Cosmic Puja #7

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vaastudevataabhyo namaH

We bow to the particular household deity of worship

 

This is defined by the head of the household and is most likely his or her

ishta. As an example, my father's ishta is Hayagreeva (avatar of Vishnu) who

occupies the central position in our household's altar.

 

sthaanadevataabhyo namaH

We bow to the established deity of worship

 

The deity of the puja you are currently performing.

 

sarvebhyo devobhyo namaH

We bow to all the Gods

 

In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad there is a conversation between a genetleman

called Saakalya and the sage Yajnavalkya. And the conversation went like this:

 

S: " How many gods are there? "

Y: " Three hundred and three and Three thousand and three. "

S: " How many gods are there? "

Y: " There are thirty-three gods. "

S: " How many gods are there? "

Y: " Six are there. "

S: " How many gods are there? "

Y: " Only three gods are there. "

S: " How many gods are there? "

Y: " Two gods are there. "

S: " How many gods are there? "

Y: " One and a half gods. "

S: " How many gods are there? "

Y: " One god is there, " he said finally

 

God is one and His manifestations are many. We bow to all His manifestations.

The Devas are the shining ones derived from " div " which is " to shine " .

 

Love

srini