Festivals Puja

Maha Shivratri Puja is performed for one of the most ardently revered and a supreme Hindu deity – Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, as a part of the Holy Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, plays a role of a transformer, to keep the universal life in balance. Mahashivratri is celebrated as a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, who exemplifies perfection, balance, yoga, meditation and spiritual growth. As per Vedic Purana, Brahmins worship him for knowledge and moksha; Kshatriyas for honour and bravery; Vaishyas or traders worship him for prosperity; and Shudras worshipped him for a better fulfilled life. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri bestows all of the above and free our souls from the miseries of the world.

Shiv Puja finds its mention in the oldest sacred Hindu texts and Vedas. One of the major text that describes its origin and rituals is Shiv Purana. Lord Shiva as a part of the holy trinity plays an important role to balance the life in cosmos. He is also known as a foremost Yogic guru who showed the path to yogic life, meditation and spiritual awakening.

Since ancient times, people have believed that everything in the Universe has been created out of these five elements – Earth, Water, Sky, Wind and Fire. Fire is considered as an element for purification. Hence, most Hindu rituals are considered incomplete without fire. It could be something as simple as lighting an incense stick or a diya or it could be something as major as doing a Havan.

Laxmi Puja is the Aaradhana of Goddess Maha Laxmi. Devi Laxmi gets her name from the Sanskrit word Lakshya which means ‘goal’. She is the Goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity, on a material as well as a spiritual level. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu and one of the three Tridevis along with Devi Saraswati and Devi Gauri. She is also referred to as Adi Parashakti or Param Prakruti.

Goddess Saraswati is known as the symbol of education, art, culture and music. She is known to be the archive of knowledge. Human beings are bestowed with speech, wisdom and learning by her. Vasant Panchami, also called Basant Panchami in India is celebrated as the festival of Goddess Saraswati. Vasant Panchami is celebrated on the 5th day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magha (January-February). It is also considered as the first day of spring. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on Vasant Panchami. As per Hindu scriptures, Basant Panchami is believed to be the birthday day of Goddess Saraswati. Part of the trinity of the Goddesses in Hinduism i.e. Laxmi, Parvati and Saraswati; Goddess Saraswati is also addressed as Goddess Savitri or Goddess Gayatri. It’s considered extremely sacred and godly to perform Saraswati Puja on the day of Vasant Panchami.

Ram Navami is celebrated with great pomp as the birthday of Lord Rama by the Hindus. Known as the man of the highest ideals, he is also called Maryada Purushottam Ram. He sets the best example of an ideal son, brother and husband. The Navami tithi during the Chaitra month is celebrated as Lord Ram’s birthday. During Ram Navami Puja important Hindu texts are read, hymns praising Rama are chanted, and Holy songs are sung in His praise.

Navchandi Yagna Puja translates to performing a holy sacrificial puja to worship nine manifestations of energies that pervades the universe – Maa Chandi who is also known as Durga. Navchandi Yagna and Paath involves elaborate rituals that are undertaken to seek blessings from all the nine forms of Maa Durga to fulfill our wishes for a healthy, better and a prosperous life.

Sat Chandi Paath Puja Yagya is undertaken in order to please the Divine Mother. She is the sole truth; the mother of the entire universe; protector of mankind and possessor of all power. Chandi Paath is one of the most powerful Hindu texts that is chanted to seek good health and prosperity. The mantras from this text are read out while performing the Chandi Havan. It is also known as Durga Saptashati.

Rudra is one of the many names of Lord Shiva. Performing a Puja for the Rudra avatar of Lord Shiv with all proper rites and rituals is known as Rudrabhishek Puja. It is one of the most ancient practices followed by Hindus worldwide. This Puja is aimed to appease the Rudra form of Shiva so as to attain inner peace and fulfillment.