Panchopachara Puja
Panchopachara Puja
constitutes 5 activities:1.
Pavitreekaran
(Purification)2.
Aachamana(
sipping water)3.
Shikha bandhanam
(Tying the knot)4.
Pranayama(
Breath control)5.
Nyasa (
Super-imposition)
1.
Pavitreekaranam(
purification):
Take water in the left palm and cover it withthe right hand. Chant Gayatri mantra, and sprinkle it overthe whole body. Imagine that your entire body is gettingpurified and sanctified so as to befit the process of Upasana.
2. Aachamana:
Take three spoonfuls of water and sip it threetimes. With every sip, chant
Gayatri
mantra. The meaning of these 3 aachamana is to symbolize the intake of three typesof energies latent in Gayatri. They are theHreem – The power of wisdomShreem – The power of plentyKleem - The power
3. Shikhabandhanam:
The place where shikha (the tuft of hair atthe top of head) is kept must be touched with wet fingers bychanting
Gayatri
mantra. This is to awaken the powers latentin the hundred petaled lotus (Sahasrara Chakra) present inour Bramha Randhra. Those who have no hair at that placeshould touch it with wet fingers.
4. Pranayama:
Pranayama
has four phases.
Saptami Vrata - Fasting Observed on 7th Day of Fortnight in Hinduism
Saptami Vrata is observed during the waning and waxing phase of the moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. The day falls on the seventh day after Purnima and Amavasi. Important Saptami Vratas are observed in the Magh, Poush, Phalguna and Bhadrapad months. Lord Surya (Sun God) is worshipped on the day.
Devi Bhakta
Yesterday I remembered of a wonderful conversation I enjoyed last month (December 2004) with a Guru and a truly great teacher of Srividya -- and it struck me that this may be exactly what some of you are looking for. As always, Q is lil' ol' me. A has asked to remain anonymous for privacy purposes due to the large number of persons accessing this discussion board:
Q: What is Panchopachara?
A: It is the simplest pooja; a pooja requiring nothing – it's all mudras only. The other poojas are but elaboration of this.
Q: How is it performed?
A: There are two versions of this pooja. I will teach you the one called jalaadi jalaantam – "starting and ending with water." Though the materials are five, the steps are six (in the other version, it is five materials and just five steps). The principle in this version is that everything arises from water and ends in water; which is in consonance with the Vaidik concept of deluge – that everything starts after a deluge and ends in a deluge.
Q: And these are mental offerings accompanied by mudras – are they the same offerings symbolized by various materials in gross pooja?
A: Yes, exactly. In gross pooja, jalam is water; gandham is sandal paste; pushpam is flowers; dhoopam is scented smoke; deepam is the lamp. Okay?
Q: Okay.
A: Good, then we will proceed.
1. So the first step is saying vaM apaathmanaa jalam kalpayaami – saying this, one shall rub the ring finger with the thumb from the base to the tip, both hands. My aunt's father-in-law used to say, "When you rub the ring finger with the thumb as part of pooja and say 'vam' then water should flow from the tip of your ring finger." I said, "It is not possible." He said, "It is!" and he showed me. That shows the concentration needed. As you rub, imagine all the pure and offerable waters of the world as being offered to the deity.
2. The next step is rubbing the little finger with thumb base to tip, reciting laM prithivyaathmanaa gandham kalpayaami. Here we offer the deity all that is sweet-smelling in the gross world. When you do that you must feel the sweetest otherworldly smell.
3. Next you rub the thumb from the base up with the index finger, reciting haM aakaashaathmanaa pushpam kalpayami. Thus we offer to the diety the best most beautiful and sweet smelling flowers. You must visualize all of these flowers – innumerable in number – manifesting out of the tip of your thumb at the feet of the deity.
4. Next is the index finger, and you say yaM vaaywaathmanaa dhoopam kalpayaami, "all the best incenses are offered here in form of sweet- smelling smoke" -- and you must manifest the smoke.
5. Then the middle finger: raM vahnyaathmanaa deepam kalpayami. The primordial light that first came is offered to Her and you visualize the darkness of ignorance being removed by this Divine Light.
