Murti Pratishtha, a sacred ritual that invokes the divine presence of God, is an awe-inspiring and emotive celebration steeped in devotion and spirituality. For over 50 years, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has devotedly performed murti pratishthas in numerous mandirs, infusing them with divine energy and instilling unwavering faith in God and the practice of murti-puja among Hindus worldwide.

Following the sacred Vedic rites and the enchanting chants of mantras, as prescribed by the revered Panchratra Agam Shastras, this ritual marks the inauguration of a new mandir. It is believed that through this sacred ritual, divinity permeates the murti, transforming it from a mere image to a living embodiment of God's presence.

The grandeur of Murti Pratishtha is magnified by the enchanting Nagar Yatra, a vibrant cultural procession that captivates the senses. Adorned floats carrying the beautifully embellished murtis glide through the streets, evoking a sense of spiritual awe and reverence.

Murti Pratishtha represents a beautiful celebration that kindles the flame of spirituality and strengthens the bonds of faith. It serves as a testament to the devotion and reverence that devotees hold for the divine, reinforcing their connection to the sacred and eternal presence of God in their lives.

The ceremony of the murti pratishtha has several parts. They are described in further detail below.

Karmakutir

Karmakutir, a sacred and devotional practice, holds a significant place in the process of murti (idol) creation. After the meticulous sculpting of the murti, a vital step called Karmakutir takes place in the artisan's workshop.

In this solemn ritual, the artisan begins by purifying the murti, invoking divine blessings. With deep reverence, the artisan delicately touches the entire murti with darbha grass, a symbol of purity and sanctity in Hindu traditions. This sacred act aims to cleanse the murti from any lingering negative energies or influences.

Continuing this devotional journey, the artisan then tenderly closes the murti's eyes. Applying a gentle layer of ghee and honey, the artisan signifies the transition of the murti from a mere creation to a divine embodiment. This act reflects the loving care and attention given to every intricate detail of the murti.

In the presence of a Brahmin pundit or the artisan themselves, 200 ahutis (oblations) or homas (ritual offerings into a consecrated fire) take place. Amidst the enchanting chants of mantras, these offerings symbolize the offering of devotion and prayers to the divine essence residing within the murti.

Before departing from the sacred workshop, a symbolic nada-chhadi is reverently tied to the right wrist of the murti. This delicate adornment serves as a spiritual talisman, signifying the divine protection and guidance bestowed upon the murti as it embarks on its sacred journey.

In these sacred rituals of Karmakutir, devotion intertwines with the spiritual realm, infusing the murti with divine grace and sanctity. Each step in this emotive process encapsulates the heartfelt dedication and reverence of the artisan, ensuring that the murti radiates the profound essence of the divine.

Jalãdhivãs

Jalãdhivãs, a devotional and spiritual practice, unfolds as the murti embarks on its sacred journey to the yagna mandap, the site of the auspicious yagna (sacred fire ceremony). In this deeply emotive ritual, the murti is immersed in the purifying waters of jal (water).

The act of submerging the murti in jal holds profound significance. It serves as a reverential check, ensuring the murti remains intact, untouched by any imperfections or damage. This symbolic immersion symbolizes the complete and unblemished nature of the murti.

Within the vessel cradling the murti, a sacred offering of panchamrut, a divine concoction of five nectars, is gently poured. Alongside this sacred elixir, various auspicious substances used in puja (worship) are added, infusing the surroundings with a divine essence. The vessel is lovingly covered with a cloth, and the invocative mantras of Agni, the divine fire, resound through the air, further purifying the atmosphere.

As the cloth is reverently lifted, a resonant ghantadi (bell) resounds, rousing the murti from its serene immersion. This soul-stirring sound heralds the awakening of the divine presence within the murti, evoking a sense of awe and reverence among the devotees.

With utmost care and devotion, the murti is gently lifted from the vessel, its pure form emerging from the sacred waters. Tenderly, it is tenderly wiped dry, as every droplet is a testament to the divine grace that now resides within the murti.

