Many devotees and visitors to the Hindu pooja have many questions regarding the significance of Abhisheka. This procedure is very interesting to young children and sometime they innocently shout, "Swami is taking a bath". What is the symbolic significance of this ritual?There is a saying in Sanskrit
Vishnu AlanKara Priya
Shiva Abhisheka Priya
Sooryo Namaskara Priya
Devi Pradiskna Priya
Brahmano Bhojana Bhajana Priya
The Devatha Vishnu needs to be richly decorated, while abhisheka is very important to Lord Shiva. Numerous namaskaras are to be offered to Soorya bhagawan, while Mahaa Devi has to be circambulated. The Brahmins must absorb (by eating), the scriptures and sing the glory of the Lord. Lord Vishnu is the protective aspect of the Brahman and so acts like a King. A King always wears the right costume. Soorya bhagawan gives us the energy, and we have to be thankful and respectful. Devi in the aspect of Maya Sakthi wields us round and round, and only by going around and around in the right direction we can escape Maya. A Brahmin, a learned person has to absorb the scriptures and other sacred information, and broadcast the Divine glory to the entire world. A Brahmin is a person who is out of the slum of ignorance and helps others to get out of the slum of the ignorance. Shiva destroys our ego (Ahamkara - the "I" ness), and makes us pure. Shiva is adored as Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram. Only our mind can be made absolutely pure. Our body cannot be made absolutely clean. If that is possible, a fish or a frog is cleaner than any one of us. The mind can be made pure by single pointed devotion, dedication and honesty. This dedication, devotion and sincerity of the purpose are externally exhibited in abhisheka. Honesty is likened to soap, dedication to the dravyas used in abhisheka and prayers to the act of cleansing. Thus abhisheka is done using various materials - Dravyas - to Shiva. The material must be poured so as to form a continuous drip using a conch. However, Alan Kara and abhisheka can be done to any of the Devatha. There are no restrictions.The Procedure (based on Tantra Samuchayam - One of the authoritative AGAMA text)Simple Abhisheka
First, the four Rig Veda mantras are chanted (given under but must be learned through a Guru) and pure water from the Kalasa is used. Water from a flowing source (River) is considered preferable to well or pond water.
First, the four Rig Veda mantras are chanted (given under but must be learned through a Guru) and pure water from the Kalasa is used. Water from a flowing source (River) is considered preferable to well or pond water.
Apohishta Mayo Bhuva Sthana Oorjae Dhadhaa Tha Na: Maheraranaaya Chakshasae Yo Va Sshivathamo Rasa Sthassya Bhajaya Thehana: Usatheeriva Maathara:Thasma Arangama Mavo Yasya Kshayaya Jinvatha: Aapo Janayatha Cha Na:Dadhi Kravanno Akaarisham Jishnorasvasya Vaajina: Surabhino Mukhs Karath Praana Aayumshi Tharishath.
After this, the abhisheka can be continued by reciting Purusha Sooktham, then Sapta Suddhi mantras, the Moola mantra, the Ishta sooktha mantra (which are different depending upon the Devatha - Shiva, SASTA, Subrahmanya, Ganesha).Finally, abhisheka is done by reciting the Gayatri mantra three times. The water from these procedures is used for Theertha Prasadam.