6. Then, again, the ring finger, but this time with vaM amritaatmanaa naivedyam kalpayaami. With that you offer all that is exquisitely edible and nutritious to Devi; and with that, everything goes back to its primordial state. Finis. Is your question answered now?
MsBaju
Is there some sort of preamble to this, or does one dive right in (to the water :-) with step 1 and "vaM...."?
Devi Bhakta
I think the preamble would be whatever you usually do before a pooja. If you have an altar, you might sit and do your usual japa, prayers, offerings -- whatever you like to do. Then just take a deep breath and begin. The pooja requires nothing -- not even an image of the Deity if you can see Her in your mind. In fact, the whole pooja is an exercise in intense, focused visualization. With frequent (preferably daily) repetition, you will find that the imagery does begin to take on an objective reality, first in your own eyes and later even in the eyes of third parties. Strange but true!
venkat
I need a little bit clarification for points 4 to 6 of panchopachara pooja
It is not mentioned whether we should rub the tip of thumb with (4) index finger(5) middle finger (6) ring finger
Would appreciate reply for this doubt
loha samasta sukhino bhavandhu
om shanti shanti shantihi
sankara menon
The index finger is used to rub the thumb and all other fingers are rubbed with thumb.
srinivas
I read the above topic. It is really simple but the doubt is which hand fingers are to be rubbed? Do the both hands are having same quality?
Devi Bhakta
In my understanding, the mudras are to be done with both hands simultaneously. If this is incorrect, may I ask other members to post corrected information?
sankara menon
Yes both hands. Maybe you can add with anjali mudra at chest :Sam sarwapratheekaathmakam thaamboolam kalpayami namaH -I offer thamboola (betel leaves) as a representation of everything. anjali at the forehead:Samastha rajopachaaraan kalpayami namaH - All Royal diginities are hereby offered over the head -anantha koti namaskaaraan samarpayaami- [I offer infinite namaskaras unto three also. Then it will be complete.
-------------------------------------------------
Panchopachara Puja
constitutes 5 activities:
1.
Pavitreekaran
(Purification)
2.
3. Shikhabandhanam:
be done thrice. Because of this, the
blemishes in body,speech and mind are
cleansed.
in them. The different parts to be touched
while chanting Gayatri
mantra are as follows:
*
Om bhur bhuvah swah -
or whatever isavailable. Invite the maha
shakti
- Keep what is required for your sustenance
and distribute others to the needy. Remember that you did not get
anything when you were born nor will you be taking anything
with you when you die. This entire life is a boon from the God and it should
be utilized for the welfare of humanity. Remember
that these offerings of flower, incense and food are not required by God. These are to awaken the right emotions
within us as mentioned above.
Saptami Vrata is observed during the waning and waxing phase of the moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. The day falls on the seventh day after Purnima and Amavasi. Important Saptami Vratas are observed in the Magh, Poush, Phalguna and Bhadrapad months. Lord Surya (Sun God) is worshipped on the day.
|
It is believed that those who observe Saptami Vrata in Magha and Bhadrapad month will be untouched by grief, will attain materialistic gains and will gain Moksha in the next life.
Worship of Surya on the Saptami day in Poush month will help in redeeming (washing away all the sins).
Huge importance is attributed to the Saptami Vrata observed during the waning phase of the moon in Magha month. This is known as Surya Jayanti or Magh Saptami or Rath Saptami. It is considered highly beneficial and those who observe the Vrat will be blessed with a child.
Another important Saptami Vrat is observed during the waning phase of moon in Phalguna month and it is known as Nanda Vrata and is believed to help in attaining eternal joy.
Devi Bhakta
Yesterday I remembered of a wonderful conversation I enjoyed last month (December 2004) with a Guru and a truly great teacher of Srividya -- and it struck me that this may be exactly what some of you are looking for. As always, Q is lil' ol' me. A has asked to remain anonymous for privacy purposes due to the large number of persons accessing this discussion board:
Q: What is Panchopachara?
A: It is the simplest pooja; a pooja requiring nothing – it's all mudras only. The other poojas are but elaboration of this.
Q: How is it performed?
