Every Sadhak tries his best to accomplish daily worship and use special Mantra
rituals. But every Sadhana has a particular procedure and every deity or the Guru is
worshipped in a particular manner: Presenting some important rules is this
wonderfully enlightening article.
In every Sadhana, Upchaar or special worship of deity has an important place. Upchaar
means devotedly making some offerings to the deity in order to win his or her grace.
There is no fixed rule for Upchaar but including this worship procedure in Sadhana
assures quicker success. There are different types of Upchaars ranging from Ekopchaar
to Sahastropchaar. Our article shall focus only on Shodashopchaar, Dashopchaar and
Panchopchaar forms of worship in which 16, 10 and 5 articles are offered respectively. In
each age, forms of worship have been different but in the present age of hustle and
bustle performing a Sadhana itself is a great fortunate achievement and the shorter the
procedure the better.
It is best to do Shodashopchaar worship in which 16 articles are offered but in daily
Sadhana Panchopchaar worship would suffice and in it five articles namely fragrance,
flowers, incense, ghee lamp and sweets are offered.
Shodashopchaar
This includes -
1. Aavaahan
2. Aasan
3. Paadya
4. Arghya
5. Aachamaniya
6. Snaan
7. Vastra
8. Madhupark
9. Tilak
10. Akshat
11. Pushp
12. Dhoop
13. Deep
14. Neivedya
15. Taambool
16. Naariyal
Aavaahan
Many do not count this in the procedure and instead just offer prayers to the deity. It
means inviting the deity concerned to come and bless the Sadhak. For this both hands
are joined and the following Mantra is chanted.
Aavaahayaami Devesh Sarvashakti Shakti Samanvite,
Naaraaynnaay Bhadraay Gururoopaayate Namah.
Guru Brahmaa Guru Vishnnuh Gurudevo Maheshwarah.
Guru Saakshaat Parbrahma Tasmei Shree Gurave Namah.
Aasan
A worship mat is used in order to make the physical body free of ailments, the soul pure
and gain divine powers. Basically a man acts as a bad conductor and does not allow
energy of Mantra chanting from being earthed. Torn, burnt, and used mats are
prohibited. Deer skin, tiger skin, grass, silk, cotton and wool mats are best. Deer skin for
gain of knowledge, tiger skin for spiritual progress & wealth, and wool for riddance from
sorrows and poverty are prescribed. Deities are offered a mat of flowers and then the
following Mantra is chanted.
Ramyam Sushobhanam Divyam Sarva Soukhyakaram Shubham.
Aasanam Cha Mayaa Grihaann Parameshwar.
Paadya
Offering water in the feet of the deity is called Paadya. For this two spoonfuls of water is
offered chanting thus.
Yad Bhakti Lesh Samparkat Paramaanand Sambhavah.
Tasmei Te Parameshaan Paadyam Shuddhaay Kalpaye.
Arghya
Water offered to deities for washing their hands is called Arghya. Mix flowers and
fragrance in water in a tumbler. Offer chanting thus.
Arghyam Grihaann Devesh Gandh Pushpaakshateih Sah.
Karunnaam Kuru Me Dev! Grihaannaarghya Namastu Te.
Aachamaniya
Water offered to deities for rinsing the mouth is called Aachamaniya. Offer water
chanting -
Sarva Teerth Samaaneetam Sugandhim Nirmalam Jalam.
Aachmyataam Mayaadattam Grihaann Parameshwar.
Snaan
All deities are present in the ocean of knowledge, still three spoonfuls of water is offered
as a mark of respect for a bath.
Gangaa Saraswatee Revaa Payoshanni Narmadaajaleih.
Snaapitosi Mayaa Dev Tathaa Shaantim Kurushnna Me.
Vastra
Clean & new clothes are offered. Offering old, torn clothes leads to losses. Mouli (holy
red thread) can be offered instead chanting thus.
Sarva Bhooshaadi Ke Soumye Lok Lajjaanivaaranne.
Mayopapaadite Tubhyam Grihaann. Parameshwar.
Madhupark
Bathe the deity with honey. The Mantra is -
Om madhuvvaataa Rataayate madhuKsharanti sindhavaH
maadhveenrah santvoShadheeH.
madhunaktamutoSh so madhumat paarthav (Gum) rajaH.
madhu dhaurastu naH pitaa madhumaatro vanaspatiH
madhumaanastu sooryaH maadhvee graavo bhavantunaH.
madhu snaanam samarpayaami namaH.
After this, bathe the deity again with pure water chanting :
punaH shuddhodak snaanam samarpayaami.
Tilak
For riddance from sins, afflictions and misfortune a mark is made on the forehead of the
deity. Sandalwood paste is best otherwise Ashtgandh, Gorochan, camphor, saffron and
musk can also be used. Mantra -
Shree Khand Chandanam Divyam Gandhaaddyam Sumanoharam.
Vilepanam Surshreshtth Chandanam Pratigrihyaataam.
Akshat
Akshat means unbroken rice grains which are offered to gain wealth and prosperity. Mix
with vermilion and offer them chanting thus.
Akshtaashcha Surshreshtth Kumkumaaktaah Sushobhitaah.
Mayaa Niveditaa Bhaktyaa Grihaann Parameshwar.
Pushp
Offer flowers to the deity for comforts, good luck and health chanting thus.
Maalyaadeeni Sugandheeni Maalatyaadeeni Veiprabho.
Mayopaneetaani Pushpaanni Grihaann Parameshwar.
Dhoop
Offer incense made from choicest and most fragrant herbs to the deity chanting thus.
Vanaspati Rasodbhootah Gandhaaddyah Sumanoharah.
Aaghreyah Sarvasevaanaam Dhoopoyam Pratigrihayataam.
Deep
Lighting a lamp before a deity signifies dispelling of darkness of ignorance from the
Sadhak's life. Mantra -
Suprakaasho Mahaadeepah Sarvatah Timiraapahah.
Sa Baahyaamyaram Jyotih Deepoyam Pratigrihyataam.
Neivedya
Neivedya means elixier. While offering sweets or food articles chant this.
Neivedyam Grihyataam Dev Bhaktim Me Hyachalaam Kuru.
Eepsitam Me Varam Dehi, Sarvasoubhaagya Kaarakam.
Taambool
Offer a betel leaf containing betel nuts, cloves and cardamom. A betel leaf is symbolic of
the sixteen Kalas or divine virtues. Mantra-
Poongifalam Mahad Divyam Naagvalee-rdaleiryutam.
Elaadi Choornna Sanyuktam Taamboolam Pratigrihyataam.
Naariyal
Take the naariyal in both hands chanting -
yatraa te dhratasy dhrataa te dhaaraNe viniyogaH dhee brahraar
dhrataa vachanaa yatraasv yatraa bhargo devaanaam dakshiNaaye
saagarasy mahaalaKshmye sampoorNayate saprabhaavaan japaa
mam tvaam amuk gotrotpannoH ...... amuk sharmaaH ...... tvaam
purn bal buddhi vidhya purNatvam tvaam charaNe naarikel fal
grahmaati tvaam charne samarpayaami namaH.
Offer your body, strength and mind to the deity in the form of a naariyal.
Neeraanjan Aarti
Sing the Aarti (special hymn) of the deity whom you are worshipping. For Aarti use a
lamp with one or five wicks. Mantra-
Aanand Matra Makarandam Anant Gandh Yogineendra Susthir
Malindam Apaastabandham Vedaant Karannek Vikaashsheelam
Naaraayannasya Charannaambuj Maanatosmi.
With this the worship is over. If one is not able to do Shodashopchaar worship one
should do Panchopchaar worship while chanting the Mantras with full devotion.
One should daily offer prayers to one's deity and Guru.
Preparing for Sadhana
Each Sadhana has its own specific rules. There are some basic guidelines to be followed
to obtain success in Sadhanas:
Perform Sadhana in a clean, pure place wearing clean, freshly washed attire.
Have full Faith, Trust and Devotion towards Mantra, Yantra Guru and Deity.
