Grand Mahakala Puja 2026
Nalandra welcomes you to the 18th Annual Mahakala Puja for world peace. His Eminence Zimo'g Rinpoche performs this practice annually for World Peace. This year it iwill be held on the Melbourne Cup weekend.
King of the Dharmapalas, Mahakala brings peace in the world in general, and helps individual Vajrayana practitioners on the path to Buddhahood. It is our privilege to be welcomed to join this timely and necessary act of compassion.
All Buddhists who have taken refuge and been endorsed for a Vajrayana initiation of any kind can participate. Rinpoche has kindly offered to bestow a Mahakala Initiation on the evening prior to the Puja for practitioners who would like to join the puja for the first time. Of course practitioners who been coming to the annual pujas can benefit from receiving the initiation again and are encouraged to come. Please let us know early if you intend to come, as the initiation will only go ahead if there are a sufficient number of newcomers attending.
Taking part in the full three days of puja is recommended, especially after receiving the initiation.. It has been advised by many great masters that participation from start to finish is most beneficial for your spiritual development. It also helps to maintain the momentum of the group energy to bring maximum benefit during the Puja and for all beings in the long run.
Dates:
Initiation: Friday 30th October 2026 @ 7:00pm
Puja: Saturday 31st October, Sunday 1 & Monday 2 November 2026
Puja Schedule:
|
Morning Session |
PRACTICES |
|
10:00am – 11:00am |
Green Tara Puja |
|
11:00am – 12:00pm |
Personal (silent) practice |
|
12:00 – 2:00pm |
LUNCH BREAK |
|
Afternoon Sessions |
MAHAKALA PUJA |
|
2:00pm – 4:00pm |
Session 1 |
|
4:30pm – 6:00pm |
Session 2 |
|
6:30pm – 7:30/8:00pm |
Session 3 |
Location:
Serkhang Nalandra
46 Crowley Road Healesville 3777
Preparation:
Preparation for the Puja will be on Friday 31st October.
Registration:
Online registration is essential. The number of places are limited so early bookings are recommended to reserve your seat. There is a discount for Mandala Members. Mandala members who have previously received the imitation are welcome to attend the initiation at no cost. Rinpoche is also generously offering a discount to Mandala members who are attending the pilgrimage this year (a discount code will be sent to you). Lunches and refreshments are included.
Cost for Initiation & 3 Days of Puja:
Non-Members: $250
Mandala Members: $200
Mandala Members Pilgrims: $75
Single Day: flat rate $100
Visit our Mandala Membership page to become a member.
Offerings:
Suitable offerings to Mahakala's shrine include:
- candles - soy, sandalwood, sage, lavender
- incense
- black tea
- fresh fruit
- liquor/wine
What to Bring:
- Your mala
- Vajra & Bell and Damaru
- Your own personal practice booklets
- Your own personal cushion and table if preferred
- Kapala (skull cup) for nectar
- Small statues or images of Mahakala to sit on your practice table during the Puja
Mahakala Practice booklets will be provided.
Personal Presentation:
Please dress in relaxed, clean attire, with hair tied back in a top-knot or pony tail. The color theme is burgundy. Ornamental jewelries welcome. No strong scents please.
Donations:
The Mahakala 2026 Puja is a not-for-profit event purely dedicated to benefit all beings and Rinpoche says it's our chance to make it right. Hence you are welcome to take part in this noble duty by letting your donation into the ocean of merit. Please use the following bank details for donations only:
BSB: 633 000
Account Name: AIVBI
Account Number: 120 528 641
Reference: Pujadonation
Communication:
We are happy to answer any questions you may have using the form below. Please also let us know of any special dietary requirements.