ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ

“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”

In Hinduism, one of the essential constituents of religious rites is Yajna (यज्ञ).

Yajna, a fire ritual is an act of gratitude to divine and to seek his blessings.

Yajna brings material, environmental, psychological and spiritual benefits.

Yajna can be performed with a specific desire in mind (sakama yajna), or without any desire, for the benefit of humanity in general (nishkama yajna).

Yajna is larger public fire rituals.

Homa or Havana is private ritual around a symbolic fire, such as those observed at a wedding.

The primary constituents of a Yajña are the inspiration or urge of the doer (भावना), learning (स्वाध्याय), rites involved (कर्म), offerings (त्याग), deity (देवता) and the results (फल).

The process of Yajna is learnt from Vedas & Vedangas. Yajna involves three kinds of offering viz.

sacrifice (याग), donation (दान) and offering (होम).

The word Yajna is derived from “Yaj” of Sanskrit which means “to worship, adore, honour, revere”.

The Yajna has its roots in Rigveda, Yayurveda, and Karma Mimansa.

Kalpa Sūtrās deal with the rules, regulations and austerities of yajña, the geometry of altars, and the rites to be undertaken at each stage of life.

Shulba sutra describes the geometric ratios of Vedi altar, with mathematical precision and geometric theorems.

According to Vedic scholars, the main kinds of yajnas are: paka yajna, havi yajna, (pancha) maha yajna, ati yajna and shiro yajna.

Each yajna offers a way to purify the senses, mind, mental archetypes, tattwas (elements), gunas or the entire ecological system.

Homas are performed in those designated places to the corresponding devatas, according to the rites of the respective Vedas.

Major Yajnas/yāgas are performed in premises meant for them, called yāga śālās.

The duration of Yajna depending on the type, may vary from a few hours to few months.

Depending on the periodicity, the rites (karma) are classified as Nitya karma (done regularly.

for e.g. nitya karma is Agni hotra – the homa done thrice a day); Naimittika karma (done on specific occasions.

For e.g. pitru tarpana) and Kāmya karma (done optionally with specific purpose e.g. soma yāga and vājapeya).

Yajnas are discussed in detail (benefits, constituents, processes, types and relevant Hindu scriptures) as under:-

Benefits of Yajnas
Yajna brings material, environmental, psychological and spiritual benefits such as:

Fulfilment of specific desires such as to gain wealth, power, prosperity, offspring, intelligence, rainfall, food grains etc.
Inspiration to follow the path of purity and righteousness
Purification of air benefits to large number of people
Welfare of living beings, in general. The mantra of oblation and many other mantras recited while offering oblations end with words “Idam Na Mama” i.e. it is not for me or belongs to me (alone) but is dedicated to God (for the benefit of all).
Yajna as Nishkaam karma, helps in getting rid of all pains and attaining liberation.

Constituents of Yajnas
The primary constituents of a Yajña are the inspiration or urge of the doer (bhāvana), learning (svādhyāya), rites involved (karma), offerings (tyāga), devata and the results (phala).

The various requirements for Yajna are as under:

Yāga Sāla or mandapa
A square fire alter called Vedi or havan kunda, is set up in a mandapa. Vedi is generally made of brick or stone or copper.
Sacred fire or Agni (one or three) is kindled in the centre during Yajna. Agni is of two types viz. Viharaṇīyā (those that can be moved) and Upastheya (those that are fixed/deposited at a place). Each of these two has eight sub-categories and are positioned in different places in the premises where sacrifice is performed.
Mantras are recited. Yajurveda is composed of Yajus or the mantras used for yajña.
Samidhaa (wood) and the Dravya (materials), ghee, milk, grains, rice, corn, blades of grass, milk, curd, materials from plants and trees etc. are offered as oblations (havi, sacrifice) into sacred fire.
The result (phala) of each rite creates visible or invisible effect which is called apurva. Visible (प्रत्यक्ष) and invisible (अलौकिक) gains are material or otherwise and begetting heaven or mukti respectively.
Participants of a Yāga

