Prana pratishtha

Prana pratishtha (IAST: prāṇa pratiṣṭhā) is the rite or ceremony by which a murti (devotional image of a deity) is consecrated in a Hindu temple. The Sanskrit terms prana means "life" and pratishtha means "to be established." Following detailed steps outlined in the Vedic scriptures, verses (mantras) are recited to invite the deity to reside in the murti (image).^[1] Practised in the temples of Hinduism and Jainism, the ritual is considered to infuse life into the Hindu temple, and bring to it the numinous presence of divinity and spirituality.^[1][2]

Etymology

The word prāna pratishthā is a compound Sanskrit term combining prāna and pratishthā. Prana, which comes from the root "pra", meaning "to breathe". This term refers to life or vital energy, the essence for living beings.^[3]

Pratishtha, derived from the root verb "stha", which means "to be established", and the prefix "prati", which means "toward". Pratishtha signifies the act of consecrating, installation, or establishing in a permanent position. This term typically used in the context of installing a deity in the temples.^[4]

When the two terms are combined, it refers to the ritual of establishing life force into the murti (image) becoming the sacred embodiment of such deity.^[5]

In Hinduism

Philosophical significance

The origins of prāna pratishthā are rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, where rituals were performed to invoke the divine into objects.^[6][7] The understanding is that God can be both intrinsic and transcendent and accessible through physical symbols (murtis).^[8] Through pran pratishtha, devotees can interact with the divine in a personal manner.^[9] These practices were meticulously documented in the scriptures such as the Agamas and Tantras with guidelines on how to perform such rituals.^[10]

This ritual is most common with temple installations, however, household deities are also consecrated for worship.^[11]

Key elements

The prana pratishtha ceremony involves several steps from purification rites to the invocation of the deity through the steps outlines in the scriptures.^[12]

1. Purification (Shuddhi) - the murti is cleansed and purified to remove impurities.^[13]
2. Invocation (Avahana) - the deity is invoked into the murti through specific mantras and rituals prescribed in the scriptures.^[14]
3. Infusion of life (Prana pratishtha) - this is the core of the ritual where pran is put into the murti through various mantras.^[7]
4. Offerings (Upachara) - they deity is offered items such as flowers, fruits, and incense, symbolizing sustenance for the divine in the murti.^[15]

In Jainism

Concept

In Jainism, performing prana pratishtha in Jain temples is symbolic of the ideal qualities of the Tirthankaras rather than a divine presence.^[16] Prana refers to the vital energy in all living beings emphasizing the principle of non-violence (ahimsa) towards all life forms.^[17] Thus, the focus of prana pratishtha is invoking a spiritual presence to inspire devotees.^[11]

Philosophical significance

The philosophical foundation of prana pratishtha in Jainism is rooted in anekantavada. Depending on the observer's spiritual views, the physical image can represent multiple meanings.^[17]

The focus of the ritual is solely on mental and physical purity derived from the non-violence principle.^[11]

Ritual process

The ritual begins where the image is bathed, purified, and adorned with sacred items. Following this, verses are recited and other ritual invocations occur.^[18] The ritual of consecrating an image to bring "life to temple" is attested in medieval Jain documents.^[18]