Vyomabhadra
Vyomabhadra · vyoma-bhadra, “the auspicious one of the Vyoma”
Grammar: neuter noun; vyoma with bhadra (auspicious).
Meaning: a square of śāli rice with gems, offered in the Bhadrā Saptamī; also called the Bhadra.
In the scriptures: Dindi asks what the Bhadrā is, how it is adorned, what fruit it gives and by what rule it is offered. Brahmā answers: this is called Vyomabhadra. It is the foremost mark of the deva, and one who bears this mark of Bhagavān Sūrya is freed from all pāpas.
A lump of śāli rice mixed with cow’s ghee and khaṇḍa-śarkarā is shaped into a square. It is enriched with four kinds of fruit, especially grapes and coconuts, and with fragrant things. In its middle is set an indranīla, and in the corners, in order, as means allow, pushparāga, marakata, padmarāga and fine māṇikya. It is given to a paurāṇika or to a Bhojaka.
One who prepares and gives the Bhadra by this method gains good and reaches Sūryaloka. From there, like Sūrya in tejas and radiance, travelling in a divine vehicle, he reaches Brahmaloka. Equal to Sūrya in radiance and strength, he comes again to the earth and becomes a king, and by Bhagavān Sūrya’s grace he receives honour from all, like Indra Deva (Bhavishya Purāṇa, Brahma Parva, Chapter 101).
Related terms: Bhadrā Saptamī · Sarvatobhadra · Bhojaka · Pushparāga
Sources
- Bhavishya Purāṇa, Brahma Parva, Chapter 101