Ritual

Auspicious symbol representing a
devi (female divinity) drawn with
vermilion paste on a libation jar.
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certain scents is to stimulate the Muladhara Chakra region which,
being on the earth plane, is directly related to the sense of smell. A
vermilion dot is drawn between Sakti's eyebrows to mark the place
of the opening of the third eye. Dressed in red raw wool or silk
cloth sadhaka sits cross-legged while his sakti sits opposite him.
The ritual ingredients are aesthetically arranged at the place where
the rite is to begin. A tray holding flowers, including hibiscus,
blades of green grass, grains of rice, tulsi leaves (a sacred plant),
flower garlands, all thoroughly washed with water, vermilion and
red sandalwood paste, is on the right side of the sadhaka along with
an oil lamp, incense burner, and cooked foods. In front of the
sadhaka are ritual water containers, and a libation jar (for a
tantrika, 'a pot shows the universe'), with five green mango leaves
across its top, symbolizing the five elements, and resting on a lump
of kneaded clay, are kept, along with the Sri-patra, or sacred wine
cup. Each ritual article has a symbolic meaning and helps the
preparatory training for both the ritual partners.
Purification
After completing the initial discipline, sadhaka commences the
purification ritual by reciting the achamana (sipping) mantra: Om
atmatattvaya svaha ('The self in the worshipper is no other than the
consciousness within him'), or Om Sivatattvya svaha, Om
Saktitattvaya svaha, realizing that all his activities, both physical
and mental, proceed from this consciousness, Siva-Sakti, in order
to have a full grasp of the successive stages through which he is to
proceed during the communion. He draws a triangle on the
ground with fingertips dipped in vermilion or sandal paste,
representing Prakriti, and says the mantra:
Om. asane upavesanamantrasya
meruprstharsi sutalam chandah
kurmo devata asanopavesane viniyogah
om prithivi tvyi dhrita lokah
devi tvam visriura dhrita
tvam ca dharaya mam devi
pavitram kurucasanam
Sadhaka thus purifies the surrounding atmosphere and sanctifies
the seat (asana represents the earth) which is a mat, deerskin or raw
wool. Touching his mouth with his right hand he purifies it with
the mantra 'Om tadvisnorparamam padam', his nose with the
mantra 'sada pasyanti surayah', his eyes with the mantra 'dlbiba