In the sacred ritual of Jalãdhivãs, devotion intertwines with the spiritual realm, enveloping the murti in a profound aura of sanctity. Each step in this emotive process signifies the meticulous attention and heartfelt reverence bestowed upon the murti, ensuring that it emanates the divine radiance and eternal presence to inspire the hearts and souls of the devotees.

Dhãnyãdhivãs

Dhãnyãdhivãs, a devotional and spiritually charged ritual, unfolds with utmost reverence and purity. As a sacred layer of dhãnya (grains or pulses) is gently spread on the floor, the murti assumes a supine position upon this sanctified bed. To further purify the murti, a generous covering of dhãnya, often consisting of rice or wheat grain, completely envelopes its divine form.

Ghrutãdhivãs

The subsequent step, known as Ghrutãdhivãs, entails submerging the murti in the pristine essence of cow's ghee (ghrut). However, to safeguard the murti from potential damage, this process is sometimes altered. Instead of immersing the stone or marble murti in ghee directly, a piece of cotton wool soaked in ghee is lovingly placed on the big toe of its foot. Following this, the murti is awakened once again, its sacred presence rekindled, and then gently positioned upon a sacred wooden stand.

Snapan

The rite of Snapan, or abhishek, ensues—a sacred bathing ritual wherein the murti is ceremoniously bathed with various purifying liquids such as milk or water. This profound act of purification involves 108 different types of sacred substances, including panchamrut (a mixture of five nectars), fragrant flower and leaf essence-infused water, water sanctified by pouring it over a cow's horns, and rejuvenating sugar cane juice. Each of these pure substances is carefully placed in individual pots, with a grand total of 108 pots arranged in three vedhis (groups)—the dakshin (south), madhya (middle), and uttar (north) groups.

With profound devotion, the abhishek ceremony commences, as the contents of each pot are poured over the murti, unleashing its immense shakti (power) and purity. With each pot's offering, a specific mantra resonates, its sacred vibrations enhancing the divine connection between the murti and its worshippers. This extensive array of sacred substances manifests the murti's unparalleled purity and potent divine energy.

In the intricate and devotional rituals of Dhãnyãdhivãs and Snapan, devotees immerse themselves in sacred communion with the divine. Through the meticulous selection of purifying elements and the recitation of sacred mantras, the murti radiates a heightened state of shakti and purity, inviting worshippers to experience the profound spiritual presence that permeates every aspect of this sacred ceremony.

Netra-anãvaran

The skilled artisan, who sculpted the murti with unwavering dedication, stands poised behind the divine form. In their hands, they hold a mirror, a reflective portal through which the murti's radiant eyes will be unveiled.

With profound reverence, the artisan gazes upon the murti's eyes indirectly, their reflections delicately captured in the mirror's surface. This enchanting act serves a profound purpose—it allows the artisan to gently remove the remnants of ghee and honey, remnants from the previous stage of purification known as Karmakutir, using a gold shalãkã, a needle-like instrument. This significant step, known as Netra-anãvaran, signifies the unveiling of the murti's divine vision.

The presence of the mirror in this sacred ritual holds deep significance. It ensures that the murti's first powerful drashti (vision), as its eyes are opened, does not fall directly upon a human being. Such a direct gaze, filled with immense divine potency, must be channeled through the mirror, preventing any potential harm from befalling a human recipient.

Prior to the Netra-anãvaran rite, a thoughtful offering of food is arranged in front of the murti. This act of nourishment, already prepared and presented, symbolizes the divine sustenance bestowed upon the murti, recognizing its sacred presence and inherent divinity.

In the intricate and sacred ceremony of Netra-anãvaran, the profound devotion of the artisan intertwines with the divine essence embodied by the murti. Through the use of the mirror, the artisan delicately unveils the murti's divine eyes, ensuring the divine vision is directed through this sacred medium. This ritual signifies the sanctity and reverence with which the murti is honored, allowing devotees to partake in the blessed experience of connecting with the divine presence that resides within the murti.

Shodshopchar Puja

Following the meticulous purification and awakening of the murti, a new chapter in its divine journey commences.

