11. Description of Pratishtha-vidhi (installation rites)

In line with and closely following the rules of Saivagama texts, the author treats another important topic, Pratishthavidhi, and the associated subjects, in Patala 45 of Kriyapada Niskala idols - The first to be treated is the Pratisthavidhi of Niskala idols (idols without specific forms, which are temporary in nature). These idols are immersed in rivers or other water bodies after Pujakriyas. They are classified onto five, depending on the materials they are made of. 1. Parthiva (made of sand) 2. Sila (made of stone) 3. Sphatika (made of glass) 4. Gomaya (made of cow dung) 5. Navanita (made of butter) Sakala idols - Sakala idols are permanently installed ones, having elaborately detailed and specific limbs and embellishments. Elaborate Vidhis are prescribed fortheir installation and reinstallation. 314

Pratistha (installation) is the Kriya with which the Brahmasila idol is firmly and perfectly joined into the designated slot of the Pitha (pedestal) to the accompaniment of prescribed rites and rituals. Pratisthavidhis also provide for the idol and the Pitha made from a single stone. Installation of idols is mandated only during the auspicious 'Uttarayanakala', and that too at a Muhurta which is most favourable to the Yajamana. yajamananukule ca pratistha karma sasyate Mandapasamskarakriya and other elementary rites The initial steps to be taken prior to Pratishtha ceremony are: 1. Mandapasamiskara 2. Kundasamskara 3. Kalasamandapa Stapanal The Uttamamandapa, having 16 pillars, has to be properly decorated with leaves and small branches of various trees considered holy. The Mandapasamskarakriya is performed in the Mandapa decorated thus. Eight Homakundas of varying shapes are made in front of the Mandapa (east) and at the centre of the Kundas, a Caturasrakunda is also made, which is meant for the Acarya. After performing Kundasammskarakriyas, the Kalasamandapa Stapana follows. (There must be a drainage system at the north side of the Mandapa for 315

the free flow of water during the ceremony. Each Kunda must be provided with a separate set of utensils like Sruk, Sruva, Pranita and other materials, etc). Next comes Kumbhasamskara at the Kalasamandapa, for which various types of Kalasas are prescribed. The most important among them are Nidrakalasa, Santikalasa, Sivakalasa, Astrakalasa, Vardhanikalasa, Vidyesakalasa, Lokapalakalasa, Toranakalasa (no longer in existence), Pancagavyanavakalasa, etc. Besides, necessary materials and ingredients are also to be procured and properly arranged at the northern side of the Mandapa. They include Angavastra, Astamangalas (separate ones for each deity), Sankha, vessels for Havis, various types, shapes and sizes of pots, Navaratnas, vessels made of various metals including gold and silver, gold needle, Bhadrapitha, honey, Tila, ghee, water sourced from holy rivers originating from the top of mountains, holy water from the eight seas, milk, tender leaves of trees, earth ploughed up with the horns of oxen, Valmikamrttika, Ousadhas, metals, weapons akin to the types used for domestic purposes, Gula (jaggery), Candana, Akil, Karpura, Kumkuma, Tambula, Kramuka, fruits of various kinds (prescribed ones), Kambala (woollen cloth), silk cloth, etc. The details next provibed dwell on the position and mode of arrangement of the Kalasas. For Navaka, the Sivakalasa (Brahmakalasa) 316

is placed in the middle. Beginning with Purvadig (eastern direction), the other eight Kalasas are to be placed in clockwise order. Eight Devatatattvas are invoked and worshipped in these eight Kalasas. This mode is no longer in practice in Kerala. The materials required are:- In the centre and four cornersmilk, Pancagavya, and other materials (the items vary in respect of various Devatas); in Agnikona or Nirtikon, Dipa-Nirajanadravyas; in Vayukon, Kasayadi and outer skins of trees (Nalpamara); and in Isanakon, Candana-Astagandhadi. Besides, important materials like Pallavas, Samid and other essential requirements have also to be procured and stocked. Subsequently, the author deals at length with the most elaborate diagram and related rites and rituals pertaining to Sarvatobhadrapadma. The subject handled next is the mode of decoration of the Adhivasamandapa. For any ritual that lasts longer than a day, Adhivasakriya is a must, with embellishment of the Mandapa to be effected with the holy plantain of Kadali (the whole uprooted plant with fruit bunch is prescribed); fruits; leaves and small leafy branches of Salva tree. The other decorations recommended include garlands of flowers, and covering of the Mandapa with clothes. 317