Elaborate Abhisheka
On special occasion like Mandala pooja, Shivaratri and other festival poojas, elaborate abhisheka is performed using eleven or more materials .The common procedure is to use eleven dravyya to the Elevan Rudra Devathas. The number does not matter as also the mantra. What is absolutely required is sincerity of purpose, unflinching devotion, and complete dedication. Victor Hugo once wrote, "as for how you pray the words do not matter if they are sincere. Turn your page upside down and face the infinite". This is what Poonthanam Nambhoodiri did years before Victor Hugo was even born. Poothanam in his ecstasy and sincerity addressed the Lord as 'God of the trees - Mara Prabhu' instead of the correct pronunciation 'God of Gods - Amara Prabhu ' (See Sri Vishnu sahasra nama) . There is a well-known saying "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. The essential is invisible to the eye'. And there is a common advice, "When you bow, bow deep down"Out of all the materials used for abhisheka, the water from the kalasa is most important and used last. 1, 3, 5 7 or 11 kalasas can be set up for abhisheka. Veda mantras are used to purify and sanctify the water (Apo Va Idaghum Sarvam… - water is the cause for emergence and sustenance of all life. Water as it is has no shape but take the shape of the container in which it is taken. The Brahman cannot be described with specific form or shape. However, the Brahman can be visualized in our mind with specific attributes - Saguna Brahman - the Devathas. This is one reason that yogis prefer 'Manasa pooja'- visualization of the Brahman in the mind and deep meditation, which ordinary persons cannot accomplish.The common dravyyas in order and their significance and the mantras are as follows:
Ganda Thaila (Scented Oil) - Well Being / relief from poison, fever - Purusha sooktham
Pancha Gavyam - Purity - Sapta Suddhi
Pancha-amritha (mixture of milk, yogurt, fruits, ghee & honey) - Victory over Ego and spiritual knowledge. Very popular for Subramanya abhisheka.
Ghee - Either prosperity or Moksha - Ultimate Liberation - Popular for SASTA.Thejo Asi Thejaanu Prehyagni-Ishtae-Thejo Ma Vinail. Agnair-Jvihvasi Subhroodevanam Dhamnae DhamnaeDevebhyo Yajushae Yajushae BhavaSukra Masi Jyothirasi Thejosi
Milk-Long life / wealth -Aapyayasva Samethu Thae Viswatha: Soma Vrishnnyam Bhava Vajasya Sangathae
Yogurt - Peace and contentment / good offspring -Dadhi Kravano Akaarisham Jishnorasvasya Vaajina: Subhino Mukhakaral Prana-Aayushim Thaarishath
Honey - relief from sickness / good voice -Madhu Vatha Rithayathae Madhu Ksharanthi Sinddhava: Maadhveernna Santhoshadhi: Madhu Naktha Muthoshasi Madhumath Parthivaghum Raja: Madhu Dhaurasthu Na: Pitha. Madhu Maanno Vanaspathirmadhumaghum Asthu Soorya: Madhveergghavo Bhavanthuna: Madhu Madhu Madhu
Sugar cane juice - Health & Strength - Purusha sooktham
Lime Juice - freedom from danger - Cleansing - Knowledge - Purusha Sooktham
Tender coconut water - happiness due to high position - Purusha Sooktham
Sandal wood paste- Patronage from authorities -Ganda Dwvaram Dhura Darshaam Nithya Pushttam Kareeshineem; Iswareem Sarva Bhoothaanaam Thamihopahva Sriyam
Turmeric Powder- Relief from debt- same as above
Rice flour - Relief from weakness- same as above
Cooked rice - All around prosperity - Devatha Ishta Mantra
Aamalakm (gooseberry, mango, banana, or other fruits) - Wealth & prosperity- Victory -Purusha Sooktham
Flowers - Relief from anger, agitation - Sapta Suddhi
Rose water- Spiritual knowledge - Sapta Suddhi
Sahasra Dhaara (a Plate having thousand small holes through which sacred water is used for abhisheka - used also during SASTA and Kanaka abhisheka ceremonies) - Prosperity and long life. Sri Rudram & Chamakam
Gold / silver - profit in business- Sri Rudram / Chamakam
Abhisheka using a conch called Valam Piri Conch (Right turning conch) - Nobility - Sri Rudram / Chamakam
Bhasma - Good life everywhere- Sri Rudram /Chamakam
Sharkara - Jaggery (white sugar should be avoided since in manufacture of white sugar activated charcoal from animal bones are used) - Freedom from sorrow, enemies. Sri Rudram / Chamakam
Kalasa Jalam - water from the kalasm - Victory in all endeavors- Fulfillment of desires. Sri Rudram / Chamakam especially "sanga mae. …- the third anuvaka"
The other mantras usually used for abhisheka are
Samavada Sooktham - The last stanza in Rig Veda. This is used for harmony between the community members, removal of enmity, and prosperity.
