Why are Day Poojas conducted in Ottawa Sivan Temple?
Ottawa Sivan Temple is owned and operated by the Saivites and Hindu community living in Ottawa region. To foster prosperity and happiness to our community and others living in Ottawa and other areas in Canada, all THREE poojas to Lord Siva and other deities are conducted daily in the Temple through the resident priest.
Temple is basically run on the income donated by the sponsors of Day poojas. Benefits from Day Poojas performed in the absence of sponsors also reach the devotee and family. This is called ‘Parartha’ Pooja in ‘Agamam’.
How are the day/s selected by devotee for day pooja?
The day selected by devotee is an important day for the devotee and his/her family, such as Wedding day, Birth Day of family member/s, Anniversary etc.
How many day poojas per year can be sponsored by devotee and family?
A devotee and his family are free to sponsor one or more day pooja as they wish. Temple Administration requests each and every Saivite/Hindu families living in Ottawa region to sponsor at least one Day pooja per year.
Which of the THREE Poojas is sponsored by the day poojas sponsors?
In fact, all THREE poojas on that day are sponsored by the devotee. Names & Nakshatras of Devotee and family members are pronounced by Priest during all three poojas. Generally devotee and his/her family visit Temple for Noon or Evening Pooja to perform Sankalpam for Abishekam and Pooja.
Can the Devotee sponsoring Day pooja spend the whole day at Temple?
Yes, They can be allowed to use the Temple kitchen to cook their food, and Basement Hall to stay and have food. They are expected to share Prasatham with other devotees visiting the Temple on that day. Additional donation is expected for use of kitchen and items if used from temple stores. Sponsor of the day pooja can also invite relations or friends families to spend the day at the Temple. While booking for day pooja, devotee can request for these facilities at the Temple office.
What if TWO devotees request for booking the same day for day pooja?
Temple administration will inform devotees about the bookings. Devotees can perform Poojas on the same day or one of them may change the day of Pooja.
What are the other privileges given to the day pooja sponsors?
A special Abhishekam is carried out using special ingredients to Sivalingam in the Moolasthaanam one hour before the pooja and new clothes and flower decorations are offered to Lord Siva by the name of the devotee & family and the Pooja is performed. On completion of Pooja, prasatham consisting of Vibuti, Kumkumam, flowers, Pongal, fruits offered to Lord Siva and ‘Santhana Maalai’ worn by Lord Siva during the Pooja will be given to sponsors. This Santhana Maalai carries holy vibrations created by Mantra Chanting during the Pooja.
Devotee sponsoring one Day Pooja per year is considered as Member of Ottawa Sivan Temple. In addition, when he/she performs volunteer service in temple, he/she become suitable to be elected as Director/Trustee of Temple.