Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 7
Arcana-vidhi: The Method of Deity Worship
Vedic, Tantric, and Mixed
वैदिकस्तान्त्रिको मिश्र इति मे त्रिविधो मख: । त्रयाणामीप्सितेनैव विधिना मां समर्चरेत् ॥ ७ ॥
vaidikas tāntriko miśra iti me tri-vidho makhaḥ trayāṇām īpsitenaiva vidhinā māṁ samarcaret
Es gibt drei Arten des Opfers (yajña), durch die Ich Verehrung empfange: vedisch, tantrisch oder gemischt. Man soll Mich sorgfältig verehren, indem man eines dieser drei Verfahren nach Wunsch wählt.
Vaidika refers to sacrifice performed with mantras from the four Vedas and auxiliary Vedic literature. Tāntrika refers to such literatures as the Pañcarātra and the Gautamīya-tantra. And “mixed” indicates utilization of both literatures. It should be remembered that superficial imitation of elaborate Vedic sacrifices will not bring one the actual perfection of life. One must perform sacrifice according to the prescription of the Supreme Lord, who recommends for this age the chanting of His holy names: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.
FAQs
In 11.27.7, Krishna states that worship of Him is threefold—Vedic, Tantric, and mixed—and a devotee may worship by any of these, provided it is done properly according to the chosen method.
In the Uddhava-gītā section (Canto 11), Krishna teaches Uddhava practical devotional disciplines; here He clarifies that devotion can be expressed through authorized Vedic, Tantric, or combined procedures of arcana.
Choose an authentic, guided devotional practice—such as deity worship, mantra, and daily offerings—within a recognized tradition, and follow it consistently and correctly rather than mixing methods carelessly.