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 4 - The Process of Diksha
43 (of 44)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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kept in the north east. Vasudeva is to be worshiped in the pitcher, Samkarṣaṇa in the south west, Pradyumna in the north west and Aniruddha in the north east. The pupil shall be seated in the holy seat and worshiped. Those who are present shall be treated with good music and offerings. The Acārya shall take the pitcher kept in the south east and consecrate (abhiṣeka). The pupil uttering the Puruṣasūkta. In this way abhiṣeka shall be given through in the water kept in the directions uttering Yajur veda mantras. The pupil shall then wear new clothes, garlands etc and worship the preceptor in all possible ways. This places the pupil in the state of ācārya. He shall occupy a chariot or vehicle and come around the streets visit the temple and return home. In the Jayākhya saṃhitā this text the worship of god in the six adhvans is not stated. The six paths are mentioned in the second pāda but not explained. Since this is not mentioned there, perhaps the Padma saṃhitā too does not elaborate this. 159