Be enthusiastic and alert. Have patience and strong will power.
You should use correct, consecrated and Mantra energised Sadhana articles.
You should perform Self analysis and do self-correction
You should attend Sadhana Camps to gain practical knowledge about Sadhanas
You should perform Sadhana only after taking relevant Diksha from Revered
Trimurti Gurudevs.
You should stay in touch with Revered Trimurti Gurudevs and keep discussing
various aspects of Sadhana with Them.
You should make "Guru Geeta" and "Nilkhileshwaranand Stavan" an essential
part of your daily prayer.
You should eat pure "Satvik" food. You should refrain from eating non
vegetarian food, "Taamsik" food like onion, garlic etc. , smoking or drinking.
You should not eat in hotels etc.
You should remain celibate during the Sadhna period.
You should finish the entire daily mantra chanting (complete all rounds of
rosary) in one sitting without getting up from your seat (asan).
You should sit erect and keep your body still whilest chanting mantras.
You should start Mantra Chanting at the same time daily.
You should sleep on the floor during Sadhana period.
You should refrain from talking and should conserve all your energy during
Sadhana period.
You should not sleep during day time.
You should not talk to others about your Sadhana. You should communicate
only with Revered Trimurti Gurudevs or Gurudham about Sadhana matters.
Generally, you should perform following rites-
1. Find out the required direction to sit in for specific Sadhana. Each Sadhana has a
specific direction. Then arrange to sit such that you face that particular direction.
2. 1. Place a small wooden board in front of you. Spread a piece of cloth on it. Each
Sadhana will have a specific color. Put the photographs of deity, Yantras, rosary
and other Sadhana articles on steel plate(s). Unpack the Sadhana articles, if you
have received them in plastic packet, and then place them on steel plate(s). Place
these steel plate(s) on the cloth-cover on the wooden board. You should not place
the Sadhana articles on bare ground. If you do, then all the benefic energy that
you gained by performing the Sadhana will get "earthed" and disappear into the
ground. If you do not have steel plate, then you may install the various Sadhana
articles on the cloth-cover on the wooden board.
3. 1. Always take a bath before starting to perform the Sadhana and then wear the
specific color robes. Each Sadhana has a specific color of robes to be worn. In
some Sadhanas, your are not allowed to wear any stitched clothes. Men should
wear the specific colored Dhoti in the traditional Indian style. Wear the
underwear on your body, and then wear the Dhoti. Women should wear specific
colored clothes. Wearing Saree (sari) is preferable. The process of wearing
saree/dhoti are detailed elsewhere in this faq. You should have received a Guru
Chadar/Pitambar (cotton shawl inscribed with Guru Mantra). Wrap this shawl on
your upper body below the neck like you would wrap a blanket. Wrap the Guru
Chadar/Pitambar (shawl) on your upper body. Don't use perfumes, deodorent or
powder etc. Only some Sadhanas (eg. Apsara (Divine nymph) Sadhanas) require
you to wear specific flower perfume on body. Do NOT wear shoes/slippers etc.
You should perform Sadhana barefooted.
4. Find out the details of Prayer Mat/asana (color, texture,type etc.). Asana or
Prayer Mat is basically a seat, a piece of cloth. Most of the Sadhanas are
performed by sitting on the ground. However, your body should not touch the
bare ground. If it does, then all the benefic energy that you gained by performing
the Sadhana will get "earthed" and disappear into the ground. Find out the color
and type of asana (cotton/woollen etc.). Spread the asana on ground to sit on it.
5. Each Sadhana has a specific Yogic-asana (sitting pose/posture/stance) like
Padamasan, Sukhasan, Siddhasana etc. Do not confuse this Yogic-Asana with the
Asana in above point. A Yogic-asana is a method or Pose/stance of sitting in a
specific way. However, as a newcomer in this field, you might not be able to sit in
the specific Yogic-asanas or do not know about them. You may sit crosslegged on
the asana (on ground) for most of the asanas. You should sit upright with straight
back. Some Sadhanas might require to be performed standing up.
6. Day and Time of starting the Sadhana is very important. You should start the
Sadhana at the most auspicious time on the specific day. You may check the
auspicious times on our web site here. A time chart for auspicious times is also
contained in the Mantra Tantra Yantra Vigyan magazine. Start the Sadhana on
the Best time, and then perform it at the same time everyday. You need to check
Time only for the first/starting day of the Sadhana. You should be very punctual
about the time.
7. Now, whilest starting the Sadhana, you should light a deepak (lamp) and incense
sticks. Place them on the wooden board between the Sadhana articles and
yourself. You will need to light either a ghee (clarified Indian butter) lamp or oil
lamp depending on the Sadhana. You should always place the Incense in front (in
your left side). You should always place the butter oil (Ghee) lamp in front (in
your right side). If you are supposed to light lamp with other oils (eg. mustard oil
etc.), you should always place such oil lamp in front (in your left side). You
should use a cotton wick to light the lamp.
8. Again, each Sadhana has specific flowers to use. However you may use Rose
flowers for most of the Sadhanas.
9. You will need a small paste of Chandan (sandalwood powder) for the Sadhana.
You should add some water to a very small portion of sandalwood paste in a
small plate and keep this paste ready.
10. You should also keep some unbroken rice grains ready for Sadhana near you. The
rice grains should not be broken and it is preferable to mix them with some
vermilion powder.
11. You should also keep some fruits ready. Fruits should be in odd number, either
one fruit, or three fruit or five fruits.
12. You should also keep ready a small saucer (preferable a copper tumbler)
containing water. Also have a small spoon (preferably copper spoon) ready.
13. At this point you should light up the lamp and incense. Please ensure to put
enough oil/ghee in the lamp so that it keeps burning for the entire Sadhana
procedure.
14.Then, you should start the Sadhana. First, you should take some water in your
right palm, and say thus - "Myself (name) son of (father's name) am performing
(Sadhana name) on (date) at (time) at (name of place) to (purpose eg. to get
riddance from diseases). May I be successful by the divine grace of revered
Gurudev. " Then, let the water flow onto the ground. This is a basic agreement
between you and Divine done in the presence of natural element (water) to attain
success in Sadhana. You should do this on the first day of Sadhana. There is no
need to repeat it after that. This is called Sankalp. There is a detailed article on
our web site about Sankalp here.
15. Now, chant the holy word "OM" three times. You should close your eyes and try
to extend the chant for as long time as possible whilest breathing slowly. This is
done to activate your inner body.
16. Then, you should mentally meditate on the Divine form of Revered Gurudev in
your mind for a few minutes. You should mentally concentrate that you are
calling revered Gurudev to come and guide you to accomplish the Sadhana
successfully.
17.At this point, you need to perform some specific rites like welcoming Gurudev (or
the deity) and offering them various articles. Detailed Mantras and procedure for
this have been printed in various issues of Mantra Tantra Yantra Vigyan
magazine. One such good article is "Sadhana : The Right Way" which was
published in Mantra Tantra Yantra Vigyan magazine August 2000 issue and is
also available on our web site here. A general summary of the main steps in given
below.
18. You should offer some water towards the base of revered Gurudev's photo to
wash His feet whilest chanting appropriate Mantra.
19. Then, you should take some sandalwood paste in the ring finger of right hand,
and mark some sandalwood paste on the feet of revered Gurudev whilest
chanting appropriate Mantra.. This is done to remove sins, faults, bad luck and
tensions from life.
20.Then, you should offer some unbroken rice (mixed with vermilion) to revered
Gurudev on the base of the photograph whilest chanting appropriate Mantra.
This is done to get a perfect body, wealth and prosperity.
21. Then you should mentally meditate that you are offering sweet scented incense
made of medicinal herbs to revered Gurudev so that your faults and shortcomings
can be destroyed. You should chant appropriate Mantra.
22.Then, you should mentally meditate whilest chanting appropriate Mantra that
you are offering lamp light to revered Gurudev to banish the dark ignorance of
knowledge from your heart.
