In my recent trip to Kamakshi temple, I was talking to Sri Suresh Sthanikar, who is also from Guhanandha Mandali on various topics and one topic was about Chandana Seva. This was already told to me by Sri Subbu of AZ. Sri Suresh was telling me the difficulties in getting chandanam and also getting sponsors regularly. Sri Subbu coordinates with interested folks and Suresh.
The following text is from Sri Kamakoti Mandali.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Sri Suresh at +91 97915 45422 on how to participate. If you are in US, please contact Sri Subbu at sbkcorp@gmail.com
Om Sri Matrey Namaha!
The worship of Sri Kamakshi is based on the secret manual – Saubhagya Chintamani Kalpa – specially authored by Krodha Bhattaraka Sri Durvasa. This work speaks of the Mahatmya of Nitya Puja to Sri Kamakshi and the special Chandana Abhisheka performed to Amba. By merely seeing the Chandana Abhisheka to Amba, one is washed of all sins and attains Bhoga and Moksha (Saubhagya Chintamani).
The Chandana Abhisheka to Amba and Maha Srichakra was performed judiciously for years by Sri Kamakoti Shastrigal of Guhananda Mandali, also the Srividya Sthanigar and hereditary Mirasdar of the Temple. The cost of Chandanam required to perform Abhishekam for the full month comes to about Rs. 3 Lakhs/month. Per day, it seems 1/2 kg which translates to 15 kgs/month. Each kg costs Rs 20,000. The quality fo the sandal powder from the market seems to be very poor in quality and Sri Suresh is working hard to get high quality sandhanam via logs.
Please note that I have updated this post based on my conversation with Sri Subbu. He runs a WhatsApp group for this and he will include those who are interested in this Seva.
