A report on Abhisheka

Abhisheka ritual with Panchamrita being conducted over a Hindu shrine
List of Abhiseka initiates in 812 at Takaosan-ji (高雄山寺)
Mahamastakabhisheka of Jain Gommateshwara statue is done every 12 years.

Offered."

- Abhisheka
Abhisheka ritual with Panchamrita being conducted over a Hindu shrine

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A vajra and bell (ghanta), which are classic ritual symbols of Vajrayāna

Vajrayana

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Vajrayāna (वज्रयान, "thunderbolt vehicle", "diamond vehicle", or "indestructible vehicle" ) along with Mantrayāna, Guhyamantrayāna, Tantrayāna, Secret Mantra, Tantric Buddhism, and Esoteric Buddhism are names referring to Buddhist traditions associated with Tantra and "Secret Mantra", which developed in the medieval Indian subcontinent and spread to Tibet, Nepal, East Asia, Mongolia and other Himalayan states.

Vajrayāna (वज्रयान, "thunderbolt vehicle", "diamond vehicle", or "indestructible vehicle" ) along with Mantrayāna, Guhyamantrayāna, Tantrayāna, Secret Mantra, Tantric Buddhism, and Esoteric Buddhism are names referring to Buddhist traditions associated with Tantra and "Secret Mantra", which developed in the medieval Indian subcontinent and spread to Tibet, Nepal, East Asia, Mongolia and other Himalayan states.

A vajra and bell (ghanta), which are classic ritual symbols of Vajrayāna
Mahasiddhas, Palpung monastery. Note the figure of the great adept Putalipa at center, seated in a cave and gazing at an image of the meditational deity Samvara and the figure at the bottom left holding a skull-staff (khaṭvāṅga) and a flaying knife (kartika)
Diamond Realm mandala, based on the tantric Vajrasekhara Sutra, and symbolizing the final realization of Vairocana Buddha in Shingon.
Naked tantrikas dancing and eating from skull cups (kapalas), closeup of a Chakrasamvara mandala
Vajrayana adopted deities such as Bhairava, known as Yamantaka in Tibetan Buddhism.
The central deity of the Cakrasaṃvara Tantra, which according to scholars like David B. Gray and Alexis Sanderson, appropriated numerous elements from nondual Shaiva Tantra
The 9th-century Agusan image, a holy Vajrayana Buddhist relic from the Philippines.
Tangut Auspicious Tantra of All-Reaching Union.
Manjushri, the bodhisattva associated with prajñā.
Monks attending the 2003 Kalachakra empowerment in Bodhgaya, India. Some empowerment ceremonies can include large numbers of initiates.
Tibetan Chakrasamvara statue in Yab-Yum union with his consort Vajravārāhī
Mani stones, stones inscribed with the "om mani padme hum" mantra
A Japanese Handscroll depicting various mudras, 11th–12th century.
An 18th century Mongolian miniature which depicts a monk generating a tantric visualization.
A Japanese depiction of the Amida Triad in Seed Syllable form (Siddham Script). Visualizing deities in the form of seed syllables is a common Vajrayana meditation. In Shingon, one of the most common practices is Ajikan (阿字觀), meditating on the syllable A.
A Tibetan depiction of the perfection stage practices of tummo (Skt. candali, inner heat) and phowa (transference of consciousness).
A Newari Buddhist mandala used for Guru Puja, Nepal, 19th century, gilt copper inlaid with semiprecious stones.
Dagchen Rinpoche's hand holds a vajra drawing lines that close the Hevajra Mandala, after the empowerment, Tharlam Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Bronze vajras and bell from Itsukushima, Japan
Chöd ritual, note the use of Damaru drum and hand-bell, as well as the Kangling (thighbone trumpet).
Three leaves from a manuscript of the Vajrāvalī, a ritual compendium compiled by Abhayakaragupta, abbot of the Vikramashila monastery around 1100 CE.
Map showing the dominant Buddhist tradition throughout Asia, Vajrayana (in the form of Tibetan Buddhism) dominates the Himalayan regions and in the Mongolian regions.
The Nīlakaṇṭha Dhāraṇī engraved on a stele. Temple Fo Ding Shan Chao Sheng in Sanyi Township, Taiwan. Erected in June 2005.
Portrait of Kobo Daishi (Kukai) holding a vajra and a mala, 14th century, Art Institute of Chicago.
Yamabushi priests at Gose, Nara.
A painting by G.B. Hooijer (c. 1916–1919) reconstructing the scene of Borobudur during its heyday

Likewise, tantric yogis reconfigured their practice through the metaphor of being consecrated (abhiśeka) as the overlord (rājādhirāja) of a mandala palace of divine vassals, an imperial metaphor symbolizing kingly fortresses and their political power.

Portrait of Amoghavajra, fourteenth century, Tokyo National Museum.

Chinese Esoteric Buddhism

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Chinese Esoteric Buddhism refers to traditions of Tantra and Esoteric Buddhism that have flourished among the Chinese people.

Chinese Esoteric Buddhism refers to traditions of Tantra and Esoteric Buddhism that have flourished among the Chinese people.

