Garuda Mahā Purana - Achara Khaṇḍa
48 - Installation of idols
Suta said:
1. I shall now succinctly explain the mode of installation of the idols of deities. On an auspicious day, the preceptor shall perform the installation rites.
2-3. Along with five or more Rutviks (sacrificial priests) a brahmin belonging to the central region shall be chosen as the main priest in accordance with the injunctions in his branch of Veda or simply by reciting the Pranava. They must be received with the offerings of Padya and Arghya, mudrikas, garments, unguents, flowers, sandal pastes, etc.
4. The preceptor shall begin the rite after performing mantra-nyasa. A mandapa shall be made ten hastas square in front of the temple.
5. Some make mandapas twelve cubits square. It must have sixteen pillars. In the middle there shall be the altar four cubits square. There shall be eight flags fitted to the pillars.
6-7. Sand taken from the confluence of two rivers shall be strewn over the altar. The sacrificial pits shall be made of various shapes-square, segment-shaped (bow-like), circular or in the form of a lotus. Or all of them shall be square. They must be five in all.
8. With the preliminary Shanti rite (for peaceful completion of the main task) and for the achievement of all desires, the priest shall begin the homa (ghee-offering in the fire) at the head of the image.
9-10. Some desire that this be performed in the north east after scrubbing the floor and applying a coat of cowdung paste. Four main doors shall be made. For festoons, poles of Nyagrodha, Udumbara, Ashvattha, Bilva,1 Palasha2 and Khadira tree branches, five cubits long, shall be fixed and decorated with coloured cloths and flowers.
1. Aegle marmelos. (GVDB, p. 274.)
2. Butea monosperma. (GVDB, p. 241.)
11. In the four main quarters four pits shall be made each a cubit deep. In the eastern gate the figure of the lion shall be installed; that of Ucchaishshravas (the divine horse) in the south.
12. That of a bull in the west and that of divine tiger in the north. The installation of lion shall be with the Vedic mantra-Agnimile,3 etc.
3. RV. 1.1.1
13. The installation of the horse in the south, shall be with the mantra—Ishe tva,1 etc., the installation of the bull in the west shall be with the mantra-Agna Ayahi2, etc.
1. VS. 1.1.22.
2. RV. 6.16.10.
14. And the installation of the celestial tiger in the north shall be with the mantra-Shanno Devis3, etc. The flag in the east is cloud-coloured, that in the south-east is smoke-coloured.
3. RV. 10.9.4. or AV. 2.25.1.
15. That in the south is dark in colour, that in the south-west is dark-blue a greyish flag is to be hoisted in the west; that in the north-west shall be yellow.
16. The flag in the north is red-coloured and that in the north-east is white. In the middle, a flag of various colours shall be hoisted. The flag in the east is called Indra-vidya.
17. The flag in the south-east shall be consecrated with Samsupti mantra. The flag in the south is called Yamo någa. The flag in the west should be worshipped with the mantra--Rakshohanam.4
4. RV. 10.87.1.
18. In the north the consecration is either with the mantra-Vāta5 etc. or Apyäyasva6 etc. In the north-east too is the same. In the middle-Vişhnornu kam. 7
5. RV, 10.186.1.
6. RV. 1.91.16 or 17.
7. RV. 1.154.1.
19. Near every one of the gates two pots shall be placed. They shall be covered with two cloths; bedecked with sandal paste,
20. And many varieties of flowers. They shall be inspired with mantras. The guardian deities of the quarters shall be worshipped in the manner laid down in the Shastras.
21-22. The efficient devotee shall use these mantras for the invocation of the guardian deities: -Trätāram Indram,8 Agnirmurdhā;9 Asmin Vrukshe, Itashchaiva Prachari; kiñchedadhat; A cha tva10 Abhitvå Deva11 and Ima Rudrāya.12
8. RV. 6.47.11 or VS. 8.46.
9. RV, 8.44.16.
10 RV. 3.43.4 (a cha tvåm).
11. RV. 1.24.3.
12. Ima rudraya RV. 1.114.1 or 7.46.1.
23. The various articles for home with other ancillary objects shall be placed in the north-west. As laid down in sacred scriptures, the preceptor shall cast glances on and purify the white Shankhas.
24. There is no doubt in this that the sacrificial articles become purified by glances. Heart and other limbs shall be assigned by Pranava with the Vyährutis.
25. Astra-mantra is also used in all assignments as is in vogue for all rites. Raw rice grains and other materials of sacrifice shall be inspired with Astramantra.
