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Kriya Yoga and Idol-Worship
Uddhava said: “O Lord, protector of the devotees, O Lord of Satvatas, pray explain to me the mode of worshipping Thee through ceremonials - in what manner and through what means the devotees worship, Thee?
Sages like Narada, the glorious Vyasa and Acharya Brihaspati, the son of Angiras say that this course is specially efficacious for men for the attainment of liberation.
O Lord who protects Thy devotees, that instruction, which, after it had flowed from Thy lotus-like lips, the worshipful Brahma taught to his sons, Bhrigu and others, and the Lord Siva to his consort Parvati, that indeed I consider as the best and the most suitable means of well-being for all castes and orders of life, even for women and Sudras also.
O Lotus-eyed one, O Lord of the lords of the universe, tell me who is devoted and attached to Thee, about this means that unties the bonds of Karma.”
The Lord said: “O Uddhava, the methods of ceremonial worship given in the sacred books and adopted by my devotees are infinite and various. So I shall describe it briefly and regularly from the beginning.
The method of worshipping Me is threefold viz., Vedic, Tantric and mixed. One may worship Me by any one of the three methods according to his desire and taste.
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