23.Then, you should offer the fruits to revered Gurudev whilest chanting appropriate
Mantra.
24.Then, you should chant one complete rosary round of the Guru Mantra. The Guru
Mantra is
25.You should chant the Guru Mantra using the Sfatik rosary. You should purchase
it separately. This is a white crystal rosary. Details on holding the rosary and
chanting Mantra are given elsewhere in this faq. If, for some reasons, you don't
have it, then you may use any other rosary to chant the Guru Mantra. Please
inform us by email if you did not receive the Guru Chadar/Pitambar when you
applied for Guru Diksha.
26.You should keep your eyes open and stare with a fix gaze either at the form of
revered Gurudev, or the lamp flame. If you perform Sadhana by closing eyes,
then there is a possibility of your falling asleep.
27.Then you should chant the required rounds of the required Mantra with the
required rosary. The actual pronunciation of every Mantra is very, very
important. If you are in doubt, then you should phone Jodhpur Gurudham to
check the correct pronunciation of the Mantra. It is not possible to check the
Mantra pronounciation on email/letter, since finer elements like tone etc. cannot
be tested. Audio recordings of some Mantras are available on our website here.
28.Then, you should again chant one complete rosary of the Guru Mantra.
Therefore, you should always chant one complete round of Guru Mantra both
before and after the required Mantra. This embedding between Guru Mantra is
done to increase the beneficial power of your Mantra. If you are performing
"Guru Worship" then you should chant at least 4 rounds of Guru Mantra with
Sfatik Rosary.
29.After this, you should mentally pray to revered Gurudev offering Him the
complete Mantra chanting and praying for His blessings for success in Sadhana.
You should not get up during the entire Sadhana procedure and remain seated
upright and erect with straight back. The oil lamp should be burning
continuously during the entire Sadhana procedure.
30.Then, you should stand up. Put the still lighted ghee/oil lamp on a steel plate.
Take this steel plate in your hand and sing the Guru Aarti. An English
transliteration of the Aarti is listed on our web site here.
31. After the Aarti, you should sit down and meditate mentally asking revered
Gurudev forgiveness for any mistakes (known and unknown) made during the
Sadhana process and seeking His blessings for the success.
32.Then you should bow down in the Divine feet of revered Gurudev.
33.You should start the Sadhana at the same time daily for multiple days Sadhana.
You should always endeavor to complete the Sadhana for the specified number of
days. You will start feeling the beneficial effects of the Sadhana after few days of
doing the Sadhana. Please ensure to eat only pure, vegetarian food during the
Sadhana days and remain celibate (abstain from sex) during this period. Also try
to sleep on floor (not on bed) and speak as less as possible (only when required)
during this period. Follow other Sadhana related rules religiously.
34.After the end of the specified days period, some Sadhanas require you to drop the
Sadhana articles in water. This is done to give back to nature what nature gave us
i.e. to get the required effects from the Sadhana articles, and then to return them
back to natural elements. You should drop the articles in the running water
(river, stream etc.). While dropping, meditate on the Divine form of revered
Gurudev and concentrate that " I am returning the Sadhana articles back to
nature. May I achieve full success in my endeavor." After dropping the Sadhana
articles in the water, you may continue to do Mantra chanting daily without using
the rosary. You cannot reuse the Sadhana articles after dropping them in water.
However, if you feel that you have made some mistakes in performing Sadhanas,
and/or have not gotten the complete effects of performing Sadhana, then you
may repeat the Sadhana upto a maximum of three times with the same Sadhana
articles. In this case, you don't need to drop the Sadhana articles after performing
Sadhana first time. You may repeat the Sadhana on any other auspicious day. A
list of auspicious days for the month is also listed in the Mantra Tantra Yantra
Vigyan magazine, and is also available on our website. However, after performing
Sadhana three times, you should always drop the Sadhana articles in water.
|| Om Param Tatvaay Naaraayannaay Gurubhyo Namah ||
35.You should chant the Guru Mantra using the Sfatik rosary. You should purchase
it separately. This is a white crystal rosary. Details on holding the rosary and
chanting Mantra are given elsewhere in this faq. If, for some reasons, you don't
have it, then you may use any other rosary to chant the Guru Mantra. Please
inform us by email if you did not receive the Guru Chadar/Pitambar when you
applied for Guru Diksha.
36.You should keep your eyes open and stare with a fix gaze either at the form of
revered Gurudev, or the lamp flame. If you perform Sadhana by closing eyes,
then there is a possibility of your falling asleep.
37.Then you should chant the required rounds of the required Mantra with the
required rosary. The actual pronunciation of every Mantra is very, very
important. If you are in doubt, then you should phone Jodhpur Gurudham to
check the correct pronunciation of the Mantra. It is not possible to check the
Mantra pronounciation on email/letter, since finer elements like tone etc. cannot
be tested. Audio recordings of some Mantras are available on our website here.
38.Then, you should again chant one complete rosary of the Guru Mantra.
Therefore, you should always chant one complete round of Guru Mantra both
before and after the required Mantra. This embedding between Guru Mantra is
done to increase the beneficial power of your Mantra. If you are performing
"Guru Worship" then you should chant at least 4 rounds of Guru Mantra with
Sfatik Rosary.
39.After this, you should mentally pray to revered Gurudev offering Him the
complete Mantra chanting and praying for His blessings for success in Sadhana.
You should not get up during the entire Sadhana procedure and remain seated
upright and erect with straight back. The oil lamp should be burning
continuously during the entire Sadhana procedure.
40.Then, you should stand up. Put the still lighted ghee/oil lamp on a steel plate.
Take this steel plate in your hand and sing the Guru Aarti. An English
transliteration of the Aarti is listed on our web site here.
41. After the Aarti, you should sit down and meditate mentally asking revered
Gurudev forgiveness for any mistakes (known and unknown) made during the
Sadhana process and seeking His blessings for the success.
42.Then you should bow down in the Divine feet of revered Gurudev.
43.You should start the Sadhana at the same time daily for multiple days Sadhana.
You should always endeavor to complete the Sadhana for the specified number of
days. You will start feeling the beneficial effects of the Sadhana after few days of
doing the Sadhana. Please ensure to eat only pure, vegetarian food during the
Sadhana days and remain celibate (abstain from sex) during this period. Also try
to sleep on floor (not on bed) and speak as less as possible (only when required)
during this period. Follow other Sadhana related rules religiously.
44.After the end of the specified days period, some Sadhanas require you to drop the
Sadhana articles in water. This is done to give back to nature what nature gave us
i.e. to get the required effects from the Sadhana articles, and then to return them
back to natural elements. You should drop the articles in the running water
(river, stream etc.). While dropping, meditate on the Divine form of revered
Gurudev and concentrate that " I am returning the Sadhana articles back to
nature. May I achieve full success in my endeavor." After dropping the Sadhana
articles in the water, you may continue to do Mantra chanting daily without using
the rosary. You cannot reuse the Sadhana articles after dropping them in water.
However, if you feel that you have made some mistakes in performing Sadhanas,
and/or have not gotten the complete effects of performing Sadhana, then you
may repeat the Sadhana upto a maximum of three times with the same Sadhana
articles. In this case, you don't need to drop the Sadhana articles after performing
Sadhana first time. You may repeat the Sadhana on any other auspicious day. A
list of auspicious days for the month is also listed in the Mantra Tantra Yantra
Vigyan magazine, and is also available on our website. However, after performing
Sadhana three times, you should always drop the Sadhana articles in water.
However, if you haven't received success after performing Sadhanas, then you should
contact revered Gurudev and get further guidance from Him.
Sadhana Related Queries
1. There are so many Sadhanas to choose from. How do I choose one?
2. Are there any general rules to be followed during Sadhna period?
3. How to chant using the rosary? How do I hold the rosary? Which
hand?
4. Some of the beads on my rosary have been damaged/broken. Can I
use this rosary for Sadhana?
5. What should I do if I mispronounce Mantra during chanting. Do I
need to repeat the entire rosary again?
