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Sadhara Deeksha

Sadhara deeksha is initiation in the presence of a witness, in Saiva Siddhanta. Shaivism, like other theistic systems, emphasizes the significant role of the guru (the preceptor), whose primary duty is to initiate the disciple (diksha). Eventually, the disciple receives a new kind of awakening and enters into the realm of redemption. The preceptor initiates his disciples so as to enable the latter to be the recipients of religious wisdom. Without the active role and appropriate guidance of the guru, such tasks cannot be accomplished. There are generally three kinds of initiation, known as samanya (general),visesha (special) and nirvana (liberating wisdom). The first one ensures purity of religious and ethical conduct and service to Shiva. The second leads to meditation. The third one grants liberating wisdom.

The word sadhara means with witness. Some evidential sources are required to initiate the disciples. According in Saiva Siddhanta, mankind’s maladies are due to the experience of the three impurities anava, karma and maya. Without the accompanying grace of an eminent guru, wisdom is seldom possible. Impurities, especially egoity (the root cause of all inauspicious designs), can be annihilated only through initiation by the preceptor and his guidance.

The preceptor instructs the disciple in the scriptural texts and their sense and significance. The disciple then contemplates seriously over the connotations of these knowledge texts and gets his doubts cleared and clarified. Finally, wisdom, the culmination of spiritual progress, dawns on him. In the ultimate analysis, these are all the deeds of Shiva, who acts through the preceptor and redeems the bound atma.