The period of prathishta rites if for the fIrst time depend on the nature of prathishta and is done in 3, 6, 7, 9, 11 or 12 days. If there is no shadaadhaara-prathishta and no parivaara-prathishta the rites can be confIned to 3 days. If there is mulayital, mandapa-samskaara etc the rites extend over to 6 or 7 days. In case the consecration of the principal deity, consecration of upa-prathishtas (subsidiary deities), parivaara-prathishtas (which include bali-peethas of ashta-dikpaalakas and gana devathaSaptha mathrakkals, Nirmalyadhaari and ksethrapaala and dwajaprathishta are done the number of days of the rites may be extended to teh nine, eleven or twelve days. They comprise various intricate rites and homas and and they have been explained in detail in the first six patalas of Thanthra Samuchaya. Every rites is significant and his direct bearing on the chaithanya of the diety. The rites commence depending on the muhoortham of bimba-prathshta. The nine day rites having prathista for the first time is generally followed and the concecreation rite of the bimba is conducted on the six days. The timing of important rites of the noine day rites are as folows.
