Nyasa (ritual)

Nyasa (English: placing; literally, "deposit" or "setting down"[1]) is a concept in Hinduism. It involves touching various parts of the body while chanting specific portions of a mantra.[2] This imposition of mantras upon the body is considered as the assigning or locating of divinity inside one's own body. For example, nyasa is part of the equipment of a sculptor as a sādhaka and yogi.[3][4]

Each mantra is associated with a specific nyasa. There are various types of nyasas,[2] the most important of them being kara nyasa and anga nyasa.

The number seven is commonly written before nyasa mantras in ritual handbooks, indicating that the seven bijaksaras (sacred letters) should be recited before the mantra.[5]

Srividya followers practise matruka nyasa.

References
  1. Jon Jahnke (2005). Reflections on speculative ontology and language use in Tantric ritual practice. University of Wisconsin. p. 3.
  2. "Nyasa -- divinity in the body". Shiva Shakti Mandalam. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  3. Stella Kramrisch (1976). The Hindu Temple, Volume 2. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 343. ISBN 9788120802223.
  4. David Gordon White (2000). Tantra in Practice. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 509. ISBN 9788120817784.
  5. Douglas Renfrew Brooks (1992). Auspicious Wisdom: The Texts and Traditions of Srividya Sakta Tantrism in South India. SUNY Press. p. 241. ISBN 9780791411452.
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