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What We Do The Temple Introduction Philosophy |
Shiva & Shakti
Puja forms
White Tantra (solo) The term Siddhaka signifies an image of the deity. (When doing double puja, the Siddhaka is a live person). This image can be a picture, an object that reminds you of your personal connection to that diety, or a statue of that diety. Statues take more wear and tear than anything else, and therefore are the most popular for use in puja. Set up the altar with candles, incense, three flowers, a water pitcher and chalice, a wine bottle and chalice, cooked rice, cooked meat, bell, and a mandalam or other device to represent the visual aspect of the deity. When using Siddhaka, it should be separate from all these other elements on the altar, perhaps in the center of it all, or in front of the other items. Or, if very large, beside the altar, with the Siddhaka on the right and the altar on the left. Once the altar is set up, circumambulate the altar (and the Siddhaka) three times before kneeling in front of the altar. Ring a bell at every interval. Speak the words out loud, with feeling, as if you were actually speaking to the Diety him/herself. The chants at the end may be sung, if music is what you hear when you speak them. Shiva Puja with Siddhaka Oh Lord Shiva, who art Vishnu, who art Brahma, who art Matter, who art Light, who are the Sun, who art physical being in all it?s created forms. **Light Candles, hold up to Siddhaka in toast.** Shiva, my master, who is Father, Brother, Son and Lover. You are divine, and I am a humble mortal in your presence. **Light Incense, hold up to Siddhaka to smell.** I thank you for your graciousness, in all that manifests in our universe. Your gift to humanity is a boon and we are grateful. **offer one flower to the Altar, one flower to the ground, one flower placed at Siddhaka's feet. You provide the form and the substance for all of Creation, and our appreciation reaches to the depths of our beings. **Pour water into chalice and toast, pour some on ground, then pour some on the Siddhaka's feet.** I give to you this mortal frame, to take as yours, to become one with mankind. Take this opportunity, oh mighty Shiva, to experience this (flesh and blood) physical body. **Pinch rice from bowl & sprinkle on Siddhaka's feet.** I long to see your face, to hear your voice to touch your skin. I long to show you my love and appreciation for your grace. **Pour wine from bottle into chalice and pour some on ground, then in front of Siddhaka** Use this human form to recall how all that is male is part of you, but also how he has learned to serve you. **Pinch meat from platter and place on altar, then on ground in front of Siddhaka** Allow your presence to manifest upon this human body, as a gift and a sacrifice to you, my beautiful Lord Shiva. **kiss Siddhaka** Om namah Shiva, om. Shakti puja with Siddhaka: Oh Devi Shakti, who art Lakshmi, who art Kali, who art Power, who art Darkness, who art the Moon, who art energy in all it?s creative forms. **Light Candles, hold up to Siddhaka in toast.** Shakti, my Goddess, who is Mother, Sister, Daughter and Lover. You are divine, and I am a humble mortal in your presence. **Light Incense, hold up to Siddhaka to smell.** I thank you for your graciousness, in all that moves in our universe. Your gifts to mankind are a boon and we are grateful. **offer one flower to the Altar, one flower to the ground, one flower at Siddhaka's feet.** You provide the power and movement for all of Creation, and our appreciation reaches to the depths of our beings. **Pour water into chalice and toast, pour some on ground, then pour at Siddhaka's feet.** I give to you this mortal frame, to take as yours, to become one with womankind. Take this opportunity, oh blessed Shakti, to experience this (flesh and blood) physical body. **Pinch rice from bowl & sprinkle on Siddhaka's feet.** I long to see your face, to hear your voice to touch your skin. I long to show you my love and appreciation for your grace. **Pour wine from bottle into chalice and pour some on ground. Then at feet of Siddhaka** Use this human form to recall how all that is female is a part of you, but also how she has learned to serve you. **Pinch meat from platter and place on altar. Then put on ground in front of Siddhaka** Allow your presence to manifest upon this human body, as a gift and a sacrifice to you, my beautiful Devi Shakti. **kiss Siddhaka** Om namah Shakti, om. Na Shiva Shakti-rahito na Shakti Shiva-varjitaa (there is no Shiva without Shakti, no Shakti without Shiva) Om namah Shiva-shakti, Om (Great is the union of Shiva and Shakti...OM) At the sound of the last Om, allow your consciousness to release and the Deities to manifest. © 1999 -2005 Sienna Newcastle |