26. The preceptor shall touch all the articles together with the Yagamandapa1 with the Kusha seat inspired with Astramantra. The rice-grains shall be scattered all around after the purificatory rite.
1. The mandapa prepared for the sacrifice.
27-28. Beginning with the east and ending with north east, the rice grains shall be scattered. Then the mandapa shall be smeared with unguents. The preceptor shall assign the mantras to the Arghya-pot as well. With the water in the Arghya pot he shall sprinkle the Yagamandapa.
23. The Kalasha (pot) of the deity to be installed shall be known after it and placed in the north-east and in the south the Vardhani (water jar with spout) shall be worshipped with Astra-mantra.
30. Just as Kalašha and water jar so also the planets and Vastoshpati too shall be worshipped. All these shall be placed in their respective seats and the preceptor shall recite Pranava.
31. And worship the Kalasha with the sacred thread round it and covered with an excellent cloth and smeared with all medicinal herbs and unguents.
32. The deity shall be worshipped in the Kalasha along with the Vardhani and the excellent cloth. Afterwards, let him whirl the Kalasha and Vardhani (water pot with a spout).
33. With water dripping from the Vardhani (water-pot with a spout) he shall sprinkle and place it in front. After worshipping again, the Vardhani and the Kalasha, he shall worship the deity on the altarground.
34. Removing the Kalasha to the north-west he shall worship Ganesha in the north-east with the mantra Gananam tvá1. He shall then worship Vastupati with the mantra Vastoshpati2 for suppressing the defects in the plot. To the east of the Kalasha, oblations shall be offered to the Bhūtas (living beings) and Ganadevas.
1. RV 2.23.1
2. Vastoshpate RV. 7.54.1.
35. Let him read the Vidyās and perform Alambana (splitting – evidently the twigs). With the mantra Yogeyoge3, etc. he shall spread the Kusha grass.
3. RV. 1.30.7.
36-38. The preceptor in the company of the Rutviks shall place the deity on the pedestal for bath. Vedic mantras shall be sung in chorus (Brahmaghosha) and the image shall be placed in the Brahmaratha (chariot) with the Punyaha4 and Jayamangala mantras. The pedestal shall be brought to the north-east and placed in the mandapa by the preceptor.
4. Repeating ‘this is an auspicious day' three times at the commencement of most religious ceremonies. (SSED p. 340.)
39. The image shall be bathed with the mantra Bhadram karnebhiḥ5 etc. He shall then put the sacred thread on the image and make the entrance, bowing low from far.
5. RV. 1.89.8.
40-41. The collyrium for the eye shall be placed in a bell-metal or copper vessel containing honey and ghee. Reciting Agnirjyoti6 mantra, the eyes shall be probed with golden probing twig and collyrium shall be applied. At this time the name of the deity shall be mentioned once by the Sthapaka (the installer).
6. SV. 2.1181.
42. With the verse Imam me Gange7 cooling operation of the eyes shall be performed and the dust from the Ant-hill shall be applied with the mantra—Agnirmūrdha8 etc.
7. RV. 10.75.5.
8. RV 8.44.16.
43-45. With the mantra Yaynayajña9 the Kaşhaya (decoction of the barks of five trees Bilva, Udumbara, Ashvattha, Vata and Palásha, along with Panchagavya (the medicinal mixture of five products of cow-milk, butter, curd, cowdung, urine) shall be poured over the image. These medicinal herbs-Sahadevi,1 Bala,2 Shatamuli, Shatavari3, Kumāri4, Guduchi,5 Simhi6 and Vyaghri shall be soaked in water and the water shall be poured over the image with the mantra Ya oshadhi7 etc.
9. RV. 6.48.1.
1. Perhaps Abution indicum. (GVDB, p. 428, p. 11.)
2. Sida cordifolia. (GVDB p. 269.)
3. Asparagus racemosus. (GVDB, p. 389.)
4. Aloe barbadensis. (VN p. 134.)
5. Tinospora cordifolia. (GVDB, p. 141.)
6. Solanum xanthocarpum. (GVDB, pp. 68-69.)
7. RV, 10.97.1.
46. Thereafter Phala-snāna (bathing with the fruit juice) is to be formed with the mantra-Yah phalini8 etc. Udvartana (rubbing off) shall be done with the Mantra-Drupadadiva9, etc.
