Bimbashuddhi, Bimbaśuddhi, Bimba-shuddhi: 4 definitions
Introduction:
Bimbashuddhi means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
The Sanskrit term Bimbaśuddhi can be transliterated into English as Bimbasuddhi or Bimbashuddhi, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
1) Bimbaśuddhi (बिम्बशुद्धि) refers to the “purification of the icon” and represents one of the Pañcaśuddhi (“fivefold purifications”), as discussed in chapter 18 of the Mārkaṇḍeyasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 2200 Sanskrit verses mainly dealing with temple-building, iconography, pūjā (worship procedures), utsava (festivities) and prāyaścitta (expiatory measures).—Accordingly, there are five types of purifications: [e.g., purification of the icon bimbaśuddhi] [...]. Each of these should be attended to by the Ācārya separately (1-3). [...] For all these various kinds of purification and on certain occasions also, at different steps, certain hand-gestures [mudrā] are to be used (43-55).
2) Bimbaśuddhi (बिम्बशुद्धि) refers to one of the five purificatory steps performed before Pūjā (ritualistic worship), as discussed in chapter 28 of the Śrīpraśnasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising 5500 Sanskrit verses covering a number of subjects ranging from selecting a temple site through building and furnishing it to sanctifying and maintaining worship in the sacred complex.—Description of the chapter [prabodhana-ādi-antaryāga-vidhi]:—[...] Once [at the temple, the Sādhaka] requests the Lord to arise from his slumber so that he may perform to His pleasure the daily routine. After performing five purificatory steps—sthānaśuddhi, pātraśuddhi, bimbaśuddhi, ātmaśuddhi and bhūtaśuddhi—only then may pūjā commence. The first three cleansing steps (to 36) are directed to the external objects and surroundings, while the next two are spiritual purifications. [...]
Bimbaśuddhi (बिम्बशुद्धि) refers to the “seven types of purificatory expiations for the idol” (for averting impurities), according to the Viṣṇusaṃhitā: an important Tantric work of Kerala authored by Sumati, composed between 11th and 14th century divided in to 30 chapters (paṭalas).—The expiatory rites are elucidated in the 25th chapter. The entry into the sanctum sanctorum or worship done by the uninitiated persons, untouchables, thief, Vrātyas, Pāṣaṇḍis, Devalas etc., omission of worship, falling down or breaking down of idol, perspiration, appearance of laughing and crying of an idol, presence of blood, lymph, tear, termite soil and worms in sanctum sanctorum and other temple parts, occurrence of quarrel, birth and death in temple premises, entering of dog, worship of heretics and use of heretic Mantras, are the major causes leading to expiation.
The above described incidents cause for the impurity of temples. Viṣṇu-saṃhitā suggest seven kinds of purification for averting these impurities
In addition to these another seven types of purificatory expiations for the idol (biṃbaśudhi) are elucidated in this text:
- kṣālana (washing),
- plāvana (flooding),
- snāna (bathing),
- mārjana (brushing),
- dhārā (streaming),
- avagāha (immersion) and
- abhiṣeka (anointment).
Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.
Vastushastra (architecture)
Bimbaśuddhi (बिम्बशुद्धि) refers to “cleaning of the idol” and represents one of the preliminary rituals performed before re-installation of damaged idols from the temple, according to Kerala ritual texts such as the Śaivāgamanibandhana, Prayogamañjarī and the Īśanagurudevapaddhati.—Once the new idol is ready for installation and when the auspicious time has been fixed for the installation, certain ceremonies should be performed [e.g., cleaning of the idol (bimbaśuddhi)]. Once these rituals are performed and the oblation (bali) to Kṣetrapāla is finished, the priest should pray in the assembly of the temple administrators to the gods present in the entire temple complex about the necessity of the re-installation process.
Vastushastra (वास्तुशास्त्र, vāstuśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.
