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 1 - Introduction
56 (of 57)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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In all these cases mantras are to be used, mantras are to be used, for, the Agamas believe that any act, whatever be its nature, is to be done only with the utterance of mantra. On this account, the Agama does not cease their validity. The Agamas recommended iconic form of worship and these icons were installed by great sages or ācāryas. One cannot have a direct access into the sanctum sanctorum and perform worship for the image of the Lord. It is because a person's physical body is made up of matter and as such, he is not fit to do the pūjā for the Lord whose form has become non-material by the process of the installation ritual. Hence the Agamas prescribe expiatory (prāyaścitta) rites and the act of initiation (dīksṣā). One who aspires Pāñcarātra worship, will have to get the five sacraments¹ as a first step. The Āgamas have enjoined the ritual of dīkṣā or initiation to perform the Pancaratra worship. 1. They are tāpa, puṇḍra, nāma, ijya and mantra. 56