Process of Yajnas

The performance of sacrifice or prayoga, to perform yajña -There are different stages viz. cleaning the place and building the altar, acquiring of dravya, invitation of priest, altar is decorated, Agni invoked, homas (in the fire) and danas (alms etc) are done. The sacrifice concludes with cleaning up the place and taking the fruit of sacrifice.
Homas are performed in those designated places to the corresponding devatas, according to the rites of the respective Vedas.
Major yāgas are performed in premises meant for them, called yāga śālās. Yāga sāla follows a specific architecture/layout. It has four entrances, representing the four Vedas. These are decorated with the leaves of four kinds of trees, viz. Nyagrodha, Aswattha, Audumbara and Plaksha. In the four directions altars are built in shapes specified according to the Śrauta Śūtras. The eight Dikpālakas preside over the eight (four directions and four corners) positions of the yāga sāla.
Rites (Karma) – These are two types of rites in a sacrifice, principal (artha karma) and subsidiary (guna karma). In artha karma, the rite is primary and material is subsidiary to the rite. In guṇa karma, material is primary and rite secondary to it.

Artha Karma – These are three types.

Nitya karma, done regularly. For e.g. nitya karma is Agni hotra (the homa done thrice a day).
Naimittika karma, done on specific occasions. For e.g. pitru tarpana.
Kāmya karma, done optionally with specific purpose. E.g. soma yāga and vājapeya.

Guna Karma – These are four types:

utpatti (origination) – for instance creating fire for the sacrifice
āpti (obtaining/attaining) – for instance learning required to perform the rite.
vikṛti (modification) – for instance husking or cooking rice for sacrifice.
samskṛti (consecration/purification) – for instance purifying the material by sprinkling water and/or through mantra.
1. The owner or yajamani is the one who performs it. A dvija performs regular rites himself. However any major yāga requires the yajamāni to be accompanied by his consort, she should offer the fire (Āpastamba Sūtras). In case of a kāmya prayoga, a rtvija (priest) is involved. In major yāgas, there are at least four rtviks involved.

Vedic (Shrauta) yajnas are typically performed by four priests’ viz. the hotri (recites invocations drawn from Rigveda), the adhvaryu (incharge of physical details as given in Yajurveda), the udgatar (chant hymn from Samaveda) and the Brahmin (superintendent of the entire performance).

Oblations or homa are offered into the fire and it is said to carry those to the Devatas.

Each Devata is propitiated with a specific kind of food, cooked with specific ingredients to the like of the Devata.

The same is consecrated and consumed.

Rishis mandated that animals will not be offered in yajña.

Seers like Sankara advocated symbolic bali.

The offerings are of two types’ viz. para (pertaining to Devatas) and apara (pertaining to Pitris).

The presiding deities of these two kinds of offerings are Svāha and Swatha respectively.

Devata consume the havis offered in sacrifice and give result of sacrifice performed.

Types of yajnas
The Yajnas done at a household level are called gṛhya rites.

The ones performed at a collective level are called śrauta rites.

Kalpa Sutras mention 33 types of Yajnas.

Yajñas can also be classified based on periodicity.

Some Yajñas are performed every day.

Other yajñas are performed fortnightly, monthly, and yearly or even once in a life time.

Samskāra is a rite that involves mantra.

There are forty samskāras or rites performed in one’s lifetime by householder:

Paka Yajñas (seven Yajnas, daily) involve consecrating cooked items.
Soma Yajñas (seven Yajnas) involve the extraction, utility and consumption of Soma (in the general sense nectar, but extract of a particular tree specifically)
Havir Yajñas (seven Yajnas) involve offering havis (other than food).
Vedavratas (four) are done during Vedic education.
At different stages in life (garbhādhānā to vivāha, ten Yajnas)
Pancha mahā Yajñās (five Yajnas) include Brahma yajna, deva yajna, pitri yajna, manushya yajna and bhoota yajna. In Brahma yajna (occasionally) the body, wealth, mind and emotions are surrendered to the creator; in deva yajna (daily) offerings are made to various deities like Indra, Varuna, Shiva, Devi, etc.; in pitri yajna (daily) obeisance is paid to forefathers and superiors; in manushya (daily) yajna the essence is service to humanity (represented by service to guests); and bhoota yajna (daily) is appeasing lower species.

