Background
This post concludes the sequence of events leading to Idol Installation of an Himalayan Saint Shri Shri Moni Baba Vishno Dass Ji at an Himalayan Village Chalali, from my previous posts Moni Baba (Silent Saint)-Part2 and Installation of an idol of an Enlightened Himalayan Saint- Part-1. Shri Shri Moni Baba Vishno Dass Ji was always addressed as Guru Ji (Literally meaning teacher- used as Religious mentor in this case). I seek GuruJi’s blessings while writing this post and dedicate it to all our Guru Bhais– सभी गुरु भाईओं को समर्पित
The dates for idol Installation, after mystical delay of almost 4 years, were fixed on 6th, 7th and 8th June 2023. The preparations started from 5th of June, when disciples arrived. There were 5 pandits who had to perform and Guide the process of Idol installation. They arrived on the evening of 5th from Shimla and were welcomed on their arrival in Chalali.
As is indicated in earlier post Guru Ji (Moni Baba Vishno Dass Ji) had spent many years in this village and did his worship (पूजा) , meditation (साधना) and Penances (तपस्या) in this village and some places nearby including Kaleshwar (popularly called as Kalesar)– A place about 15 Kms from Chalali on the banks of Beas River and also at Dharamshala Mahanta (About 8 Kms from Chalali). Water from Beas River in kaleshwar was brought on 5th June for using during the process of purification of the Idol, which was to start from next day (06/06/2023). The Luxmi Naryan Temple at Chalali was decorated on the auspicious occasion. A feeling of festivity was overpowering all of us.
The Pandit Ji after arriving, started with their preparations for the next day’s pooja and process for Idol installation.
Process of Idol Installation of Guru Ji , Himalayan Saint 6th June 2023
The day started with transfer of the Idol to the Temple alongwith procession of ladies wearing red coloured चुन्नी (Long Head scarf worn by Indian Ladies) and carrying earthen pots filled with water on their heads. This ritual of carrying earthen pots on their heads is considered auspicious in India and is performed on many occasions in Himachal, Punjab and Haryana.
The Idol was transported in A Van till the Luxmi Naryan Temple in Chalali and was unloaded there. The idol weighed about 300-350 Kgs and thus required 6-7 persons to put their efforts together for unloading at the temple.
The arrival of the Guruji’s Idol was celebrated by all deciples in the temple by singing songs and Bhajans for Guru Ji , Shri Ram and God Hanuman
Process of Pran Pratishtha (consecration)/ Idol Installation(06/06/23 and 07/06/23)
The process of Pran Pratishtha (consecration) of Idols to invoke the divine force into the idols of Saints and Gods in India is well scripted in Vedas and is followed by all. The process included different kinds of Pooja combined with continuous chanting of Vedic mantras by Pandits. The Idol is placed or bathed in different medias like water, Ghee, Herbal solutions, etc. The following was the sequence of the process of PRAN PRATISHTHA on 6th and 7th June
Jaladhivãs (Purification in Water)
If an Idol is smaller in size and easy to handle, the Idol is immersed in water, however if Idol is large/heavier, like the one that was being installed in Chalali, the Idol is placed on a platform and water mixed with panchamrut and other puja material/substances, is poured on the Idol. The eyes of the Idol are kept covered throughout the Idol Installation process. Once it is complete, the Idol or murti is completely wiped and left for some time before next ritual. The disciples kept on singing Bhajans during the intervening period
Dhanyadhivãs (Purification in Grains)
This process includes purification of the Idol by covering it up with Grains and Pulses like rice, wheat etc. A layer of dhãnya (grains or pulses) is spread on the floor, and the murti is laid supine on the layer of dhãnya. The murti is then completely covered with more dhãnya, usually rice or wheat grain. This is done to further purify the murti.
