Vidhi — Scriptural Injunction
Vidhi (Sanskrit: vi + dhā = to place, with prefix; 'that which is laid down/prescribed') refers to the positive injunctions or commands of śāstra — the 'do this' prescriptions that define obligatory (nitya) and occasional (naimittika) duties.
Vidhi and Niṣedha — The Twin Pillars of Dharma: Śāstric regulation operates through two complementary commands:
- Vidhi — positive prescriptions ('perform sandhyā vandanam'; 'honour one's Āchārya'; 'perform ahnikam')
- Niṣedha — prohibitions ('do not eat forbidden food'; 'do not associate with pashaṇḍīs')
Together, vidhi and niṣedha define the vihita mārgam (prescribed path) — the conduct appropriate to a Śrī Vaiṣṇava.
Categories of Vidhi:
- Nitya vidhi — daily obligations (sandhyā vandanam, thiruvārādhanam) — failure brings prāyaschitta (expiation)
- Naimittika vidhi — occasion-based obligations (Ekādaśī fast, utsava participation)
- Kāmya vidhi — optional observances for specific fruits
The Prapanna and Vidhi: A prapanna (one who has performed prapatti) continues to observe vidhis — not because the vidhis earn liberation (which is already secured by Bhagavān's grace) but as kaiṅkaryam — because 'Bhagavān desires that His servants live an ordered, dharmic life.' Discontinuing vidhi after prapatti is a misunderstanding — the spirit of vidhi is love, not compulsion.
The Virodhi Parihāraṅgaḷ and Vidhi: Pillai Lokāchārya identifies neglect of vidhi and violation of niṣedha as two significant obstacles (virodhi) on the path — because they introduce disorder into the devotee's life and create guilt and distraction.