Prana Pratishtha (Consecration)

The Agamas prescribe certain objects of worship symbolising in form the Deities or representing their dwelling places, as perceived by their seers. These are of three kinds:

1. Image, murti, which represents the Deity
in human form with limbs and the like.

2. Emblems which stand for particular Deities.
e.g., Saligram stone for Vishnu, Linga for Siva.

3. Diagrams - geometrical figures consisting of lines and curves, circles and squares and triangles all of which are symbolic, called Yantras or Mandalas. The Yantra literally means an instrument, the means by which worship is done. It is looked upon as the body of the Mantra which itself is ensouled by the Devata. The Yantra is drawn or engraved on metal or stone or on any surface. Mandala is a figure drawn on a surface and may represent any Devata whereas the Yantra stands for a particular Devata alone.

These are the figures, pratima, symbols or representations of the Divinity which the worshipper places before him or her as pratik (symbol), for adoration and worship.

Prana-pratishtha(consecration)

The image or the diagram does not by itself become a fit object of worship. It remains but a material form until it is infused with a life principle. The worshipper contemplates in his or her inner being the form of the Deity as induced by the physical form before him or her, dwells upon it with an intense concentration and devotion; a spiritual force is generated as a result, and transmits this power, released in the consciousness of the person, to the object which then becomes alive with the spiritual energism. This is called the Prana-pratishtha, installation of life force.

To such a living form of a Deity is the worship offered, in which not only the mind and heart but the whole body of the worshipper participates. Traditionally this worship has sixteen stages:-

1. Asana (seating of the image

2. Svaagat (welcome of the Deity)

3. Paadya - water to cleanse the feet

4. Arghya -offerings

5. Aachman - water for sipping and cleaning the lips

6. Aachman offered again

7. Madhuparka - honey, ghee, milk and curds

8. Snaan - water to bathe the Deity

9. Vastra - garments

10. Aabharana ( ornaments)

11. Gandha - sandal paste or perfume

12. Pushpa - flowers

13. Dhupa - incense

14. Dipa - light

15. Naivedya - food for consecration

16. Vandana - prayerful homage