8. RV. 10.97.15.
9. AV. 6.115.3.
47. After placing gems, cereals and the herb Shatapushpika10 in the Kalashas beginning with the one in north.
10. Perhaps Shatapushpa-Peucedanum graveolens or Foeniculum vulgare. (GVDB, p. 388.)
48-49. The waters of the four oceans of pure water, curd, milk and ghee shall be assigned in the four quarters and the Kalashas shall be inspired with the mantras Apyāyasva etc. Dadhikrävno11 etc. Ya oşadhih, etc, and Tejosi12, etc.
11. RV. 4.39.6.
12. AV. 7.89.4.
50. Then giving the names of the oceans to the Kalashas, the image shall be bathed. After bathing and dressing, incense with Guggulu (gumresin) shall be shown.
51-52. For the final Abhisheka (bathing) different Tirthas (waters from the holy rivers) shall be put in pots separately. Whatever holy river there is in the world or whatever sea, the water from those shall be kept in different pots with the Mantra Ya oshadhi, etc. those pots shall be inspired. Whoever takes his bath with that, water is freed from all sins.
53. After performing the Abhisheka with Samudra-mantras, Arghya shall be offered. Sweet scents shall be offered with the Mantra-Gandhadvārām1 etc, and Nyasa shall be performed with Vedic mantras.
1. Gandhadvaram (RVkh. 5.87.9.)
54. Garments shall be offcred with the mantras-Yavam vastra etc., in accordance with the injunctions of the scripture. Then the idol shall be taken to the Mandapa with the Mantra Kavihau, etc.
55. With the mantra--Shambhavāya etc., the idol shall be laid on the bed. The Sakala-Nishkalam rite shall be performed with the mantra-Vishvatash-chakṣhuḥ.2
2. RV. 10.81.3.
56. Staying in the Supreme Principle (God) mantra nyasa shall be done. As laid down in one's own branch of Vedas,
57. The deity is then covered with a sheet of cloth and worshipped. The Naivedyas (food offerings) shall be given at the foot.
58. The Kalasha inspired by Pranava, and covered with two cloths, along with the money (gold coin), shall be offered at the head.
59. Then the preceptor shall stand near the sacrificial pit and ignite fire, with the mantras laid down in his branch or general Vedic mantras.
60. He shall recite the following Mantras and hymns in the east: - Shrisukta3, Pavamāna, Vasa, Dasya4 Ajina, Vrushakapi5, Mitra and Bahvrucha.
3. Rvkh. 5.87.
4. AV. 6.71.3 (dásyan)
5. RV. 10.86.2.
61. The Adhvaryu (The priest performing the sacrifice) shall recite in the south the following: - Rudra, Puruşhasūkta6, Shlokadhyāya (chapter of verses -- prayers, Brahma and Pitrumaitra.
6. Ibid. 10.90.
62. The Chandoga (Vedic School shall recite in the west, Vedavrata, Vamadevya,7 Jyeshthasāma8, Rathantara9 and Bherundasamans.
7. MS. 4.9.11; 132.10.
8. SV. 1. 273.
9. VS. 10.10.
63. Atharva (scholar especially well-versed in Atharva Veda) shall recite in the north Atharvashiras (principal portion in that Veda); Kumbha-sukta Nilarudra and Maitra.1
1. VS. 39.5.
64-65. The preceptor shall sprinkle the pit first with Astramantra and then bring fire in a copper-vessel or mudpot, according to his position, and place it in front. He shall ignite the fire with Astra-mantra and envelop it with Kavacha mantra.
66. The preceptor then shall perform the Amrutikarana rite with all mantras and holding the vessel with both of his hands whirl it round the pit.
67-68. Put in it Tejas with the Vaishnava-mantra. With the general mantra or that laid down in his own sacred literature he shall place the Brahma in the south and Pranită (sacrificial vessels) in the north. He shall then spread the Palasha twigs along with Kusha2 grass in different quarters.
2. Desmostachya bipinnata. (GVDB, p. 111.)
69. Brahma, Vişhnu, Hara and Ishäna shall be worshipped with common mantras. The fire shall be placed in the Darbhas grass. Whatever is enveloped in Darbha3 grass.
3. Kusha (GVDB, p. 201.)
70-71. Or sprinkled with Darbha water becomes pure even without mantra. Fire enveloped by uncut Kusha grasses with their tips turned towards east, north and west, comes near of its own accord. Persons well-versed in mantras shall do everything for the protection of the fire.
72. Some preceptors maintain that installation of fire shall be after Jatakarman (the rite consequent to the birth of a child). Wearing Pavitra, the Ajya (ghee) shall be consecrated.
73. The preceptor shall see and inspire with mantras the Nirajana (waving of lights before the idol). The Ajya should be taken just enough to last till the final Ahuti is made.
