Siva Diksha, A Religious Ceremony Gleaned From Thiruvalanjuli Temple Inscriptions
Abstract
Before analyzing Siva Diksha which was conducted by Rajaraja I Chola it is worthwhile to understand meaning; types; secrets and stages of Siva Diksha. Diksha is a Sanskrit word moreover, Diksha (दीक्षा) is often mentioned and it is a Devanagari script. Diksha is also spelled as Diksha, Deeksha or Deeksa in common usage. Most of them translated Diksha as a "preparation or consecration for a religious ceremony.1 Diksha is giving of a mantra or an initiation by the Vedic teacher (Guru) in Guru–Shishya of our tradition of Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Diksha is given in a one-to-one ceremony, and typically includes the taking on of a serious spiritual discipline.2 The word Diksha is a combination of two words dā + kṣi. The word Diksha derived from the Sanskrit root dā ("to give") plus kṣi ("to destroy") or alternately from the verb root dīkṣ ("to consecrate").3
The Siva Diksha is a ritual which initiates interested, committed, dedicated & sincere seekers to the most sacred Pancha (Five) Akshari (Letter) Maha Mantra. This Maha Mantra was mentioned in Holy Scriptures. Thus, the Siva Diksha is uplifting individuals, and the society at large. This Siva Diksha is open to all general public fulfilling pre-requisites irrespective of caste, creed, age or gender. The Siva Diksha teaches simple methods to chant the Mantra with faith and devotion. This sacred Mantra of Diksha stays life long and bestows spiritual & material welfare to all being.