Bhaaghya Sooktham - For all around luck- especially auspicious for abhisheka for Devi.
Gopalam or Raja - Gopala mantra - For victory and success. Abhisheka for Maha-Vishnu / Sri Krishna/ Sri Rama. This mantra has also some historical significance. During the 17th through 19th centuries when the Hindus were persecuted and subjected to several hardships by alien invaders, this mantra became very popular to console and comfort the Hindus and thus they stayed together opposing forced conversion.
Dharma SASTA / Ayyappa Swami being worshipped as Hari-Hara putra, thus can be worshipped either by elaborate abhisheka or beautiful Alan Kara or both. In fact, both Vaishnava and Saiva mantras are used in all most all Ayyappa temples and Dharma SASTA worship. There is no strict demarcation. This again shows the cosmopolitan nature of Hinduism.
The Bhagavad-Gita reverberates this over and over.Some offer worldly goods, others offer sense restraint. Others submit their sufferings or take vows. Many offer knowledge by studying the scriptures while a few make offerings of meditation. Many worship by controlling their senses while others restraint their breath. All these, understand the meaning of service and will be cleansed of their impurities.
--- The Bhagavad-Gita 4: 28-30
What we need is sincerity and dedication. Now, how to get these if we don't have them at present. The Veda comes to help. We need to contemplate whenever we can to get the inner revelation. Attending poojas will be a start. Let us do that for a beginning.May my speech be in accordance with the mind.Let my mind be in accordance with the speech.OH! Self-shining Brahman! May Thou reveal Thyself to meLet my mind and speech enable me to grasp the truth revealed in the Sacred Vedas.May not my learning forsake meMay I contemplate this truth day and nightMay I think of truth in my mindMay I speak truth in my speechMay the Brahman protect meMay the Brahman protect my teacherOhm! Let there be Peace-Peace-Peace
Now why the devotes pour all these upon the Vighraha or upon the Siva Lingam? Can anyone imagine pouring these substances on their own body? Is there any rationale behind this procedure? The rationale is our Spiritual quest. The devotion, the noble action and the quest for knowledge are all combined here (Bhakthi –Karma and Jnana yoga). The Vighraha with a specific form is a symbol for the Brahman. The Lingam is also a symbol but without any specific form. God is Love ( Anpae Sivam - The Tamil devotees roar all the time)God is pure Love. The purity is stressed over and over ( Nithyaa Suddhaaya Digambaraya ; Nirmalayai nama: ; Suchi: ; Suddha Brahma Parakrama Ram; ) . Thus the devotee must be pure and over flowing with Love towards the Brahman , like the Ganga swiftly flowing to the ocean. The Ganga Maayi – the mother Ganga, on the head of Siva (and also on the feet of Maha-Vishnu ) represent that constant ,uninterrupted flows of devotion and Love. In the worldly level mother’s Love is considered very pure. Thus a pure devotee approach the Brahman like a mother approaching a small child. Worship of Maha-Vishnu as Bala-Krishna , Gopi-krishna , worship of Subrahmanya Swami as Kumara, Bala-Subrahmanya , Dharma SASTA as Ayyappa, Devi as Kumari ( Kumari Pooja during Devi pooja is obligatory ), Ganesha as Bala_Ganapathi, are well known feature in Hindu community. Symbolically this is the beginning of Spiritual endeavor. The Rig Veda mantra recited first during abhisheka , shows this idea “ Usatheeriva matara : like a mother who feeds her children , makes us worthy of imbibing the auspicious bliss ; surabhi no mukhakarath – make our face and body pure and fragrant . Sanctified water is a purifying agent . Thus water and kalasa sthapana are very essential.Milk stands for a mother’s Love. The First nourishment during the long journey of Spiritual quest .Intense Love – the solid , eternal love is denoted by Yogurt-Solidified milk.