The five elements are ether/space, air, fire, water and earth. The five deities in Panchayatana form of worship are Vishnu, Mother Goddess, Ganesha, Surya and Shiva.
The popular belief is that such a worship helps in attaining prosperity without harming the nature.
The Panchayatana form of worship is an integral part of the Smarta tradition, which was revived and popularized by the great Hindu philosopher and theologian, Adi Shankaracharya, in the 8th century CE. This form of worship emphasizes the unity of the five main deities of Hinduism—Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti (Mother Goddess), Surya (Sun God), and Ganesha—by associating each deity with one of the five elements (Mahabhutas) of the universe: ether/space, air, fire, water, and earth.
Vishnu as the Embodiment of Aakasha Mahabhuta (Ether/Space)
In this system, Bhagavan Vishnu is revered as the embodiment of Aakasha Mahabhuta, which represents ether or space. Aakasha is considered the most subtle of the five elements, signifying vastness, expansion, and the underlying matrix in which all other elements exist. Space is formless and boundless, reflecting Vishnu's role as the preserver and sustainer of the universe. He is often depicted as being omnipresent, pervading all of creation, just as space envelops everything.
Saligrama: The Sacred Symbol of Vishnu
In the Panchayatana form of worship, Vishnu is symbolically worshipped through Saligrama, a sacred stone found in the Gandaki River in Nepal. Saligrama stones are typically black or dark-colored ammonite fossils that hold a special significance in Vaishnavism. The spiral patterns on these stones are said to represent the Sudarshana Chakra, Vishnu's divine discus.
Devotees believe that worshipping Saligrama brings them closer to Vishnu, granting them protection, prosperity, and spiritual liberation. The Saligrama is also seen as an embodiment of the divine cosmic energy that Vishnu represents, harmonizing the energies of the worshiper with the universe.
Importance and Relevance
The Panchayatana form of worship, with Vishnu as the embodiment of space, is a profound expression of Hindu cosmology and theology. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of the natural elements and the divine, suggesting that by worshipping these deities, one is also venerating the essential components of the universe. This practice fosters a holistic understanding of existence, where the physical world and the spiritual are intertwined.
Environmental Significance: A notable aspect of this form of worship is its respect for nature. The deities are symbolized by sacred stones found in holy rivers, underscoring the belief that divinity permeates all of nature. The idea is that worshipping these elements and deities without exploiting or harming the environment leads to prosperity. This is particularly relevant in modern times, as the world grapples with environmental degradation. The Panchayatana form of worship can be seen as an ancient practice that advocates for ecological balance and sustainability.
Cultural and Modern-Day Relevance: Today, the Panchayatana puja is still practiced in many Hindu households, especially among followers of the Smarta tradition. It serves as a daily reminder of the interconnectedness of life, the cosmos, and the divine. The worship of Vishnu through Saligrama, in particular, has retained its significance, especially among Vaishnavas, who regard it as a direct way to receive the blessings of Vishnu.
Moreover, the symbolism of Vishnu as space or ether continues to inspire modern interpretations of Hindu spirituality. As space is the medium that connects everything, Vishnu's worship symbolizes the idea of universal connectedness, transcending the boundaries of time, culture, and geography.
Unknown Facts
Unique Identity of Saligrama: Each Saligrama stone is believed to have a unique identity and story. The patterns and shapes are said to correspond to different forms or avatars of Vishnu. For instance, some stones are believed to embody Narasimha (the lion-man avatar), while others represent Krishna or Rama.
Panchayatana and Pancha Brahmas: The concept of Panchayatana is sometimes associated with the Pancha Brahmas, which are the five aspects of Shiva. This connection highlights the non-dualistic (Advaita) philosophy that Adi Shankaracharya propagated, where the ultimate reality is seen as one, despite being worshipped in different forms.
Cosmological Interpretation: In Hindu cosmology, space or Aakasha is considered the first element that emerged from the primordial sound (Nada), often associated with Om. This makes Vishnu's association with Aakasha particularly significant, as it connects him with the very genesis of the universe.
Vishnu's representation as the embodiment of Aakasha Mahabhuta in the Panchayatana form of worship is a deeply symbolic and theologically rich concept. It ties together the cosmological, environmental, and spiritual aspects of Hindu belief, offering a holistic way to connect with the divine and the universe. In today's context, this ancient practice continues to inspire reverence for nature, ecological responsibility, and the pursuit of spiritual harmony.