Laksha Kunkummarchana - Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple

Laksha Kunkumarchana is an extremely sacred and powerful ritual performed at the Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. In this ritual, one lakh (100,000) kumkum offerings are made while chanting the divine names of the deity. "Laksha" means one lakh, and "Kumkumarchana" means offering kumkum (vermilion) at the feet of the Lord with the recitation of each of His names. This archana is usually performed by several priests or devotees over several hours or days. It is a grand spiritual ritual aimed at invoking divine grace, protection and prosperity. Kumkum, a symbol of auspiciousness and feminine energy (shakti), when offered in such a large quantity, increases the power and sanctity of this ritual. Devotees participate in or sponsor this puja to overcome obstacles, gain spiritual merit, and be blessed with health, wealth and harmony in life. It is especially beneficial on special occasions or when seeking divine intervention in life's challenges.

In laksha Kumkumarchana first taking a Sankalp in the name of the devotees, where the devotee expresses his name, gotra and wish for the worship. Pandit ji invokes the lord with chanting mantras and prayers. The ritual is performed in the divine presence of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, with the idol or picture decorated and prepared for worship. One lakh times, the divine names of the deity - often from the Ashtottara Shatanamaavali or other sacred texts - are chanted in a continuous manner by pandit ji. With the utterance of each name, a little kumkum is poured on the lotus feet of the god or goddess or on the yantra or kalash representing the deity. This process is repeated until all 100,000 names are completed. The puja includes deepam (lamp), naivedayam (offering), aarti and distribution of prasad.