Utsarga (उत्सर्गः)

Utsarg (Samskrit : उत्सर्गः) literally means ‘letting go’. This happens when a property or item is dedicated or released for general public use. Pratishta and Utsarga involve acts of foundation of temples and dedication of wells, tanks, parks for the benefit of the public. Such works of public utility have been highly recommended from very ancient times.

Introduction

Jalaashay ()

Providing water for travellers or general public through dedication of Jalaashay (wells, ponds and reservoirs) has been praised in several Puranas. Detailed guidance for construction of water bodies is given in traditional texts. It is also preserved among local communities and artisans. The Puran deal mainly with the ritualistic aspects.

An elaborate dedication ceremony for the ponds etc. has been described in Matsya Puran. This calls for creation of vedi, havan (), Vastu pooja, etc. The following are required to be placed in a jewelled pot made of gold:

● A tortoise and a crocodile, made of gold

● A fish and snake/chameleon, made of silver

● A crab, frog, crow and shishumar (), made of copper

Dust from elephant stables, horse stables, valmeek (ant-hill), river confluence, cow-hoof dust, cow-shed and cross-roads is also used in the ceremonies. After the rituals, 25-100 cows are given as dakshina to Brahmins. Finally, one of the cows is made to enter the pond briefly, and the donor is required to wade after her, holding on to her tail. The metal tortoise, etc. from the jewelled pot are then placed in the pond at various places. The pot itself, containing curd, rice and water from a great river, is emptied in to the pond. The pond is then dedicated for public use.

The havana ritual continues for another four days, when finally the mandapa is broken up. The items used in the havana are distributed to the Brahmins who performed the ceremonies. The ceremony ends with a feast for 20-1000 Brahmins.

If funds are a constraint, a simpler dedication ceremony can be performed. Digging of ponds, wells etc. for public use has been highly recommended in Mahabharat. The rewards are also linked to the availability of water in the pond through the year:

Availabilty of water Reward

During rains (Varsha Kaal) : Equivalent to Agnihotra Yagn

During Autumn (Sharat Kaal) Equivalent to 1000 Gau Daan

During Winters (Hemant Kaal) Equivalent to large Yagn, with gold dakshina

During Winters (Shishir Kaal) Equivalent to Agnishtom Yagn

During Spring (Vasant Kaal) Equivalent to Atiratra Yagn

During Summers (Greeshm) Equivalent to Ashwamedh Yagn