Learn more about What is Pran Pratishtha? in details. Pran Pratishtha (Murti Sthapana) is a ritual that infuses life into the idol of a deity in a Hindu temple.
Read more How to Perform Pran Pratishtha: A Step-by-Step Guide
Read more Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Date: A Monumental Moment for India
What is Pran Pratishtha?
Pran Pratishtha is a sacred ritual in Hinduism and Jainism that consecrates a murti (devotional image of a deity) in a temple. It involves reciting hymns and mantras to invite the deity to be the resident guest of the temple and infuse life into the murti. Pran Pratishtha is also known as Murti Sthapana (image placement inside the temple).
The word Pran Pratishtha consists of two Sanskrit words: Prana and Pratishtha. Prana means “life force, breath, spirit” and Pratishtha means “resting, position, installation, consecration”. Thus, Pran Pratishtha means “establishment of the image in its vital breath” or “bringing life to the temple”.
What is Significance of Pran Pratishtha?
Pran Pratishtha is a ritual that transforms a murti from a mere idol to a living representation of the deity. It is believed that the deity descends into the murti and becomes present in it. The murti then becomes a medium for the devotees to communicate with the deity and seek blessings.
Pran Pratishtha also marks the recognition of the image of god as “a particle of the divine whole, the divine perceived not in man’s image as a separate entity but as a formless, indescribable omnipresent whole”.
Pran Pratishtha is an essential part of the inauguration of a new temple or mandir. It is also performed when a murti is damaged or replaced. Pran Pratishtha is considered to be a very auspicious and sacred occasion that attracts many devotees and pilgrims.
What is Procedures of Pran Pratishtha (Murti Sthapana)?
Procedures of Pran Pratishtha (Murti Sthapana) are a complex and elaborate ritual that requires a qualified priest or purohit to perform. It follows the guidelines of the Pancharatra Agama Shastras, the ancient scriptures that deal with temple architecture, iconography, and worship.
Before Pran Pratishtha, the murti undergoes several procedures to prepare it for the consecration. These include:
Karmakutir
Karmakutir is the process of purifying the idol in the artisan’s workplace, where it was made, by touching it with darbha grass and applying ghee and honey on the eyes
Jaladhivas
Jaladhivas is the second step of Pran Pratishtha, the ritual of installing the idol of a deity in a temple. Jaladhivas means placing the idol into scented water from various holy rivers.
The purpose of this step is to check whether the idol is whole and not damaged in any way. The water also purifies the idol and prepares it for the next steps of the ritual.The water from Jaladhivas is later showered upon the devotees as a blessing from the deity.
Dhanya Divas
Dhanya Divas is the third step of Pran Pratishtha, the ritual of installing the idol of a deity in a temple. Dhanya Divas means placing the idol into a heap of grains, such as rice, wheat, barley, or millet. The purpose of this step is to symbolize the abundance and prosperity that the deity will bring to the devotees.
The grains also nourish the idol and prepare it for the next steps of the ritual. The grains from Dhanya Divas are later distributed among the devotees as a prasad, or a sacred offering from the deity.
Ghrutadhivas
Ghrutadhivas is one of the steps of purification and cleansing of the idol or murti of a deity before the Pran Pratishtha ritual. Pran Pratishtha is the process of infusing the life force or divine energy into the idol, making it a sacred and living representation of the deity.
Ghrutadhivas involves submerging the idol in cow’s ghee, which is considered a very pure and auspicious substance in Hinduism. This is done to remove any impurities or negative influences from the idol and prepare it for the final consecration. In some cases, if the idol is too big to be submerged, a piece of cotton soaked in ghee is placed on the toes of the idol instead.
After Ghrutadhivas, the idol is placed on a wooden stand and awakened by sounding a bell. Then, it is ready for the next step of Snapan or Abhishek, which is the bathing of the idol with various sacred liquids.
Snapan or Abhishek
Snapan or Abhishek is the process of bathing the idol or murti of a deity with various sacred liquids before the Pran Pratishtha ritual. Pran Pratishtha is the process of infusing the life force or divine energy into the idol, making it a sacred and living representation of the deity.
Snapan or Abhishek is done to further purify and energize the idol and invoke the blessings of the deity. It involves **108** different types of auspicious materials such as panchamrit, water infused with fragrant flowers and leaves, water which has been poured over the horns of a cow, and juice of sugarcane. The liquids are poured over the idol in a specific order and with specific mantras, while the devotees chant the name of the deity and offer prayers.
After Snapan or Abhishek, the idol is dried and adorned with clothes and ornaments, and then ready for the final step of Pran Pratishtha.
Netra Anvarn
Netra Anvarn is the process of opening the eyes of the idol or murti of a deity before the Pran Pratishtha ritual. Pran Pratishtha is the process of infusing the life force or divine energy into the idol, making it a sacred and living representation of the deity.
Netra Anvarn is done to awaken the idol and establish a connection between the devotee and the deity. It involves holding a mirror in front of the idol while removing the ghee with a golden needle from the idol’s eyes. The mirror reflects the image of the devotee and the deity, symbolizing their union and devotion. The idol is then offered aarti and flowers, and then ready for the final step of Pran Pratishtha.
