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Home > Temples of Kerala > Temple rites Nata-thurakkal or opening of sreekovilThe sreekOuil is opened in the early morning of the ninth day of the prathishta rites. The first ritual is kaT).i-kaaTJal, literally meaning. the first sight, by the deity for which a calf 01' cow is tied in front of the garbha-dwaara when it is opened. Then alone the devotees are allowed to worship. This is the most auspicious time of worship for the devotees. It is recalled that just before the closing of the shrine after the prathishta three lamps (of ghee, gingelly oil and coconut oil) were kept at the garbha-grha. When the shrine is opened on the ninth day and if all the lights are burning, it is considered that the rites (kriyas) have been done by all concerned most diligently. On the other hand if any of these lights are extinguished then they reflect kanna-lopa (improper execution of duties or rites) of those involved in prathishta ie, the extinguishment of ghee-Iamp, gingelly oil lamp and coconut oil lamp indicate the kanna-lopa (impurity of actions) of the Aachaarya, Yajamaana and Sizpi respectively. Therefore in such cases the Daivanja (astrologer) has to be approached to ensure the extent of defect and praaYaSchhittha (expiatory rite) done. But generally such intricate things are often ignored due to the ignorance on the part of the concerned persons. All these, however imply the importance of each rite associated with prathishta and the necessity to execute them with total dedication.
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