Teertham or holy water is associated with a temple or deity and is used during the pooja of the idol. It is not plain water but Thiruvaradhana (Pooja) water. It is a potion of cardamom, karpura, saffron, tulsi, clove, etc. Initially offering it to the idol charges the water with the magnetic radiations thus enhancing its medicinal values. This water is collected in a vessel made of silver or copper and becomes sacred ‘Theertham’. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy with the clove essence acting to protect tooth decay, the saffron and tulsi leaves protecting from common cold and cough, cardamom and Pachha Karpuram (benzoin) acting as mouth fresheners.This water is offered to Deity for Padyam (Water for washing the Feet), Aarghyam (offering of water to wash the hands of the Lord) and Achamanam (sipping drops of water thrice with mantras which purifies). It is this water that is offered for cleaning Lord’s legs, hands and mouth. Water is also offered for drinking after neivedyam (food).
Tulsi leaves added to the holy water is Lord Vishnu's prasad (a gracious gift of god).
Theertham is an offering distributed to the devotee as prasadam. Three spoons of this holy water are distributed by the priest to devotees.
There are set procedures to receive theertham in a temple or any other holy place or from a saint or even while doing achamanam (a purification ritual).
1. Always recieve the theertham with palm folded in such a way that the index finger is bent and the thumb folds over index finger. With this action the middle finger also slightly bends forward. This is the perfect way to recieve Theertham.
2. Place the right palm over the our left palm, both separated by an angavastram or cloth which is folded twice.
3. While receiving holy theertham don't spill it on the ground as it is sacred and considered inauspicious.
4. Theertham is taken silently without making any sound and the lips should not touch the palm. If done so it is counted as a dosha.
5. The right palm is to said to be like cow’s ear. The amount of water is limited to the quantity of water just to immerse a black gram.
6. Holy Water is generally offered by the priest three times from utharini (spoon) placed in a panchapatre (normally made of brass, copper & silver or only silver as in Srivaishnava temples it was originally meant to keep five holy leaves of tulsi, arugu (the cynodon grass), vembu (neem), bilva (Bael, also called ‘stone apple’) & vanni (Rusty Acacia)), which has following significance:
“Prathamam deha sudyartham Dwithiyam athma sudthikam
Thritheeyam moksha sidhyartham theerth thapra sanalakshanam”
Meaning: First time is for body cleaning, second time for Atma cleaning and third time for salvation.
The benefit of theertham according to Varahasamhita:
“Theertham pipathi yomarthyah sarvapapaih pramuchyathe
Chathurvitham phalam prabya mamaloke mahiyathe”
Meaning: This water Prasad is a remedy for all types of sins. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha (The Purusharthas) are assured. One can live along with God-head.
7. After consuming theertham, rub your hands with the cloth kept in the left hand. Don't put it on the head, stomach or to eyes saying that the theertham is auspicious. Doing so is not right. Our hands should be wiped with a cloth and the cloth should be washed immediately after going home.
8. After receiving theertham wait to recieve the Shatari ( divine crown) blessing of the Lord.
9. This water is a remedy for all types of sins. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha (The Purusharthas) are assured. One can live along with God-head.
Tulsi leaves added to the holy water is Lord Vishnu's prasad (a gracious gift of god).
Theertham is an offering distributed to the devotee as prasadam. Three spoons of this holy water are distributed by the priest to devotees.
There are set procedures to receive theertham in a temple or any other holy place or from a saint or even while doing achamanam (a purification ritual).
1. Always recieve the theertham with palm folded in such a way that the index finger is bent and the thumb folds over index finger. With this action the middle finger also slightly bends forward. This is the perfect way to recieve Theertham.
2. Place the right palm over the our left palm, both separated by an angavastram or cloth which is folded twice.
3. While receiving holy theertham don't spill it on the ground as it is sacred and considered inauspicious.
4. Theertham is taken silently without making any sound and the lips should not touch the palm. If done so it is counted as a dosha.
5. The right palm is to said to be like cow’s ear. The amount of water is limited to the quantity of water just to immerse a black gram.
6. Holy Water is generally offered by the priest three times from utharini (spoon) placed in a panchapatre (normally made of brass, copper & silver or only silver as in Srivaishnava temples it was originally meant to keep five holy leaves of tulsi, arugu (the cynodon grass), vembu (neem), bilva (Bael, also called ‘stone apple’) & vanni (Rusty Acacia)), which has following significance:
“Prathamam deha sudyartham Dwithiyam athma sudthikam
Thritheeyam moksha sidhyartham theerth thapra sanalakshanam”
Meaning: First time is for body cleaning, second time for Atma cleaning and third time for salvation.
The benefit of theertham according to Varahasamhita:
“Theertham pipathi yomarthyah sarvapapaih pramuchyathe
Chathurvitham phalam prabya mamaloke mahiyathe”
Meaning: This water Prasad is a remedy for all types of sins. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha (The Purusharthas) are assured. One can live along with God-head.
7. After consuming theertham, rub your hands with the cloth kept in the left hand. Don't put it on the head, stomach or to eyes saying that the theertham is auspicious. Doing so is not right. Our hands should be wiped with a cloth and the cloth should be washed immediately after going home.
8. After receiving theertham wait to recieve the Shatari ( divine crown) blessing of the Lord.
9. This water is a remedy for all types of sins. Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha (The Purusharthas) are assured. One can live along with God-head.
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