6. How do I know correct pronunciation of word? How do I speak this
Mantra?
7. What is Guru Mantra?
8. What happens when I chant Mantra?
9. What is the correct way to do sadhana. How to pray? Is there a set way
to perform Guru Sadhana?
10.How do I chant mantra?. Should I say it aloud?
11.Why can’t I start a Sadhana on any day? Isn’t one day as good as
other?
12.What is the importance of color in Sadhana?
13.Why is direction important for sadhana?
14.What is Brahmacharya (celibacy)? Does it mean not even talking with
mother/sister?
15.What should I wear during the Sadhna?
16.What is Bhoj Patra? How do I write Yantra on it?
17.Can I wash Sadhana articles during Sadhana period ?
18.I start sadhana but fall asleep midway. What should I do?
19.Can I perform Sadhana wearing Jeans and T-shirts? What type of
clothes should I wear during sadhana?
20.Can I wear shoes/slippers during Sadhana?
21.What should I do if I have the urge to go to bathroom while Mantra
chanting is in progress?
22.How should I sit during sadhana. Can I sit on a chair ? What is sitting
pose/posture/stance?
23.Can I do sadhana on a bed?
24.Can I do sadhana if someone else is in room?
25.Should I close my eyes while performing the Sadhana?
26.What is Traatak? How do I practice it?
27.What is Shakti Chakra?
28.Can I perform Sadhana on someone else' behalf? Can someone else
perform Sadhana on my behalf?
29.What is Anusthaan? What is Sankalp? What is Hawan? What is
Tarpan? What is Maarjan? How is it done?
30.What are the Five components of "Panchopchaar Poojan"?
31.What are the English names for the ten directions?
32.What is Tilak?
1. There are so many Sadhanas to choose from. How do I choose one?
Each person nurtures a different wish in life, each one has a different personality,
a different conscience, hence only a Guru can decide which method and
technique would suit the disciple best. You should try to meet Gurudev in person
and discuss your problems and plans with Him. Gurudev will advice about the
best path to attain success depending on the ability and aptitude of the disciple.
You may either meet Revered Gurudev personally either in Gurudham or during
a Sadhana Camp, or you may correspond using letter/fax/email.
2. Are there any general rules to be followed during Sadhna period?
There are some general specific rules to be followed for gaining success in
Sadhanas.
Perform Sadhana in a clean, pure place wearing clean, freshly washed attire.
Have full Faith, Trust and Devotion towards Mantra, Yantra Guru and Deity.
Be enthusiastic and alert. Have patience and strong will power.
You should use correct, consecrated and Mantra energised Sadhana articles.
You should perform Self analysis and do self-correction
You should attend Sadhana Camps to gain practical knowledge about Sadhanas
You should perform Sadhana only after taking relevant Diksha from Revered
Trimurti Gurudevs.
You should stay in touch with Revered Trimurti Gurudevs and keep discussing
various aspects of Sadhana with Them.
You should make "Guru Geeta" and "Nilkhileshwaranand Stavan" an essential
part of your daily prayer.
You should eat pure "Satvik" food. You should refrain from eating non vegetarian
food, "Taamsik" food like onion, garlic etc. , smoking or drinking. You should not
eat in hotels etc.
You should remain celibate during the Sadhna period.
You should not shave your beard or cut your hair or nails during Sadhana period.
You should finish the entire daily mantra chanting (complete all rounds of
rosary) in one sitting without getting up from your seat (asan).
You should sit erect and keep your body still whilest chanting mantras.
You should start Mantra Chanting at the same time daily.
You should sleep on the floor during Sadhana period.
You should refrain from talking and should conserve all your energy during
Sadhana period.
You should not sleep during day time.
You should not talk to others about your Sadhana. You should communicate only
with Revered Trimurti Gurudevs or Gurudham about Sadhana matters.
These are just basic guidelines. There are lots of other Sadhana rules which
should be followed religiously.
3. How to chant using the rosary? How do I hold the rosary? Which
hand?
You should hold the rosary in your right hand while chanting the Mantra. You
should take rosary in right hand between Ring-Finger and Middle-Finger and
move it using Thumb and Middle-Finger. You should place your hand adjacent to
the heart. The rosary should not touch your leg or ground. Either you should
place your left hand to avoid this, or you may put rosary in Gomukhi (cotton cloth
bag) whilest chanting. Your index finger (fore-finger) should not touch the
rosary. You should never let rosary touch the ground even when you are not
performing Sadhana. It should always be kept wrapped in a clean cloth.
There is a separator bead in every rosary. Basically it is the central bead at which
the thread containing beads is joined/tied together. This is normally marked by a
different color thread on it. You may easily identify the separator bead. You
should start moving the bead from the bead next to separator bead. You should
not start from the separator bead itself. The beads should move along with the
mantra chanting in direction towards you (clockwise direction). You should move
one bead with each chant of complete mantra. In the moving process, once you
reach the separator bead after finishing the bead before the separator bead, you
should overturn the rosary with your right hand, making the last bead before
separator (one you used just now) the first bead after separator. This is called as
completing one complete round of the rosary. And then you should start chanting
again with this bead as the first one.
In some muslim mantras, the rosary should move in direction away from you
(anti-clockwise direction).
Normally, the same Mantra is chanted with all the beads. One rosary should
preferably be used for a particular Mantra only. Only a particular type of rosary
can be used for a particular Mantra.
For maximum benefits, one needs to use a special consecrated rosary which has
been enlivened for the particular mantra for that person.
4. Some of the beads on my rosary have been damaged/broken. Can I
use this rosary for Sadhana?
It is advisable to take out the broken/damaged beads from the rosary and then
use the rosary. A normal rosary has 108 beads. You may perform additional
mantra chantings using an extra rosary round to maintain the same count.
5. What should I do if I mispronounce Mantra during chanting. Do I
need to repeat the entire rosary again?
You don’t need to repeat the entire rosary-round if you mispronounce once. Just
pronounce twice correctly and proceed further.
6. How do I know correct pronunciation of word? How do I speak this
Mantra?
Correct Pronunciation of Mantra is a basic pre-requisite to obtain success in
Sadhanas. You should always contact Jodhpur Gurudham by telephone to obtain
correct pronunciation of Mantras. A single word might be used in different ways
in different Mantras. So, just obtaining pronunciation of a single word is not
correct. Similarly, it is not possible to check pronunciation on email. Jodhpur
Gurudham can verify your pronunciation and tell correcting measures. Audio
recordings of some common Mantras has also been put up on our web site here.
7. What is Guru Mantra?
The Guru Mantra is the most powerful Matra. It is chanted to invoke Divine
blessings of Revered Sadgurudev. It is -
|| Om Param Tatvaay Naaraayannaay Gurubhyo Namah ||
You should chant the Guru Mantra using the Sfatik rosary. This is a white crystal
rosary which you should have received when you took Guru Diksha.
8. What happens when I chant Mantra?
When one chants Mantra, the sound vibrations resonate on the rosary beads and
the Yantra (a small copper plate with particular geometrical drawings), and
passes across the universe to the particular deity. Then they gather more power
from the deity and return back to the person.
Actually it is much more complex than this. Chanting Mantra on a plain rosary
will not give one much effect. Each particular bead of rosary needs to be
consecrated and energised. These prayers are done during the auspicious
moments. Moreover, the rosary needs to be enlivened with special Mantras for
the particular person (user). The Yantras and other Sadhana articles are required
to be consecrated and Mantra energised. For maximum benefits, one should use
a special consecrated rosary which has been enlivened for the particular mantra
for that person.
9. What is the correct way to do sadhana. How to pray? Is there a set way
to perform Guru Sadhana?
There are some very specific rites and rituals ( procedures) which you need to
follow whilest performing Sadhana (worship). You can go through the "Right
Way to do Sadhana" and "Preparing for Sadhana" and other articles in the
Sadhana subsection of our website.
10.How do I chant mantra?. Should I say it aloud?
