initiation into holy mantras

initiation into holy mantras

In the standard texts a very rigorous practice is prescribed for a disciple to get initiated into a mahamantra.. Serving the Guru for long periods, worship of certain deities, physical and mental exercises like Pranayama, frequent baths and many other very tough practices are prescribed.. 

But in a text Updeshasudhaatantram the following rule is mentioned 

चन्द्रसूर्यग्रहे चैव सिद्धक्षेत्रे शिवालये 

मन्त्रमात्रप्रकथनमुपदेशः स उच्यते॥

उपदेशसुधातन्त्रे

candrasūryagrahe caiva siddhakṣetre śivālaye 

mantramātraprakathanamupadeśaḥ sa ucyate||

upadeśasudhātantre

During the periods of eclipses of the Moon or the Sun

While stationed at the Lands of Gods and Sidhas.. like Himalyas, and some holy lands like Badari ete

or 

While worshipping the Lord in the Temple of Lord Siva 

Even a chance hearing of a holy name of the divinity or a mantra is considered as having gained initiation into that mantra..

Views can differ on this, but the sacredness of the muhurtams mentioned are never in doubt..

( It may be noted that there are Shiva temples where pooja and dhaara are performed during the eclipses.. although most of the temples are supposed to be closed during that period)