28. Pratishtha and Nityotsa-vidhi of Saptamatris

In Patala 59 of Kriyapada, the author describes Matri-pratishtha-vidhi based on 'Svacchandatantra', the renowned Tantric text. Matripratistha can be done either in Bahubera or Ekabera modes. 381

The Mulamantras of each Matridevata, Gayatrimantra, Vahanamantra, Ganapatimantra, Virabhadramantra, and the method of chanting them are provided at the beginning of the Patala. 208 In Gayatrimantra, the name of the Vahana is given first, Ayudha next and thirdly Devatanama. The detailed Vigrahavarnana of Bahuberavidhana and Ekaberavidhana provides a description that features the Devi as most fierce and awesome. 209 Adhivasamandapa is constructed for Pratisthakriyas, and Samskarakriyas are performed with due importance to the respective Devatas. Camundidevi sitting atop the Pisaca, may be invoked into the Pradhanakumbha. In the Navakundas, Homas are performed as per stipulation. Camundi may be invoked into the Madhyakunda along with Homakriyas. Special Homas for Brahmi and Mahesvari and other Matris are also to be done to propitiate them in the other Kundas with their own respective Mantras, the materials for which are Samit, Ghrta, Caru, Tila, Sarsapa, sali, and Siddhartha. In keeping with custom, all Kriyas from Bimbasuddhi to Sayyadhivasa are performed on the Sayya; Camundis placed at the centre and around it Kalasa and Ayudha are placed and worshipped. Around the Sayyamandapa too, Parivarakalasa may be worshipped and Ganadevatas treated to Pujavidhis as prescribed in the text. An associated 382

Homavidhi is explained thus: Masapupa(a cookie made from black gram) mast be offered in Homa conceiving it as the flesh of goat and Purnahuti is to be done with Ghrta along with Bhutabali with materials like Havis, Tilanna, Raktodana(a mixture of rice, Gula, Ajya, and Dadhi representing flesh and blood). Besides, Saptakanyakas and Brahmins have to be fed with Ghrtapayasa and Annadana offered to other women, devotees of Saptamatrs and other devotees. In the night, Nrttagitadi have also to be compulsorily performed. On the day fixed for Pratistha, idols are offered Puja as per Vidhis. Ratnanyasas, Pithanyasas, and other Nyasakriyas are performed in a single Pitha or in Pithas at the appointed time for Pratistha, to the accompaniment of Kalasas, Ankurapalikas, Astamangalyas, Gitanrttavadyas, Mangalaravas and Vedaghosas and the idol is placed on the Ratha, and after showering Ghrta, Durva, Sali, Dadhi and flowers on the head of the Devi idol, Pradaksina may be performed. The next step is entering the Garbhagrha with the idol and installation of the idol or idols in the assigned spots. The stipulations as to which directions the idols may be placed are as follows: all idols should face north and the gap between them is two Angulas(from Brahmi to Camundi). On either side of the Saptamatrs, Virabhadra facing east west direction and Vinayaka facing east are to be installed. Pratistha kalasa is ordained to begin from the middle followed by 383

Pranapratistha and other associated rites and eight Parivaramurtis (if it is Bahubera) are also to be installed. Padmavidhis-from Dvarapalakas to all other Parivaras and their Avaranamurtis - may be conceived and offered Puja in different parts of the Padma and it should be with the same kinds of Dravyas, flowers and Nivedyas stipulated for Saptamatris.210 After offering Nivedya, Candasenapratistha is mandated at Isanakon (north-east corner) followed by Purnahuti and Udvasana. Then Navakas and 81 Kalasas are offered, Bali given at night with Havis, followed by Daksina, Annadana, and Nityapujaniscaya. The completion with Pratisthavidhis in strict compliance with these recommended procedures is sure to yield every conceivable wish and ambition to fruition. Nityotsa-vavidhi - Saptamatrs It is stipulated that the Sribalibimba for Nityotsava be made of gold(whether Bahubera or Ekabera). Avahana and Sarvopacarapuja are mandated for Camundi in the middle and Parivaras around Her. Each and every Matri, its Vahanas, Dikdevatas, Bhutaganas and Parsadas have to be offered Bali as recommended in the text. After the Bali the Caitanya residing in the Balibimba may be transferred back to the Mulabimba. Nityotsavavidhi is thus concluded. 384

Mahotsava-vidhi—The author elaborately and specially treats the Mahotsavavidhis of Saptamatris. A seven-day Mahotsava for Saptamatrs is the regimen fixed by the author and for the purpose specife months, Naksatras and Tithis are decreed. They are the months of Magha, Phalguna, Caitra, Vaisakha, Jyestha, Asadha, and Sravana; the Naksatras are Asvaty, Karttika, Makayira and Pusya and the favourable Tithis are those for the Rastra. The festival ought to be arranged so that it concludes on Astami day.Sarvasantiphala is said to derive if Mahotsava is held in a village, town, Rastra, forest, or mountain. The flag for the festival must be inscribed with the picture of Pisaca, the Vahana of Camundi. The description of the features of Pisaca given is fierce and grotesque. 211 Balikriyas to the accompaniment of Vadyaghosas are mandated before any of the following-Prasada, Sabha, middle place or border of the Grama. Mandapa for Bali is to be constructed as prescribed in Silpapramana and after Visesapuja at the venue, may be performed at different directions with Dravyas prescribed to be used as substitutes for Mamsa. Bali Balisthanas - Bali is first performed for Deva in the middle place and then to Lokesas, in the towns and in front of all temples, 385

the entrance to the Gramas; Sabhasthalas, Catvaras, Rajamukhyalayas, Go-gaja- asvalayas, Mukhyavrksas, rivers, Kupas, Udyanas, Tatakas, Vana, Nidhisthanas, and other important places. 21 Avabhrtasnanavidhis for Devi follow next. The procession carrying the idol of Narayana is held at night to the accompaniment of Nrttavadyadighosa, with very wide participation of the citizenry. Every night during the Utsava, Mounabali and Pistapasunivedya are prescribed. Sangeetanrttadis every morning and evening are integral to festive activities. Dhvajarohana under Saivite traditions should also be performed. On the sixth night, Koutukabandhana is done on the sacrificial animals. What follows is Mrgabali or Mahapasubali. The animals prescribed are: deer for Brahmins, Elephant for kings and she - baffalo or goat for Vaisyas. In case of non-availability of these animals, categorised as Mahapasu, baffalos may be offered in sacrifice treating them as Mahapasu. The stipulation is that along with every sacrificial animal a goat also has to be sacrificed. The whole sacrificial rite is performed on the 7th night of the festival. Each sacrificial animal is duly decorated and tied, to a 'Yupa", and the act of sacrifice is performed by cutting its neck with an axe that has been sanctified with pujas. The blood of the sacrificed animals is mixed with havis to form 'raktanna' and is offered to saptamatrs. On the eighth day, in conformity with Saivite traditions, Utsava 386

is concluded with Avabhrtasnana. Along with that Udvasana, downing of the flag, Visesakalasa(81) and Daksina are stipulated. Properly done, these Kriyas bring fame, wealth and prosperity to the Yajamana and those associated with him. Sarvakamaphala is predicted to those taking part in these festive rites on Tuesdays, Astami, Caturdasi and Sundays.( It may be noted here that the Balikriyas, as described here, are no longer practised in Kerala.) The author thus provides a detailed delineation of various modes of Upasana, Purascaranas, Viniyogas, Phalasiddhis, Dhyanavigraha-laksanas, and Pratistha-nityotsava-mahotsavavidhis of the multifarious aspects of the Devi(Sakti)