The puja of Bhairava and Bhairavi
Shakti Samaradhana can be dangerous if not practiced properly and under the strict guidance of a competent guru.Shakta worshippers follow a system of beliefs and practices called Shakteyam or Shaktism
To seek the ultimate bliss, Shakti Bhairavi worshippers or Shaktas (worshippers of Shakti or energy) follow a system of beliefs and practices called the Shakteyam.Maya or illusion separates opposites like male and female, war and peace. On reaching this ultimate bliss, all these unite to become The Ultimate One and one experiences the ultimate joy of the union with the creator within oneself.‘Shakti’ is present inside one self in the microcosmic level. When aroused, this energy reaches the Supreme Energy or the Macrocosm. Thus microcosm merges with macrocosm to form a continuous field of energy, the cosmic consciousness. The Sanskrit word ‘Tantra’ meaning ‘continuity’ refers to this.This indivisible energy is the Bhagavathy. Thus shakti Puja is performed to invoke the flow of energy and awaken the spirit within. This can be done by Tantric or Vedic rituals.Makara panchaka offerings are made, which is a Tantric ritual. for non vegetarian offerings mantras are from Vedic texts only.There are different disciplines in Tantra. Normal practice comprises meditation or yoga; visualisation of the deity; chanting of sacred hymns; and use of yantras or mystic symbols.Tantra also focuses on the awakening of the latent energy.By practicing Tantra, one sublimates or redirects the relative realities of the world instead of totally negating as may be the case in Vedic processes. Dakshina Marg (right hand Path) Vama Marg(Left hand path) are the different schools of practices of Tantra.As in yoga, Tantra also focuses on the awakening of the latent energy, lying coiled like a serpent called ‘Kundalini’. This Kundalini then travels upwards through a path in the spinal column called ‘Sushumna’. En-route, it passes through psychic centers of consciousness or ‘Chakra
These Chakras are:
Muladhara at the base of the spine from where Kundalini starts its upward journey.
Swadhisthana: the sexual charka associated with reproductive organs.
Manipura: manifested as action, will, anger, laughter etc.
Anahata: at the centre of the chest.
Visudha: at the larynx region.
Ajna: at the base of the nose, associated with wisdom.
Sahasrara: in the crown of the head governing the pineal gland. This is yet to be recognised in modern medicine. This is the connecting point to the One Absolute Supreme Being when one is in a trance having reached ‘Samadhi’. True realisation of the infinite bliss is there only when a person experiences illumination in all planes, even in the lowest.
Tantra is thus a method, a meditation to channel great energy (or Kunadalini) properly for spiritual &/or material gains as is done in Yoga. However, Shakti Puja by Tantra can be dangerous if not practiced properly and under the strict guidance of a competent guru as it encompasses some other rituals too.
Austere discipline and moral conduct are important factors of Tantra practice which calls for extensive meditative practice.this form of puja does not denounce all worldly means but achieves the goal by transcending beyond all, sensate rituals are often performed using fish, meat, parched cereals or money, wine and intercourse.The Left Hand Path sometimes uses some forms of sexual rites, misused by many who fail to recognise the specified strict rules of moral and ritualistic conducts.Sometimes secret rituals are also performed involving a charnel grounds (death, transition).This is also used as means to rise above aversion and transcend beyond.
