Kaiguang (Consecration)
A ritual performed after a new deity or Buddha statue is completed to officially consecrate it for worship.
Kaiguang is a religious ritual performed for newly made deity or Buddha statues. Its purpose is to imbue the statue with spirituality, making it a sacred image worthy of worship. The ceremony is typically led by a Daoist priest or Buddhist monk and involves steps such as chanting mantras, dotting the eyes of the statue, and making offerings. This symbolizes inviting the deity to descend and reside within the statue. Traditionally, it is believed that a statue without kaiguang is merely a craftwork, unable to receive worship or prayers. Therefore, kaiguang is an essential step when building a temple, enshrining a deity, or welcoming a new statue. This ritual continues in modern times to establish the sanctity of the statue.