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.
Conclusion
31 (of 32)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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As noted earlier it is doubtful whether the process of dīkṣ� mentioned in the earlier texts is followed methodically. When a · practical survey was made, it is observed many officiating priests had not undergone the mentioned process in its entierity. As centuries passed, the elaborateness in the ritual was ignored and shortened from or shortcut methods were practiced. The exact reason for this cannot be precisely explained. It may be due to the rise of various vedantic systems, or foreign invasions. At the time of epics and Purāṇas, perhaps, the system of Pāñcarātra, and its principles were highly respected and practiced. Later, when the authenticity of the system was questioned, probably, it had started losing its hold. It was left to the later vedāntins like Yāmunā, Rāmānuja, Vedāntadeśika and Mādhva to defend this system. By them, the purpose of undergoing dikṣ�, perhaps lost its significance. 191
