhabhishekam', 'Maha Rudram', ' and 'Rudra Kalasha abishekam' would also be performed. At least 120 priests drawn from various temples in the state will participate in the various rituals.

This is the first time that four rituals are being conducted simultaneously in a temple in South India, Kumbhabhishekam committee President B R Ajit told reporters in Kochi.

The rituals will commence on April 16 at 5 am with a 'Maha Ganapathi' homam. Pooja materials for various rituals are being brought from 121 temples in Ernakulam district.

Work on a 25,000 feet 'Yagashala' is progressing and a huge 'Shiva linga' is also being constructed.

The organisers are expecting about 10,000 devotees every day. The expenses for conducting the Maha Khumbhabhisekham would be around Rs 50 lakh, R Babu, coordinator, said.

VHP All India Working President S Vedantam, would take part, the organisers said.