Pada Puja

Pada Puja is a unique celebration of expressing overflowing deep gratitude to the Guru. In the Nithyananda Sangha, Pratyaksha Pada Puja is offering gratitude to our beloved Guru, Paramahamsa Nithyananda.

Etymology

The word 'pada' means ‘sacred feet’ in Sanskrit; Pāda Puja means to honor the Guru in loving devotion and gratitude at his lotus feet.

Scriptural References

The happening of Paramahamsa Nithyananda in our lives is the direct grace and ultimate blessing of Sadashiva.

In the Agama known as Sri Guru Gita, Sadashiva reveals to Devi, dhyānamūlaṁ guromūrtiḥ pujāmūlaṁ guroḥ padaṃ mantramūlaṁ gurorvākyaṁ muktimūlaṁ guroḥ kṛpā ॥ 86 ॥

The original root and essence of Dhyana (meditation) is Guru murti, the Guru’s embodied form; the original root of worship is Gurupadam, the Guru’s Feet; the original root of mantra is Guru vakyam, the Guru’s Word. The original cause of liberation is Gurukripa, the Guru’s grace and compassion.

In Vedic tradition, the spiritual leader is called the Guru. He is the counselor, healer, master teacher and mystic of the community. The Bhagavad Gita, the iconic sacred text of Vedic civilization, recounts the words of the incarnated God Krishna, who was both king and spiritual master: “I destroy the darkness of ignorance with the shining lamp of wisdom, through my compassion.”

Vedic commentaries include the ancient scripture Kularnava Tantra, which says: “The glory of surrendering at Guru’s feet is great. Remember the Guru’s sandals, they provide protection against great diseases, great disturbances, great evils, great fears, great calamities, and great sins.”

Introduction

The origins of Pada Puja are deeply rooted in the history of Vedic tradition.

The wondrous gift of entanglement is the sacred secret contained within the ceremony of Pada Pooja. When we melt into a deep mood of gratitude and devotion, we receive the beautiful return flow of divine compassion and the uplifting of our consciousness.

There are many kinds of pujas for specific situations and occasions, but the fundamental elements remain the same. Every puja welcomes the Divine as an honored guest. The sequence of the puja contains all the elements of hospitality and appreciation for the presence of a beloved and distinguished visitor. During the puja, devotees welcome the guest and present offerings of flowers, water for washing (symbolized by a small cup or spoonful), clean clothing (represented by a piece of fabric), scented oil and food. They also burn incense and light lamps to delight the senses and brighten the occasion.

Pada puja is a specific form of gratitude. It is a ritual to express our thanks to a revered spiritual teacher. The word pada means foot or feet in Sanskrit. Pada puja means to give thanks at the feet of the one we are honoring.