23. Pratishtha and Nityotsava-vidhi of Durga

Pratisthavidhis, Nityotsavavidhis & Mahotsavavidhis for Devi In volume IV of Kriyapada, the author affords detailed explanation on the installation, daily festival rites and special festival rites of four aspects 373

of Devi. The various other aspects of the Devi mentioned in earlier portions in this study are not included here. Pratishtha-vidhi of Durga In Patala 55 of volume IV of Kriyapada, it is ordained that the Pratishtha-vidhis of Durga have to be observed in exactly the same manner as is prescribed in Saivite traditions. Mulamantra, which is a combination of Tara(Pranava) and Saktibija in 'Navaksara'besides Gayatri, Pancadurgamantra and Argamantra are given at the beginning of the Patala. 191 Worthy special mention is the reference to the name 'Kanyakumari', in Durgagayatrimantra. katyayanyai vidmahe kanyakumaryai dhimahi tanno durga pracodayat ' The idol to be installed is of Madhyamadasatala measurement (details as specified in Dhyanalaksana of Vigraha). Toranapratistha and associated Pratishthas are to be done in Saivite mode. However, Dvastadevatas, other Murtis, Vahana, Ayudha, Bhusana and Mantras are distinct for each deity. Kumbhasamskarakriyas as prescribed are performed in the following order- Astrakalasa, Varddhanikalasa, Nidrakalasa, 374

Murtikumbhas(8). The Devi may be conceived as seated atop Her Simhavahana and invoked into the Brahmakalasa, followed by Bimbasodhana and Netronmilana(with gold needle) The next parts of the proecdure are Jaladhivasa, Gramapradaksina, Abhiseka and Sayyadhivasa, which ought to be performed in a manner as done for Siva. In the nine Kundas of the Vedi(venue), Homa is performed with Mulamantra, Angamantra and Atmatattvadimantra, followed by Sampatasparsa. According to the author, the image of the Devi can be conceived in Sila, Ratna, Loha, Mrtt, Daru or Bhitticitra. Pranapratistha is then explained in a Rahasyavidhi. 193 After Pranapratistha, the Vigraha has to be worshipped in Sadadhvavidhi and offered Abhisecana with Nidrakalasa and Astrakalasa, followed by Arghyadi and Sarvopacaras. This is the Samanyavidhi of Durgapratistha. Further details on Pratistha-vidhi are subsequently provided by the author, with include Vighnesapuja, Dvarapuja, Pithapuja, Murtipuja and Padmapuja including Lokesas. The Vahanamantra pertaining to the Devi is also given. 194 The Homavidhi is performed on the second day, with materials offered 108 times each, such as Samit, Ghrta, Havis, Tila, Laja, Sali, Siddhartha, and Payasam. 375

Dasamsahoma is also stipulated with Mulamantra and Angamantra. On the third day, Ghrtahoma is mandated along with Pancadurgamantra. On the fourth day, Simhavahana, Nirmalyadhari, Satpamatrs and Lokesas have to be installed in their respective seats and positions along with the designated Pujas, followed by 108 Kalasas under Saivasnapanavidhi and Abhiseka with Vaidic Mantras, Gayatrimantra and Pancadurgamantra. The Acarya has to offer Bhutabali in the night and receive Daksina. He then fixes the regimen for Nityapuja. The whole procedure, properly done, is said to bring allround progress and prosperity. Nityotsava—As already stated above in rites for Durga, Bali is prescribed for Dvarapalikas (Jaya, Vijaya, Raudri, Bhisani, Sulini, Prabha, Aparajita, Jayanti, Kanya, Vetra, Asi, Dharika), Lokapalas, Durgaparsadas, Vahana, Saptamatrus, Sasta, Nirmalyadhari, and others. Bali is to be offered to each and every Bhuta and Devaganas in all the Prakaras. Special Bali may be offered by the Acarya on the Balipitha by conceiving the power that permeates the whole universe, both Cara and Acara, for which the author assigns specific Mantras. 195 Mahotsavavidhis and Avabhrtasnanavidhis are then explained in keeping with Saivite traditions. The date and Muhurta for Avabhrtasnana are also prescribed. The Citranaksatra in Caitramasa, Visakhanaksatra 376

in Vaisakhamasa, Purvaphalgunanaksatra in Asadhamasa, Krttikanaksatra in Sravanamasa, Mahanavami, Vrscikamasa, Paurnami that coincides with Karttika, Pusyanaksatra in Pusyamasa and Uttranaksatra in Phalgunamasa are considered auspicious and hence the installation of Durga idol, Utsava or Puja on any of these days will guarantee Sarvabhistaphalaprapti. The author also quotes a Keralite Tantric work, 'Devotbhava', by way of establishing authenticity. 15