Chatushasti upachara pooja

May 10, 2008

Dear Pundariji,

You may do chatus'shashti upachAra pUjA to all Gods and Goddesses.

There is no rule set in stone which says "One MUST do chatus'shashti upachAra to rAjarAjesvarI devI and no one else. If you take each scriptural text of each and every God(why Gods? even Grahamunis like Rahu,Shani,etc have this ritual)."

This ritual means 64 upacharas and this is normally offered by temples, it is possible in homes too.

If you are thinking of 16 upacAra pUjA then

asana

(svagatam)

padyam

arghyam

acamaniyam

madhuparka

acamaniyam

snaniyam

vastram

(upavitam)

alankara

gandha

puspa

dhupa

dipa

naivedyam

pranama

vandanam

64 upacArAs mean these and more like nrtyam, gAnam,etc.I do not think these days people have even time to do the 16 upacArAs proeperly leave alone 64! So, our temple has come with a simple 25 name procedure given by Devi Herself to my Gurunatha(there in the files section of our group)

However, if one can spare some time pancopacArA(penta-ritualistic mode of worship using 5 articles and encumbering rituals) can be done.{--gandhA,puspA,dhUpA,dEpA,naivedyA--}

Each god and goddess is an embedded energy matrix in itself and these services have multifarous purposes.To the non-initiate,agnost,atheist these look as too much of fuss and silly rituals bereft of meaning but to the serious practioner of tantrAs, these form the very bedrock of divinity as these not only tend to create an atmosphere of intent and concentration for the mind to grasp the nirgunic realms but also create a spiritual aura and other factors.

So, howmuchever I wish it could be, it is not an exclusive thing for our Sweetest Mother, rAjarAjesvarI alone.

Jaya Sarvamangale'

Shreeram Balijepalli

Rajarajeshwari_Kalpataru , "pundari_turaga" <pundari_turaga wrote:>> Respected Guruji,> > Pranam. I am a ordant devotee of Devi and I got a doubt that whether> we have to perform chatushasti upachara pooja only to RajaRajeswari> Devi and not to any other godesses i.e. varalakshmi,Maha lakshmi and> saraswarti. I am eagerly watiing for your reply.> > Pundari>

May 12, 2008

Dear Gopala Garu,

The number 64 is numerologically a very significant one. Various authorities have explained the significance of numbers in Srividya.

Mahaganapathi Mantra – 28 letters.Saubhagya Vidya mantra along with Shodashi Kala (together called PurnaShodashi) – 19 letters.Mahashodashi – 28 lettersUtkrishta Ganapathi mantra – 37 letters.All these mantras, when added result in the number : 1.

For example, 28 -> 2+8 =10---> 1+0=1.

Similarly, 6+4=10; 1+0 = 1. Thus, the objective of 64 Upacharas, like the above listed mantras, is to experience the at-one-ness with Goddess(sAkta stance of 'sAham') swAtmAbhinna parA samvit called Sri rAjarAjeshvar lalitA. Sri Bhaskararaya says in Setubandha that the number of Upacharas prescribed during Navavarana Archana are 64 but `kechit', `some others' followdifferent numbers (more or less than 64). He clearly objects to this practice by quoting

1.Vamakeshwara Tantra

2.Parashurama Kalpasutra

&

3. Lalitha Sahasranama(chatuShShaShTyupachArADhyA)

calling it asAmpradAyika [ 3, 84 – Setubandha].

(*This quote has been given by my friend Harshaji)

But at another place in the same bhAShya, he also mentions saMpradAyavishwAsa,etc. from the Kalpasutras and agrees to the fact that differences in Upachara Samkhya and Patra Sthapana are agreeable, if followed as per one's Sampradaya.

Further in the same vein,Natananandanatha oberves in a commentary that the number 64 is indicative of the Bijas to be prefixed during Chakrarchana. He reads 6 as the six Vyahritis or Pranavas of Srividya and 4 as the Kamakala Bija. He is of the opinion that this group of Bijas should be used while offering 64 Upacharas and quotes Nitya Tantra as the pramANa.

Sri Tetiyur Subrahmanya Shastrigal, followed a somewhat less-known practice during Chatushshtypachara. He would offer the 64 Upacharas with some Samputikara of the mantras for the 64 Yoginis. He explained this as a very esoteric practice anddealing with Mahayaga, involving AshtAShtaka Yoginis (8 X 8 = 64) also popularly called 'Chausat-yogini'.People belonging to his Shishya Parampara should know more about the significance of this practice.Again, Harshaji's elder relative is a disciple of this upasaka.

Though `bhAvanA' is the best method of upAsanA, the path of Bahiryaga is unavoidable for the beginners. As rightly indicated, one cannot give up any of these Upacharas (physically) as long as he is able to offer them. The Vamakeshwara Tantra prescribes substitution with PuShpAkShata saying. `yadyashaktaschet' – only if the Upasaka is unable to perform the Upacharas physically.

While following Bahiryaga, if a person neglects any of the Upacharas, even those which can be offered in his capacity, he incurs sin(Yogini Hridaya Dipika).

