The System of Divine Service
Ārādhanā Kramam (Sanskrit: ārādhanā = worship + krama = order/system; 'the ordered system of worship') refers to the complete prescribed sequence and method of worship — encompassing both the daily home worship (gṛhārādhanam) and temple service (deva kaiṅkarya). It is the practical embodiment of the thiruvarādhanam tradition in a systematic, transferable form.
Structure
The ārādhanā krama is transmitted from Ācārya to disciple as part of pañca-saṃskāra initiation. It specifies:
- The sequence of the 16 upacāras (services)
- The specific mantras for each service
- The pure ingredients and vessels
- The timing of each service within the day
- The monthly and annual variations
Living Transmission
Each Ācārya lineage (sampradāya) has its own authorized ārādhanā kramam transmission. This is not merely procedural instruction but a living relationship — the disciple performs the ārādhanā krama daily as directed by their Ācārya, maintaining the thread of worship that connects back through the lineage to Nāthamunigaḷ and ultimately to the Āzhvārs themselves.