How to get mantra diksha from Shankaracharya?
It is a great blessing that the desire of receiving mantra diksha from the Shankaracharya has been kindled in your heart. Sharing some details to guide you on this query.
For mantra diksha from Shankaracharya you will need to go for darshan. The schedule of The Jagadgurus yatras and presence in the Matha-s, plus the possibility to get diksha or initiation is announced through the social media and/or website of Govardhan Math and Sringeri Math, respectively. You may also call the numbers given on the official websites for details. YouTube posts of Govardhan Math channel also give updates on yatras.
Since we are followers of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Sri Nischalananda Saraswatiji Maharaj, The Shankaracharya of Govardhan Math, Puri Peeth, we can share with you about the basic process of receiving diksha from His Holiness.
- Once you have found out that Jagadguru Puri Shankaracharyaji is giving diksha at a particular venue during His yatra or at the matha, please ensure you reach the venue well in time to avoid rush. This is a big day for you, so make sure you are relaxed.
- When you reach the venue, make sure you ask one of the organizers or sevaks, where to be seated for diksha. Be humble and respectful to all and offer your pranam when Jagadguru arrives.
- Clothes to wear: Men and boys need to be dressed in dhoti/mundu and, girls and women must drape a sari modestly(kindly tie hair and not wear cut-sleeve sari blouse). Traditional clothing is a symbol of purity and this way of dressing is a pre-requisite for mantra diksha.
- No fees is charged for initiation. As per Hindu tradition, each person expresses their own gratitude for darshan and diksha by making an offering as per individual capacity (at Narayan Paduka present at venue). Also, people bring fruit, sweets, coconut, banana, vastra, dakshina and other auspicious items that we offer to Gurus, as per ones shraddha. These are often distributed to all as prasad.
- Prior to receiving diksha from Jagadguru, you shall be asked who your Ishta Devi/Devata is. Ishta means favourite or most intimate. The mantra you are given will be of that particular devi or devata. If you do not know who your Ishta is, please find out here.
- Be attentive when Jagadguru is giving you instructions. You shall also be given the mantra written on a slip. If you have any doubts on the way of chanting, etc, please do not hesitate to ask the sevak’s and swami’s who are available to guide you. Note down the details since you do not know when you get the chance to have darshan again.
May Bhagavan speed your mantra diksha. We all wait lifetimes to find a Guru and this would certainly be a big moment and turning point in your life and sadhana.