A: There are two versions of this pooja. I will teach you the one called jalaadi jalaantam – "starting and ending with water." Though the materials are five, the steps are six (in the other version, it is five materials and just five steps). The principle in this version is that everything arises from water and ends in water; which is in consonance with the Vaidik concept of deluge – that everything starts after a deluge and ends in a deluge.
Q: And these are mental offerings accompanied by mudras – are they the same offerings symbolized by various materials in gross pooja?
A: Yes, exactly. In gross pooja, jalam is water; gandham is sandal paste; pushpam is flowers; dhoopam is scented smoke; deepam is the lamp. Okay?
Q: Okay.
A: Good, then we will proceed.
1. So the first step is saying vaM apaathmanaa jalam kalpayaami – saying this, one shall rub the ring finger with the thumb from the base to the tip, both hands. My aunt's father-in-law used to say, "When you rub the ring finger with the thumb as part of pooja and say 'vam' then water should flow from the tip of your ring finger." I said, "It is not possible." He said, "It is!" and he showed me. That shows the concentration needed. As you rub, imagine all the pure and offerable waters of the world as being offered to the deity.
2. The next step is rubbing the little finger with thumb base to tip, reciting laM prithivyaathmanaa gandham kalpayaami. Here we offer the deity all that is sweet-smelling in the gross world. When you do that you must feel the sweetest otherworldly smell.
3. Next you rub the thumb from the base up with the index finger, reciting haM aakaashaathmanaa pushpam kalpayami. Thus we offer to the diety the best most beautiful and sweet smelling flowers. You must visualize all of these flowers – innumerable in number – manifesting out of the tip of your thumb at the feet of the deity.
4. Next is the index finger, and you say yaM vaaywaathmanaa dhoopam kalpayaami, "all the best incenses are offered here in form of sweet- smelling smoke" -- and you must manifest the smoke.
5. Then the middle finger: raM vahnyaathmanaa deepam kalpayami. The primordial light that first came is offered to Her and you visualize the darkness of ignorance being removed by this Divine Light.
6. Then, again, the ring finger, but this time with vaM amritaatmanaa naivedyam kalpayaami. With that you offer all that is exquisitely edible and nutritious to Devi; and with that, everything goes back to its primordial state. Finis. Is your question answered now?
MsBaju
Is there some sort of preamble to this, or does one dive right in (to the water :-) with step 1 and "vaM...."?
Devi Bhakta
I think the preamble would be whatever you usually do before a pooja. If you have an altar, you might sit and do your usual japa, prayers, offerings -- whatever you like to do. Then just take a deep breath and begin. The pooja requires nothing -- not even an image of the Deity if you can see Her in your mind. In fact, the whole pooja is an exercise in intense, focused visualization. With frequent (preferably daily) repetition, you will find that the imagery does begin to take on an objective reality, first in your own eyes and later even in the eyes of third parties. Strange but true!
venkat
I need a little bit clarification for points 4 to 6 of panchopachara pooja
It is not mentioned whether we should rub the tip of thumb with (4) index finger(5) middle finger (6) ring finger
Would appreciate reply for this doubt
loha samasta sukhino bhavandhu
om shanti shanti shantihi
sankara menon
The index finger is used to rub the thumb and all other fingers are rubbed with thumb.
srinivas
I read the above topic. It is really simple but the doubt is which hand fingers are to be rubbed? Do the both hands are having same quality?
Devi Bhakta
In my understanding, the mudras are to be done with both hands simultaneously. If this is incorrect, may I ask other members to post corrected information?
sankara menon
Yes both hands. Maybe you can add with anjali mudra at chest :Sam sarwapratheekaathmakam thaamboolam kalpayami namaH -I offer thamboola (betel leaves) as a representation of everything. anjali at the forehead:Samastha rajopachaaraan kalpayami namaH - All Royal diginities are hereby offered over the head -anantha koti namaskaaraan samarpayaami- [I offer infinite namaskaras unto three also. Then it will be complete.
-------------------------------------------------
Panchopachara Puja
constitutes 5 activities:
Pavitreekaran
|
(Purification)
2.
Aachamana(
sipping water)3.
Shikha bandhanam
(Tying the knot)4.
Pranayama(
Breath control)5.
Nyasa (
Super-imposition)
1.