However, if due to constraints factors like time, resource etc., the Sadhaka is really unable to offer one or more of theseUpacharas, by offering Pushpakshata with devotion, he obtains the same merit as having offered the Upachara physically. But these days when Dravya Shuddhi(purity of the articles used for the pUjA) is a difficult thing, one should seriously consider before using things in Srichakrarchana.

Also, it should be borne in mind that the Upacharas should beboffered without any desire for fruits and with dispassion for their worldly features. The Sadhaka should ever be aware of the fact that Bahiryaga is a step to perfection; that it is a path and not the goal.

The 64 upachArAs can be listed as follows(however differences as stated above exist)

Early Morning activities: 1. Waking the ever-awakened Amba(!) with vedic verses, praises, instrumental music.(suprabhatha seva)

2.Offering a twig for brushing the teeth. (Dantha-dhavana seva)

3. Offering mangala aratrika.(Mangala-aarathi seva)

4. Shouting jaya along with Bheri-ninaadam(herald-drums) on seeing the deity. (Jaya-dhwani seva)

5.Offering pranamas to the Lord before entering for puja(Namaskara seva)

Offering the Main Upacaras: 6.Inviting Amba (avahana seva)

7. Offering Mother a seat (asanopachara)

8. Making Her comfortable (svagatopachara).

9. Washing Her feet respectfully (padyam).

10. Offering arghyam as a sign of welcome and respect.

11. Offering water to wash the mouth (acamaniyam).

12. Offering madhuparka, then water to wash the mouth.

13. Offering Amba Padukas so that She may come to the bathing place.

14. Cleaning Divine Mother's body with a damp cloth to remove old Kumkuma,candana,nirmalya etc. (murti samskara). (This should be done in privacy efficiently and then Amba must be wrapped in a clean white cloth immediately)

15. Rubbing Mother's body, especially the head, with fragrant oils.(Sugandha-thailopachara)

16. Bathing Amba in fragrant flower water(Sugandha-pushpa neeraajanam)

17. Bathing Her in milk. (Ksheeraabhishekam)

18. Bathing Her in curds/plain yogurt(Dadhyaabhishekam)

19. Bathing Her in ghee(Ghrithaabhishekam)20. Bathing Her in honey(Madhu-snanopachara)

21. Bathing Her in sugar(Guda/Sharkara-snaanam)..here make sure that white sugar is prepared without using animal bones as is the case, else use brown sugar(unprocessed) or jaggery powder.

22. Bathing Her in water consecrated with mantras(Mantra-jala snaanam)

23. Removing oil, ghee, etc, with flour, then warm water. (Abhyangakriya)

24. Wiping Her body with a soft, dry cloth (anga vastra-soucham).

25. Dressing Her in upper and lower cloth(vastra-dhaaranam)

26.Offering gayatri thread (upavitam. Goddess Rajarajeshwari's sacred thread must be prepared beforehand to the chant of Vedic chants)

27. Offering acamana again after dressing. (Punarachamanam).

28.Arranging Her hair(Keshaalankaaram)

29.Decorating Her with bracelets, necklaces, rings etc.(Abharanaalankaaram)

30. Offering Padmaraagam(red colored ruby-like stone got in the river bed),Ambamani(a rare jewel),Vajram(diamonds),Vaidyuram(cat's eye),pravala(corals),moukthikam(pearls)kaustubha and other wonderful jewels.(Manialankarana)

31. Offering various colors of clothing, belts,Kavachas, turbans, capes etc.(Red is a must for Amba)(Vastrayugmam)

32. Offering flowers to Her saffron lotus feet. Applying fragrant unguents and henna decorations on Gandha dried paste to Hers feet with a Bel-leaf.

33. Offering incense(dhoopam)

34. Offering lamps(deepam) along with ghanta sevana(ringing of auspicious bells)...> Here there are various kinds of Deepas to be offered and this single posting would not be enough to describe it all.Ghee-lamp is a must for Srividya puja.

35. Removing inauspicious influences, the glances of evil persons by mustard seeds etc.(Drishti-nivarthy)

36. Offering naivedyam.

37. Offering spices (mukha vasana seva) for a fragrant mouth after eating.(breath freshner)

38. Offering betel (tambulam).

39. Offering a couch for Her to relax in(shayana seva)

40. Offering gandha again and decorating the Mother's body with various feminine designs using frgrant unguents (punargandha dravya seva)

41. Offering Her a crown.(Kireeta seva)

42. Offering varieties of flowers and garlands(pushpamala seva)

Darshana:

43. Offering a mirror.(Darpana seva)

44. Offering chamara and umbrella(cchhatra-chamara seva)

45. Singing(Gaana seva--Gaanapriyaa lolini remember?)

46.Playing instruments(vaadya seva---kalapriya)

47.Dancing(nritya seva)

48.Offering aratrika again.

49.Taking deity to a special mandapa. (In home, it can be done within a room to another small mandapa)

50.Bringing the deity back to Her simhaasana(throne) again.