Thus, after arranging everything required for Pratishtha karma, the eligible Acarya, along with the Yajamana, must offer prayers and Arcana for the uninterrupted completion of the Pratishtha procedures. Later, five or seven days prior to the start of the Pratishtha rites, Ankurarpana has to be performed. Before the beginning of the Pratisthakarma on the designated day, the Acarya, in line with stipulated Vidhis, has to offer Pujas to Vighnesvara seeking His blessings for 'Nirvighnata' (the offerings during Puja are fruits, Modaka, Laddu, and the like). Before the Karma begins, the Acarya, true to custom, must seek the permission (Anujna) of his Guru for performing the Pratishtha. Toranapratistha and Dhvajasthapana-Pratisthavidhi proper begins with Toranapratishtha and Dhvajasthapana. The procedural details vary according to the deity, whose idol (Pratistha) is installed. The author deals in exhaustive detail with each and every aspect of Vidhis and Mantras, mode of worship and the like, relating to Toranapratistha and Dhvajasthapana. Toranapratisthavidhi, for example, prescribes the decoration and beautification of the Torana with Pallava, Darbha and Kurca. Dhvajas are mandated to be decorated with flags. Beginning with the Purvadik, the ten Dhvajas, must be erected in clockwise direction. For Siva, Bhrrgisa, Mahasena, Vrsa, Nandisa, Mahakala, Kumbhodara, Mahodara, Virabhadra, Brahma and Vastvisa, installation of ten Dhvajas (one for each) to the accompaniment of stipulated Mantras 318

for each of them is mandated. Immediately following the above, Brahmin Purohitas and Vedaparayanas need to be kept appeased, by washing their feet and providing them with food. Pursuant to the above, elaborate Punyaha has to be performed at the Torana-Dhvajasthanas, followed by Puja with Samanyarghya and Gandhapuspaksatas. Agnijananakriyas The number of Kundas stipulated is nine for the Agnijananakriya too. The Madhyakunda is designated Acaryakunda. Samskaras should be performed on these Kundas followed by invocation of Siva into the Agni and Tarpana and Homa afterwards. Santikumbhapuja is the next step mandated. In the concluding procedure, the tip of Darbha leaves is put into the Homasampada (sanctified ghee) and the tip is passed on to the Kalasa and the idol, and Purnahuti is performed. Bimbasamskara Sivalinga on the north side of the Adhivasamandapa, and Pitha on its right side have to be placed. (For each Devavigraha its own Pitha is stipulated.) With various Dravyas, Bimbasamskara is to be performed, which is called Akarasodhanadi. The materials prescribed are eight types of specially procured sand, Kasayas, Gomutra, cow dung and Puspa-dhupa-jala. Afterwards, Laksanodhara is performed 319

on the Vigraha as mandated. This is done in a Mandapa specially arranged for the purpose. Subsequently, Astamarigalya is shown before the idol along with Nirajana and Avakundana. Regular Puja has again to be performed and again Bimbasamskara is done with Gomutra, cow dung, milk, curd, honey and with Pancagavya and Gandhajalas followed by embellishment of the Vigraha with Vastra-Gandha-Dhupa-DipaHaradi. Jaladhivasa The Bimba is then ceremoniously carried in a procession on a chariot in a Gramapradaksina, before Jaladhivasa, to the accompaniment of Nrtta-Gita-Vadya- Dipa-Cchatra-Camara-Dhvaja (flag) and the like. The Mangalavadyas include Bheri, Pataha, Jhallari, Timila, Sankha, ilattala, Venu, Vina, Mrdanga and Jayasabda. The Vigraha carried in a procession, as described above, is dismounted on to a river bank or other Tirthaghattas, Punyahasuddhi is done, and the permission of Varuna for Jaladhivasa is sought. Pithapuja in Sankalpa is then performed in water and the idol is covered with clothes and wound with a rope made of holy grass, and the idol with its head pointing to the east has to be immersed in water with the Pitha placed at its foot. For the protection of the Deva, Astadikpalas are worshipped and propitiated by placing eight Raksakalasas. 320

