Alternative spellings of this word include Samayacaravidhana.

In Hinduism

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

Samayācāravidhāna (समयाचारविधान) (lit. “the rules of conduct for the initiate”) is the name of chapter 21 of the Sāttvatasaṃhitā: one of the most ancient of Pāñcarātra Āgamas consisting of roughly 3500 verses which stresses the theological standpoint of the oneness of God despite his various vyūhas (modes of existence), vibhavas (manifestations) and avatāras (incarnations).

Description of the chapter [samayācāravidhāna]: This chapter lists the numerous miscellaneous rules of conduct, etiquette and outlook. For example: whenever the Guru asks a question the initiate should commence his reply with “bādham”; he should show the utmost respect for the Guru and serve him in all ways; he should circumambulate (clockwise) the Peepal and Banyan trees, cow, a gathering of pious people, and teacher’s house; he should treat all the Guru’s relatives with the same respect accorded the Guru himself; he should always rise when the Guru enters the room; he should treat the marks of Viṣṇu’s conch, discus, etc., with respect, never sitting on them or using them carelessly; he should always use fresh flowers in pūjā; he should not be greedy; he should shun those who have not been initiated as he has; he should contemplate Viṣṇu’s presence in His mantra-form on his brow on the top of his head (or elsewhere in or on his body) as “Protector” whether he goes out, goes to sleep, etc.; etc. (1-56). There follow some general rules about following these cautions as a way of life these being but one of five things an initiate must give his utmost respect and devotion to, namely: the fire, the Guru, the mantra, the śāstra and experts in the śāstra (57-61). The rewards for those who follow this way of life are described (62-66), and these rewards will accrue to four groups of people well-versed and practicing Pāñcarātrins, the initiate himself, his Guru, and the Guru’s issue (67а).

context information

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: Vidhana, Samayacara.

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