Rajasooya, ashvamedha and vajapeya yajnas constitute ati yajna. Such yajnas were performed on a large scale by kings and involve immense manpower and resources. In Rajasooya yajnas, complaints of people were attended and activities of royal officers were evaluated. Vajapeya yajna was essentially an assemblage of learned scholars, enlightened sages and spiritual mendicants to discuss various issues and to formulate policies as well as the means to implement them. Shiro yajna is also referred to as dharma yaga.
There were other yajnas such as Vishvadeva yajna in which the entire cosmos (vishva) is considered the divine manifestation and is worshipped as such. Purushamedha yajna was performed as self-sacrifice, gomedha yajna was performed for the welfare of cattle, and sarvamedha yajna involved sacrificing the interests of a smaller community for a broader and nobler cause.
Ashvamedha yajna: Only an undisputed sovereign was qualified to conduct an ashvamedha yajna.

The royal horse, signifying the power and sovereignty of the king, was sent to different kingdoms.

If the horse was captured, it was seen as a challenge for the king to prove his skills.

If the horse came back unopposed, it was a clear sign of the sovereignty of the monarch.

This enabled him to establish his empire on a firm basis.

Yajnas in Scriptures of Hinduism
Yajna find mention in sacred Hindu scriptures such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Srimad Bhagavatam and other Mahapuranas.

Pūrva Mīmāmsa or Karma Mimansa deals extensively the philosophy of yajña.

Some details are as under:

The Yajur Veda (3:63) describes yajna as the greatest benefactor of the human race, bestowing life, wealth, food, energy, prosperity and happiness.
In the Kathopanishad (chapter 1), Yama reveals Nachiketa about yajna that enables an aspirant to experience heavenly bliss and attain the highest goal in life.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna tells Arjuna that the results of yajna are equivalent to nectar, which when drunk by yogis elevates them to a state of perennial bliss. It is said that all actions, excluding yajna, are the cause of bondage and it is only through performance of yajna that one attains liberation from the bondage of karma (3:9). Yajna is also related to the act of creation by Brahma (3:10). The whole cosmos is created out of agni tattwa (the fire element), which is the greatest scientific application of yajna, establishing the fact that fire or light is the quintessence of creation.
The epic Mahabharata is replete with examples testifying that yajna was an indispensable activity for kings and emperors. Dushyanta, son of Bharata, completed 100 ashvamedha yajnas, Bhagiratha performed several more, and King Dilip completed 1000 such rituals of fire. King Yudhishthira too conducted an ashvamedha yajna.
In epic Ramayana & Ramacharitramanas, King Dasharatha performed a putreshti yajna on the advice of Sage Vashishtha, to beget progeny. As a result, he was blessed with four sons, the eldest being Rama. The demon king Ravana was a great scholar who accumulated power, wealth and prosperity through his expertise in the art of yajnas. After destroying Ravana and returning to Ayodhya, Rama performed rajasooya yajna.
In the Koorma Purana, the demon king Bali is seen worshipping Lord Vishnu through yajna. In the Narada Purana, there is a description of the ashvamedha yajna performed by King Bahu. In the Bhavishya Purana, Rishi Chyavana appeased the Ashvini Kumaras.

Pooja/Homam/Hawan/Yagya/Yagna

A pooja is a ritual of worship and adoration to the GOD in the tradition of Vedic (Hindu) religion.

