The Markandeya Purana (Study)
by Chandamita Bhattacharya | 2021 | 67,501 words
This page relates ‘The Sacred Syllable ‘OM’’ of the study on the Markandeya Purana, one of the oldest of the eigtheen Mahapuranas preserving the history, civilisation, culture and traditions of ancient India. The Markandeyapurana commences with the questions raised by Rishi Jaimini (a pupil of Vyasa), who approaches the sage Markandeya with doubts related to the Mahabharata. This study examines various social topics such as the status of women, modes of worship, yoga, etc.
7. The Sacred Syllable ‘OM’
Yogin meditate ‘OM’ which designates the Supreme Brahman. This japa and meditation on ‘OM’ can bring final emancipation. In the Markaṇḍeyapurāṇa it is stated that to attain the final emancipation, the Yogin must have to perform Japa.
The meaning of the sacred word ‘OM’ is explained. A, U and M are the three instants in the word ‘OM’[1].
They are characterised by:
The ardhamātrā (Anusvāra-M) on the top of the syllable ‘OM’ is devoid of quality. The Yogins only understand this. It is uttered in the gāndhāra tone and is known as Gandhari[2]
Moreover, the letter ‘A’ is designated as the bhurloka (the terrestrial world), the letter ‘U’ is bhuvarloka (the atmospheric world) and the letter ‘M’ along with its nasal mark, the svarloka (the heaven).
- the first instant is discrete (vyakta) and short (hrasva),
- the second the indiscrete (avyakta) and long (dīrgha) and
- the third the intellectual faculty and prolated (pluta).
The half instant is the highest abode and is beyond expression.[3] The Markaṇḍeyapurāṇa also designates prāṇa (bow) and atman as an arrow. Here Supreme Brahma is the main quarry. Fixed like an arrow, he should become united with Brahma, like the arrow is shot to aim.[4] The Muṇḍakopaniṣad[5] also states the same view. The sacred syllable ‘OM’ consists of the three instants can be considered as the three Vedas, viz. the Ṛgveda, the Sāmaveda, the Yajurveda and represents the three worlds, the three fires and the three gods i.e. Viṣṇu, Brahmā, Śiva.[6]
The Yogin engrossed in meditation on ‘OM’ becomes united with Supreme Brahman. It is to be pierced by the heedful man and then becomes united with Brahman. The one who seriously meditates on Yoga and understands it, he can gain sublime absorption in the Supreme Brahma. He also achieves success in Yoga in the next life. He does not suffer at the time of his death.[7]
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
tathoṃāramkayo yogī tvakṣare tvakṣro bhavet /
prāṇo dhanuḥśaro hyātmā brahma vedhyamanuttamam // Markaṇḍeyapurāṇa, 39.7
[2]:
Ibid., 39.4-6
[3]:
Ibid., 39.10 b-14 a
[4]:
Ibid., 39.7-8
[5]:
Muṇḍakopaniṣad, 2.2.4
[6]:
Mārkaṇḍeyapurāṇa, 39.8 b-9
[7]:
Ibid., 39.14 b-17