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Samashrayana
The samashrayana () or the panchasamskara () is a Hindu sacrament generally associated with the Sri Vaishnava tradition. It consists of five rites of initiation performed by a shishya (disciple) to be formally initiated into the tradition by an acharya (preceptor). Etymology ''Samāśrayaṇam'' is Sanskrit for, "taking refuge with God". Description The samashryana consists of the five rites according to Sri Vaishnava tradition: # ''Tapa'' - The embossing of the impression of Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra (discus) on the right shoulder of the initiate and the Panchajanya (conch) on the left shoulder of the initiate. # ''Puṇḍra'' - The application of the Vaishnava tilaka, the urdhva pundra The Urdhva Pundra () is a tilak, tilaka worn by Vaishnavites, Vaishnavas as an indication of their affiliation with Vishnu. It is generally worn on the forehead, but may also be worn on other parts of the body such as the shoulders. The markings ..., on twelve sacred locations of the ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Om Namo Narayanaya
''Om Namo Narayanaya'' (), also referred to as the ''Ashtakshara'' (eight syllables), and the Narayana Mantra, is among the most popular mantras of Hinduism, and the principal mantra of Vaishnavism. It is an invocation addressed to Narayana, the god of preservation, the form of Vishnu who lays in eternal rest beneath the Kshira Sagara, cosmic waters. Origin In the ''Samaveda'', '''Om Namo Narayanaya is said to have been taught by Historical Vedic religion, Vedic sages to the seekers who came to them for wisdom. It is traditionally believed that this mantra revealed its significance and meaning to these sages through their penances, after which they shared it with seekers as a means of self-realisation. Literature ''Om Namo Narayanaya'' is mentioned in Hindu texts, Hindu literature, especially in the ''Upanishads'' and the ''Puranas''. The mantra is often specified as being invoked by the characters of these scriptures to gain salvation from the deity, and as an instruction to ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