Pavitreekaranam(
purification):
Take water in the left palm and cover it
with the
right hand. Chant Gayatri mantra, and sprinkle it
over the whole body. Imagine that your entire
body is getting purified and sanctified
so as to befit
the process of Upasana.
2. Aachamana:
Take three spoonfuls of water and sip it three times.
With
every sip, chant
Gayatri
mantra. The meaning of these 3 aachamana is to
symbolize the
intake of three types of energies latent in
Gayatri. They are the
Hreem – The
power of wisdom
Shreem – The power of plenty
Kleem - The power
3. Shikhabandhanam:
The place where shikha (the tuft of
hair at the
top of head) is kept must be touched with wet fingers
by chanting
Gayatri
mantra. This is to awaken the powers latent in the
hundred petaled lotus (Sahasrara Chakra) present
in our Bramha
Randhra. Those who have no hair at
that place should touch it with wet
fingers.
4. Pranayama:
Pranayama
has four phases.
be done thrice. Because of this, the
blemishes in body,speech and mind are
cleansed.
5. Nyasa (super imposition):
Nyasa means superimposing the satvic power
of
Gayatri
in our various parts of the body
.
Join the thumb and index finger of your
right hand;
dip them in water and touch the various parts of the
body
and install the satvic power of Gayatri
in them. The different parts to be touched
while chanting Gayatri
mantra are as follows:
* |
Om bhur bhuvah swah -
the head
* Tat savituh -
both eyes.
* Varenyam _
both ears.
* Bhargho _
mouth.
* Devasya _
the throat.
* Dheemahi _
heart.
* Dhiyo yonah -
naval.
* Prachodayat -
hands and feet. After that the
worship begins.
First we pray to mother earth.
It is the worship of
the motherland and the whole planet earth by
whose grace we are able to live. We offer water,
akshat,
sandalwood and flowers and place them
on the earth. After that we perform
the ishta deva
poojanam.We worship with d
hoop - incense sticks, deepam -gandha -
akshat -pushpa - tamboola
etc.,
or whatever isavailable. Invite the maha
shakti
Gayatri
on the altar thus prepared.
One should feel her
presence. There is no need to chant
any mantra.
Intense loving emotions are however a must. After
inviting the deity, offer the following as though
one would offer their respects
to a distinguished
guest–
Aasana
– Always respect others
Jala
– Develop love and forgiveness
Chandana
– Spread fragrance even under adversity.
Thesandalwood emanates
fragrance even when it is
ground on astone.
Akshata
– Have unflinching faith
Pushpa
– Maintain a positive demeanor and spread
the Positivity around you just like a
flower that spreads happiness around it.
Dhoopa
– Do not discriminate. The fragrance of the
incense spreads everywhere and does not discriminate.
Deepa
– Spread the light of knowledge to one and all
Naivedya
- Keep what is required for your sustenance
and distribute others to the needy. Remember that you did not get
anything when you were born nor will you be taking anything
with you when you die. This entire life is a boon from the God and it should
be utilized for the welfare of humanity. Remember
that these offerings of flower, incense and food are not required by God. These are to awaken the right emotions
within us as mentioned above.
-------------------------------------------------------
16 Steps or Rituals in a Hindu Puja – Upacharas in Hinduism
There are numerous ways in which a Hindu worships God. For some Hindus lighting a lamp or simple mediation is the way to communicate with the Supreme Being. For some Hindus, it is chanting mantras and doing elaborate puja to a personal deity. Hindu scriptures define numerous steps that are part of a Hindu Puja. Normally, only sixteen Upacharas are followed and it is known as Shodashopachara Puja. Some Hindus limit it to five steps of worship and it is known as Panchopachara.
- Seating of the deity
- Welcoming of the deity
- Offering water to wash the feet
- Offering water to wash the hands
- Offering water to sip and rinse the mouth
- Providing a bath
- Offering fresh clothes and decorations
- Offering fresh sacred thread
- Offering aromatic substance like sandal paste etc
- Offering of flowers
- Burning incense
- Waving lights
- Offering food
- Offering betel leaves, betel nuts, camphor etc
- Prostrations before the deity and circumambulations
- Sending off
These are the general steps that are followed. There may be slight variations in some regions.
