- Source: Prana pratishtha
Prana pratishtha (IAST: prāṇa pratiṣṭhā) is the rite or ceremony by which a murti (devotional image of a deity) is consecrated in a Hindu temple. The Sanskrit terms prana means "life" and pratishtha means "to be established." Following detailed steps outlined in the Vedic scriptures, verses (mantras) are recited to invite the deity to reside in the idol. Practised in the temples of Hinduism and Jainism, the ritual is considered to infuse life into the Hindu temple, and bring to it the numinous presence of divinity and spirituality.
Etymology
The word prāna pratishthā is a compound Sanskrit term combining prāna and pratishthā. Prana, which comes from the root "pra", meaning "to breathe". This term refers to life or vital energy, the essence for living beings.
Pratishtha, derived from the root verb "stha", which means "to be established", and the prefix "prati", which means "toward". Pratishtha signifies the act of consecrating, installation, or establishing in a permanent position. This term typically used in the context of installing a deity in the temples.
When the two terms are combined, it refers to the ritual of establishing life force into the idol becoming the sacred embodiment of such deity.
In Hinduism
= Philosophical significance
=The origins of prāna pratishthā are rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, where rituals were performed to invoke the divine into objects. The understanding is that God can be both intrinsic and transcendent and accessible through physical symbols (murtis). Through pran pratishtha, devotees can interact with the divine in a personal manner. These practices were meticulously documented in the scriptures such as the Agamas and Tantras with guidelines on how to perform such rituals.
This ritual is most common with temple installations, however, household deities are also consecrated for worship.
= Key elements
=The prana pratishtha ceremony involves several steps from purification rites to the invocation of the deity through the steps outlines in the scriptures.
Purification (Shuddhi) - the idol is cleansed and purified to remove impurities.
Invocation (Avahana) - the deity is invoked into the idol through specific mantras and rituals prescribed in the scriptures.
Infusion of life (Prana pratishtha) - this is the core of the ritual where pran is put into the idol through various mantras.
Offerings (Upachara) - they deity is offered items such as flowers, fruits, and incense, symbolizing sustenance for the divine in the idol.
In Jainism
= Concept
=In Jainism, performing prana pratishtha in Jain temples is symbolic of the ideal qualities of the Tirthankaras rather than a divine presence. Prana refers to the vital energy in all living beings emphasizing the principle of non-violence (ahimsa) towards all life forms. Thus, the focus of prana pratishtha is invoking a spiritual presence to inspire devotees.
= Philosophical significance
=The philosophical foundation of prana pratishtha in Jainism is rooted in anekantavada. Depending on theh observer's spiritual views, the physical idol can represent multiple meanings.
The focus of the ritual is solely on mental and physical purity derived from the non-violence principle.
= Ritual process
=The ritual begins where the idol is bathed, purified, and adorned with sacred items. Following this, verses are recited and other ritual invocations occur. The ritual of consecrating an image to bring "life to temple" is attested in medieval Jain documents.
References
Kata Kunci Pencarian:
- Prana pratishtha
- Consecration of the Ram Mandir
- Ram Mandir
- Pratishtha
- Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of the Rockies
- Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra
- Surya Temple, Ranchi
- Abhisheka
- BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi
- Tulasi Vivaha
