Consecration of the Deity in an under-construction temple allowed as per scriptures

Clarifies Varanasi’s Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid based on Karmakanda Pradeep and other scriptures

Varanasi – Several people are objecting that until the pinnacle of Shriram Temple is constructed, it is not appropriate to install the Idol of Shriram Lalla. On this matter, Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid of Varanasi has pointed out that there are two types of consecration performed in temples. The first type is when the entire temple is constructed, and the other one is when the temple construction is ongoing. Both practices are supported by sacred scriptures.

Ganeshwar Shastri elaborated as follows,

There are two types of consecration (Abhishek) performed – one on the Deity and another on the temple’s pinnacle. After the completion of the entire temple, consecration is performed on the Deity in the sanctum sanctorum. Also, consecration is performed on the pinnacle by a sanyasi (monk). Pinnacle consecration cannot be performed by a householder.

If the temple is not fully constructed, after the Deity’s consecration, the temple is completely built and on a chosen auspicious day and time, pinnacle consecration is performed. Ganeshwar Shastri gives the reference of the letter number 338 from the book ‘Karmakanda Pradeep,’ authored by Anna Shastri Ware, a Vedic expert. There is no contradiction between this practice and the notable verse from ‘Ishwarsanhita’ in the book ‘Pancharatragama.’ The concept of such consecration is also found in the Brihannaradiya Purana.

People perform Vastu Shanti rituals after constructing even a single floor and then enter the house. Later the remaining part of the house is constructed. Therefore, it is not necessary to wait until the entire construction is completed for the installation. The same applies to the Shriram Temple. Here, before consecration, there will be rituals for Vastu Shanti, Yagna (fire ritual) and food donation to Brahmins.

The temple doors are already in place. The sanctum sanctorum is sealed with protective coverings of rocks. Hence, there is no fault in worshipping the idol of Shriram. After the temple construction is complete, the tree plantation ceremony will be conducted as per ‘Pratishthasar Deepikakot Kalasharopan Vidhi’ prescribed in the ritual handbook.