( In Ayurveda yogurt is considered very healthful which the modern scientific community has confirmed). The essence of Love – the essence of yogurt – the ghee is known in Sanskrit as ‘Sneha ’ , a word used also to indicate love. Scented oil or gandha thaila also stand for the same idea.In Love everything will be Sweet as honey. So honey, jaggery , pancha-Amritha and other sweet materials like Sugar cane juice are used for abhisheka. The sweetness if sincere will pervade , spread, diffuse in various direction. sandal wood paste, rose water, flowers, stand for this.The love and sweetness must linger on, without other egoistic feelings contaminating the mind. Illusionary effect must be cleansed off. Lime juice, Coconut water , Turmeric powder/ water are all well-known refreshing / cleansing materials . When ultimate purity is achieved , that state is indicated by Bhasma / vibhoothi abhisheka or abhisheka with Bilwa or Thulasi leaves. Absolute surrender to the Divine is indicated by lighting and offering of Camphor. Finally when the Spiritual knowledge is attained, lighting and waving the lamp indicate the state. Thus the God-The Brahman , the personification of Truth and Love can be realized through truthful dedication and sincere love. Mere saying will not do a thing. Visiting a car garage every day will not make a person a good mechanic. One must walk ,the walk to reach the destination. Ritualistic abhisheka sincerely done is one of the several ‘Walks’ available to the ardent Hindus
Elaborate Abhisheka
On special occasion like Mandala pooja, Shivaratri and other festival poojas, elaborate abhisheka is performed using eleven or more materials .The common procedure is to use eleven dravyya to the Elevan Rudra Devathas. The number does not matter as also the mantra. What is absolutely required is sincerity of purpose, unflinching devotion, and complete dedication. Victor Hugo once wrote, "as for how you pray the words do not matter if they are sincere. Turn your page upside down and face the infinite". This is what Poonthanam Nambhoodiri did years before Victor Hugo was even born. Poothanam in his ecstasy and sincerity addressed the Lord as 'God of the trees - Mara Prabhu' instead of the correct pronunciation 'God of Gods - Amara Prabhu ' (See Sri Vishnu sahasra nama) . There is a well-known saying "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. The essential is invisible to the eye'. And there is a common advice, "When you bow, bow deep down"Out of all the materials used for abhisheka, the water from the kalasa is most important and used last. 1, 3, 5 7 or 11 kalasas can be set up for abhisheka. Veda mantras are used to purify and sanctify the water (Apo Va Idaghum Sarvam… - water is the cause for emergence and sustenance of all life. Water as it is has no shape but take the shape of the container in which it is taken. The Brahman cannot be described with specific form or shape. However, the Brahman can be visualized in our mind with specific attributes - Saguna Brahman - the Devathas. This is one reason that yogis prefer 'Manasa pooja'- visualization of the Brahman in the mind and deep meditation, which ordinary persons cannot accomplish.The common dravyyas in order and their significance and the mantras are as follows:
Ganda Thaila (Scented Oil) - Well Being / relief from poison, fever - Purusha sooktham
Pancha Gavyam - Purity - Sapta Suddhi
Pancha-amritha (mixture of milk, yogurt, fruits, ghee & honey) - Victory over Ego and spiritual knowledge. Very popular for Subramanya abhisheka.
