Chapter 101 - Mode of consecration of a temple (prāsāda-pratiṣṭhā)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

The Lord said:

1-5. I shall describe the mode of consecrating a temple [i.e., prāsāda-sthāpana]. By that itself it would become permeated by the divine force. After the angular projection is completed, the preceptor should locate a pitcher made of gold or other metals at the middle of the eastern altar. It should be filled with the pañcagavya (five things got from a cow), honey and milk. Five kinds of gems should be placed under (the pitcher). (The pitcher) should be adorned with garland and cloth. It should be besmeared with fragrance. It should be decorated with fragrant flowers. The temple should be decorated with tender leaves of trees like mango etc. After having finished the accomplishing rite in his body, the preceptor should gather (his soul energy) with the breath drawn in. The preceptor should then convey to (lord) Śambhu (Śiva) by his command with the exhalation of breath after the soul had been conceived as different from all the (other) souls with (the recitation of) its own mantra.

6. After having gathered the same from the twelve-petalled, that one shining like a spark of fire, the beatific states should be located in the pitcher as laid down in the tantras.

7. The image, its qualities, the beatific states, the letters upto kṣa and their lords and the collection of fundamental principles should be located.

8. The ten nāḍīs (tubular organs of the body), ten vital winds and the thirteen sense-organs as well as their presiding deities (should be located) after having united the syllable oṃ with their names.

9. (The two fundamental principles of) illusion and universal space which stand in relationship of cause and effect towards each other, the gods of learning who direct the pervading (lord) Śambhu (Śiva) (should also be located therein) with the (recitation of) mantras.

10-12. After having located the accessories, the preceptor should prevent (the deity) from going away by showing the rodhamudrā (posture made with the fingers denoting restraint). Otherwise an image of the god (should be' made) of gold or other metals and it should be purified as before with the five things got from a cow etc. After having placed the pitcher on the bed and contemplating (lord) Rudra, the consort of Uma, (the lord) should be located in that (image) as the pervasive (lord). Oblation, sprinkling, touching and repetition (of mantras) (should be done) for accomplishing (lord’s) stay therein permanently.

13. After having completed thus the announcement of invocation in its three divisions, the preceptor should place the image in the pitcher.