Portrait of Amoghavajra, fourteenth century, Tokyo National Museum.
Buddhist temples at Mount Wutai.
Mongolian Sita Mahakala (Gonggor), Erdene Zuu Monastery
A section of the Manchu edition of the Kangyur canon
Xumi Fushou Temple, Chengde.
Nenghai Lama (能海喇嘛, 1886–1967)
The Jing'an Temple in Shanghai, China, has adopted the Zhenyan tradition in modern times.
The Womb Realm maṇḍala used in Śubhakarasiṃha's teachings from the Mahavairocana Tantra. Vairocana is located in the center.
Vairocana at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum in Chinatown, Singapore.

It employed mandalas, mantras, mudras, abhiṣekas, and deity yoga.

Samantabhadra, one of the Thirteen Buddhas of Shingon Buddhism.

Shingon Buddhism

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One of the major schools of Buddhism in Japan and one of the few surviving Vajrayana lineages in East Asia, originally spread from India to China through traveling monks such as Vajrabodhi and Amoghavajra.

One of the major schools of Buddhism in Japan and one of the few surviving Vajrayana lineages in East Asia, originally spread from India to China through traveling monks such as Vajrabodhi and Amoghavajra.

Samantabhadra, one of the Thirteen Buddhas of Shingon Buddhism.
The center image of the Mandala of the Womb Realm, featuring the central figure of Mahāvairocana, the five Dhyani Buddhas, and attendant bodhisattvas.
Painting of Kūkai from a set of scrolls depicting the first eight patriarchs of the Shingon school. Japan, Kamakura period (13th-14th centuries).
The main building of Shinsenen, a Shingon temple in Kyoto founded by Kūkai in 824
Garbhadhātu maṇḍala. Vairocana is located at the center
The siddhaṃ letter a.
A typical Shingon shrine set up for priests, with Vairocana at the center of the shrine, and the Womb Realm (Taizokai) and Diamond Realm (Kongokai) mandalas.
A priest from the Chuin-ryu lineage at Shigisan Chosonshi Temple (朝護孫子寺)
A goma ritual performed at Chushinkoji Temple in Japan
Acalanatha, the wrathful manifestation of Mahavairocana, and the principal deity invoked during the goma ritual.
The Five Wisdom Kings is the most important grouping of Wisdom Kings in Esoteric Buddhism.
Located in Kyoto, Japan, Daigo-ji is the head temple of the Daigo-ha branch of Shingon Buddhism.
Chishaku-in is the head temple of Shingon-shū Chizan-ha
Hasedera in Sakurai, Nara is the head temple of Shingon-shū Buzan-ha

However, any esoteric practices require the devotee to undergo abhiṣeka (initiation) (Kanjō 灌頂) into each of these practices under the guidance of a qualified acharya before they may begin to learn and practice them.

The hand symbolizes Ahiṃsā, the wheel dharmachakra, the resolve to halt saṃsāra (transmigration).

Jainism

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Ancient Indian religion.

Ancient Indian religion.

The hand symbolizes Ahiṃsā, the wheel dharmachakra, the resolve to halt saṃsāra (transmigration).
Classification of Saṃsāri Jīvas (transmigrating souls) in Jainism
Lord Neminatha, Akota Bronzes (7th century)
Jain miniature painting of 24 tirthankaras, Jaipur, c. 1850
Jain temple painting explaining Anekantavada with Blind men and an elephant
A Jain monk in meditation, wearing the characteristic white robe and face covering
Nishidhi stone, depicting the vow of sallekhana, 14th century, Karnataka
Praying at the feet of a statue of Bahubali
Jain worship may include ritual offerings and recitals.
Celebrating Das Lakshana (Paryushana), Jain Center of America, New York City
The birth of Mahavira, from the Kalpa Sūtra (c.1375–1400 CE)
Shikharji
Idol of Suparśvanātha
A symbol to represent the Jain community was chosen in 1975 as part of the commemoration of the 2,500th anniversary of Mahavira’s nirvana.
Rishabhdev, believed to have lived over 592.704×1018 years ago, is considered the traditional founder of Jainism.
The ruins of Gori Jain temples in Nagarparkar, Pakistan, a pilgrimage site before 1947.
Ranakpur Jain Temple
Dilwara Temples
Parshvanath Temple in Khajuraho
Girnar Jain temples
Jal Mandir, Pawapuri
Lodhurva Jain temple
Palitana temples
Saavira Kambada Basadi, Moodbidri, Karnataka
Jain temple, Antwerp, Belgium
Brahma Jinalaya, Lakkundi
Hutheesing Jain Temple

Jain practices include performing abhisheka (ceremonial bath) of the images.

Painting of Kūkai from the Shingon Hassozō, a set of scrolls depicting the first eight patriarchs of the Shingon school. Japan, Kamakura period (13th-14th centuries).

Kūkai

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Japanese Buddhist monk, calligrapher, and poet who founded the esoteric Shingon school of Buddhism.

Japanese Buddhist monk, calligrapher, and poet who founded the esoteric Shingon school of Buddhism.

