Mantra Purashcharana refers to the complete ritual cycle prescribed in Tantric and Mantra Shastra traditions for the full activation and siddhi (perfection) of a mantra. The term 'purashcharana' literally means 'performed before' or 'preliminary observance,' indicating that this set of practices is undertaken to purify and empower the practitioner before the mantra yields its intended results. According to the 'Mantra Mahodadhi' (a key text on mantra shastra), purashcharana consists of five essential components: japa (repetition of the mantra), homa (fire offering), tarpana (libations to deities and sages), abhisheka (consecration with water), and brahmana bhojana (feeding of Brahmins). These five acts are collectively known as the 'panchanga' or five limbs of purashcharana. The 'Shaktisangama Tantra' elaborates that the number of japa repetitions is typically one hundred thousand (laksha) or more, depending on the mantra's length and the practitioner's capacity.
The homa involves offering ghee and other substances into a sacred fire while reciting the mantra, and the number of offerings is usually one-tenth of the japa count. Tarpana is performed with water and sesame seeds, abhisheka with consecrated water, and brahmana bhojana as a final act of charity. The beej-akshara (seed syllable) of the purashcharana mantra itself is often 'Om' or a specific bija like 'Hrim' or 'Klim', depending on the deity. The phoneme analysis reveals that these bijas contain nasalized vowels and resonant consonants that are believed to stimulate specific energy centers (chakras) in the body. The traditional purpose of purashcharana is to remove obstacles, purify the practitioner's subtle body, and invoke the deity's grace for mantra siddhi.
It is recommended to be performed during auspicious times such as the bright fortnight of the lunar month, especially on full moon days, and in a secluded, clean space. The practitioner should observe strict celibacy, eat pure food, and maintain mental focus. Cautions include the need for proper initiation (diksha) from a qualified guru, as improper practice may lead to adverse effects. The 'Devi Mahatmya' also references the importance of purashcharana for the successful completion of mantra sadhana. This ritual is considered essential for any serious mantra practitioner seeking to attain the full power and blessing of the chosen deity.
Salutations to the purashcharana (ritual completion).
The mantra may incorporate seed syllables like hrīṃ or klīṃ depending on the deity; however, the generic form uses Oṁ as the bija.