Shilpashastra (iconography)
Bimbaśuddhi (बिम्बशुद्धि) (lit. “purification rites for divine images”) is the name of chapter 16 of the Viṣṇusaṃhitā: a Sanskrit text written in 2600 verses which covers typical Pāñcarātra topics through a narrative dialogue between Aupagāyana and Siddha Sumati.—
Description of the chapter [bimbaśuddhi]: There are two kinds of bimbas—sthāvara and jaṅgama—the former kind being the regular, stationary pratimā-icon, the latter being the Ācārya-teacher. Both are to be worshipped at the time of pratiṣṭhā; indeed the pūjā to God is only acceptable when one has also worshipped the Ācārya (1-4). Then after the qualifications of an Ācārya are given (5-8a), the step-by-step pūjā-offered to the Ācārya as an essential (preliminary) part of the pratiṣṭhā-ceremonies is outlined, ending up with the payment given to him for his services (8b-26).
Then, the Ācārya is requested to take over and direct the remaining pratiṣṭhā-ceremonies—which consist of the consecration rites prior to beginning pūjā to the bimba. Having accepted the bimba from the Śilpin, the netronmīlana-rites of “opening the eyes” are done (27-28). After this, various purifications are done to the image, whereupon 100 homa-offerings are made, accompanied by recitations by Brahmins (29-32). That afternoon the icon is taken to a water-spot—or else pots are to be used-where, after varuṇapūjā, the icon is submerged with its head toward the East [jalādhivāsa]. After this has been attended to, the icon is brought back in procession to the temple and nyāsas are done to it (33-40). Thereupon, having purified the temple precincts after the Śilpins et, al. have left, a sūtra-thread and darbha-grass are wound around the garbhagṛha-sanctuary and worship is offered to it (41-46). Agnihoma is then done 108 times (47-51), and an elaborate kumbhapūjā is attended to in the course of which the various powers and deities are invoked into the waters contained in the pots (52-84). After this, the bimba, having been made to recline (75), certain libations are made and ritual baths are given the various moveable icons in a specially-built maṇḍapa (85-91). A prayer is uttered to the icon by the Ācārya (92-94a) after which the icon’s right hand is bound with a woolen kautukabandha-thread, and it is put into a portable maṇḍapa. In this, several abhiṣeka-baths of various kinds are given to the icon (94b-112). Then the icon is clothed and, after requesting that the offerings be acceptable to the Lord, pūjā is commenced by offering Him alāṅkāra, nīrājana, fan, incense, fruits, water for the feet, sandal-paste, etc. (113-120). Finally, after all the Brahmins present have been rewarded for their attendance, the icon is put to rest [śayanāsana], surrounded by certain precious items (121-134a).
Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches (+0): Shuddhi, Bimba.
Starts with (+0): Bimbashuddhikalasha.
Full-text (+10): Bimbashuddhikalasha, Abhisheka, Jaladhivasa, Shayanasana, Sutra, Darbha, Netronmilana, Sthavara, Shuddhi, Varunapuja, Kautukabandha, Snana, Brushing, Streaming, Anointment, Plavana, Marjana, Kshalana, Immersion, Bathing.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Bimbashuddhi, Bimbaśuddhi, Bimba-śuddhi, Bimba-shuddhi, Bimba-suddhi, Bimbasuddhi; (plurals include: Bimbashuddhis, Bimbaśuddhis, śuddhis, shuddhis, suddhis, Bimbasuddhis). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad (by Prasanna Kumar Acharya)
Architecture in the Agamas < [Chapter 3 - Classical or post-Vedic Architecture]
Expiatory Rites in Keralite Tantra (by T. S. Syamkumar)
1.2. Expiatory Rites in Śaivāgamanibandhana < [Chapter 3 - Expiatory Rites in Kerala Tantric Ritual Manuals]
2. Expiatory Rites in Tantrasamuccaya < [Chapter 3 - Expiatory Rites in Kerala Tantric Ritual Manuals]
1.5. Expiatory Rites in Mātṛsadbhāva < [Chapter 3 - Expiatory Rites in Kerala Tantric Ritual Manuals]
Isanasivagurudeva Paddhati (study) (by J. P. Prajith)
36. Description of Vishnu (rites and rituals) < [Chapter 4 - Worship of Gods and Goddesses]
31. Description of Shasta (rites and rituals) < [Chapter 4 - Worship of Gods and Goddesses]
28. Pratishtha and Nityotsa-vidhi of Saptamatris < [Chapter 4 - Worship of Gods and Goddesses]