Tantra Yoga-5-3.
5. Tantra Sadhana-3.
The Sadhaka first meditates upon the Devata or Deity and then arouses the Devata in himself.
He then communicates the Divine presence thus aroused to the Yantra. When the Devata has been invoked into the Yantra by the appropriate Mantra, the vital airs (Prana) of the Devata are infused therein by the Pranapratishtha ceremony.
The Devata is thereby installed in the Yantra.
The materials used or acts done in Puja are called Upachara.
They are sixteen in number, viz.,
(1) Asana (seating of the Devata);
(2) Svagata (welcoming of the Devata);
(3) Padya (water for washing the feet);
(4) Arghya (water for ablution);
(5) Achamana (water for sipping);
(6) Madhuparka (honey, ghee, milk, and curd);
(7) Snana (bath);
(8) Vastra (cloth);
(9) Abharana (jewels);
(10) Gandha (perfume);
(11) Pashpa (flowers);
(12) Dhupa (incense);
(13) Dipa (light);
(14) Naivedya (food) and Tambulam (betel);
(15) Nirajana (Arati); and
(16) Vandana (prostration and prayer).
Sadhakas are of three kinds, viz.,
1. Pasu (animalistic),
2. Vira (valorous), and
3. Divya (divine).
Next : 6. The Pancha Tattva
Swami Sivananda
To be continued.....
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