Hinduism refers to Sanatana or Vaidika Dharma which means eternal principles of life as per the Vedas.

One GOD as per the Vedas is the One Supreme Being (Bramhan) ultimately responsible for Generation, Operation and Dissolution of everything.

Freedom (Moksha) from bondage and desires is the ultimate aim of Sanatana Dharma.

The three paths which are needed to get integrated with Vedic Hindu spiritual approach are devotion, knowledge and action.

A pooja even in its simple form is a synthesis of these three paths.

A pooja is based on devoted and knowledgeable actions.
A pooja also connects all the senses dealing with sound, touch, sight, taste and smell to sacredness through components such as sculpture or pictures of Gods, chants, prayers, bhajans, flowers, fruits, incense, milk, water etc.

A pooja provides a spiritual experience not only to the performer but also to the participants.

A pooja also can be seen as a loving act of treating an invited guest to one’s home.

As one treats his guest with respect and love by various offerings, similar offerings are made to God during pooja.

A pooja has two main parts namely internal (mental) and external (ritualistic).

The internal (mental) worship is very important after which one begins to perform the external part.

In the external worship the various offerings can be classified into several offerings to God, namely,

1) Invoking God into altar through sculpture or picture,

2) A seat,

3) Washing feet,

4) Washing hands,

5) Water for sipping (Achamanam),

6) Sacred bath,

7) Sacred cloth,

8) Sacred thread,

9) Sandal paste,

10) Flowers,

11) Incense sticks,

12) Waving of oil lamp,

13) Food,

14) Betel leaves and coconut,

15) Waving of camphor light,

16) Clockwise circumambulation and Prostration.

Each of the above is offered with mantras and prayers in Sanskrit.

Also, sounds of bell and conch are used during the pooja.

A specific manifestation of the Supreme Being is chosen for the pooja depending on the wish of the congregation or family.

Usually a Hindu family maintains an altar or pooja room inside the home as sacred space for performing pooja.

In Hindu temples, priests perform poojas.

A pooja at home or temple is a synthesis of devotion, knowledge and action that provides spiritual tranquility by connecting to Omnipresent God.

In the words of our guru, “the worship of deities and rituals in a home or a temple should be carried out with child-like loving mind by the devotees as little children play with joy using their toys as medium”.

Also, In Bhagavadgita (9-26) Lord Krishna says that “I will accept from them even a leaf or a flower or a fruit or water, when it is offered with love, devotion and purity of heart”.

Homam, Havis, Yajna and Yaga are closely related terms dealing with a sacrificial/sacred act with offering to Gods through the medium of fire (Agni).

adiyEn will comment for the record on their individual connotations and

provide additional details on these terms and their Vedic Significance.
YAJNA in its broad sense has been defined as a sacrificial rite or spiritual offering made generally in fire.

In Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavan declares that he is of the Japa Yajna among the various Yajnas.

Here reference is to the Mantra Japam of one’s Ishta Devata or Upasana Murthy or the Sacred Upadesha Maha mantra.

HOMAM is generally a small scale “Yaga” and is performed at home as opposed to Yagas, which take place in a public place with attendance of a large group of people.

Examples of such Homams are the Purusha Sukta Homam and Ganapati Homam.

Agni is involved and sacrificial offerings are made to propitiate Gods or the Sacred passages associated with the Vedas or Bhagavan.

Importance of Pooja and Homam Based on Kerala Tradition

Kerala tradition had unique system of pooja and Homam.

Its combination of Parasuramakalpa Sutram, Tantra Samuchayam and Padhati by Adi Shankaracharya.

Veda and Tantra are combined in Kerala Puja Paddhati known as Vaidikatantram.

The perfect combination of mantra, mudra and other rituals are speciality of this tradition.

Mantrikam is a unique remedial healing system in kerala tradition.

Mantrikam is combination of psychology, ayurveda,

tantra mantra and yantra.

