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When completed, the bricks were all arranged in a line in front of the small metal image of Ganesha that had been brought out for the puja. |
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The next part of the ceremony was the actual groundbreaking. A few of the devotees made their way out on the soggy earth to dig the ceremonial spade into the ground. |
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After a shovel of dirt was removed, the half-gallon of milk, along with water from the puja vessels, was poured into the hole to ritually consecrate the ground. |
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Next, offerings were made to Ganesha using a flower to sprinkle water over Ganesha's image and the recently-decorated bricks, as well as all the food offerings present. (Notice the metal Ganesha image is visible here, as well as a small metal cobra, an image of Shiva, on top of the bricks.) |
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Finally, sacred cords were tied on each person's wrist. |
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One of the devotees explained that the tying of these
cords symbolized the unification of the temple members (including
those unable to be present at the ceremony) in their purpose to
undertake the construction project for the good of the whole
community. The final prayer was that such peace and unity might
spread to the entire world. |
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After the puja was completed, the entire crowd posed for a group photo, taken at their request, to document this "auspicious occasion." |