Jaladhivasa is recommended for durations of five days, three days, one day, half day or one night. After Jaladhivasa, the Bimba is reclaimed from water, ceremoniously washed and worshipped with elaborate Pujakriyas. Pancagavya-Navaka-Kalasa is employed for ceremonial bath, the idol is robed with red silk and adorned with gold ornaments, and garlands of flowers. Afterwards, the idol is taken in return journey through the village with all the accompanying gaiety and pomp with which it was taken to the river bank. Once the idol reaches the temple where it is to be installed, the Yajamana piously receives it and presents the Guru gold, cloth and the like by way of Daksina; while receiving the Vigraha, the Guru and his assistants profurely showeron it Tambula, Kramuka, Puspa, Aksata and coins. The idol is then taken into the temple in a procession with the Guru just behind the Vigraha, followed by the Yajamana. The Vigraha is then taken to the Snanamandapa with Pujas as per Vidhi and placed at the Bhadrapitha where it is to be installed and again worshipped with Gandhadi. Thus is explained in detail in the Mandapasamskara, Akarasodhana (Bimbasodhanadi) and Jaladhivasakriyas. Dravyakalasavidhi In Patala 46 of Kriyapada, the Dravyakalasavidhi, a related Kriya of Pratisthavidhi, is explained. The Acarya first performs Punyahadi and then Ganesapuja for the successful culmination of Dravyakalasa, 321

followed by the Puja of Sivakumbha and Vardhanikalasa (Devikalasa) and Bali. Subsequently, 49 Kalasas for Mandaparaksa are placed on the Mandapa (this practice is no longer being followed). What is explained next is the mode of formation of the Padma (diagram). 'pracinottaragaih sutrairdasabhirdasabhih prthak | madhye syurnavakosthani diksu panktidvayatrayam | samsthapyamarjayet panktiryatha vithicatusthayam | padasatkam prthak diksu kone kone catuspadam | | '98 A long list of materials for Kalasa is provided further, which includes Kasaya, Gomutra, Pancagavya, milk, curd, Bhasma, Valmika and other types of sands, Darbhajala, Tirthajala from Saptasamudra and in the middle, Brahmakalasa filled with Jalagandhadi. The above materials in nine Kalasas constitute the first Avarana. The materials for the second Avarana are ghee, cow dung, honey, sugar cane juice, Ratnodaka (water pot with jewels), Nalikera, Matulunga, Dadima, Rambhaphala (banana), Jambira (lemon), Panasam, Bilvam; and in Avarana three, water mixed with Candana, Akil, Karpura and Kumkuma, Tirthajala from Ganga, Satadru, Yamuna, Narmada, Sarasvati, Gomati, Sarayu, Sindhu, Sona, Tapi, Parusnika, Godavari, Krsnaveni, Nanda, Bhimarathi, Turigabhadra, Vegavati, Kaveri, Tamraparni, Prabhasa, Naimisa, Gokarna, Tripuskara, and Kedara. These holy rivers have to be invoked into the Kalasa and the Brahmakalasa is to be worshipped along with Anganyasadi. The Murtis for each Avarana and their Tattvas and Mantras are listed and explained 99 322

The author proceeds to stipulate the mode of decoration of the Kalasas with Pallavas, Vastras and flowers. The Kalasa must contain Svarna, Ratna, Candana, Gandhadi, during the mandated period of worship. A special Pancamrtakalasa may be placed at the Psanabhaga of the Padmakhanda and worshipped with Pancabrahmamantra 100. Following the above, at the Yajnakunda on the eastern side of the Yajnavedi, Siva has to be invoked and worshipped and Homa performed as per prescribed Vidhis, for which the materials prescribed are Samit, ghee, Tila and Havis (with Samhitamantra). Homa is to be repeated 800 times and Sampada may be applied according to mandated procedure on the Brahmakalasa 80 times (one-tenth of the number of Homas). Kalasas has to be then worshipped in elaborate detail and subsequently each of these Kalasas have to be offered in Abhiseka to the Lord 101 The author, then, provides the specific Mantras that should accompany the offer of each Dravya, and each combination of Dravyas. Avarana 1 Kasaya, ghee, Bhasma, Mit 'Vyomavidyamantra' Gomutra 'Gayatri' Ksira 'Apyayasveti' 323

