Fwd: 64 Upacharas

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Please find Sri Harsha's reply on upacharas below.

Sanskrit version of the Stotra at http://harsha16.topcities.com

I am not sure if there is an audio file. Please contact Sri Harsha Ramamurthy

regarding that.

Rgds

 

Harsha Ramamurthy <harsha_ramamurthy wrote:

"Harsha Ramamurthy"

satisharigela

Tue, 20 Jul 2004 23:12:17 -0500

64 Upacharas

 

 

|| shivAdi gurubhyo namaH ||

 

Dear Sir, you may find a sanskrit version of the Stotra at

http://harsha16.topcities.com

 

The number 64 is a very significant one. Various authorities have explained the

significance of numbers in Srividya. To quote an example, which was revealed by

Sri Chidanandanatha (Brahmasri Subrahmanya Iyer of Guhananda Mandali) – the four

most important Mantras used in Srividya Upasana (as taught by Sri Guhanandanatha

Avadhuta) are:

 

Mahaganapathi Mantra – 28 letters.

Saubhagya Vidya mantra along with Shodashi Kala (together called Purna

Shodashi) – 19 letters.

Mahashodashi – 28 letters

Utkrishta Ganapathi mantra – 37 letters.

 

All these mantras, when added result in the number –1. For eample, 28 -> 2+8 =

1. Similarly, 6+4=10; 1+0 = 1. Thus, the objective of 64 Upacharas, like the

above listed mantras, is to expereince the swAtmAbhinna parA samvit called Sri

Lalita. Sri Bhaskararaya says in Setubandha that the number of Upacharas

prescribed during Navavarana Archana are 64 but ‘kechit’, ‘some others’ follow

different numbers (more or less than 64). He clearly objects to this practice by

quoting Vamakeshwara Tantra, Parashurama Kalpasutra and LS

(chatuShShaShTyupachArADhyA), calling it asAmpradAyika [ 3, 84 – Setubandha].

But at another place in the same bhAShya, he also mentions saMpradAyavishwAsa….

Etc. from the Kalpasutras and agrees to the fact that differences in Upachara

Samkhya and Patra Sthapana are agreeable, if followed as per one’s Sampradaya.

So, the number difference should not matter. I have not come across the mention

of 72 Upachara s in Varivasyarahasya with the copy I possess. Further,

Natananandanatha oberves in a commentary that the number 64 is indicative of

the Bijas to be prefixed during Chakrarchana. He reads 6 as the six Vyahritis or

Pranavas of Srividya and 4 as the Kamakala Bija. He is of the opinion that this

group of Bijas should be used while offering 64 Upacharas and quotes Nitya

Tantra as the pramANa. Sri Tetiyur Subrahmanya Shastrigal, who was the Guru an

elderly relative of mine, followed a somewhat less-known practice during

Chatushshtypachara. He would offer the 64 Upacharas with some Samputikara of the

mantras for the 64 Yoginis. He explained this as a very esoteric practice and

dealing with Mahayaga, involving AshtAShtaka Yoginis (8 X 8 = 64). People

belonging to his Shishya Parampara should know more about the significance of

this practice.

 

Though ‘bhAvanA’ is the best method of upAsanA, the path of Bahiryaga is

unavoidable for the beginners. As rightly indicated, one cannot give up any of

these Upacharas (physically) as long as he is able to offer them. The

Vamakeshwara Tantra prescribes substitution with PuShpAkShata saying.

‘yadyashaktaschet’ – only if the Upasaka is unable to perform the Upacharas

physically. While following Bahiryaga, if a person neglects any of the

Upacharas, even those which can be offered in his capacity, he incurs sin

(Yogini Hridaya Dipika). However, if due to constraints factors like time,

resource etc., the Sadhaka is really unable to offer one or more of these

Upacharas, by offering Pushpakshata with devotion, he obtains the same merit as

having offered the Upachara physically. But these days when Dravya Shuddhi is a

difficult thing, one should seriously consider before using things in

Srichakrarchana. Also, it should be borne in mind that the Upacha ras should be

offered without any desire

for fruits and with dispassion for their worldly features. The Sadhaka should

ever be aware of the fact that Bahiryaga is a step to perfection; that it is a

path and not the goal.

 

Thanks and Regards,

Harsha Ramamurthy.