In Hinduism

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Pavitrādyutsavavidhi (पवित्राद्युत्सवविधि) (lit. “regarding the festival of garlands, etc.”) is the name of chapter 14 (Caryāpāda) of the Padmasaṃhitā: the most widely followed of Saṃhitā covering the entire range of concerns of Pāñcarātra doctrine and practice (i.e., the four-fold formulation of subject matter—jñāna, yoga, kriyā and caryā) consisting of roughly 9000 verses.

Description of the chapter [pavitrādyutsavavidhi]: Brahmā wants to know about the festivals that are to be observed during the various months of the year. He is told about the birthday celebrations for Rāma (3-9a) and for Narasiṃha (9b-11a), both of which come in the first month (caitramāsa—April/May); also in the same month are the flower festivals called vasantotsava and damanotsava (11-15) along with yet another flower festival, kalhārotsava (17-18). This last named festival as well as the vasantotsava-festival may alternatively come in the following month [vaiśākha—May/June]. In jyeṣṭha and śrāvaṇa-months (i.e., June/July, August/September), come the festivals of fruits (19-21a). Also during these same months will come (Trivikrama’s, Vāmana’s and Hanumān’s birthday celebrations (21b- 24), as well as the all-important Kṛṣṇa birthday celebrations (30b-33a). In the āṣāḍha-month (July/August) will come the śayanotsava of the Lord-which will last throughout the following four months, which period is called cāturmāsya. It is the time for the observance of various vratas (25-30a).

The remainder of the chapter is largely given over to particular festive celebrations. First among these to be taken up are the pavitrotsava-festivities, which are to be done mainly in the cāturmāsya-period, śrāvaṇa, or alternately in bhādrapada or āśvayuja-months (September/October, October/November). Included in the treatment of this particular festival are remarks concerning its expiatory nature (37b-39), the steps to be followed in making the “garlands” (54-94), the pūjā-ceremonies to the deities that are to be included in the celebration (95 ff), the distribution of the “garlands” to be made among the devotees (141-143a), the Ācārya’s prayer of confession (143b-147a), and the phala-rewards for undertaking this important celebration (157-167). The next festival discussed is the one called āgrayaṇotsava, which comes during the months of śrāvaṇa or kārtika or āśvayuja (August/September or October/ November) (168-1742). How to collect the grains (174b-177a), how these are to be carried to the temple (177b-178), how and where they will be stored after the procession, and what mantras must be chanted as well as how to prepare the havis (179-185) are among the details given.

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

context information

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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Vidhi, Vitti.

Full-text: Pavitrotsavavidhi.

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