Curd 'Dadhikravno' Kusajala 'Devasyattva' Avarana 2 Ghee Honey 'Tejofsiti' 'Madhuvatote' Cow dung 'Gandhadvareti' Sugar cane 'Mulamantra' Ratnas 'Akrsnena' Phalambhas 'Brahmabhistu' Candanadis - 'Srisukta' Avarana 3 Navaka and Brahmakalasa - 'Anuvaka', 'Aratrika' 'Pancaksara', Mulamantra and the like (see Tantrasamuccaya, Patala 8, SI. 1 to 198). During the performance of Kalasas, Rudra has to be propitiated with Gandhadiupaharas and Vadyadighosas. And the Guru then has to seek the Anujna (permission) of Siva and Devi (Brahmakalasa with Sivamantras and Vardhanikalasa with Devimantras)102 On completion of all Kalasabhiseka, Candana must be applied on the Sivalinga and the Pitha with the chanting of Aghoramantra; Bhusana must be done with Vamamantra and dressing of idol with isanamantra. And afterwards, detailed Puja with Dhupa- Dipa- Naivedya- 324

Nirajana-Pistadipa followed by Punyahamantra is decreed 103. After that, Sivalinga is covered with cloth and then, with Prabhatamantras and Gitanrttavadya-the Deva is ushered in a procession into the Adhivasamandapa located on the western side. There, the Deva is deemed to lie in Sayyadhivasa, for which the Sayya (bed) has to made ready with appropriate Padma (diagram) spread according to Vidhis with Tandula (de-husked rice), Aksata (rice with husk) and specified grains on which the cotton bed is placed. It is then covered with red woollen bed sheet and Darbha leaves are then laid appropriately. Newly made sword with shield is also placed beside the bed along with Astamangalas 104. The Astamangalas stipulated for Siva are; sankham cakram dhvajam catha darpanam vrsabhankusau | camare matsyayugmam ca nyased diksastamangalam | | '105 On the bed so prepared, the idol may gently be laid by the Acarya, the head first touching the bed, along with the chanting of Kavacamantra, and all Pujas performed up to and including Nivedya (This elaborate procedure is provided in the Tantric text 'Manjari' in a single four line Sloka where Sadadhvanyasa is additionally mandated 106 Afterwards, domestic utensils etc. may be placed around the bed and ghee filled in a silver vessel may be offered as a present to the Lord and Arcana may be performed (the accompanying Mantra for 325

Siva is Mrtyunjayamantra and Apohisthadi Rg). Beginning with Nidrakalasa, Sivakumbha, Varddhanikalasa, Vidvesaradikalasas and Ankura in pots (the seeds that sprouted after Ankurarpana performed earlier). What follows is Tattvavahana, after which the Lokadhipas may be deployed for the protection of the deity. The day after, the Acarya has to rouse the Deva from His sleep as per Vidhis and perform various Tattvanyasas in three parts of the idol. They are Brahmabhaga, Visnubhaga and Rudrabhaga. Puja follows with Gandha-Dipa-Dhupadi and the idol is taken out in procession for the Pratistha proper. The author mentions various Nyasakriyas in this connection. The most important installation ceremony is then performed by first smearing the bottom of the idol with holy water and then inserting the idol into the slot into which precious stones and jewels have already been deposited. The installation is mandated to be accompanied by chanting of Nyasas and Mantras which are Tattvesvaradimantras, Atmatattvas, Iccha-Kriya-Jnanasaktinyasas. The Murtis to be called to mind and invoked are Ismadimurtis, Dharikadimurtis, Suddhavidyadisaktis, Vidyesamurtis, Anantadipithadevatas, and Vamadidevatas with their respective Nyasas and Mantras. Other procedures include chanting Purusadimayantatattvas and 326

