’Tapta Mudra’ ritual held at Sri Venkataramana Temple, Mangalore

’Tapta Mudra’ ritual held at Sri Venkataramana Temple, Mangalore

Mangalore Today News Network

Photographs: Manju Neereshwallya and Prashanth Nayak

Mangalore, Jan 19, 2012: Srimad Sayameendra Thirtha swamiji, patta shishya of Kashi Math Samsthan administered ’tapta mudra’ to members of the Gowd Saraswath Brahmin community at the Sri Venkataramana Temple, Car Street, Mangalore on Jan 19, Thursday. 

Around 1200 GSB members including the priests, men and women participated in the Tapta Mudhra Dharane held from 9 am to 11 am.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tapta Mudhra Dharane is a special ritual practiced by Vaishnavites in Hindu Society, every year on some auspicious days in mutts. It’s a special ritual in which Tapta (heated) Mudras (seals) are put on one’s body. The Mudra’s are Shankha and Chakra which are ornaments/instruments of Lord Vishnu.

Though generally it is practiced by only Vaishnavites, it can be taken by one and all, irrespective of caste, creed, gender and age. The chakra is stamped on the right arm, while the shanka is stamped on the left arm.

In the case of women, the seals are stamped only on their arms and in case of men it is stamped on chest and stomach also.

Tapta Mudras must be given only by Sanyasis/Swamijis of Mutts except in some special cases. It is believed that Sri Madhwacharya will stay in these saints and are giving his blessings to their disciples.

People believe that it purifies the body and soul. It is also said that since mudras are symbols of Lord Vishnu it will protect you from all evils. Scientifically it builds resistance in the body against the diseases.