What’s this PRANPRATISTA ???

 

Hindus all over the world visit mandirs (temples) for direct spiritual connection ( dialogue, puja, aarti, prayer, worship, service, etc) with their select personal Deities known as Bhagwan. And this may vary depending on their life situation and many other factors.

 

Now the question is how an inert statue transforms into divine Deity.?

Hindus practice eternal Dharma which is much more than the English term religion relevant in Abrahamic faiths. The concept and practice of One ( not two or more ever) all- pervading formless, attributeless, universal supreme consciousness is referred as Brahman ( Parmatma, Parmeshwar, Ishwar, Prabhu ) is so simple and straightforward. But we humans always seek to satisfy our senses. So images and forms evolved over “10000” years. Example: thoughts are drawn as two dimensional art work and written words. Don’t we even write musical notes. These iconic forms and attributes inspire us to aspire for those qualities, recall multi tasking mothers.. Such manifestations ( murtis) are known as Bhagwan. That’s why you see multiple Deities. This is personification of Divinity and vice versa. The inert body, emotional mind, assertional ego and rational intelligence all are activated by the sentience within. Now it makes sense as DIY project,, logical with personal freedom and liberty of thoughts where no outside agency or governance at all to interfere.

 

Last week, few hundred experienced this scientific transformation at unique devotee owned Irvine Hindu Mandir near LA. A single piece black granite 40 inch tall 400 lbs statue of five faced (attributes of knowledge, skills, abilities, devotion and strength) Hanuman ( the superhero of historical Ramayan) transformed into revered Deity through 37 elaborate sequential processes over 3 days by 4 highly experienced scholarly Pundits chanting Vedic mantras by memory. This included traditional Yagnya, rising flame inspiring to rise in life with energy. Our memories are taken over by our smart phones. The inert icon got “ invoked,-induced -infused “with Prana (symbolic subtle life ) into divine Deity to inspire all to aspire for the attributes. Nearest example: electric power transformers and induction motors in magnetic fields akin to human devotion. A brainless heart and heartless brain connected with focus of concentration that is devotion. Photos attached.

 

Families from far and near driving few freeways from all sections of diaspora participated in this rare once in a lifetime experience. A skit by American Swamy narrated why a simple pure hearted ordinary devotee is preferred over egoistic CEO , CFO, Dr, Dentist, Tycoons, IT AI experts, Politicians and like.

Highly trained artists in colorful attire performed traditional classical Bharatnatyam dance dedicated to the revered Deity Hanumanji. And the Irvine City Councilor attended the ceremony, addressed the hall full of attendees and jomed in the community lunch.

 

So visit your Mandir with family to redress and address whatever is in your mind. A family that prays together stays together. That’s why Dharma practiced by Hindus is eternal and evolving to serve mankind.

(Submitted by Suresh Lohiya)