There are numerous ways in which a Hindu worships God. For some Hindus lighting a lamp or simple mediation is the way to communicate with the Supreme Being. For some Hindus, it is chanting mantras and doing elaborate puja to a personal deity. Hindu scriptures define numerous steps that are part of a Hindu Puja. Normally, only sixteen Upacharas are followed and it is known as Shodashopachara Puja. Some Hindus limit it to five steps of worship and it is known as Panchopachara.
Here are the Sixteen Upacharas:
- Seating of the deity
- Welcoming of the deity
- Offering water to wash the feet
- Offering water to wash the hands
- Offering water to sip and rinse the mouth
- Providing a bath
- Offering fresh clothes and decorations
- Offering fresh sacred thread
- Offering aromatic substance like sandal paste etc
- Offering of flowers
- Burning incense
- Waving lights
- Offering food
- Offering betel leaves, betel nuts, camphor etc
- Prostrations before the deity and circumambulations
- Sending off
---------------------------------------
Shukravar Vrat – Friday Fasting Rules & Procedure in Hinduism
Shukravar, or Friday, is dedicated to Shukra or Venus in Hinduism and those believing in astrology worship Shukra for gaining prosperity, peace and progeny (children). One of the important Hindu deity that is worshipped on Friday is Santhoshi Mata (an incarnation of Shakti.) Friday Fasting Rules and Procedure in breif is given below.
The fasting dedicated to Shukra or Venus is from Friday sunrise to next day sunrise. Devotees eat a single meal on the day at night – mainly white colored food like kheer. Sour dishes are avoided by those observing fast.
Shukravar, or Friday, is dedicated to Shukra or Venus in Hinduism and those believing in astrology worship Shukra for gaining prosperity, peace and progeny (children). One of the important Hindu deity that is worshipped on Friday is Santhoshi Mata (an incarnation of Shakti.) Friday Fasting Rules and Procedure in breif is given below.
The fasting dedicated to Shukra or Venus is from Friday sunrise to next day sunrise. Devotees eat a single meal on the day at night – mainly white colored food like kheer. Sour dishes are avoided by those observing fast.
White dress is worn on the day. White colored flowers and white rice is offered to Shukra or Venus.
In the evening those observing the fast listen to Shukravar Vrat Katha.
The fasting dedicated to Santhoshi Mata is observed for 16 consecutive Friday s and is it also ‘Solah Shukravar Vrat.’ This Vrat is slightly different from the fasting dedicated to Shukra or Venus.
---------------------------------
Shani Puja Vidhi
Shani Puja is dedicated to Sani Bhagavan – one among the Navgrahas. Sani is known as Saturn in English. Shani is feared by those people who believe in astrology as He is believed to create problems in horoscope. Shani Puja is done to escape from all troubles and bad times created by Sani. Here is a simple procedure to perform Shani Puja.
Shani Puja is done on Saturday or Shanivar.
Apart from puja, the person also fast from sunrise to sunset on Saturday.
Wake up early in the morning. After bathing wear black clothes. Offer prayers to Ganesha.
Use Til (Sesame) oil to light lamps on the day.
Worship a murti of Sani Bhagavan made of iron. If murti is not available, offer prayer in mind – or by meditating on a painting or picture of Shani.
Offer black sesame seeds (Til) to Shani.
Chant the Shani Gayatri Mantra - The mantra is
Aum Sanaischaraya Vidmahe,
Sooryaputraya Dheemahi,
Tanno Manda Prachodayat.
Aum Sanaischaraya Vidmahe,
Sooryaputraya Dheemahi,
Tanno Manda Prachodayat.
Meditate for few minutes.
Offer prayers to Hanuman. Offer Sindhur (if possible) and a banana to Hanuman.
You can visit Navgraha temple or Shani Temple or Hanuman Temple
If possible offer food to a hungry person.
To break fast after sunset, you can take rice mixed with black urad dal. You can also eat food made from Til. (This is flexible you eat any vegetarian food to break fast if black dal or til is no available).
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thank you for wonderful information. Thank you for your time explaning this beautiful pujas. what does kalpayami means?
ReplyDelete