Nityarcana, Nityārcana: 1 definition
Introduction:
Nityarcana means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
Alternative spellings of this word include Nityarcana.
In Hinduism
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts1) Nityārcana (नित्यार्चन) (lit. “routine worship”) is the name of chapter 15 of the Mārkaṇḍeyasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 2200 Sanskrit verses mainly dealing with temple-building, iconography, pūjā (worship procedures), utsava (festivities) and prāyaścitta (expiatory measures).—
Description of chapter [nityārcana]: Routine worship in the temple, properly attended to, has immense rewards (1-3). The Arcaka’s day begins with his waking up, and, after his toilet, he goes to the temple. There he first salutes the balipīṭha, then God. The sanctuary-doors are thereupon opened, and things made ready for pūjā by means of collecting the articles to be used (4-19a). After honoring his own teacher, the Arcaka begins pūjā first to the doors, then by ringing the bell, etc. Assuming the kūrmāsana-posture, he begins self-purification, followed by breathing-exercises (19b-23). He then arranges vessels of water before him, dedicates them to Vāsudeva and Aniruddha, then pours the center pot [arghya] over the hand of the main image, performs śaṅkha-and cakra-mudrās, offers more water for God to gargle with, some pastes, etc. (24-30). Then clothes, ornaments and other decorations are offered to God (31), whereupon a ten-flamed light [dīpa] is offered, followed by fragrant smoke [dhūpa], then sandal-paste [gandha] and flowers [puṣpa]. A pot containing a flame [ghaṭadīpa] is waved three times before the idol (and then taken away by a courtesan-34), whereupon verses of praise are chanted by the people, and dancers perform for His [entertainment ....lapse....]. After this, food-offerings [naivedya], arghya-mouthwash and betel-nuts [tāṃbūla] are given in turn to the Lord (32-38a).
Various names have been given to different elements of the pūjā-liturgy (38b-46a): “arcana” (from dvārapūjā to bali); “yāga” (from dvārapūjā to homa); “ārādhana” (the regular nityotsava, as outlined above); “abhyarcana” (dīpa to havis); “prapūjā” (the above done with madhuparka); “samārādhana” (comprised of mātrādhāna, chatra, cāmara, nirājana, darpaṇa, annapiṇḍa, dance, music, etc.); and “sampūjana” (which is worshipping five or six times a day).
2) Nityārcana (नित्यार्चन) refers to “regular rituals”, as discussed in chapter 9 of the Bhāradvājasaṃhitā or “Bhāradvāja-kaṇva-saṃhitā”: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 230 ślokas mainly concerned with basic details concerning temple construction and icon consecration.—Description of chapter [nityārcana-vidhikalpa]: Bharadvāja outlines the daily routine of the Arcaka from his rising in the morning. After himself bathing, he brings water for the Lord’s bath and, completing prāṇāyāma-exercises and purification of the compound-precincts, brings five vessels. He offers mantrāsana-honors, snānāsana-honors, alaṅkārāsana-honors, food, the lamp-rite. Arghya and food offerings need be done in evening time only.
Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Arcana, Archana, Nitya.
Starts with: Nityarcanapaddhati, Nityarcanavidhi, Nityarcanavidhikalpa.
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Full-text: Nityarcanavidhi, Nityarcanapaddhati, Nityarcanavidhikalpa, Prapuja, Abhyarcana, Sampujana, Annapinda, Matradhana, Kurmasana, Ghatadipa, Samaradhana, Yaga, Aradhana, Arcana.
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Search found 3 books and stories containing Nityarcana, Nityārcana, Nitya-arcana, Nityārchana, Nityarchana, Nitya-archana; (plurals include: Nityarcanas, Nityārcanas, arcanas, Nityārchanas, Nityarchanas, archanas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Isanasivagurudeva Paddhati (study) (by J. P. Prajith)
43. Description of Trailokyamohana-murti (rites and rituals) < [Chapter 4 - Worship of Gods and Goddesses]
Manasara (English translation) (by Prasanna Kumar Acharya)
Chapter 45 - The thrones (siṃhāsana-lakṣaṇa)
Part 5 - General survey (summary of contents) < [Preface]
Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad (by Prasanna Kumar Acharya)