In some Sadhanas, you need to chant mantra aloud. However, for most
Sadhanas, you need to chant in softly so that only you can hear it and nobody
near you can hear it. A detailed article on this topic was published in April 2000
issue of Mantra Tantra Yantra Vigyan magazine. It is available on our web site
here.
11.Why can’t I start a Sadhana on any day? Isn’t one day as good as
other?
No. You may start Sadhana only on a specific day at a specific time. Every day is
different, in fact every second is different from others. The Strength of Divine
power of each deity differs across times and days. The Planetary positions also
change every millisecond contributing to a change in optimal conditions. One
should obtain Sadhana at the most auspicious moment to obtain maximum
benefit. The Eclipses are the most auspicious moments to perform some
Sadhanas. Please read Revered Gurudev’s book "Kaal Gyaan" for further
information on this topic.
12.What is the importance of color in Sadhana?
Color has a major significance during Sadhana. Each deity has its own favorite
color. Your robes (i.e. dhoti) and asana should be of the required color. The cloth
sheet used to place the Sadhana articles (Photographs, Yantra, Rosary etc.)
should also be of the required color. Each Sadhana has its own particular rule
about specific color. If no color is specified, then you may perform Sadhana by
placing the Sadhana articles on a Yellow cloth and by wearing a Yellow dhoti and
Guru Chadar/Pitambar (shawl).
13.Why is direction important for sadhana?
Each Sadhana has to be done by sitting in a specific direction. Different Divine
powers, Gods, Goddesses etc. have abode in different directions. We invoke them
during Sadhana. Every deity is controlled by Mantras and they are compelled to
come when invoked. So, we should be seated in correct direction to greet them. It
is always bad manners to call someone and then sit with your back towards them!
14.What is Brahmacharya (celibacy)? Does it mean not even talking with
mother/sister?
Brahmacharya(celibacy) is a state of mind. You should be celibate both in your
mind and by your body. You should not think about such thoughts. Of course,
you can stay together and interact with your mother/sister etc.
15.What should I wear during the Sadhna?
You should normally wear Yellow (or specific color) Dhoti, Guru
Chadar/Pitambar and sit on a yellow (or specific color) asana (seat). Women may
wear yellow (or specific color) Saree or other comfortable garments and should
wrap the Guru Chadar/Pitambar over the upper part of the body. However
various Sadhnas have specific instructions to use only specific coloured clothes
and asanas.
16.What is Bhoj Patra? How do I write Yantra on it?
Bhoj Patra is a traditional Indian type of paper. Sometimes, in Sadhana, it is used
to write Yantra. Normally, there is a very elaborate process to mark Yantra on it
and the Yantra has to be energised and consecrated with various sanctifying
Mantras. A full fledged worship of the Yantra Is done. We have prepared many
such Yantras on copper in our Jodhpur Gurudham, and you may obtain Mantra
energised and consecrated Yantra from us.
17.Can I wash Sadhana articles during Sadhana period ?
If you are performing a multi-day Sadhana (more than 1 day), then you can wash
the Sadhana articles only on the first day. After that, you should not wash the
Sadhana articles on other days.
18.I start sadhana but fall asleep midway. What should I do?
This happens because you close your eyes while doing Mantra chanting. You
should chant Mantra with open eyes. You can gaze either at the Photograph or
Revered Gurudev, or deity or Yantra or at the flame of the lamp.
19.Can I perform Sadhana wearing Jeans and T-shirts? What type of
clothes should I wear during sadhana?
No you cannot perform Sadhana wearing Western clothes. If you are a man, you
should wear a dhoti and Guru Chadar/Pitambar(shawl). A description of both is
detailed elsewhere in this faq. You may wear an underwear under dhoti.
If you are a woman, you should can wear any comfortable clothes. Wearing a
saree is preferable. You should wrap Guru Chadar/Pitambar(shawl) around the
upper part of your body.
20.Can I wear shoes/slippers during Sadhana?
No. You should ALWAYS perform Sadhana barefooted.
You should NEVER enter the Sadhana room with shoes/slippers on.
21.What should I do if I have the urge to go to bathroom while Mantra
chanting is in progress?
Ideally, you should never break the mantra chanting come what may. But, if you
can’t control, then you should leave after completing the current rosary round.
After, that, you need to take a fresh bath, and then restart the Sadhana from
where you left it.
22.How should I sit during sadhana. Can I sit on a chair ? What is sitting
pose/posture/stance?
There are specific rules for each Sadhana. Some Sadhanas have to be done
standing up and others by sitting. The Traditional Indian Yoga system has
specific poses called Yogic Asanas (Not to be confused with the prayer mat). Each
Sadhana has its own specific sitting pose. Most of the Sadhanas are done by
sitting cross legged.
You should sit upright with straight back in Padmasana, Siddhasana or
Sukhasna. Some Sadhnas have specific Yogic asanas for them.
And, sorry! You cannot perform Sadhana by sitting on chair or lying on bed !
(unless you have a medical problem)
23.Can I do sadhana on a bed?
No, you cannot perform Sadhana on a bed unless your medical problem warrants
it. You have to follow specific rules for each Sadhana.
24.Can I do sadhana if someone else is in room?
Since a major prerequisite for performing Sadhana is concentration of mind, so it
might not be possible to perform Sadhana while others are present nearby. One
has to divert one’s mind away from everything and direct it only on the deity and
Revered Gurudev. So, it is preferable to be alone in the room to perform Sadhana.
You may perform Sadhana in a temple or riverside if you cannot find solitude in
home.
25.Should I close my eyes while performing the Sadhana?
If you close your eyes, then there is a chance of falling asleep. You should keep
your eyes open and should do "Traatak" either on Gurudev or Deity or the flame
of the lamp. Some Sadhanas have specific rules on Traatak and you should follow
those rules.
26.What is Traatak? How do I practice it?
Traatak is a Yogic exercise to improve concentration of mind and willpower. It
involves staring continuously at an object without blinking or closing eyelids.
However, there are some specific rules which one should follow while performing
this exercise, otherwise one may suffer physical damage in eyes or brain. There
are various stages of Traatak, and one should progress gradually from one stage
to another. Please refer to Revered Gurudev’s books on Hypnotism viz. "Practical
Hypnotism" , "Secrets of Hypnotism" etc. The Mantra Tantra Yantra Vigyan
magazine also publishes articles about Hypnotism and allied sciences.
You may start by performing Traatak on a point or Shakti Chakra. You can also
practice Traatak on the photograph of deity or pujya Gurudev while Mantra
chanting. One should perform Traatak on the face (between eyes and eyes) of the
photograph of deity/Gurudev.
Traatak strengthens eyes and introduces Hypnotism power in eyes. One can get
amazing siddhis, self-hypnotism, confidence and mesmerising power through
Traatak.
The object should be placed in front at a distance of 1.5 feet slightly above the
eye-level (To ensure that eyes open completely).
To perform Point Traatak, draw a circle of 6 inches on a 1ft X 1 ft board. Draw
another circle of 05-1 inch within it. Color the inner circle with green or blue
color. Draw a white point (similar size as a sarson seed) in the center.
After Traatak, the eyes might become moist. Let them. Close the eyes. Relax them
and do not move the retina inside. Leave eyelids and eyes loose.
One should start Flame Traatak only after one has achieved considerable success
in Point Traatak eg. change of color on the point and circle. If you start directly
on the flame, then the body will not be able to adjust and eyes might be damaged.
Disappearance of photo while performing Traatak on Deity/Gurudev's photo is a
sign of success.
Take care of eyes. Wash them regularly and often. Wash them before going to
sleep and after waking up. In fact make a habit of washing eyes while washing
hands or face. Never use dirty cloth or hands on eyes.
Perform Eye exercises prescribed by doctor. In early morning, look at the sun
with closed eyes.
Protect eyes from Sun, dust, smoke and harsh lights. You may use blue or light
green colored goggles but never use brown colored goggles.
Wash eyes with Trifala water. Pour pure honey or Rose water in eyes after
consultation with a doctor.