Ghee - Either prosperity or Moksha - Ultimate Liberation - Popular for SASTA.Thejo Asi Thejaanu Prehyagni-Ishtae-Thejo Ma Vinail. Agnair-Jvihvasi Subhroodevanam Dhamnae DhamnaeDevebhyo Yajushae Yajushae BhavaSukra Masi Jyothirasi Thejosi
Milk-Long life / wealth -Aapyayasva Samethu Thae Viswatha: Soma Vrishnnyam Bhava Vajasya Sangathae
Yogurt - Peace and contentment / good offspring -Dadhi Kravano Akaarisham Jishnorasvasya Vaajina: Subhino Mukhakaral Prana-Aayushim Thaarishath
Honey - relief from sickness / good voice -Madhu Vatha Rithayathae Madhu Ksharanthi Sinddhava: Maadhveernna Santhoshadhi: Madhu Naktha Muthoshasi Madhumath Parthivaghum Raja: Madhu Dhaurasthu Na: Pitha. Madhu Maanno Vanaspathirmadhumaghum Asthu Soorya: Madhveergghavo Bhavanthuna: Madhu Madhu Madhu
Sugar cane juice - Health & Strength - Purusha sooktham
Lime Juice - freedom from danger - Cleansing - Knowledge - Purusha Sooktham
Tender coconut water - happiness due to high position - Purusha Sooktham
Sandal wood paste- Patronage from authorities -Ganda Dwvaram Dhura Darshaam Nithya Pushttam Kareeshineem; Iswareem Sarva Bhoothaanaam Thamihopahva Sriyam
Turmeric Powder- Relief from debt- same as above
Rice flour - Relief from weakness- same as above
Cooked rice - All around prosperity - Devatha Ishta Mantra
Aamalakm (gooseberry, mango, banana, or other fruits) - Wealth & prosperity- Victory -Purusha Sooktham
Flowers - Relief from anger, agitation - Sapta Suddhi
Rose water- Spiritual knowledge - Sapta Suddhi
Sahasra Dhaara (a Plate having thousand small holes through which sacred water is used for abhisheka - used also during SASTA and Kanaka abhisheka ceremonies) - Prosperity and long life. Sri Rudram & Chamakam
Gold / silver - profit in business- Sri Rudram / Chamakam
Abhisheka using a conch called Valam Piri Conch (Right turning conch) - Nobility - Sri Rudram / Chamakam
Bhasma - Good life everywhere- Sri Rudram /Chamakam
Sharkara - Jaggery (white sugar should be avoided since in manufacture of white sugar activated charcoal from animal bones are used) - Freedom from sorrow, enemies. Sri Rudram / Chamakam
Kalasa Jalam - water from the kalasm - Victory in all endeavors- Fulfillment of desires. Sri Rudram / Chamakam especially "sanga mae. …- the third anuvaka"
The other mantras usually used for abhisheka are
Samavada Sooktham - The last stanza in Rig Veda. This is used for harmony between the community members, removal of enmity, and prosperity.
Bhaaghya Sooktham - For all around luck- especially auspicious for abhisheka for Devi.
Gopalam or Raja - Gopala mantra - For victory and success. Abhisheka for Maha-Vishnu / Sri Krishna/ Sri Rama. This mantra has also some historical significance. During the 17th through 19th centuries when the Hindus were persecuted and subjected to several hardships by alien invaders, this mantra became very popular to console and comfort the Hindus and thus they stayed together opposing forced conversion.
Dharma SASTA / Ayyappa Swami being worshipped as Hari-Hara putra, thus can be worshipped either by elaborate abhisheka or beautiful Alan Kara or both. In fact, both Vaishnava and Saiva mantras are used in all most all Ayyappa temples and Dharma SASTA worship. There is no strict demarcation. This again shows the cosmopolitan nature of Hinduism.
The Bhagavad-Gita reverberates this over and over.Some offer worldly goods, others offer sense restraint. Others submit their sufferings or take vows. Many offer knowledge by studying the scriptures while a few make offerings of meditation. Many worship by controlling their senses while others restraint their breath. All these, understand the meaning of service and will be cleansed of their impurities.
