Sankalpa – To Resolve
Sankalpa is generally just a resolve. But a Sankalpa made in the manner of a solemn pledge with due Shastra ordered process becomes the real Sankalpa. In spirit one’s honour is mortgaged. By fulfilling the Sankalpa one redeems his honour.
Sankalpa involves place, time, creed, wish, the deity in whose name the Sankalpa is to be made, duty, nature of deed, tine limit, the contributory sub deeds, obeisance to Lord Ganesha and pious words which means that lowly guttural words, expressions, double ententers are consciously avoided.
At the beginning of a religious ceremony the priest asks the person to make a firm resolve (Sankalpa) to achieve the purpose of the ceremony. It is customary to take a little water in one’s hand and make resolve. The water indicates that God Varun resides there and seeks his blessings.
Devotion, self-confidence and concentration in conducting a religious ceremony emerge from the strength one gains from making a firm resolve. Even when giving charity or conducting a Yagya, one must first resolve for its success.
In the Manusmriti, 2/3, it is said:
“A desire is the basis of a personal resolution. A yagya can be conducted only by a firm resolution (Sankalpa). A fast, yagya or other religious ceremonies are based upon a resolve.”
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