In Hinduism

Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts

Vibhavadevatābahiryāgavidhi (विभवदेवताबहिर्यागविधि) (lit. “rules for overt worship of the vibhavadevatā-forms”) is the name of chapter 10 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 [vibhavadevatābahiryāgavidhi]: Nārada relates that Saṃkarṣaṇa then asked how to do overt worship [bahiryāga] in a maṇḍala, in fire and in water (1). Bhagavān replies that a cakramaṇḍala-design provides a proper medium for liturgical worship so long as one acknowledges the presence in it of certain things i.e., Viṣṇu’s weapons, the flag-staff, etc.) and so long as the bījākṣaras have been transferred to the hands and mudrā-gestures accompany the various usual offerings of sandal paste, flowers, etc. (3-31).

He then turns to worship centered about the sacred fire. But, it should be noted, in addition to making various offerings into the fire, this fire-worship is accompanied by rituals and offerings of flowers and other materials to a maṇḍala (32-44a). Bhagavān interjects at this point that God can be worshipped, indeed, by means of His mantramūrtis in any one of four places—in water [tīrtha], in the heart, in an icon [bimba], or in the fire (44b-45). The third way to worship God overtly is by repeatedly filling the cupped hands with various kinds of waters mixed with fragrant powders, etc., and, mentally picturing the mudrās that should accompany it, uttering a mantra to each of the many devatās one by one (46-54).

After worship in each of the three above cases is over, the worshipper must assume that God withdraws Himself from His presence in the cakra-design, or in the sky, or in the water, and goes to His rest. Flowers and fruits only are to be used in such pūjā to the mantramūrtis; left-over flowers and fruits not already distributed to Brahmins are to be discarded (55-58).

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.

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Partial matches: Vibhavadevatabahiryaga, Vidhi, Viti.

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Full-text: Vibhavadevatabahiryaga, Bahiryaga, Mantramurti.

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