Thiruvanananthapuram, 02 April (H.S.):In a rare confluence of art, devotion and timeless craftsmanship, the consecration of the Adishakti Devi idol at Pournamikkavu stands as both a profound spiritual milestone and a remarkable artistic achievement shaped by generations of master sculptors.

The Prana Pratishta of Adishakti Devi was performed on Thursday, April 2, coinciding with the auspicious Pournami day, between 10:30 am and 12 noon. Considered a sacred muhurtham, the ceremony marked what is believed to be the first installation of Adishakti—the primordial cosmic energy—of its kind anywhere in the world.

In spiritual philosophy, Adishakti is revered as the supreme force that governs the universe. It is this energy that drives every aspect of existence—from the movement of celestial bodies to the basic functions of human life such as speech, memory, vision and digestion. Even beyond traditional belief systems, the concept of a universal force finds resonance, and at Pournamikkavu, this force is worshipped as Adishakti.

What sets this consecration apart is not only its spiritual significance but also the extraordinary journey of the idols themselves. The statues of Adishakti, Rajamathangi and Durga were sculpted from a single block of marble sourced from the mountains of Rajasthan. Transported to Kerala in three massive trailers, the idols received ceremonial welcomes along their route, transforming their journey into a moving spiritual procession.

At the centre of this artistic and logistical feat is Mukesh Bhardwaj, Managing Director of King Moorti Kala Kendra, Jaipur. Established in 1956, the institution has been a cornerstone of India’s marble sculpting tradition, founded by legendary artisan Shri Ram Swaroop Bhardwaj.

Under Mukesh Bhardwaj’s leadership, the organisation has evolved into a globally recognised name, exporting intricately crafted marble sculptures while preserving the authenticity of traditional techniques. Representing a new generation of custodians, he has successfully blended heritage craftsmanship with modern precision, ensuring that each creation reflects both devotion and artistic excellence.

The Adishakti idol itself stands as a testament to this legacy. Notably, it is considered the first time such a towering Adishakti idol has been installed within a sanctum (Sreekovil). The sanctum has been constructed using teak and rosewood, crowned with a copper-clad roof, enhancing its architectural grandeur. The simultaneous installation of Rajamathangi and Durga as divine guardians further adds to the uniqueness of the shrine.

The consecration rituals were led by chief priests from some of India’s most revered temples, including Madurai Meenakshi Temple, Tirunelveli Tripuranthiswarar Temple, and the Kamakhya Temple in Assam, alongside temple head Sri Sinha Gayatri Amma. From March 31 to April 2, elaborate homams and special poojas were conducted in the Yagashala under the guidance of Vedic scholars.

On the day of consecration, the temple premises witnessed a spiritually charged atmosphere as 1008 participants joined in a mass Lalitha Sahasranama chanting from 10 am. Vedic recitations by scholars and spiritual leaders from across the country further elevated the sanctity of the occasion.

The evening ceremonies will feature a traditional Panchari Melam performed by around 50 artists, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial ‘Nakshatra Vilakku’ by distinguished guests. The temple closed at 9:30 pm with the concluding Guru Pooja.

As the Adishakti idol now resides within the sanctum, it symbolizes not only divine energy but also the enduring power of human artistry. Through the skilled hands of Mukesh Bhardwaj and his lineage of sculptors, stone has been transformed into a living embodiment of faith—bridging devotion, tradition and timeless craftsmanship.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman