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Vastra Seva
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Significance and Benefits
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Benefits of offering clothes to deities are spiritual in nature. The act of offering clothes to a deity helps purify the vital body and sheath of the embodied soul. A beautiful verse from Anagha Vrata Puja Vidhi describes offering clothes to Lord Datta and Anagha Devi as well as the benefits. valkalē rucirē sῡkṣmē citra citra daśāncitē |
māyāvṛticchēdakābhyām anaghābhyām dadē mudā ||
śrī anaghā dēvī samēta śrī anagha svāminē namaḥ |
vastram samarpayāmi |
Oh Anagha couple! You free devotees from the bondage caused by
illusion. I offer you both fine clothing made from plant fibers,
decorated with colorful borders. I prostrate to Datta and Anaghä
Dēvi. I offer you both suitable clothing. Another beautiful verse from Guru Gita (a divine conversation between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the importance of a Sadguru (spiritual teacher) in one’s life) describes the significance of offering clothes to the Guru as:
āsanam śayanam vastram vāhanam bhῡṣaṇādikam |
sādhakēna pradātavyam gurōssantōṣa kāraṇam||
(A sadhaka should offer the Guru a seat, bed, clothing, vehicle, and other things that will please him. Such offerings to Sadguru help in purification of mind and spiritual emancipation.)
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Instructions to devotees for offering Vastrams
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Vastrams are changed to Krishna Datta and Anagha Devi every week (mostly on Fridays). Vastrams for Rajarajeshwari utsava vigrahams and Ganapathi are changed after Abhishekams every Friday and Sunday, respectively. Devotees interested in offering vastrams can check the "Dates Available" tab and contact Sumitra (630-506-4846) for a specific available date to offer vastrams. Vastrams need to be made available at the tenple at least a week prior to the date selected to change. Please follow the requirements listed for offering vastrams to deities:
1. While offering vastrams (clothes) for main deities, Krishna Datta and Anagha Devi, please offer both Sarees (regular 6 yards) and Dhoti ( 9 by 5 yards or 10 by 6 yards) as a pair.
2. Sarees (Cotton/Silk) in 6 yards preferred for all Devi idols.
3. Saree Color: Please avoid black (in both body/border), dark brown, and navy blue colors.
4. While buying sarees, please try not to cut the blouse piece from the saree.
5. Dhotis for main deity (Krish Datta) need to be 9 by 5 yards or 10 by 6 yards preferably in silk/cotton. (please avoid black color). The seams can be stitched.
6. Dhotis for Ganapati/Shiva idols can be 4 yards with Angavastrams.
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