Painting of Kūkai from the Shingon Hassozō, a set of scrolls depicting the first eight patriarchs of the Shingon school. Japan, Kamakura period (13th-14th centuries).
Painting of Kūkai as a boy, posthumously known by the title Chigo Daishi ("The Child Grand Master"). It depicts the young Kūkai flying to heaven on a lotus, where he converses with various Buddhas. Muromachi Period, 15th century.
Wood statue of Kūkai.
Kūkai's calligraphy, from a segment of his work Cui Ziyu's Beliefs (崔子玉座右銘)
Letter written by Kūkai to Saichō, stored in Tō-ji
Monks bringing food to Kōbō Daishi on Mount Kōya, as they believe he is not dead but rather meditating. At his mausoleum in Oku-no-in, food offerings are presented daily to Kōbō Daishi in the early morning and before noon.
Statue of Kūkai meeting Emon Saburō in Kamiyama, Tokushima
Kūkai wards off a demon with the tantra. Painting by Hokusai (1760–1849).
Statue at Shitennō-ji temple
Statue at Jizō-ji temple
Statue at Kajū-ji temple
Statue in Nobeoka, Miyazaki
Altar at Daisho-in temple, on the island of Miyajima
Memorial Hall of Kūkai in Xiapu, Fujian, China
Altar at Tien-Ho Temple in Taipei, Taiwan
The Siddhaṃ alphabet in Kūkai's handwriting. 1837 reproduction by the monk Sōgen.
Statue of Kūkai in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles

Huiguo immediately bestowed upon Kūkai the first level abhisheka (esoteric initiation).

Samaya

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The samaya (, Japanese and, J: sanmaya-kai, C: Sān mè yē jiè), is a set of vows or precepts given to initiates of an esoteric Vajrayana Buddhist order as part of the abhiṣeka (empowerment or initiation) ceremony that creates a bond between the guru and disciple.

Vajrasattva

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Bodhisattva in the Mahayana, Mantrayana/Vajrayana Buddhist traditions.

Bodhisattva in the Mahayana, Mantrayana/Vajrayana Buddhist traditions.

Depiction of Vajrasatva seated on a lotus. Japan, 14th century CE

Vajrasatva initiated Nagarjuna into the abhiseka ritual and entrusted him with the esoteric teachings he had learned from Vairocana Buddha, as depicted in the Mahavairocana Sutra.

The five ingredients of panchamrita: milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and Sugar.

Panchamrita

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The five ingredients of panchamrita: milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and Sugar.

Panchamrita (पञ्चामृत, lit. five s) is a mixture of five foods used in Hindu as well as Jain worship and puja and Abhiṣeka It is often used as an offering during pooja post which it is distributed as prasad.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama holds a vajra offering mudra while preparing the Kalachakra mandala during a Kalachakra empowerment ceremony in Washington D.C., USA

Esoteric transmission

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Transmission of certain teachings directly from teacher to student during an empowerment in a ritual space containing the mandala of the deity.

Transmission of certain teachings directly from teacher to student during an empowerment in a ritual space containing the mandala of the deity.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama holds a vajra offering mudra while preparing the Kalachakra mandala during a Kalachakra empowerment ceremony in Washington D.C., USA
A torma and mandala offering for a Vajrakilaya empowerment ceremony

The Sanskrit term abhiṣeka refers to ritual bathing or anointing.

Major religious groups as a percentage of world population

Indian religions

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Indian religions, sometimes also termed Dharmic religions or Indic religions, are the religions that originated in the Indian subcontinent.

Indian religions, sometimes also termed Dharmic religions or Indic religions, are the religions that originated in the Indian subcontinent.

Major religious groups as a percentage of world population
"Priest King" of Indus Valley Civilisation
The so-called Pashupati seal, showing a seated and possibly ithyphallic figure, surrounded by animals.
Hindu Swastika
Buddha statue at Darjeeling
Buddhist Monks performing traditional Sand mandala made from coloured sand
Saga Agastya, father of Tamil literature
Typical layout of Dravidian architecture which evolved from koyil as king's residence.
Krishna fighting the horse demon Keshi, 5th century, Gupta period.
A basalt statue of Lalita flanked by Gaṇeśa and Kārttikeya, Pala era.
The Golden Temple of Mahalakshmi at Vellore.
An aerial view of the Meenakshi Temple from the top of the southern gopuram, looking north. The temple was rebuilt by the Vijayanagar Empire.
Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple) is culturally the most significant place of worship for the Sikhs.
Mahamagam Festival is a holy festival celebrated once in twelve years in Tamil Nadu. Mahamagam Festival, which is held at Kumbakonam. This festival is also called as Kumbamela of South.
The largest religious gathering ever held on Earth, the 2001 Maha Kumbh Mela held in Prayag attracted around 70 million Hindus from around the world.
Map showing the prevalence of Abrahamic (pink) and Indian religions (yellow) in each country
A devotee facing the Ganga, reading a stack of holy books ("Chalisa" of various god) at the Kumbh Mela
A holy place for all religion - "Mazar of Pir Mubarak Gazi"
Symbols of Major Indian Religions

The head-anointing ritual of abhiseka is of importance in three of these distinct traditions, excluding Sikhism (in Buddhism it is found within Vajrayana).