Purpose of Mantrikam, known as Shadkarma, which is Protection (raksha),

Realisation and achievement of aim(karyasadhyam),

Destruction (nigraham), Recovery from illness (rogashamanam),

Stoppage of certain activity(sthambhanam),

Acquirement of something (aakarshanam),

get avoiding something (vidveshanam),

Driving away of evil forces (uchadanam),

get the admiration, attraction, respect, approval etc.

of some person(vashyam).

Nigraham, Sthambhanam and Vidveshanam are of course negative ends so a noble thantrik practitioner do not involve such remedies, but they can do destruction for evil forces.

Yagya or Havan Puja

WHAT WE OFFER IN :

Yagya or Havan

Yagya or Havan or Homam is a ritual of purification in the Indian Hindu tradition.

The process of worshiping God through fire in the Kund is called Yagya.

Havi, Havya, or Havishya are the things that are sacrificed in the fire (which are put in the fire).

After lighting the fire in the havan kund, fruits, honey, ghee, wood, etc.

To reduce air pollution, learned people in India used to perform Yagya and then many types of diseases did not occur in our country.

Havan is also performed for good luck, health, and prosperity, etc. Fire multiplies the properties of any substance.

Just like if chili is put in the fire, then the effect of that chili increases and hurts many people, in the same way, when wood with medicinal properties and pure cow’s ghee is put in the fire, its effect increases and gives happiness to millions of people.

Puja Material available if requested.

Rasi & Nakshtra based Muhurat.

At your selected location.

As per your Time & Convenience.

All Vedic Standards and Procedures.

Certified and experienced priests.

Sankalpa + Puja + Jaap + Havan + Daan.

All Solution under one roof.

General Description

Havan or Homam is a Hindu ritual in which offerings of grains, ghee (purified butter), and other materials are made into a sacred fire.

This ritual is typically performed in order to appease certain deities or to help bring about a desired result or outcome.

It is a very important ritual in Hinduism and is often performed during major ceremonies or festivals.

The havan is considered to be a purifying and transformative rite that helps to bring about spiritual growth and enlightenment.

The origins of havan or Homam or Yagya are mentioned in many of the ancient Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas, which are some of the oldest texts in Hinduism.

The practice of havan is also a central part of many Hindu rituals and ceremonies, and it is an important part of Hindu tradition and culture.

There are many more reasons why people perform havan :

To seek blessings and guidance from the deities: Hindus believe that the deities are present in the sacred fire, and by offering oblations to the fire, they can communicate with the deities and seek their blessings and guidance.
To bring about a desired result: Havan is often performed with a specific intention or desire in mind. For example, it may be performed to bring about prosperity, health, or success.
As a form of devotion: Performing havan is a way for Hindus to express their devotion to the deities and to show their gratitude for all that they have received.
To purify and transform: Hindus believe that havan purifies the mind, body, and spirit, and helps to bring about positive transformation in the individual’s life.
To mark important occasions: Havan is often performed during major ceremonies and festivals, such as weddings, to mark the occasion and seek the blessings of the deities.
Whatever is put in the fire, it does not keep it to itself, but makes it subtle and distributes it to the air, to the gods. The things that we get from God, from the world, accept them only in that quantity, as much as the fire of life gets fuel. Don’t be greedy for possession, accumulation, or ownership of the remaining, keep offering it only for the public interest.
According to Hindu beliefs, Havan is a smaller form of Yagya. The oblation offered in the fire after worship is called Havan. On the other hand, if the sacrifice given to the deity for a specific purpose is called Yagya, it is said that it is very important to have the deity, offering, Veda Mantra, Ritvik, and Dakshina work in the Yagya. While the process of offering Havi (food) to the deity through fire in the Havan Kund is considered very important, in Hinduism, Havan is considered a ritual of purification. While Yagya is performed for a specific goal like the fulfillment of wishes and averting any major evil, we hope you have understood the difference between Yagya and Havan because performing Yagya and Havan have their own different methods and methods. There is a law rather it mostly depends on which deity is being worshiped and for which purpose Havan or Yagya is being performed.
Yagya Karma and Havan are ritualistic rituals inspired by the Vedic period, which are the gift of ancient sages to this country. It is a holistic worship method in itself, designed and developed for the appeasement of the superpowers, the creators of the physical world, and the operators of the world. . For ages, our country’s worship world, life behavior, and atmosphere have been fragrant with the rules and regulations of Yagya and later they became the inspiration for various worship systems, worship methods, spiritual events.
Yagya Karma is very finely designed, arranged with prescribed rules, procedures, mantras, and garlands, and is a disciplined worship-worship method that has a detailed and specific philosophy. Now Yagya Karma and Havan have been limited to big events due to various reasons such as it being lengthy and complex, lack of priests who know about the procedure and mantras, expenditure of material resources in rituals, etc. That’s why you can contact us to perform any kind of Yagya and Havan Pujan by complete Vedic methods…!!

