Sri Vaibhave:sthi – “For the Ancestoral Peace”
Often times, the reason for difficulties in life, problems and lack of peace in families, mental illnesses, etc is the result of the unhappiness and dissatisfaction of the Pitr: Devatas (deceased ancestors). To satisfy the deceased ancestors in the proper way is an important duty of their children. “Go:padha Bra:hmanam” specifically describes Putrudu (the son) as the one who helps his ancestors to be free of the hell called, “Puth”, in the sloka, “punna:ma narakam ane:ka sataka:ram tasma:th tra:ti:ti putraha tat putrasya putratvam“
It is believed that offering any kind of Tarpanam (oblation) to Pitru devatas would make them free from their sins and gives them a path to reach Vaikunta loka and get moksha (salvation). To offer Tarpanams in a proper manner as described in the Sa:sthra:s is the very duty of the sons. BhagadvadGita says that ignoring one’s duty is a sin.
How does one, who has never done such duties before, begin doing them? How to get rid off those sins? How do Pitr: Devatas attain salvation and peace? What should the present generation of those unhappy ancestors need to do, to lead a happy and peaceful life? – These are the questions Lord Brahma had for Lord Srimannarayana. To answer Lord Brahma’s questions, Lord Srimannarayana had showed him the easy procedure of performing “VaibhavE:sti” to gratify the souls of Pitru devatas.
All Pitrudevatas will be pleased by the effects of this VaibhavE:shti and attain salvation. Those who perform this Ishti will be blessed with happiness and prosperity and their relatives will also be attaining higher positions as well. It is said that to attain the Pancha Sanskaras as part of this Ishti will bring tremendous benefits and shower the grace of Lord Srimannarayana.
“Tapa: pundra stadha: na:ma mantro: ya:gascha anchamha”
The Pancha SamskAram (five Purifications) and its main purposes are:
1. tha:pam: To adorn the impressions of heated Sankha and ChakrA on the arms (near the shoulders).
2. Urdhva pundram: To wear Urdhva pundram (Thiruman & Srichoornam) on the Forehead;
3. da:sa na:mam: To be christened by the a:cha:rya as “ra:ma:nuja da:san” (addition of ‘da:sa’ at the end of ones name) to indicate that one is forever a servant of the Lord Sriman Na:ra:yana and Bhagava:n Ra:ma:nuja:.
4. manthram: To get the initiation of “Rahasya Traya Mantra:s”
5. i:jyai: To learn the worship of Sriman na:ra:yana: (Bhagavad ThiruvArAdhanam) and lead life of purity.
It is believed the families of those who perform the pancha samska:ram and attain Vaishnava life, hundreds of generations before and after will be blessed by the grace of God and hence it is also called “Vaishnave:shti”. Since it helps remove the doshas (evil effects) that even we are not aware of and blesses us with the good fortunes, it is also called “Vaibhave:shti”.
Other Ishtis
1. Sri Sudarsana Ishti - for good health & protection
2. Sri Vynatheya Ishti – for good children
3. Sri Hayagriva ishti - for education
4. Sri Vishwaksena Ishti – for success in all endeavors
5. Sri Nrusimha Ishti – for eliminating planetary impediments
6. Sri Lakshmi Narayana Ishti- for wealth and prosperity
