Laksha Kumkumarchana - Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple

Laksha Kumkumarchana is a very holy and powerful ritual. It is performed at the Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. In this puja, one lakh (100,000) kumkum (vermilion) offerings are made while chanting the names of the deity. The word “Laksha” means one lakh, and “Kumkumarchana” means offering kumkum at the Lord’s feet while saying each of His names. This ritual is usually done by many priests or devotees. It can take several hours or even days to complete. It is a grand spiritual event done to receive blessings, protection, and prosperity. Kumkum, which stands for good luck and feminine energy (Shakti), adds great power to the ritual when offered in large amounts. Devotees take part in or sponsor this puja to remove problems in life, gain spiritual rewards, and be blessed with good health, wealth, and peace. It is especially helpful during special occasions or when asking for divine help in difficult times.

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.