* Pavitra Akadashi: Jagadguru Shreemad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu obtained Brahmasambandha Mantra from Bhagwan Shree Krishna. On obtaining this Diksha (Initiation) Mantra, apshri brought in order the system of initiation and the spiritual course for the disciples for Pushti Bhakti.
* Pavitra: Literal meaning of Pavitra is ‘Sacred’. Pavitra is a cotton mala made up of 360 cotton threads knotted together. It is not necessary that ALL pavitras offered to thakurji must have 360 cotton threads. There are various types of pavitras offered to Shree Thakurji. Shri Hariraiji Mahaprabhu has written a treatise named ‘PAVITRAMANDAN’. In a 360 thread cotton pavitra 180 knots are tied just as there are 108 knots in a mankamala (Japmala) through which, Bhagavad bhajan and bhava is perfected.
The different types of pavitras are below:
- Cotton 360 threaded kesari pavitras
- Reshami i.e. Silk Pavitras with different colors like Red, Blue, Yellow and Kesari
- Badlani Pavitra made from threads of Gold and silver (specially offered to Lord Shree Dwarkadhish Prabhu – Kankroli)
Why 360 threads?
- Poorna Purushottam Lord Shri Krishna is an ocean of 16 divine qualities.
- Apshris leelas span the 6 seasons. 16 * 6 = 96.
- If this is multiplied by 3, representing the three types of devotees, rajas, tamas and satvik, it reaches the sum of 288.
- Adding to that, the 12 months, one reaches 300. By adding the 60 minutes of an hour a total of 360 is obtained and therefore a 360 thread cotton pavitra is offered to Prabhu.
It is necessary to offer Pavitra today:
- When to offer pavitra to Thakurji today: If ‘Bhadra’ is in morning, then Pavitra must be offered in evening during ‘Utthapan’. If ‘Bhadra’ is in evening, then pavitra must be offered in morning during ‘Shrungar’ Darshan.
How to offer Pavitra?
- Firstly ‘Adhivasan’ of Pavitra and Rakhi is done together.
- Venuji is offered and Darpan is shown.
- After that, Shree Prabhu is offered first the 360 threaded Kesari Cotton Pavitra and then flower garland is offered.
- After that Pavitra of ‘Badla’ is offered.
- Mishri (Kesari) bhog is offered to Shree Prabhu.
- Aarti is done
From: Pavitra Akadashi.pps by Krushan krupa kakshi & Vijay H Parikh