--- The Bhagavad-Gita 4: 28-30
What we need is sincerity and dedication. Now, how to get these if we don't have them at present. The Veda comes to help. We need to contemplate whenever we can to get the inner revelation. Attending poojas will be a start. Let us do that for a beginning.May my speech be in accordance with the mind.Let my mind be in accordance with the speech.OH! Self-shining Brahman! May Thou reveal Thyself to meLet my mind and speech enable me to grasp the truth revealed in the Sacred Vedas.May not my learning forsake meMay I contemplate this truth day and nightMay I think of truth in my mindMay I speak truth in my speechMay the Brahman protect meMay the Brahman protect my teacherOhm! Let there be Peace-Peace-Peace
Now why the devotes pour all these upon the Vighraha or upon the Siva Lingam? Can anyone imagine pouring these substances on their own body? Is there any rationale behind this procedure? The rationale is our Spiritual quest. The devotion, the noble action and the quest for knowledge are all combined here (Bhakthi –Karma and Jnana yoga). The Vighraha with a specific form is a symbol for the Brahman. The Lingam is also a symbol but without any specific form. God is Love ( Anpae Sivam - The Tamil devotees roar all the time)God is pure Love. The purity is stressed over and over ( Nithyaa Suddhaaya Digambaraya ; Nirmalayai nama: ; Suchi: ; Suddha Brahma Parakrama Ram; ) . Thus the devotee must be pure and over flowing with Love towards the Brahman , like the Ganga swiftly flowing to the ocean. The Ganga Maayi – the mother Ganga, on the head of Siva (and also on the feet of Maha-Vishnu ) represent that constant ,uninterrupted flows of devotion and Love. In the worldly level mother’s Love is considered very pure. Thus a pure devotee approach the Brahman like a mother approaching a small child. Worship of Maha-Vishnu as Bala-Krishna , Gopi-krishna , worship of Subrahmanya Swami as Kumara, Bala-Subrahmanya , Dharma SASTA as Ayyappa, Devi as Kumari ( Kumari Pooja during Devi pooja is obligatory ), Ganesha as Bala_Ganapathi, are well known feature in Hindu community. Symbolically this is the beginning of Spiritual endeavor. The Rig Veda mantra recited first during abhisheka , shows this idea “ Usatheeriva matara : like a mother who feeds her children , makes us worthy of imbibing the auspicious bliss ; surabhi no mukhakarath – make our face and body pure and fragrant . Sanctified water is a purifying agent . Thus water and kalasa sthapana are very essential.Milk stands for a mother’s Love. The First nourishment during the long journey of Spiritual quest .Intense Love – the solid , eternal love is denoted by Yogurt-Solidified milk.( In Ayurveda yogurt is considered very healthful which the modern scientific community has confirmed). The essence of Love – the essence of yogurt – the ghee is known in Sanskrit as ‘Sneha ’ , a word used also to indicate love. Scented oil or gandha thaila also stand for the same idea.In Love everything will be Sweet as honey. So honey, jaggery , pancha-Amritha and other sweet materials like Sugar cane juice are used for abhisheka. The sweetness if sincere will pervade , spread, diffuse in various direction. sandal wood paste, rose water, flowers, stand for this.The love and sweetness must linger on, without other egoistic feelings contaminating the mind. Illusionary effect must be cleansed off. Lime juice, Coconut water , Turmeric powder/ water are all well-known refreshing / cleansing materials . When ultimate purity is achieved , that state is indicated by Bhasma / vibhoothi abhisheka or abhisheka with Bilwa or Thulasi leaves. Absolute surrender to the Divine is indicated by lighting and offering of Camphor. Finally when the Spiritual knowledge is attained, lighting and waving the lamp indicate the state. Thus the God-The Brahman , the personification of Truth and Love can be realized through truthful dedication and sincere love. Mere saying will not do a thing. Visiting a car garage every day will not make a person a good mechanic. One must walk ,the walk to reach the destination. Ritualistic abhisheka sincerely done is one of the several ‘Walks’ available to the ardent Hindus
It is not enough to know-You must practice
It is not enough to pretend-you must ‘BE’
- The mother at the Aurobindo ashram
OHM TAT SAT ! OHM TAT SAT ! OHM TAT SAT!
- The mother at the Aurobindo ashram
OHM TAT SAT ! OHM TAT SAT ! OHM TAT SAT!
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