General features of tantric initiation in kerala
# Prior to the discussion of various methods of initiation, the characteristics of an ideal „guru are described in detail usually in all scriptures. Either before or after it the essential qualities of a disciple are also given in detail.
# Usually the initiation is done in accompaniment with some particular kind of rituals. It takes at least two days to finish the rituals. For this purpose a yagamandapa has to be built in accordance with the scriptural specifications. On the first day the procedure begins with mandalapooja A particular diagram is drawn (usually bhadraka in both śaiva and vaishnava cults ) and filled with powders. Subsequently the main deity is worshipped in it. Adjacent to the mandala an altar is made where the homa is done after the mandala worship. When all these rituals are over both guru and sisya has to sleep there that night.
On the next day the sisya is asked to describe the content of his dream. Because the nature of the dream acts as a major factor for deciding the rituals to be followed next day. In the case of inauspicious dreams various expiatory rites are suggested.
# All initiation rituals culminate in consecration of the disciple. When it is over the guru teaches him the beliefs and practices (samayācāra) of the tradition which are mandatory in the case of a new disciple.
# Prior to the discussion of various methods of initiation, the characteristics of an ideal „guru are described in detail usually in all scriptures. Either before or after it the essential qualities of a disciple are also given in detail.
# Usually the initiation is done in accompaniment with some particular kind of rituals. It takes at least two days to finish the rituals. For this purpose a yagamandapa has to be built in accordance with the scriptural specifications. On the first day the procedure begins with mandalapooja A particular diagram is drawn (usually bhadraka in both śaiva and vaishnava cults ) and filled with powders. Subsequently the main deity is worshipped in it. Adjacent to the mandala an altar is made where the homa is done after the mandala worship. When all these rituals are over both guru and sisya has to sleep there that night.
On the next day the sisya is asked to describe the content of his dream. Because the nature of the dream acts as a major factor for deciding the rituals to be followed next day. In the case of inauspicious dreams various expiatory rites are suggested.
# All initiation rituals culminate in consecration of the disciple. When it is over the guru teaches him the beliefs and practices (samayācāra) of the tradition which are mandatory in the case of a new disciple.
