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> Tantric Puja
The literal meaning of "tantra" is
to expand, to transform, to shape shift, to weave ... that
part of our consciousness which is ready for a formidable
gateway to a deeper understanding. Puja means ritual worship,
offering, pure intent, communion with the Deities. The intention
is to embrace a path of more direct awareness, and in a ritualistic
way, commit to self realization. In the path of the sanatan
dharm we honor the navagrahas and their presiding deities
whose blessings and benevolence we seek thru the Tantric Pujas.
During a Tantric Puja we commune with the divine and take
an initiation toward deeper aspects of inner and outer peace.
Thru the various rituals we connect with the inner, astral
planets to realize more of the connection between the planets
and matter and the five tattwas.
Tantric Pujas are performed here at the Ompalace
yogavidya, as per navagraha tradition at the beginning
and end of major astrological maha dasha transitions, mantra
merit accumulation, the ensoulment of a gemstone and or numerological
kavach, as well as naming ceremonies. Weddings, require the
additional presence of an ordained pundit. The pujas, whenever
possible are done outdoors with a traditional Homa ( sacred
fire ritual) and are sometimes preceded by fasting and other
purifications for which detailed instructions are given, ahead
of time, to the aspirant.
The Tantric puja is offered free of charge,
however in the case of a visiting Pundit it is customary to
make a suitable monetary donation to honor the time spent
and help defray the travel costs.
It is also the sole responsibility of the person
for whom the tantric puja is performed to pay for the ingredients
used in the worship, and sponsor a vegetarian feast for the
participants which is traditionally partaken after the Puja
with shared prasad for everyone.
Further is is good to bring flowers/fruit/candles
incense and an appropriate offering for the temple upkeep
on the day of the puja. In the event of donations made to
charitable institutions, as per planetary yoga indication,
resources are provided ahead of time.
The Pujas are selected in accordance with the
nakshatras ( lunar mansions ) and need to be ordered well
in advance as considerable preparation is involved. A list
of observances, yamas and niyamas, bathing/clothing/.dietary
instructions are provided and are necessary to honorably adhere
to. Specific mantras are given by oral transmission and in
the case of merit accumulation need to be completed during
the ascending Moon cycle only.
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