Namaste
As from what I have observed, among Modern Hindus (e.g. as arisen from the Middle Ages with various Bhakta movements of Tamil Saints, the ocean of mystic and monistic practice of Saiva Sidhhanta, the devotional dualistic movement of Chaitanya Vaishnavs and Gaudiyas, and the mystic practices among Siddhars, within the Tri-Murthi Majesty post-Vedic times, e.g. “Modern Hinduism”), there was still a strong sense of the practice of Prayaschitta or “atonement, penance”, in particular in certain regions such as Saiva Kashi or in South India, for hundreds of years.
I still see this true among some Saivas, in particular those of linages from Kashi of North India, and of Murugan Bhaktas and Siddhantans of Tamil South India, who maintain a reverence for the practice of Prayaschitta or atonement, but in general it seems to have fallen to the “way side” if you will.
Is this not something we find among temple priests prescribing such, or specific Prayaschittas prescribed by a Guru in response to a question about a “sin” or some “current life” Instant Karma of one’s own doing that calls for atonement (past life Karmas may require more than Prayaschittas, in some cases those who are atoning for past life Karmas may decide to use Tapas)?
What happened to the role of Prayaschittas in Modern Hinduism? Seems it is “not in vogue”. But shouldn’t it?
Taking a vow, as in Vrata, such as to refrain from something is another Prayaschitta, or to vow to given to the needy, or fasting vow. There are appeasements or bakeesh or "bribes" (yes, though not exactly the same as what happens with the police! ) or gifts or offerings to Devas and Devis as Santis such as reciting verses, or gifting to Deities, this is a form of Prayaschitta.
Kashi is a destination for countless (and certainly for sages, yogis, mystics, arhants, siddhars, and spiritualists) souls, who come to the City of Light as part of Tirthayatras or Pilgrimages. In fact, Tirthayatras is one of the six means (and there are more) of recommended (by yogi, Guru, savant to a devotee) Prayaschittas, or in some cases a devout will promise to Devas or Devi to go on such a Pilgrimage to “this holy place” (Kashi is a famous destination) in atonement or penance.
Kavadi is a form of Prayaschitta.
There are other examples, but as a devout of Kashi the Never Forsaken City, I feel a strong sense of the importance of pilgrimages. Of course pilgrimages are important without any need for Prayaschitta, simply taken out of devotion for seeking a liberating tirtha, simply for the pure joy of it even, but it is also a wonderful Prayaschitta which is within the possibilities of many jiva souls who seek to mitigate Instant Karma which lingers and also effects the consciousness, or to atone for something.
Yet, this idea of Prayaschitta or atonement or penance, inclusive of pilgrimages and other examples as I noted, does not seem to be popular among many (if not most?) Hindus today?
Why?
Om Namah Sivaya
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