Don't watch TV for long duration.
Never perform Traatak on animals. You can do Traatak on plants.
Shakti Chakra to perform Traatak on
27.What is Shakti Chakra?
"Shakti Chakra" is a very powerful picture. It is used to Traatak. One can achieve
amazing feats through this exercise. Please refer to Revered Gurudev’s books on
Hypnotism viz. "Practical Hypnotism" , "Secrets of Hypnotism" etc. The Mantra
Tantra Yantra Vigyan magazine also publishes articles about Hypnotism and
allied sciences.
28.Can I perform Sadhana on someone else' behalf? Can someone else
perform Sadhana on my behalf?
One should perform Sadhanas only after taking Guru Diksha. Any person who
has taken a Guru Diksha can perform Sadhana on behalf of others if they are not
able to do themselves due to ill health etc. by mentioning so in the "Sankalp".
To make Sankalp, one needs to take water in one’s right hand palm saying the
following in any language -
Myself "name" son/daughter/wife of "your father/mother/husband's name" ,
belonging to "your gotra or surname" gotra , disciple of Pujya Gurudev Dr.
Narayan Dutt Shrimaliji am making this pledge by taking Divine blessings and
Diksha from my Pujya Gurudev Dr. Narayan Dutt Shrimaliji on "date & time" at
"place name" that I will perform "sadhna name" Sadhana by chanting "number"
rosary rounds for "number" days on behalf of "person name" son/daughter/wife
of "father/mother/husband's name" , belonging to "gotra or surname" gotra
,resident of "place name" to solve "problem details" problem. May Pujya Gurudev
stay with us all the time and guide and protect us. May all the benefits of this
Sadhana go to "person name".
After, this let the water flow to the ground.
One should make the Shankh mudra for sankalp.
This Sankalp is an agreement between yourself and the divine deity. After taking
Sankalp, you should perform Sadhana for the required number of days at the
same time. There should NOT be any break of even a single day after taking
Sankalp. You need to take Sankalp only on the first day.
To make Shankh Mudra, wrap all the fingers of right hand on the Thumb of Left
hand as a fist. The smallest finger of right hand should be touching the base of
Thumb of Left hand. All four fingers of right hand should wrap on the left thumb.
Then touch Thumb of right hand with the Index (First) Finger of Left Hand. Keep
other fingers of Left hand parallel to Index Finger. All the fingers of Left hand
should join together.
You should mentally pray and meditate on the form of revered Gurudev before
starting the Mantra chanting. You should also mentally take permission from
pujya Gurudev before starting the Mantra chanting and request for His blessings
& Aashirwaad to obtain success.
After the completion of Mantra chanting, you should mentally seek forgiveness
from revered Gurudev for the mistakes (known or unknown) which you might
have committed during Mantra chanting and request for His Aashirvaad and
blessings.
If you feel that you need to go somewhere which might lead to an interruption,
then you should first finish that task, and perform Sadhana with Sankalp later. In
the meantime, you may chant the Mantra given to you by Diksha using the mala.
One can ask some close relative or someone else (pundit, shastri etc.) to perform
prayers on one’s behalf. Sometimes, one is unable to perform Sadhana oneself
due to physical illness etc. However, one should always endeavour to perform
Sadhana oneself. There is no guarantee that the other person will be sincere and
will make full effort. Moreover, there should never be a "middle man" in one’s
relationship to God.
In the ancient times the Yogis, Sadhus and Sanyasis used to accomplish Sadhana
and having mastered it they used to help other people. However, the pundits and
"sadhus" in the middle ages (and even now), started to exploit the ignorance of
common man for petty gains. This lead to a downfall of the knowledge, and
slowly the knowledge started getting extinct.Common man started to lose trust in
Sadhanas and started to view it with suspicion. Revered Gurudev is resurrecting
this ancient Indian knowledge, and giving an opportunity to common man to
become independent. One faces many problems and troubles in life due to
malefic planetary combinations, or past karmas, or black magic etc. Sometimes,
one is unable to achieve success in one’s plans due to these reasons. So, one needs
the Divine aid at various times in one’s life.
So, one should strive to be independent and perform Sadhana oneself. After
achieving success in Sadhanas, you will yourself get tremendous confidence and
will get all round benefit. This will also help you in getting closer to God and will
result in spiritual and material upliftment.
29.What is Anusthaan? What is Sankalp? What is Hawan? What is
Tarpan? What is Maarjan? How is it done?
There are many types of Anusthaan. In Laghu Anusthaan, 24000 Mantra
chantings are done ( eg. 27 rosary rounds in 9 days) and 240 aahutis are offered
in holy Yagya. In Madhyam Anusthaan, 1.25 Lakh Mantra chantings are done (eg.
33 rosary rounds in 40 days) and 1250 aahutis are offered in holy Yagya. In Maha
Anusthaan, 24 Lakh Mantra chantings are done (66 rosary rounds in 1 year) and
One-tenth aahutis are offered in holy Yagya. One may also perform Anusthaan of
51000 or 5 lakh rosary rounds.
Anusthaan is a concentrated effort. You should try to complete the Anusthaan in
as less number of days as possible for maximum benefit. An Anusthaan is
normally done for completion of some task, or to solve some problem. The longer
you delay the anusthaan, the more will be the delay in achieving results.
Moreover, if you extend it for more time, then there is a chance of making more
mistakes, breaking of celibacy (mental & physical) or some other strict rule. You
should start the anusthaan on a auspicious day. Details of forthcoming auspicious
days of current month are mentioned in the "What Your Stars Say" page of the
Mantra Tantra Yantra Vigyan magazine, and also at the Auspicious Moments
section at our website.
You should follow following rules during Anusthaan -
a. Start on the same time everyday. Perform same number of rosary rounds daily.
Perform Anusthaan at a pure, satvik place in a pure, quite environment.
b. Eat pure vegetarian food during Anusthaan & Sadhana period. Try to avoid
onion, garlic etc. Eat food once a day.
c. Maintain complete celibacy (mental & physical) during Anusthaan period. If
your brahmacharya (celibacy) breaks during Anusthaan/Sadhana period, then
you should stop the Sadhana/Anusthaan and restart the entire
Sadhana/Anusthaan again afresh.
d. Perform Guru Poojan and chant one rosary round of Guru Mantra. Then
perform the required daily number of rosary rounds of the concerned Mantra.
Then chant one rosary round of Guru Mantra again. The Ghee/Oil (Depending on
Diety) Deepak should be lighted continuously during the entire Anusthaan
period. Ghee Deepak should be lighted for Anusthaan of Guru Mantra.
e. Mentally meditate on the form of the Diety and Gurudev during all the days of
Anusthaan.
f. Don't cut hairs or nails during the Anusthaan Period. One should also refrain
from shaving.
Normally, before chanting the mantra for Anusthaan/Sadhana, one needs to
make a Sankalp (pledge) by taking water in one’ right hand palm saying the
following in any language -
Myself "name" son/daughter/wife of "father/mother/husband's name" ,
belonging to "your gotra or surname" gotra , disciple of Pujya Gurudev Dr.
Narayan Dutt Shrimaliji am making this pledge by taking Divine blessings and
Diksha from my Pujya Gurudev Dr. Narayan Dutt Shrimaliji on "date & time" at
"place name" that I will perform "sadhna name" Sadhana by chanting "number"
rosary rounds for "number" days to solve "problem details" problem. May Pujya
Gurudev stay with me all the time and guide and protect me.
After, this let the water flow to the ground.
You should make the Shankh mudra for sankalp.
This Sankalp is an agreement between yourself and the divine deity. After taking
Sankalp, you should perform Sadhana for the required number of days at the
same time. There should NOT be any break of even a single day after taking
Sankalp. You need to take Sankalp only on the first day.
To make Shankh Mudra, wrap all the fingers of right hand on the Thumb of Left
hand as a fist. The smallest finger of right hand should be touching the base of
Thumb of Left hand. All four fingers of right hand should wrap on the left thumb.
