While discussing about Prathamavara Keertanam we were first dealing with the deities occupying the outer bhoopura. Incidentally, we mentioned therein about Bhavanopanishad and promised to deal with it in edition V.

This Upanishad tells us about a method by which, various parts of our body and the universe are to be substituted in place of the various deities residing in the nine Avaranas in the Sri Chakara. We have already said earlier that Sri Chakara simultaneously represents both pinda (body) and anda (universe). This Upanishad only expands the theme to its logical conclusion and helps us to attain the oneness of the Upasaska (devotee) with Brahman or Devi through the medium of Sri Chakra Pinda and Anda.

ATMANAM AKHANDAMANDALAKARAM AAVRUTYA SAKALAM BRAHMANDAMANDALAM SWAPRAKASAM DHYAYET.

Contemplate on the Atmajyoti (illuminated self) which illuminates, with its light, without any limit, the atmospheres of all the galaxies around us.

Sri Guru, or the preceptor is the supreme power who is the cause of everything.

She is the cause of the body with nine holes.

She is also in the form of Sri Chakram having nine avaranams

The presiding deity of the Dhatus Vaarahi is the father.

The presiding deity of the Flesh or Bali Devata i.e. Kurukulla is the mother.

The four goals of life, Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha are the four oceans.

The body is the island possessing the nine gems.

Skin, blood, flesh, fat, bone, marrow, semen, hair and ojas are the nine gems.

Our ambitions themselves are Kalpaka tress which give the desired fruits. Our mind with the inner illuminations is the Kalpaka garden.

The six seasons (Spring, Summer, Rainy, Autumn, Hemanta Rutu and winter) are the six tastes (Sweet, sour, bitter, astringent, salty, pungent).

The Knowledge is the Visesha Arghyam. The Known is the Havis or the sacrificial offering. The Knower is the Sacrificer. The contemplation of the Inseparability of the Known, Knower and the Knowledge is the worship of the Sri Chakra.

In the last edition, we referred to the 10 Siddhi Devatas residing in the outer bhopura of Sri Chakra. According to the Bhavanopanishad, the Navarasas (nine expressions) known in literature alongwith Niyathih (fate) are the Siddhi Devatas. Love, Hatred, Anger, Wonder, Fright, Humour, Compassion, etc. are the nine sentiments.

To be continued..

NB: The remaining lines of the Bhavnopanishad will be dealt with as and when the remaining bhupuras and avaranams are discussed.