The murti, now dry and purified, is tenderly laid upon a fresh mattress, adorned with offerings of food and a pot of water, symbolizing a night of rest. To invoke the blessings of Nidrã Devi, the Goddess of Sleep, ãhawãn mantras resonate through the air, filling the sacred space with divine vibrations. Throughout the night, ten brahmin pundits engage in a continuous ritual of 200 homas, offering sacred oblations into the consecrated fire, their chants reverberating through the yagna mandap, a sanctified space separate from the resting murti.

As the pundits perform the ãhuti of ghee in the eight directions, symbolizing the cosmic energies, a single precious drop of ghee is carefully placed into a pot of water. This sacred droplet infuses the water with divine blessings. With the arrival of dawn, the water infused with the essence of the oblations is gently sprinkled upon the slumbering murti, accompanied by the chanting of uttishtha mantras, awakening the divine presence within.

The murti, now awakened and imbued with renewed vitality, is respectfully transported from the yagna mandap to the sacred inner sanctum of the mandir, known as the garbha gruh. There, upon the pindika, a sacred pedestal, the murti finds its divine abode. As mangalashtak, auspicious mantras, resound through the air, a skilled mason carefully cements the murti to the pindika, forging a profound connection between the divine form and its sacred foundation.

With the completion of the cementing process, brahmin pundits or the revered Satpurush themselves enter the garbha gruh, preparing to enact the pinnacle of the sacred journey—the murti prãna pratishtha. Through intricate rituals and profound devotion, the divine life force is invoked within the murti, infusing it with divine energy and sacred vibrations that resonate throughout the mandir.

In the sacred and transformative rituals of Shodshopchar Puja, the murti undergoes a profound journey of awakening and consecration. Devotees bear witness to the union of divine presence and earthly abode, as the murti becomes a conduit for the divine, inspiring devotion and inviting spiritual connection for all who seek solace, guidance, and transcendence within the sacred space of the mandir.

Prãna Pratishtha Rites

Prãna Pratishtha Rites, the sacred culmination of the murti's journey, mark the momentous occasion when it becomes the divine abode of the Supreme. It is crucial to note that the prãna pratishtha is an exclusive privilege bestowed upon a select few. According to the revered Vaihãyasi Samhita of the Panchratra Agam Shastras, only a Mahapurush, in whom the presence of Paramatma fully resides, is qualified to perform this sacred ritual. In the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the esteemed Pramukh Swami Maharaj is recognized as such a Mahapurush, embodying purity and divine connection.

The first step in the prãna pratishtha is Nyãsvidhi, wherein various deities, including Brahmã, Indra, and Surya, are invoked in different parts of the murti. Paramatma's bij mantra resounds as the Satpurush gently touches the murti from its head to its feet using darbha grass and a golden needle called shalãkã. Pundits chant bij mantras, invoking Paramatma, while the Satpurush holds his hands a few inches away from the murti. In this sacred union, the divine shakti of Paramatma flows through the Satpurush and permeates the murti. Prãna, the life breath, is the first essence to enter the murti, followed by the jiva, the soul. Lastly, the ten indriyas, representing the senses, infuse the murti with their divine presence. The Satpurush, in the BAPS Swaminarayan tradition, performs the netra-anãvaran rite, delicately opening the murti's eyes by gently removing the coating of ghee and honey with a golden shalãkã. This significant act signifies the completion of the prãna pratishtha, where Paramatma now fully resides within the murti, transforming it from mere form to the invoked deity itself.

In the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a grand mahapuja unfolds in the assembly hall, while abhishek, the ceremonial bathing of the murti, takes place in the garbha gruh. Adorned with divine shangar (clothes) after the abhishek, the murti is now ready for the profound moment of prãna pratishtha. An exquisite annakut, a mountain-like offering of various delicacies, is lovingly arranged in front of Bhagwan (the deity) to commemorate this auspicious occasion. With deep reverence and devotion, Pramukh Swami Maharaj performs the first ãarti, ushering in a new era of divine presence and spiritual grace

References:

Culture and Heritage