35 - Secret Of Abhishek

Once a child went for the Darshan of Mama. He bowed down to Mama and asked for his blessings. Mama blessed him. The child sat down next to Mama. Other Haribhaktas were also sitting next to Mama. They were engaged in religious discussion with Mama. Mama looked at the child. He was looking puzzled. He kept quiet for some time. When Mama finished talking, he asked Mama, ‘Mama, can I ask you one question?’ Mama said, ‘Go ahead, son whatever you want to ask, you can ask without any hesitation.' The child asked, ‘Mama, does God reside in the idol of Harikrishna Maharaj?’ Mama replied, ‘Yes, He does.' The child asked, ‘Does He see us all remaining in the idol?' Mama confirmed, ‘Yes, He see us all remaining in the idol.' The child asked, ‘Then God must be hearing us remaining in the idol.' Mama clarified, ‘If our feelings are real, He may listen to it.' The boy was about to ask next question. At that moment, a Haribhakta interrupted, ‘Enough now! Do not ask so many questions.' Mama stopped him, ‘Please, do not discourage him. We must satisfy children’s curiosity.’ He encouraged the child, ‘You can ask whatever you want to ask. I will answer till you are satisfied.'

The child asked in detail, ‘In the morning I went for the Darshan to the temple. I had Darshan of Abhishek. Why do they give bath to God using curds, milk, ghee etc.? Does God like to have bath with such sticky liquids? If someone pours such sticky liquids on us, do we like it? Then how come God likes it? If God Himself is residing in the idol, does he enjoy this!' Mama said, ‘It is a very good question. Answer to this question should be understood by the elders also. Son, you are right. Nobody likes to have bath with such sticky stuff.' The child inquired, ‘Then why do we trouble God by giving Him bath like this?’ Mama replied, ‘There is a secret behind all these ceremonies. Today I will explain you in detail. Please, listen to it attentively.

‘Panchamrit’ means five different liquids equivalent to nectar. We use them for Abhishek, right? Each ingredient represents a specific meaning. I will explain you the significance of every element.

Honey: Who prepares honey?' The child replied, ‘Honey bee.' Mama said, ‘Right! Honey bee goes from flower to flower. But collects only sweetness and prepares sweet honey. Similar to honey, we should collect virtues from everyone. We must make our lives as sweet as honey. Honey means essence of all the virtues. Honey is the symbol of such affection. Thus God is showered with affection and devotion. Then comes Milk.

Milk: How is milk? ’ The child replied, ‘Milk is nutritious. It gives energy.' Mama said, -‘You are right. Milk is full of vitamins, carbohydrates, protein etc. Therefore it is called complete food. It nourishes our body. Similarly, a true devotee of God should nourish all the living beings. They must show them the path of truthful behaviour. They must guide them. This is the significance of milk.' The child asked, ‘Mama, the way you nurture everybody and guide them properly?' Mama caressed his head lovingly and continued, ‘Number three is Curd.

Curd: Curd is also made up of nutritious elements. Curd also symbolizes the same meaning as Milk. Milk and Curd are white in colour. Similarly, our character should be bright and without any stigma.

Sugar: What happens if we add sugar into any liquid?' The child replied, ‘It melts.' Mama asked, ‘Then how does the liquid taste?' The child replied, ‘Sweet!' Mama continued, -‘similarly we must develop oneness and affection with all the living beings and ultimately we must get united with divine form of God. Such beautiful meaning is hidden here. Sugar symbolizes it. And at last Ghee.

Ghee: Ghee is the end product of Milk. Similarly, we must study scriptures. We must gain knowledge. The knowledge related to self-realization and God-realization is like an essence of all the knowledge. We must pull out that knowledge. This knowledge also should be offered at the feet of God. Here it is indicated that we must drop our ego and get united with God.

Each element is just a means. But the hidden sense or significance behind it is more important. With such implications we perform the ceremony of Abhishek. Have you understood now, why do we perform, Abhishek?' The child replied, ‘Mama, today I have understood clearly. I asked this question to many people, but nobody could explain it properly. Today my doubt is cleared.' Haribhaktas who were present there, said, ‘We also understood the real significance of Abhishek today. What a beautiful meaning is hidden behind it! ’

Difficult words:
Nectar - Amrit
Ingredients - Components of a mixture
Nourish - To promote growth
Stigma - Sign of disgrace

Points to ponder:
- An experienced Anadimukta like Mama only can explain such hidden meanings.

Exercise

Answer the following questions:
1. Which Darshan did the child attend in the temple?
2. Which question did the child ask Mama?
3. What is the significance of Milk in Abhishek?
4. What is the significance of Ghee in Abhishek?
5. Which five ingredients are used in Ahbishek?

Fill in the blanks:
1. Does ___________ really reside in an idol?
2. If our _____________ are true, He may listen to it.
3. Each and every element is just __________ .The ___________behind it is more important.
4. We must drop our __________ and get united with __________.