Then touch Thumb of right hand with the Index (First) Finger of Left Hand. Keep
other fingers of Left hand parallel to Index Finger. All the fingers of Left hand
should join together.
You also need to perform Hawan (Holy Fire), Tarpan & Maarjan after completion
of Anusthaan. Havan is done for appeasement of Gods (Devataas). Tarpan is
done for offering to & appeasement of "Updevataas" (Gods) and "Pitras"
(Ancestors). Maarjan is done for appeasement of other important yonis; and to
remove impurities and purify oneself. Maarjan also removes bad effects of
Rajogun and Tamogun.
You should offer 12500 (10% of Total Mantra chanting) Aahutis (offerings) in the
holy fire of havan.
You should suffix the deity's mantra (which you chanted 1.25 lakh times) with the
word "Swahaa". With each chanting of the mantra, you should offer Aahuti in the
holy fire. You may do havan in two shifts, if it is not possible for you to complete
it together. The item to be offered for Aahuti is different for each
Sadhana/Mantra/Deity and purpose.
There are specific rituals for performing Havan/Yagya. Detailed procedure of
doing Havan/Yagya (Holy Fire ritual) is described in book Sarva Siddhi Pradayak
Yagya Vidhan authored by Param Pujaniya Gurudev.
Normally, you may use "mango plant" wood sticks in the Yagya. However
different types of woods are used in different Sadhanas. You can place a camphor
between dry sticks and then light it. You should preferably use a "Havan Kund"
for performing havan. Different kinds of Hawan Kunds are prescribed for
different Sadhanas, purposes and Deities. It should be made of copper. If copper
is not available, then you may use any other pure metal container. For general
purposes, you should use a squarish shape havan kund. The size of Havankund
should be 9" X 9" X 9" or 15" X 15" X 15" .
You should perform Guru Poojan before performing Havan. You should also
chant at least 4 rosary rounds of Guru Mantra. Then, you should perform
Panchopchaar poojan (worship) of the Sadhana Yantra & photo of deity with
Snaan( bathe), Tilak (mark on forehead), Pushp (flowers), Dhoop (incense), deep
(light) etc.
Tarpan should be done for 1250 (10% of Hawan) mantra chantings. You should
suffix the deity's mantra (which you chanted 1.25 lakh times) with the word
"Tarpayaami". With each chanting of the mantra, you should offer a mixture of
milk & water on either Yantra or Idol.
Maarjam should be done for 125 (10% of Tarpan) mantra chantings. You should
suffix the deity's mantra (which you chanted 1.25 lakh times) with the word
"Maarjyaami". With each chanting of the mantra, you should offer a mixture of
milk & water on either Yantra or Idol.
It is recommended to perform Havan, Tarpan & Maarjan after completion of
Anusthaan. However, if, you are unable to perform Havan for any reason then
you may chant an additional 125 malas (rosary rounds) of the deity's mantra as a
substitute by taking a sankalp.
You should mention in the sankalp that - "I am chanting 125 rosary rounds of the
mantra as the Havan Poornaahuti." You should perform Guru Poojan and chant 4
rosary rounds of Guru Mantra before starting these 125 rosary rounds.
After completion of 125 rosary rounds or havan/yagya, you should do the
following :
a. Chant one rosary round of Guru Mantra
b. Mentally seek forgiveness from revered Gurudev for the mistakes (known or
unknown) which you might have committed during Mantra chanting and request
for His Aashirvaad and blessings.
Similarly for Tarpan, you may chant additional 12 rosary rounds & for Maarjan
additional 3 rosary rounds.
You should mentally pray and meditate on the form of revered Gurudev before
starting the Mantra chanting. You should also mentally take permission from
pujya Gurudev before starting the Mantra chanting and request for His blessings
& Aashirwaad to obtain success.
After the completion of Mantra chanting, you should mentally seek forgiveness
from revered Gurudev for the mistakes (known or unknown) which you might
have committed during Mantra chanting and request for His Aashirvaad and
blessings.
If you are a woman, you should stop the Anusthaan/Sadhana during the monthly
periods, and restart it after taking bath on completion of periods (after 5 days).
If you feel that you need to go somewhere which might lead to an interruption,
then you should first finish that task, and perform Anushtaan with Sankalp later.
In the meantime, you may chant the Mantra given to you by Diksha using the
mala.
30.What are the Five components of "Panchopchaar Poojan"?
The Five components of "Panchopchaar Poojan" are snaan (bathe with water),
tilak (mark on deity's forehead or yantra with saffron/vermilion paste), pushp
(flowers), dhoop (incense) and deep (ghee or oil lamp).
Full details and Mantras for each of these components are provided in Sadhana :
The Right Way article.
For marking tilak, a small paste is made by mixing saffron or vermilion with
water.
Detailed procedure for Panchopchaar poojan is described in Deinik Sadhana
Vidhi and Tantrokt Guru Poojan books authored by Param Pujaniya Gurudev.
However, individual specific items for each Sadhana are different eg. some
sadhanas require only ghee lamp, others require oil lamp of a specific oil. some
require a specific type of flower. The item for marking tilak is specific to each
Sadhana. Please read the actual Sadhana Procedure for full details.
31.What are the English names for the ten directions?
The English names for the ten directions are -
"Poorv Disha" means East Direction
"Ishaan Disha" means North-East Direction
"Uttar Disha" means North Direction
"Vayavaye Disha" means North-West Direction
"Paschim Disha" means West Direction
"Neikratya Disha" means South-West Direction
"Dakshin Disha" means South Direction
"Aagneya Disha" means South-East Direction
"Aakash Disha" means Up (towards Sky) Direction
"Paataal Disha" means Down (below ground) Direction
The Disha-bandh (Protection) is done by throwing rice and/or water in all these
directions while chanting the appropriate Mantra.
The sugggested order for disha bandhan is - East, West, North, South, South-
East, South-West, North-East, North-West, Upwards and downwards.
32.What is Tilak?
"Tilak" means making a mark with kumkum(vermillion)/ chandan(sandalwood)
etc. You need to mix the required article (kumkum/chandan/etc.) with water to
make a thin paste and then mark with it. Depending on the Sadhana rules, you
might need to make a mark (do Tilak) either on Yantra , Gutika or other Sadhana
articles. You might also need to make a mark on the forehead of the deity /
Revered Gurudev’s photograph. Or, you might have to make it on your own
forehead. A major Kundalini Chakra (Energy Center) is present on the forehead
and performing a "Tilak" energises it.
It is necessary for a new initiate in the world of Sadhanas not to be frustrated or lose
hope by the initial failures. This is a wonderful article for the new Sadhaks which they
shall find really heartening and encouraging.
All Sadhanas and spiritual practices have a particular sequence and process. Till all rules
are not followed success in Sadhanas remains doubtful. Sometimes success remains
elusive to a Sadhak even after hard work. This could be due to the bad Karmas of one's
past lives,
Sometimes we also see evil and corrupt individuals earning respect, fame and wealth in
life. On the other hand those devoted to the Lord are seen suffering from pain and
sorrow. Following are some interesting facts reading which a person could learn low to
neutralise past bad Karmas and earn success in Sadhanas.
1. Health
The biggest obstacle to success in any field is bad health. A person can successfully
accomplish Sadhanas only when he is perfectly healthy and free from diseases. It is
almost impossible to attain to success in Sadhanas through the medium of an unhealthy
body. Hence one should be punctual in sleeping, rising, eating etc so that the body could
be always fit. Natural healthy food, regular exercise and Yogic postures or Asans go a
long way in keeping the body healthy.
2. Food
The second obstacle is unhygienic food that not only corrupts the health rather also
gives rise to worry and mental disturbance. This is why our ancient texts stress so much
on the purity of the food one consumes. There is a saying in the texts - Jaisa Ann
Vaisa Mann!