74. For each Ahuti five drops are poured into the leaf with which the Ahuti is then made. All the rites that one has to perform from the time of Garbhadhana (conception) to Godana (cutting of the forelocks of a child for the first time),
75. Are to be performed either in accordance with Shastraic injunction with those mantras, or with Pranava. There after Purnāhuti (entire ghee poured into the fire) is performed and the devotee gets all his desires fulfilled.
76. A fire thus maintained is conducive to all success s in all rites. After performing the worship, the fire shall be transferred to the pits.
77. To Indra and other gods one hundred Ahutis each shall be given. At the end of hundred Ahutis the Purnāhuti is performed for all gods.
78-80. The Hotru shall assign to the Kalašha his own Ahuti. Keeping to one's side all the deities, mantras, sacrificial fire and himself the Purņāhuti shall be given. After extricating himself the preceptor shall offer oblations to the guardians of the quarters, spirits, gods, and to serpents by means of due rites. Gingelly seeds and sacrificial twigs are the two essential ingredeints.
81. Ghee is an auxiliary. The other articles are to be given after smearing them with ghee. Puruşhasūkta is to be used in the east. Rudra in the south.
82. Jyeshthasaman1, Bhirunda and Tannayāmi to the west. Nilarudra is a great mantra. Kumbhasükta is an important part of the Atharvaveda.
SV.1. 273.
83. Each of the Devas shall be worshipped with Havana a thousand times at the head.
84-85. Similarly, in the middle and at the foot. Then with Purnahuti, on all those spots termed 'Head' of the image, the Ahutis shall be offered. The brahmin shall offer Ahutis in honour of the gods either with the principal mantras or the mantras of his own scriptural code or with the Gayatri or with Gayatri, Vyähruti and Pranava.
86. Having thus performed the rite of Homa, the preceptor shall perform mantra-nyāsa: -at the feet with Agnimile mantra, at the ankles with Ihse två mantra.
87. At the calves the assignment is with the mantra Agna ayahi, etc. at the knee-joint Shanno devi mantra, at the thigh Bruhadrathäntara and in the belly Shvätila mantra.
88. For longevity the assignment is made in the heart Shrish cha te1 galake, at the chest Trätāram Indram, at the eyes Triyugmaka mantra.
1. Shrish cha te Lakshmis cha VS. 31.22.
89. At the top of the head Mürdha bhuvo2 mantra. Thereafter, he shall raise the deity by saying “O lord of Brahman! rise".
2. Mürdha bhuv0 RV 10. 88.6.
90. Then reciting the Vedic Punyāha mantras he shall go round the temple with the mantra Devasya tva3 shall split the Pindika.
3. VS, 1.21 (Alo DC. pp. 492-4).
91. And place the images of gods, gems, minerals, medicinal herbs and loha-bijas behind the deity.
92. The image is not to be placed exactly in the centre of the sanctum sanctorum or far removed from it. It shall be placed slightly away from the centre. There is no attendant defect therein.
93. It should be brought a little to the north. "Om obeisance, obeisance, be stable, be beneficent to all people."
94. To the six deities he shall make assignments with the mantra-Devasya tvā savitur vah and reciting-"All the principles, Varnas, and Kalas in the god having the world as his progeny.
95. After assigning all the six he shall inspire them with mantras with the Sampátakalasha the installed deity shall be bathed.
96. With lamps, incense and scented sticks he shall worship. After performing Arghya and bowing he shall pray for forgiveness.
97. To the Rutviks dakshiņā shall be given according to the capacity and articles, such as a vessel, a pair of cloths, umbrella, good rings, etc.
98. The householder shall then perform the fourth Homa, with full concentration. After offering hundred Ahutis, the Purnahuti shall be offered.
99. The preceptor shall then come out and offer oblations to the guardians of the quarters. With flowers in his hands he shall say "Forgive" and scatter them.
100-101. At the end of the sacrifice, the householder shall give to achārya a grey cow, chowrie, coronet, ear-rings, umbrella, bracelet, girdle, fan, villages, garments, etc., with all subsidiary things. He shall feed lavishly. By the god's grace he shall be liberated.
Summary of chapter 48 of the Garuda Mahā Purana - Achara Khaṇḍa is as follows:
The Supreme Being describes the sacred Dvāravatī Śilās obtained from the holy coast of Dvārakā, detailing their distinct white markings and spiritual significance. Worshiping Dvāravatī Śilās alongside Shālagrāma Śilās brings complete auspiciousness and divine protection to the household.