Guided Havan

Havan, or Homa, is the process of offering in the sacred fire pouring into it oblations reciting Mantras from the Vedas.

The Sanskrit word homa (होम) is from the root hu, which refers to “pouring into the fire, offer, sacrifice” and the word yajna (Sanskrit: यज्ञ; yajña) means to worship and appears in Vedic text.

According to Hinduism, every matter is made up of five elements which are Earth(bhumi),

Water (jala),

Fire (agni),

Air (Vayu) and

Space (aakash).

In Havan, we use the thermal energy of fire and the sound energy of the mantras for therapeutic application which purifies the air and brings harmony in the environment.

The fire destroys the offering and has a purifying effect on the devotee and the environment.

The chanting of mantras and offering to fire create a revitalizing and rejuvenating effect for both the body and mind

Benefits of Havan

Havan Purifies the environment, creating a wholistic atmosphere.
Fire acts as a pesticide for the home remvoing bacteria.
Earth attracts minerals due to heat.
Mantras create positive sound energy.
Sunrise and sunset are the prescribed times for havan provide maximum healing to atmosphere and humans.
Carbon dioxide in small quantities gets mixed with aromatic vapors and act as a cerebral stimulant.
Yagna’s ash as an effective fertilizer.

Preparation

Items Needed:

Agni Kund
Havan Samagri, ghoogol, washed rice
Ghee
Lota
Water
Mango leaf or spoon
A flower

Set up:

Fill lota with water
Dip three pieces of wood in ghee
Combine havan samghri, rice, ghoogol and ghee (total should be not more than a handful)

Step 1: Pavitrataa (Purification)

While standing with a clean mango leaf or spoon in the right hand holding a lota of water in the left hand, dip into and sprinkle water as far as possible from where standing five time while reciting the mantra. This is meant to purify the area before prayer.

Aum Apavitrah Pavitro Vaa,
Sarva Avasthaam Gato Api Vaa,
Yah Smaret Pundareek-Aksham,
Sa Baa-Hyaa-Bhyah Antaram Shuchih.
Aum Shri Vishnu, Aum Shri Vishnu, Aum Shri Vishnuh.

Pavitrataa

Step 2: Namaskaar (Prostration to Mother Earth)

Stand before the altar and bow to the earth, touch the ground with your hands and bend your head to touch the ground three times while reciting the mantra.

This is to pay homage to Mother Earth that sustains us.

Aum Kshamas Va Me Pada Sparsham,
Kshamaa Shile Paraat Pare,
Raam Krishna Aadi Kaa Naam Tvam,
Maataa Prithivi Namastute.

Namaskaar

Step 3: Aasan Shuddhi (Prayer Seat Blessing)

Stand before the altar and hold a clean mango leaf in hand and invoke the blessings of God by chanting the mantra.

Place the leaf under the toes and take a seat creating a sanctified seat to conduct puja.

