Search:
Bhakti List Archives

Bhaghavat ArAdhanam - Shudhdodakam

From the Bhakti List Archives

Vijay_Srinivasan • December 23, 1998 


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