Shodashopachara Puja
Shodashopachara Puja is the process of offering sixteen types of services or items to the idol or murti of a deity before the Pran Pratishtha ritual. Pran Pratishtha is the process of infusing the life force or divine energy into the idol, making it a sacred and living representation of the deity.
Shodashopachara Puja is done to honor and worship the deity and express the devotion of the devotees. It involves the following steps:
Avahana: Inviting the deity to the idol and offering a seat
Asana: Offering a comfortable seat to the deity
Padya: Offering water to wash the feet of the deity
Arghya: Offering water to wash the hands of the deity
Achamana: Offering water to sip and cleanse the mouth of the deity
Snana: Offering water or milk to bathe the idol
Vastra: Offering clothes to the deity
Yajnopavita: Offering a sacred thread to the deity
Gandha: Offering sandalwood paste or perfume to the deity
Pushpa: Offering flowers or garlands to the deity
Dhupa: Offering incense to the deity
Deepa: Offering a lamp or candle to the deity
Naivedya: Offering food or fruits to the deity\
Tambula: Offering betel leaves and nuts to the deity
Aarti: Offering a circular movement of a lamp or fire to the deity
Pradakshina and Namaskara: Offering circumambulation and salutation to the deity
Final Step
After these procedures, the murti is ready for Pran Pratishtha. The priest recites specific mantras and performs rituals to invoke the prana or life force into the murti. He also touches different parts of the murti, symbolizing the presence of various gods as sensory organs. For example, Indra as the hand, Brahma as the heart, Surya as the eyes, etc.
The murti is then installed in the garbhagriha (the inner sanctum of the temple) with its face oriented towards the east (signifying the sunrise). The priest performs the Chaksu͡unmilan ceremony, which is the opening of the divine eye of the murti. This marks the completion of the Pran Pratishtha and the murti is considered as consecrated and blessed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is Pran Pratishtha?
Pran Pratishtha is a Sanskrit word that literally means “establishment of life force.” The ritual is believed to infuse a murti with the divine presence of the deity it represents. This is done through a series of rituals and offerings, including the chanting of mantras, the bathing of the murti, and the offering of food and flowers.
What is the purpose of Pran Pratishtha?
The purpose of Pran Pratishtha (Murti Sthapana) is to create a sacred space where devotees can connect with the divine. The ritual is believed to transform the murti from a mere object into a living vessel for the deity. This allows devotees to offer prayers and worship to the deity in a more meaningful way.
Who can perform Pran Pratishtha?
Pran Pratishtha (Murti Sthapana) is typically performed by a priest or other qualified spiritual leader. However, in some cases, it may be performed by a layperson who has been trained in the ritual.
What are the steps involved in Pran Pratishtha?
The steps involved in Pran Pratishtha vary depending on the tradition. However, the basic steps typically include the following:
Selection of the murti:The murti must be carefully selected to represent the deity that will be installed.
Purification of the murti:The murti is purified through a series of rituals, including bathing, anointing, and the chanting of mantras.
Installation of the murti:The murti is installed in the temple or other holy space.
Offering of prayers and worship:Devotees offer prayers and worship to the deity once the murti has been installed.
What are the benefits of Pran Pratishtha?
Pran Pratishtha is believed to bring a number of benefits, including:
A sacred space for worship: Pran Pratishtha creates a sacred space where devotees can connect with the divine in a more meaningful way.
Blessings from the deity: Devotees believe that Pran Pratishtha brings blessings from the deity, including peace, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.
Increased positive energy: Pran Pratishtha is believed to increase positive energy in the surrounding area.
What are the risks of Pran Pratishtha?
Pran Pratishtha is a sacred ritual that should be performed by a qualified spiritual leader. If the ritual is not performed correctly, it may not be effective or it may even be harmful.
Can Pran Pratishtha be performed at home?
In some cases, Pran Pratishtha can be performed at home. However, it is important to consult with a qualified spiritual leader to ensure that the ritual is performed correctly.
What are the different types of Pran Pratishtha?
There are many different types of Pran Pratishtha, each with its own unique traditions and practices. Some of the most common types of Pran Pratishtha include:
Prana Pratishtha: This is the most common type of Pran Pratishtha. It involves the installation of a murti in a temple or other holy space.
Gana Pratishtha: This type of Pran Pratishtha involves the installation of a Ganapati murti.
Navagraha Pratishtha: This type of Pran Pratishtha involves the installation of Navagraha murtis, which represent the nine planets.
What is the history of Pran Pratishtha?
Pran Pratishtha is an ancient ritual that has been practiced for centuries. The earliest evidence of Pran Pratishtha dates back to the Vedic period, which began around 1500 BCE.
What is the future of Pran Pratishtha?
Pran Pratishtha is a vibrant and living tradition that continues to be practiced today. The ritual is a reminder of the importance of connecting with the divine in a sacred space.