Aum Aasan Mantrasya Meru Prishta,
Rishi Sutalam Chhandah Kurmo Devataa,
Aasanam Upaveshane Viniyogah,
Prithivi Tvayaa Dhritaa Lokaa,
Devi Tvam Vishnu Naa Dhritaa,
Tvam Cha Dhaaraya Maam Nityam,
Pavitram Kuru Cha Aasanam.

Aasan Shuddhi

Step 4: Aumkaar Dhyaan (Meditation)

Take another flower and clasp in in your hands and again focus on god as the source of all things in the universe, aligning yourself with the universe.

Aum Kaaram Nigam Aika Vedyaman Isham Vedanta Tattva Vaas Padam. Chowt Patti Sthiti Naasha Hetum Amalam, Vishva Aatmakam. Vishva Traana Paraayanam Sruti Shatais, Sam Prochya Maanam Vibhum.

Satya Gyaanam Ananta Moortim Amalam, Shuddha Aatmakam Tam Bhaje.

Aum Kaar Dhyaan

Step 5: Praarthanaa (Prayer)

Take a flower in hand and clasping your hands together recite the mantra and offer at the end.

Oh god protect and nourish us together and grace us to get the capacity of knowledge.

Please let love and peace be with us.

Aum Saha Naav Avatu, Saha Nau Bhunaktu, Saha Veerya Kara-Vaa-Va-Hai, Tejasvi Naav Adheetam Astu, Maa Vid-Vish-Aava-Hai, Aum Shaantih, Shaantih, Shaantih, Hari Aum. Aum Namo Param-Aa Tmane Namah.

Praarthanaa

Step 6: Aachman (Cleansing)

Take the mango leaf from the lota of water with your left hand and pour a few drops of water into your right palm.

Recite mantra three times and sip when “Swaha” is recited.

Throw the remainder of water in your palm aside.

Aum Amrit Opas Taranma Asi Swaahaa. Aum Amrit Api Daanam Asi Swaahaa.

Aum Satyam Yasha Shri, Mayi Shrih, Srayataam Swaahaa.

Aachman

Step 7: Indriya Sparsha (Purification of Organs)

Take the mango leaf with your right hand from the lota of water and place a few drops of water in the palm of your left hand.

Place the mango leaf back into the lota and take the ring figer of your right hand and dip it into the water touching the various parts of your body purifying it with the recitation of each mantra., Oh almighty God, purify and strengthen my words, nose and eyes, my ears, arms and knees, and even my entire body with health and strength.

Aum Vaangme Asye Astu (Mouth),

Aum Nasorme Praano Astu (Nose),

Aum Kshanorme Chaksur Astu (Eyes),

Aum Karanyorme Shrotam Astu (Ears),

Aum Baahavorme Balam Astu (Arms),

Aum Urvome Ojo Astu (Knees),

Aum Arishtaani Me Angaanee, Tanus Tanvaa Me Saha Santu (Entire Body)

Indriya Sparsha

Step 8: Agnya Daan (Fire Offering)

Stack wood/sticks in the Agni/Havan Kund.

Take a clean spoon in your right hand and place a camphor in it.

Ignite the camphor while chanting the mantra and place it in the Kund on the stacked wood. This step offers Agni Dev a seat and welcomes him ., Oh Universal Lord, the ruler of the physical, astral and celestial plane.

In the name of Havan Yagna I ignite this fire upon this altar of sacrifice, so that we may be blessedwith food in abundance.

Aum Bhur Bhuvah Svah.

Om bhoor bhuwah swar dyau-riva bhoomnaa
prithi-veeva varimaa.
Tasyaas-te prithivi deva-yajani!
Prish-the’gni mannaa da-mannaa dyaayaa dadhe.

Agnya Daan

Step 9: Fanning the Flames

Fan the flames in the four directions, North, South, East and West to let it raise.

Om ud-budhyas-waagne prati-jaagrihi
twam ishtaa poorte sam-srije-thaam ayan cha.
Asmiint sa-dhasthe adhyut-tarasmin
vishwe devaa yaja-maanash cha seedata.