Bhoga Offering: 51. Offering foot wash, mouth wash again.

52.Offering another meal while burning incense.

53.Offering betel, then performing aratrika.

Concluding Puja: 54.Recitation of verses (stuti) ,mantrapushpa,etc

55.Circumabulation of deity (pradaksina) and athmapradakshina

Pranamas.

56. Touching ones head at the saffron lotus feet of the deity (astanga pranama--all 8 limbs must touch ground).

57. Taking caranamrta and flower prasada on ones head.

58. Taking the food remnants of Amba as prasada.

Night service: 59. Sitting at the feet of Amba ready for service.

60. Making a nice bed for Amba, with soft cloth, flowers(especially jasmine which lulls a person to sleep) and nice scented powders.

61. Offering ones hand to Amba, and offering Her padukas, to bring Her to the bed.

62. Receiving Her at the bed with great festivity.

63. Washing Her feet, then drying them, offering gandha, flowers, betel, condensed milk, fan(chamara)

64. Having Amba lie down in the bed for Her Yoganidra and massaging Her lotus feet having the bhava of a mother in mind.

The offering of items are sometimes conceived as an offering of all the elements and senses in the service of the Lord. Symbolism involved:

asana: lotus of the heart padyam: water in the form of amrta ,instability and wavering of mind offered at Her feetarghyam: mind acamaniyam, snana: armta of bliss cloth: akasa gandha: sense of smell flowers: citta incense: five pranas lights - lamps: fire bell: dhvani naivedya: amrta chamara: air gita: sound nrtya: activities of the senses and mind offered at Hermala: flowers of consisting of absence of maya, egotism, attachment, vanity, delusion, arrogance, enmity, perturbance, malice, covetousness; and possession of ahimsa, sense control, mercy, forgiveness and knowledge.

Thus such an elaborate procedure when done daily will make a person vibrate with such energy and power along with visions of Amba that it is ineffable.

Yours yogically,

Shreeram Balijepalli

Rajarajeshwari_Kalpataru , Gopala Krishnan <gopalt_qa wrote:>> Dear Sriram,> thanks for giving the below note on 16 and 5 upacharas..I am basically trying to understand what are the 64 types of chatushashti upacharaas(like given below for 16 upacharams).> Could you please name them..> I have seen the document in the files folder of this group but bit difficult to understand and seperate each upachara while reading as they r in the form of sthotram.Would be great if you could let me know the names divided.> Regards> Gopala K Talluri> > > > > para_anuloma para_anuloma Rajarajeshwari_Kalpataru > Saturday, 10 May, 2008 4:55:23 PM> [Rajarajeshwari_Kalpataru] Re: Chatushasti upachara pooja> > > Dear Pundariji,> You may do chatus'shashti upachAra pUjA to all Gods and Goddesses.> There is no rule set in stone which says "One MUST do chatus'shashti upachAra to rAjarAjesvarI devI and no one else. If you take each scriptural text of each and every God(why Gods? even Grahamunis like Rahu,Shani,etc have this ritual)."> This ritual means 64 upacharas and this is normally offered by temples, it is possible in homes too.> If you are thinking of 16 upacAra pUjA then> asana > (svagatam) > padyam > arghyam > acamaniyam > madhuparka > acamaniyam > snaniyam > vastram > (upavitam) > alankara > gandha > puspa > dhupa > dipa > naivedyam > pranama > vandanam > 64 upacArAs mean these and more like nrtyam, gAnam,etc.I do not think these days people have even time to do the 16 upacArAs proeperly leave alone 64! So, our temple has come with a simple 25 name procedure given by Devi Herself to my Gurunatha(there in the files section of our group)> However, if one can spare some time pancopacArA( penta-ritualisti c mode of worship using 5 articles and encumbering rituals)Â can be done.{--gandhA, puspA,dhUpA, dEpA,naivedyA- -}> Each god and goddess is an embedded energy matrix in itself and these services have multifarous purposes.To the non-initiate, agnost,atheist these look as too much of fuss and silly rituals bereft of meaning but to the serious practioner of tantrAs, these form the very bedrock of divinity as these not only tend to create an atmosphere of intent and concentration for the mind to grasp the nirgunic realms but also create a spiritual aura and other factors.> So, howmuchever I wish itÂ could be,Â it is not an exclusive thing for our Sweetest Mother, rAjarAjesvarI alone.> Jaya Sarvamangale'> Shreeram Balijepalli> Â > Â > Â > > Rajarajeshwari_ Kalpataru, "pundari_turaga" <pundari_turaga@ ...> wrote:> >> > Respected Guruji,> > > > Pranam. I am a ordant devotee of Devi and I got a doubt that whether> > we have to perform chatushasti upachara pooja only to RajaRajeswari> > Devi and not to any other godesses i.e. varalakshmi, Maha lakshmi and> > saraswarti. I am eagerly watiing for your reply.> > > > Pundari> >> > > > Bring your gang together. Do your thing. Find your favourite group at http://in.promos./groups/>