36. Description of Vishnu (rites and rituals)

The Murtibhedas, Mantras, Upasanavidhis and Viniyogas of Vishnu are dealt with in elaborate detail in Mantrapada of Isanasivagurudeva-paddhati. These Patalas, however, do not mention anything about Pratistha, Vigrahalaksana, Nityotsava and Mahotsavavidhis, though they form an integral part of the rites and rituals of the other Devatas. Astaksaramurti - rites and rituals The Mulamantra of Narayana-'Om namo Narayanaya', Tattvas, Varnas, Devata and Chandas are provided in coded form. 283 The devotee who carries out the Nyasakriyas, strictly adhering to prescribed Kramas, will be free from Visadosa, Abhicaradosa, Grahadosa, and Bhaya, and will be blessed with Sarvadosaduritanivarana. It is said that they will even earn the gift of Yamaniyamadis which normally is hard to achieve. 411

A suitable and learned Guru has to be sought out for initiation. Mantropasana without receiving Diksa from a Guru is strictly forbidden. Foods like meat and fish, intoxicants and certain types of oils are also tabooed. Purascaranakarmas on Ekadasi day include 1,00,000 times Japa, followed by Homa 10,000 times each with Ghrta, Tila and lotus flower. Feast to Brahmins also forms an integral part of Purascarana. For attainment of Atmasuddhi, 2,00,000 Japas and for Pitr-matrsuddhi 6,00,000 Japas and for Mantrasiddhi, 8,00,000 Japas and one-tenth of the number of Japas for Homas with Ghrta, Ksira, Havis and Samit are prescribed, along with feast for Brahmins. Only a Sadhaka who has attained Siddhi in this manner is qualified to perform the rites and rituals for Yaga and other Pujavidhis. The relevant Puja procedure is as follows: Obeisance is first offered to Dvastas and deities belonging to that class. 284 GuruGanapatipuja and Bimbasuddhi-abhiseka are the next rites followed by Padyacamaniyas, Pithapaja, Avahana, Snana with Sugandhatailas, Pancagavya, Visuddhacurnas, Haridracurna and Kumkuma. All these Abhisekas must be accompanied by Purusasukta. Sarvopacarapuja follows next. Padmavidhis are also provided in this Patala. 285 Dhyana nilambudasyamalakomalangah purnendubimbadyutivaktrapadmah | ratnaprabhodmasikiritarocissambhinnanilalakabhararamyah || 412

subhrulalatayatatunganasavyakosapankeruhapadmantrah | | vyalambicarvancitakarnapasavyasaktanakrojjvalakundasrih || sanniskabhusojjvalakambukanthah pinaddharatnangadayugmabahuh | vicitravasah katakanguliyah sasankhapadmorugadarihastah | | satkaustubhodbhasivilolaharah srivatsalaksmiruciroruvaksah | manikkabimbopamasatamadhyavyasangahemodarabandhasaumyah | | apitakausaiyavijnesasaramye katipradese vipule dadhanah | ratnapravekacitahemasutramajanulambam vanamalika ca | janghadvayam carusupinavrttam padabjayugmam ca su jatagulpham | attungaraktam nakhacandrapankti varanguli bhistanukomalabhih | | sankham ca cakram jalajam ca nakram dadhat talaih padakarambujanam | sarvangasaundaryagunaikalaksamim bibharti yasmat purusottamo / sau | 285 Viksvaksena is the Nirmalyadhari of Astaksaramurti. Viniyogas- Numerous Viniyogas are provided. According to one of these Viniyogas, worship of Visnu, performance of Homa in Vaisnavagni, Brahmanabhojana and 3,000 Japas every day is the prescribed path to realisation of Siddhi. It is stated that there is hardly anything unattainable, once Siddhi is achieved. It is prescribed that the Agni for Homa should be made from Arani and Homa is to be offered into Caturasrakunda. Another Viniyoga recommended is for Ayurvardhana, the application of which is as follows; 3,00,000 Homas with Haritalikagra, Ghrta and Tila. For Kavitvasiddhi, Brahmighrtaseva with Japa is the prescription. For Prajna, Jalaseva 108 times after enhancement of its power is the Prayoga. Homa with Bilvapatra and Samit will do for wealth. 413

For clothes of a specific colour, Homa with flowers having that colour is decreed. Homa with ghee mixed with grains like paddy, will guarantee plentiful harvest. The Puja of Narayana consecutively for three days with Aksaralaksajapa will result in the attainment of Sarvaloka as well as Bhaktiyogasiddhi. Besides, several Vasya and Abhicarakriyas are also provided which, the author states, are highly secretive in nature.