Vishnuha Shivo Ganapatiha Parvati Cha Divakaraha |
Etaha Pujyatya Manya Devtaha Pancha Mamakauha ||84||
Worship of the five deities is here glorified. Ganapati Khanda of Brahmanvaivartak explains, ‘Ganapati is considered as an Avatar of Shree Krishna and is the first of all Devas to be worshipped’, therefore is worthy of high honour and worship.
Parvati is considered as the ‘half-body’ or Ardhanga of Shankar and is worshipped as the ‘Eternal Power’ - Adi Shakti and is therefore honoured here. Shree Shankar is worshipped as he is considered as one with Shree Vishnu and is also famed as Vaishnavaraja (king amongst Vaishnavas) and as the promoter of Vaishnav Dharma. For such reason he has been honoured with great respect. Surya-Narayana is the saviour of all twice-born beings (Dwijas - upper three castes). He is the principal of the Gayatri Mantra and is Bhagwatswarupa (form of God), Veda Swarupa (form of the Vedas) and is the main cause of Dharma. For such reasons, he is worshipped with high honour. In this way, all five deities are respected equally. Out of these five, one deity should be considered as one’s Ishtadev or personal God.
Narad Pancharathra explains, ‘All Grihastas (householders) with devotion, should worship the Panchayatan (five deities). Vaishnavas should place Vishnu in the centre (of the Altar) and thus consider him as the greater. If Vishnu is in the centre, then Shankar, Ganapati, Surya and Parvati should be placed around Vishnu in that order starting from the Northeast and working your way round clockwise. If Shiva is in the centre, then Vishnu should be placed in the Northeast (Ushaan), Surya in the Southeast (Agni), Ganapati in the Southwest (Nairutya) and Devi in the Northwest (Vayavya). Similarly if Surya is placed in the centre, then Shiva, Ganapati, Vishnu and Devi are placed in similar order. If Devi is placed in the centre, then Vishnu, Shiva, Ganapati and Surya are placed accordingly. If Ganapati is in the centre, then Vishnu, Shiva, Surya and Devi are placed accordingly. Placing the deities in this way will derive great happiness and bliss. However, if the deities are placed incorrectly then great tyranny can befall’.
It is said that the Gopis, Vasudev and Ruksmini looked upon Shree Krishna in different ways (as a lover, son and husband) – however, in the end, all attained Shree Krishna the embodiment of Vishnu. Therefore it is not incorrect or unworthy for people to worship a deity other than Vishnu for all will by doing so attain Mahavishnu - the Supreme Being.
Ishtadeva worship is the greatness of Hinduism, which allows a person to dedicate himself or herself to any one deity, but in the end all attain the same ultimate goal. In this way, only one Ishtadeva should be ultimately worshipped but all other Devas are worthy of respect, praise and worship. Under no circumstances should any deity be slandered, as to do so would inadvertently be to slander your own Ishtadeva.
Lord Swaminarayan has therefore commanded that the Vratas of other deities such as Shiva, should be observed for such reason. All should sing the glories of other deities as appropriate; this is the greatness of our Lord who instilled equality and respect for all gods in our Sampradai.