|| Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya||

Chapter – 348 – The legend of Lord Krishna -  196

Kriya Yoga

Sthuvairuchavachai: Sthothrai: Pauranai: Prakrithairapi | Sthuthva Praseedha  Bhagavannithi Vandhetha Dandavath || Shiro Math Padhayo: Krithva Bahubhyam Cha Parasparam| Prapannam Pahimam Esha Bheetham Mrithyugraharnnavath ||

Bhagavan speaks “ Oh! Udhdhava, it is a vast topic, I shall narrate them briefly.  There are three types of Kriya Yoga such as Vaidhika, Thanthrika and Mishra.  In the Vaidhika method of worship, the veneration of deities performed with following Vedic chants.  In the Thanthrik method of worship, the veneration of deity performed with specific gestures prescribed in Tantrik scriptures.  In the Mishra, the veneration of the deity is performed with Vedic chants as well as Thanthrik gestures. Oh! Udhdhava, The worship of Surya, or Agni, and conducts by a Dhvija, before the performance of the veneration, the worshiper should follow the ritual bath, Sandhyopasana, Sankalpam, and the worship conducts on the deity created in any of these methods, Shaili/stone, Dharumayi/timber, Lauhi/metal, Lepya/mold, Lekhya/written, Saikathi/sand, Manomayi/within one’s heart, and Manimayi /gem installed on the dais/Mandapa.  Oh! Udhdhava, I shall describe how to conduct the Kriya Yoga, 1) purification process/Parimarjanam - there are few arrangements should be made before the worship of the deity, the sanctification of the place of worship, and ritual bath of the worshiper, the practice of Pranayama purifies the soul, recitation of Gayathri would purify the intellect of the worshiper. 2) Avahanam/invoking the deity – The practice of meditating upon the image of deity 3) bathing the idol/Snapanam, smearing rich fragrances/Snanalankaram   4) offering new attires and ornaments,/Vasthram and Upaveetham 5) offering Naivedhyam 6) recitation of chants, sacred names, etc.  7) Offering Dhoopa, Dheepa and Harathi 8) Finally the prostration before the idol with a prayer to elevate the soul from all kinds of troubles and fears of death, while prostrating, the head of the worshiper should be at the feet of the idol with folded hands, Oh! Udhdhava,   I always look for the devotion and love of the worshiper, not at those offerings were made to me.”

Thaptha Jambunadhaprakhyam Shankha chakra Gadhambhujai: | Lasath Chathurbhujam Shantham Padma Kinjilkavasasam || Spurath Kireeta Kataka Katisuthra Varangadham | Srivathsavaksham Bhrajath Kausthubham Vanamalinam ||