The food one eats determines the purity of one's thoughts. The type of food that one
consumes definitely has an effect on one's thoughts. mind, actions. There are said to be
three categories of food according to the ancient texts - First category consists of sour,
spicy, hot food which is called Raajasi. The second category consists of stale food,
leftovers, meat and wine called Taamsik food. The third category consists of food
obtained through pure means, which is neither too spicy nor too hot. It is called Saatvik.
It is this type of food that one should eat.
Eating Taamsik and Raajsik food leads to lust, anger, greed, infatuation, arrogance and
jealousy. It leads to loss of physical and mental health. Thus a Sadhak could deviate
from path of Sadhanas. So one should eat pure and less food.
3. Doubts
The third obstacle on the path of Sadhanas is doubt. When the Guru directs a new
person on the path of Sadhanas success is not attained at the very first go.
For example suppose a Sadhak is engaged in an eleven day Sadhana and even by the
fourth or fifth day he has no divine experience, then he might be plagued by doubts.
Suppose one is doing a Lakshmi Sadhana then during the period of Sadhana the
expenses might shoot up. But if one persists and completes the Sadhana then without
doubt the Goddess of wealth is pleased and blesses one with financial success. One's
stars might have planned a poverty ridden life for the individual and accomplishing
Sadhana for wealth would mean fighting against Nature. This struggle could result in a
sudden rise in spendings in the beginning. And naturally some Sadhaks might start to
doubt the efficacy of the Mantra and the Sadhanas. They might become doubtful
whether Gods and Goddesses are actually there or they would ever appear before them.
There might be doubts whether t he Sadhana is correct or the Yantra being used is
actually Mantra energised. They start to think that if the Sadhana or Mantra were
efficacious then the result would have manifested.Because success has not accrued there
must be something wrong with the Sadhana or maybe the Guru has guided us wrong.
Doubts start to assail their minds and as a result the Sadhak gives up the Sadhana even
before he begins it. And even if they do accomplish the Sadhana they do it filled with
doubts due to which they are not able to succeed.
Lord Krishna has said in Bhagwat Gita -
Ashraddhyaa Hutam Dattam Tapastaptam Kritam Cha Yat.
Asadityuchyate Paarth Na Cha Tatpretya No Iha.
i.e. Havan or Yagna, charity, Tapa and Sadhanas accomplished without faith and
devotion are but useless and they bring no rewards.
Devotion and faith are the biggest assets of a Sadhak. He should have faith in the Guru,
in the Mantra, Yantra, gods, goddesses and deities. A real Sadhak should accomplish all
Sadhanas determinedly like Lord Buddha.
Ihaasane Shushkayatu Me Shareeram Tvagasthimaansaam Pralayanch
Yaatu.
Apraapya Bodham Bahukalp Durlabham Nevaasnaat
Kaaymanashchlishyate.
i.e. Lord Buddha had pledged when doing Tapa - My body might perish, my skin might
shrivel and the bones might crumble but I will not get up from this Sadhana seat till I
have had total realisation.
A Sadhak should have such a determination so that he could make actual progress in his
Sadhanas. More he progresses more he realises that Sadhanas are not imaginary but
real.
4. Sadguru
Sadguru does not mean some human being. Sadguru is an entity who can bestow real
knowledge, who can make one rise high in life, who can bestow totality in life, who can
direct one to right path.
One needs to reflect on these facts because today there are very few real, experienced
and realised Sadgurus. There is no dearth of people claiming to be Gurus. In every street
you will find a Guru. But most of them are just arrogant individuals who are only after
wealth, fame and physical pleasures. Without having accomplished any Sadhanas they
claim to be Yogis and some even call themselves God. In such a crowd of pseudo Gurus
it becomes very difficult for a common man to find and choose a real master.
It is the greatest fortune for a disciple to find a Sadguru in his life. A Guru is needed in
life to guide the Sadhak onto the path of Sadhanas, to help him overcome obstacles on
the path of Sadhanas and to instil divine energy into him in order to overcome
problems. The Yogis who are expert in the science of Tantra state that through Diksha
obtained from a Guru a Sadhak gains divinity and all his sins are absolved.
Changing Gurus frequently also leads to problems in Sadhanas. Although all Sadhanas
lead to the same goal yet the paths are different. Today you might start Prannayam and
tomorrow on advice of some other person you could take to Hatth Yoga. Third day you
might even give up Yoga and start chanting some Mantra and fourth day you might take
to listening to divine discourses. Wandering from one path to another or changing
Gurus cannot help one make progress.
Lord Krishna has said in Gita -
Tad Viddhi Prannipaaten Pariprashnen Sevayaa. Upadekshyanti Te
Gyaanam Gyaaninas-tatvadarshin.
i.e. To gain real knowledge go to those who have realised Supreme Element. By bowing
before such Yogis, by serving them selflessly, by asking them questions sincerely one can
learn a lot. These are means to please them and then they become willing to impart true
knowledge.But this knowledge can be gained only from a Sadguru.
5. Fame
One big obstacle for a Sadhak on the path of spiritualism is fame. When people living
around realise that a Sadhak has successfully accomplished a particular Sadhana they
become devoted towards him. They start to give him regard through their words and
gestures. The Sadhak too is but a human being and he too likes to be respected and
honoured. When he gets these from the society he starts to crave for more and more. As
a result he forgets his aim of worshipping the Supreme and joins the race of earning
more fame and name. This results in loss of Sadhana power. He loses his innocence,
humility and becomes arrogant. Purity of mind and heart is lost and one is filled with
anger and false pride. So a Sadhak should never reveal his powers to the society. One
must rise high in the spiritual world and not in the material world. This is the real way
to progress.
6. Celibacy
Another obstacle on path of spiritualism is sex. Until there is enough energy in Sadhak's
body he cannot succeed in Sadhanas. One needs power of the physical body, mind,
senses and soul and this energy is conserved and boosted through Brahmacharya or
celibacy. Hence a Sadhak should not indulge in excess sex. He should shun negative
company and not eat food that could delude the senses and lead to loss of celibacy.
Even the married Sadhaks should observe celibacy as much as they could, to preserve
vital energy. More one restrains oneself more the energy that builds up and faster one
succeeds in Sadhanas.
Lord Hanuman remained a celibate throughout life and as a result he had immense
physical strength. He was brave, powerful and very spiritual. He was most devoted to
the Lord. He possessed all knowledge and all divine powers called Siddhis. It was due to
these powers that he could assume a giant form or become smaller than even a fly.
When crossing the ocean on his way to Lanka he assumed a huge form and jumped over
the ocean. And when entering Lanka in order to avoid being detected he assumed a form
smaller than a fly.
Bheeshma observed celibacy throughout life and as a result he was blessed with the
power that death would not come to him till he so desired. Lord Parshuram who was
invincible and who had defeated everyone on earth had to face defeat after a battle of 23
days with Bheeshma. This was the result of the celibate life Bheeshma led.
7. Wishes
The Sadhak who does not become free of material wishes has to face many obstacles on
the path of Sadhanas. Wishing and desiring leads to anger, infatuation and greed and as
a result the Sadhak loses his balance of mind. Hence once should always keep the mind
free of desires.
8. Criticising others
Finding faults in others is the biggest obstacle for a Sadhak. A Sadhak should not waste
his time in such activities and not worry what others are doing. The Sadhak should
always remain concentrated in his own Sadhanas so that there is no time left for such
useless activities.
Those who fall into habit of criticising others cannot progress well in Sadhanas, for they
are wasting a lot of their thought power in a useless exercise. One should always
remember the words of the great saint Kabeer -
Buraa Jo Dekhan Mein Chalaa, Buraa Na Miliyaa Koy. Jo Dil Khojaa
Aapanaa, Mujhasaa Buraa Na Koy.
i.e. When I started to look for bad qualities in others I ultimately realised that there is no
more bad person than me.
Remember that if you point one finger at others in accusation three fingers shall be
pointing towards you. What I mean to say is that before accusing others even once
evaluate your own self at least thrice. One should look at one's own thoughts and try to
remove one's faults instead of finding the same in others.
