Bhaghavat ArAdhanam - Shudhdodakam

[Guest guest]

Dear Prapatti Group Members:

 

Mani is doing a great job on writing the procedures for Bhaghavat

ArAdhanam. The lucid style of his presentation picks up the essence of

Bhaghavat ArAdhanam and it should induce even the non-specialists to

perform this daily requirement of Bhaghavat ArAdhanam for all Vaishnavas.

 

The shastras say that: "SarvEshAmapi DharmAnAm UtthamO VaishnavO Vidhi:" .

Bhaghavat ArAdhanam is the greatest dharma for us. The word arAdhanam has

its root in "rAdhu" which means 'to please'. Emperuman is pleased even

with the smallest of our acts that are done with love and affection. How

much more it should please Emperuman if we can set aside say 15 minutes

each day to perform the arAdhanam.

 

While consecrating the water for different purposes like arghyam, pAdhyam

etc., the water stored in the pAtram called Suddodakam is also known as

"SarvArtha thoyam". The reason is: if any 'dravya' is not available, the

sarvArtha thoyam is used in its place. If you observe smartha poojas they

use 'Akshatai' instead. For eg. they say: "UpaveethArtham AkshathAn

SamarpayAmi" etc.. However, the ShastrAs preclude the use of Akshatai for

Lord Vishnu (Na Akshatair Poojyate Vishnum...). Thus, you can say

"VastrAni samarpayAmi" and offer the sarvArtha thoyam in the place of

Vastram.

 

To conclude, it is not necessary to have all materials to perform the

arAdhanam. Whatever, is available is enough to perform the arAdhanam.

Swami Desikan used to perform the arAdhanam using inexpensive wooden

vessels and with materials gathered through Unchavritti. To exemplify the

previous point, Navalpakkam Swamigal often used to quote this: "GantAkaran

Pina Virundhu IttAp polE". Those who are familiar with GantAkaran's story

should be able to appreciate this.

 

Vijayaraghava Dasan