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- Abhishek is a very ancient tradition. It consists of pouring water or milk over the head of Parmatma, demi-gods, guru or the king. The ritual is accompanied by uttering of mantras. It shows reverence or respect on the part of the person making the offering.
- Some of these old traditions have gone out of use or have undergone a change. But Pramukh Swami Maharaj has revived this tradition in our mandirs. He has performed abhishek to several murtis after installing them in our mandirs.
- In many BAPS mandirs, the murti of Nilkanth Varni has been consecrated to enable to every one to offer abhishek.
- When Bhagwan Swaminarayan was given the reins of the Sampraday, Ramanand Swami performed abhishek by pouring water over Maharaj’s head to show his status as the head.
- You may be wondering as to when this ancient practice was first mentioned. Abhishek was first mentioned in the Rig Veda, which is the oldest Aryan text in the world. Subsequently, it finds mention in Upanishads, Ramayan, Mahabharat, etc.
- In ancient India the king was considered to be a viceroy of God on earth. At the time of his coronation, this ritual used to be performed by Brahmin priest.
- According to Vedic tradition, this ritual ensured peace and prosperity of the king and his kingdom. The sanctified water used to be sprinkled over the king’s head with kusha or darbha grass.
- Swamishri says,“By offering abhishek to Bhagwan with devotion and faith your inner whishes will be fulfilled and you will experience peace.”
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