Essay name: Diksha (initiation) in Pancharatra
Author:
Shanta Srinivasan
Affiliation: University of Madras / Department of Sanskrit
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 were commonly written in Sanskrit verse.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
46 (of 57)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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1
.13 KRIY膧 The Pa帽car膩tra 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 kriy膩 and cary膩. However, the early texts, particularly the Ratnatraya, the Lak峁i Tantr膩, the Ahirbudhnya Samhita and the Parama Samhita are devoted to occultism, japa and dhy膩na. 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