Suddhasuddhatattvas 107. Following the above, the author details the procedures for the installation of Abhicaramurtis 108 • Tattvahoma The procedure for Tattvahoma follows. It begins with the Acarya standing before the Homakunda and invoking the Tattvesvaradimurtis in the order of precedence. The next step is the Avahana (invoking), worship and Arcana of Atmatattvadevatas, Prthvyadimurtis, their Adhidevatas, again in the order of priority, followed by performance of Homa with offering of Ghrta 108 times. Again the Tattvas are to be repeated 108 times initially, then half that number, and again half of that number (108+54+27 Homas) and the Homa sampada has to be smeared on the Sivalinga and Santikumbha with Darbhagra, the number of which being the same as the Ahutisankhya. The author then goes on to explain the Santikumbhaproksanavidhis and the related Mantras. 109 In this context he quotes the Tantric text 'Manjari'. In further pursuance of Pratishthavidhis, the author dwells on the minute details of the mode of Ratnanyasa and the like in Patala 47 of Kriyapada Ratnanyasa The idol, as stated earlier, is installed in the Garta (pit, hole or slot) in the middle of the Pitha. 327

Precious stones like Vajra, Suryamani, Indranila, pearl, Pusyaraga, Marataka, Vaidurya and Padmaraga may be arranged in the hole from the angle of Indra to that of Isana. Manikya is to be placed in the centre of the hole. Inferior metals like lead (white and black), copper, iron and the like are placed at the Napumisaka'sila at the top of the Sadadhara. Besides the above, Talam, the divine metal gold, stones, gold balls shaped like black gram, plain black gram, Gourikam, Gandhaka, Abhra, Parata (totalling 9) and Ausadhis (medicinal herbs) like Usram, Harikranta, Raktacandana, Agaru (Akil), Sariba (Narunandi), Utpalapuspa, Candana, Sankhakusuma; seeds like paddy, wheat, gingelly, black gram, Yava and rice grain may be procured and placed according to Vidhi to the accompaniment of Mantras into the Garta as part of Ratnanyasa. In condensed versions of Pratisthavidhis, at least five precious jewels are compulsory. The related Pujavidhis, Balimantras, and Vastuhomaprayascittavidhis are provided subsequently. The procedure dealt with next pertains to the mode of carrying the idol to the installation site and how it is to be finally installed. The priest carries the idol in his arms, accompanied by the Yajamana, and makes clockwise circling (Pradaksina) of the temple with Jayavadyadighosa. The Acarya then enters the Garbhagrha 328

carrying the Sivalinga and chanting the Mulamantra and other Mantras and Dhyanaslokas and installs the Siva idol into the slot provided, as per the mandated Sivasaktyatmaka mode. 110 By way of Dosasanti, then the Guru then performs Dosasantikriya, as remedial measures for Dosas that may have occurred in connection with the installation procedures. Astabandhavidhi The next aspect of Pratisthavidhi that the author dwells on is Astabandhavidhikrama. First, small amounts of Astabandha mix is placed at different joints of the Pitha using a level finder (plumb line) to ensure that the level of the idol is ideally correct and that the Sivalinga remains properly fixed. The Dikpalakas of the respective 'Diks' have to be worshipped with appropriate Mantras for each. 200 or 300 Ahutis are also to be done with ghee and gingelly, after which the images in gold of elephant, buffalo and cow are placed on the Pitha in the respective order. The consecration ceremony comes to the proper conclusion with the Acarya paying obeisance before the Sivalinga, performing Homa again with ghee and coming back to the idol again chanting 'Ksamapanamantra', seeking pardon for possible errors of commission or omission, and applies the whole Astabandha into the Garta. 329