Ghrutãdhivãs (Purification in Ghee)
In the Next step of Idol Installation, the murti is purified by pouring cow’s ghee (ghrut), as cow’s ghee is considered to be pure. The Murti is completely bathed in the Ghee if Murti is larger/heavier and submerged in Ghee if Idol/Murti is compartively smaller/ lighter.
Abhishek (Purification by Herbals)
Snapan, or abhishek, is the ritual of bathing a murti with a liquid such as milk or water and purification by 108 different types of materials and herbals, such as panchamrut, various fragrant flowers, herbals and leaves, water which has been poured over the horns of a cow, and sugar cane juice. One dravya is placed in each pot. 108 pots are placed in front of the murti.
Abhishek of the murti is then performed with the contents of each pot of those 108 pots. Each herbal/liquid has its own special mantra that is recited as the abhishek is being performed with that particular pot. Such an extensive assortment of pure substances renders the murti’s immense power/energy/shakti and purity.
Falavas (Purification by Fruits)
The Idol is placed is Fruits as the next step in Idol Installation
Pushpavas
The Idol is purified by placing in Flowers
Dhanavas
The Idol is thereafter placed in the currency offered by disciples.
Shahiyavas (The Idol sleeps for one night)
In this process the Idol is transferred to a new mattress on the ground and laid for one night’s rest on a new mattress with food and a pot of water on its side (on 07/06/23). In the morning (On 08/06/2023), water from this pot is sprinkled on the sleeping murti to awaken it while chanting mantras.
Netra-anavaran (Opening of Eyes) and Braking of Mirror
After completion of all rituals, It is time to remove the Cloth from the eyes of the Murti and open its eyes. The Pandit ji asked all disciples to move away and explained that The Murti has lot of energy in it after the completion of the process and that Its eyes will be opened while Murti will be facing a Mirror. Thus Murti will face itself and cloth will be removed.
Everyone moved away from Murti, Pandit Ji held a mirror in front of the murti and another Pandit Ji removed the cloth from eyes while standing at the back. As soon as the Cloth was removed, and eyes opened and Murti saw itself in the mirror, The mirror was broken with a bang, and smaller pieces of the mirror scattered in all directions. Pandit Ji explained that the mirror absorbs the energy that is transmitted from the Murti and because of the impact of that energy, The mirror is broken.
Final Step of Idol Installation
On Final day i.e on 08/06/23, A yagna was performed. The Pedestal where Murti was to be installed was washed clean, A silver Coin was kept in the pedestal, by making a small cut. The Murti was then lifted and rested on the pedstal. A white Dhoti and other clothes, as were born by Guru Ji were offered. Tilak was applied to Murti. Pandit Ji told all of us that now Guru Ji is in front of you exactly in a similar manner as he was when he was in his Physical Body. The Murti Got installed and all of us were extremely emotional and happy.
Bhajans by Disciples
During the period in between different Purifications and at night time after Murti was rapped in a cloth, the disciples sang Bhajans. Sushila Devi who is and ardent disciple of Guru Ji for almost 50 years and has been spreading his preaching all these years, was at the forefront. You can feel her devotion and unwavering belief in Guru Ji in her talks and songs. She has creates huge devotional energy in all disciples. She is truly blessed.
Conclusion
These three days were days to remember with devotional and spiritual energy flowing through all of us. The time has become a life lasting memory for all of of us. Many of disciples at advance age also graced the occasion with their presence and it was clear depiction of the affection and respect all of us had for Guru Ji. The very fact that all disciples came together in installing Guru Ji’s Murti, goes on to prove that Enlightened Saints always remain with their disciples and humanity at large even after leaving their physical body.
They are always their to help the Disciples, whenever they face difficult times. Shri Shri Moni Baba Vishno Dass Ji was one of such Himalayan Saints who had devoted his full life for helping humankind and his disciples. He helped all of us on the path of spirituality and its effect is felt by all of us. We all are indebted to the powers above to have made us meet This great saint.
Jai Shri Guru dev Ji Ki
Nice.
Thanks