Ishta Devata - to Shri. Prafulla.

[Guest guest]

Dear Shri. Prafulla:

 

Though Lords Brahma, Vishna and Shiva are classified as Trimurthis -

above the other devataas, they can be one's Ishta Devataas. Yes, the

Divine Forms whom we consider as Complete Incarnations or forms of

Absolute Divine can also be called Ishta Devataas. There are two

forms in which each Divinity is worshipped - the Sagunna and Nirgunna

forms. The lower deities like Indra, Agni, etc. and the 33 crore

Divine Beings have only Sagunna forms. Whereas the higher forms like

Ganesha, Shiva, etc. have both Sagunna and Nigunna forms. In the

Sagunna form, we attribute certain qualities to the Divinity and

assume that such and such form is good for such and such purpose.

But, for an ultimate saadhakaa, due to the intensity of the devotion,

these sagunna forms themselves will pave the way for Nirgunna saadhana

which will lead one to Mukthi (final liberation).

 

One can select any Divine Form that captivates the mind and in which

the mind is perfectly yoked without any wavering. This form is one's

ishta devata.. this form will be like one's closest relative....one

can cry, shout, abuse, laugh and communicate freely with this form....

when such attachment is developed this form is called ishta devataa.

The mind will automatically appeal only to this form when one is in

distress, and the mind will happily communicate only to this form when

one is happy beyond words can describe! Continuous worship of the

ishta devata can lead one to liberation in due course if the faith is

unwavering. Even Higher Divinities can be one's Ishta Devataas.

Generally, it is believed that worship of Lord Brahma will help one to

attain higher occult powers and only worship of Lord Vishnu or Lord

Shiva will lead one to salvation. (the 4-headed Brahma is different

from the formless Brahman - the formless Ominscent Omnipotent Divine).

 

Blessed be.

 

Pandit R.DAKSHINAMOORTHI.