The materials that constitute Astabandha are subsequently described by the author. Three Slokas are provided stipulating varying materials, the mode of mixing them and the means of applying them. 111 [In case Astabandha is not done, the author recommends the covering of the top of the Pitha.] After applying Astabandha sparsely in the formal way, the important Kalasakriya in all its details has to be done, after which the whole Astabandha needs to be filled into the pit and the idol properly fixed and secured. The important Kalasas, in order of importance, are Nidrakumbha, ghee, Jala, and Pancamrta. After. Kalasapuja, Jaladhupadi are to be performed and the idol has to be cleaned and washed with Yava and wheat flower. Afterwards, Brahmakalasa, Vardhanikalasa, Vidyesakalasa, and Santikumbha in the above order may be showered on the idol in Abhiseka, and Puja may also be performed. The author stipulates that during this Puja, the Sivalinga may be treated as Siva Himself and the Pitha as Parvatiidevi." What follows next is the most important and crucial aspect of Pratishtha-vidhi, viz., 'Jivavahana'. After Jivavahana, the Deva has to be provided with all the Vastrabhusanadi Upacaras, and propitiated 330

with elaborate Puja-Japa-Mahanivedyas. While doing so, the Guru must pray for allround wellbeing and prosperity of the Yajamana and offer Homa with Ghrtapayasa, along with Umamantroccarana. Parivarapratishtha The next part of the Pratistha procedure is the installation of ancillary deities (Parivarapratistha). The positions of the ancillary deities are stipulated thus; Nandi-east; Lakulisvara-to the right of the Deva; Ganesa-Narti angle; Lokapalas in their respective Disas; Saptamatrs, Yama and Sasta-south of Srilaka; Subrahmanya, Durga, Soma, and others-between Vayu and Isana directions (on north the side) Special Homas and Kalasas exclusive to these Murtis have to be performed during installation. Four days from Parivarapratistha, Trikalapuja, Visesabali and Homa with Visesadravyas (special materials) are mandated and on the fourth day Kalasa, Mahanivedya and Homa should be performed. The number of Kalasas and items for Mahanivedya may vary according to the status and financial capacity of the Yajamana. 112 Nirmalyadharipratistha Candesvarapratistha or Nirmalyadhari Pratishtha of Shiva is the next procedure. He has to installed outside the Srilaka on the left side of the Deva. The details pertaining to the above are provided in the text 113 331

Deva. The Nirmalyadharis for the chief deities differ from Deva to After installation of Candesa, Siva has again to be propitiated with Abhisekanaivedyadi, Homa at Madhyakunda, and the Homasampada may be lightly smeared on the Bimba followed by Purnahuti. Afterwards Udvasana from the Kunda has to be done to Lokesadevata, Dvaradevata, Toranadevata, Dhvajadevata, Kumbhadevata and other Devatas as per Vidhi. The norms of Daksina After Ratribali, the Acarya takes holy bath, performs Pradaksinanamaskara before the Lord and receives Daksina from the Yajamana. It is specifically stated by the author that the Guru should be totally free from greed- 'Vittasadhyavivarjitah'. Others who are eligible to receive Daksina are Parikarmis, Vedaparayanas, Brahmins, dependants, servants, devotees, the poor, the blind and the destitute. They have to be offered Daksina at the rate of one-tenth of the Acaryadaksina for Parikarmis and half that for the next category, its half for the next, and so on. Besides Daksina, everyone present has to be kept pleased and conferred with presents according to the capacity of the Yajamana¹¹4 After Daksina, the Guru declares the list of Nityapujavidhis to 332

be compulsorily followed in the temple and brings the Pratistha ceremony to its sublime conclusion. nityapujasidyartham vibhavam tatra kalpayet sa evam kurute bhaktya prasadayam svasaktitah | | ' 115 The author, thus, describes through Patala 45, 46 &47 of Kriyapada (Vol. IV), the Saivite system of Pratishtha-vidhi in all its minutest details leaving no scope for doubt in the minds of those who seek to pursue them. ittham pratistha kathitendumaule jyesthadilingabhyucita yathavat sresthani tantrani sisoditami kasthantamalocya bahuprakaram | '118 (It may be mentioned, however, that these Vidhis in the elaborate manner in which they are described, are no longer being practised anywhere in Kerala.) The mode of installation of other Saivadevatas is virtually the same as given above, except for Mantras, Nyasas, Kalasas, Dravyas, Homas and certain minor rites and rituals. Utsavavidhi In Isanasivagurudeva-paddhati, Utsava is classified into two-Nityotsava and Gramotsava or Mahotsava 117 333