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 3 - The preliminary rites of Diksha
8 (of 18)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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its height shall be the same as that of the main pedestal. This shall be in the western direction and have edges resembling the tip of the elephant's trunk. The food offering shall be placed in this pedestal and offered to Gods. Another pavilion shall be erected to the south of this main pavilion for doing homa. It shall have enough space to move with in. It is to be provided with windows and a door with bolts and base with fire pits (altar). It shall be sprinkled with water sanctified by astramantra and cow dung. The two pavilions' should be well decorated. If the aspirant does not have enough money adhiv膩sa shall be done in a brahmin or Ac膩rya's house. Here the process, as stated before, shall be carried out upto bh奴tatarpana虏. This is to ward off these angry spirits which are bent up on doing harm to the persons there. To announce the commencement and u岣島mbara wood, others except in liquid form in huge quantity for 1. The two pavilions are main and the one intended for doing homa. 2. Bhutatarpa峁嘺 is pleasing the spirit. It is performed with cooked rice mixed with curd, ghee, honey and water. 106
