Diksha (initiation) in Pancharatra
by Shanta Srinivasan | 2000 | 33,961 words
This English essay studies Diksha in Pancharatra with reference to important texts. Diksha refers to initiation ceremonies into a particular esoteric tradition which is given, for example, by the teacher (Guru) to the student (Shishya). Pancharatra refers to an ancient school of Vaishnavism based on ancient Tantra-like texts called Agamas which wer...
13. The concepts of Kriya
1.13 KRIYA鈥擳丑别 Pancaratra agama is also concerned with temple construction, making icons, consecration of icons in the temples, conduct of festivals and daily worship. Hence, all the texts are to some extent devoted to kriya and carya. However, the early texts, particularly the Ratnatraya, the Laksmi Tantra, the Ahirbudhnya Samhita and the Parama Samhita are devoted to occultism, japa and dhyana. The idol form whose worship assumed much importance in the later texts and is mentioned along with the consecration of the temples. The materials recommended for making the icons are gems, metal, stone, mud, wood and crystal. They should be used only after examining them thoroughly. The icon could be in standing, seated or reclining posture, depending upon the incarnation of the lord that is to be represented. 46
3 Normally, the icons are of seven kinds, namely mula or dhruvabera, kautuka or karmabera, utsavabera, balibera, snapanabera, and or irthabera, Svapabera and Utthavabera. Of these, the dhruvabera is the primary one that receives consecration and by this ritual the power of the supreme lord manifests in it. The other beras have to receive the power from the dhruvabera. The Dhruvabera is normally made out of stone and is black in color. Black colour is to be the main color among various colors. The karmarca is the form that receives the power from the Dhruvabera and infuses or distributes it to the other beras. This form is not available in many shrines nowadays. Any other bera that is available there is used to serve the purpose of karmabera. The utsavabera is used for these occasions. The balibera is taken out of the temple to offer bali to certain deities kept at fixed places. Snanarca is used in giving ceremonial baths on occasions and is also used for daily bath in the sanctum sanctorum. The utsava idol too receives bath on special occasions. The Tirthabera is used for offering bath on the avabhrta day, that is the last day of the festival. 47
The small idol is used for sleep and waking up in the sanctum sanctorum. This bera is put to sleep in a swing kept there. In some temples, there are only three or four forms including the dhruvabera. One or two of them is used to serve the purpose of the non-available form.