Fanning the Flames

Step 10: Prajvalit (Nourishing the Flame)

Samid Aadhaana (1)

Dip three pieces of wood/sticks in the ghee.

Recite the mantra and offer one.

It is said that the three pieces of wood is us offering our thoughts, words and deeds into the Agni.

Om ayanta idhama aatamaa
jaata-vedas tene-dhyaswa ched-dha
vardhaya chaas-maan praja-yaa
pashu-bhir brahma-varchase naan-naa-dyena
samedhaya swaaha.
Idam agnaye, jaate vedase, idanna mama.

Samid Aadhaana (1)

Step 10 … Continued: Prajvalit (Nourishing the Flame)

Samid Aadhaana (2)

Recite the mantra and offer the second piece of wood into the fire.

It is said that the three pieces of wood is us offering our thoughts, words and deeds into the Agni.

Om samidhaagnim duwasyata
ghritair bodhaya taa-ti-thim.
Aasmin havyaa juho-tana swaaha.
Idam agnaye, idanna mama.

Om su-samid-dhaaya sho-chi-she
ghritam teevram juhotana
Agnaye jaata-vedase swaahaa.
Idam agnaye, jaata-vedase, idanna mama.

Samid Aadhaana (2)

Step 10 … Continued: Prajvalit (Nourishing the Flame)

Samid Aadhaana (3)

Recite the mantra and offer the third piece of wood into the fire.

It is said that the three pieces of wood is us offering our thoughts, words and deeds into the Agni.

Om tan-twaa samid-bhir-angiro
gritena vadha-yaamasi
Brihach chho-chaa ya-vish-thya swaahaa.
Idam agnaye angirase, idanna mama.

Samid Aadhaana (3)

Step 11: Pancha Ghrit Aahuti (5 Ghee Offerings)

Offer five ghee oblations while chanting the mantra (mantra recited once).

Each time ghee is offered let the final drips of ghee drain into bowl or container with a little water in it of water.

The mixture of ghee and water will be used at the end of the havan.

Om ayanta idhama aatamaa jaata-vedas tene-dhyaswa ched-dha vardhaya chaas-maan praja-yaa pashu-bhir brahma-varchase naan-naa-dyena samedhaya swaaha.

Idam agnaye, jaate vedase, idanna mama.

Pancha Ghrit

Step 12: Jala Sinchana (Sanctifying the Four Directions)

Pour water in the eastern direction and pray that O God, whenever we venture in the eastern direction, may we be guided by you.

We pray the same as we pour in the other directions and when we encircle the kunda with the water we pray that O God, in which ever direction in this universe we go, bless us, guide us and lead us onto that path of righteousness so that we can attain Moksha from our difficulties and eternally.

Om adite ‘nu-man-yaswa.

Pour water to the East

Om anumate ‘nu-man-yaswa.

Pour water to the West.

Om Saraswat-yanu-man-yaswa.

Pour water to the North

Om deva savitah! prasuva yajyam prasuva yajya-patim bhagaaya. Divyo gandharwah keta-pooh ketan-nah punaatu vaachas-patir vaachan-nah swa-da-tu.

Encircle the kunda 3 times in clockwise direction ending in the southern direction

Jala Sinchana

Step 13: Four Ghee Oblations

Offer ghee into the fire as directed after each mantra.

Each time ghee is offered let the final drips of ghee drain into bowl or container with a little water in it of water.

The mixture of ghee and water will be used at the end of the havan.

Om agnaaye swaahaa.

Idam agnaye, idanna mama.

To the north edge of the fire

Om somaaya swaahaa. Idam somaaya, idanna mama.

To the south edge of the fire.

Om prajaa-pataye swaahaa Idam prajaa-pataye, idanna mama.

In the Center

Om indraaya swaahaa. Idam indraaya, idanna mama.

In the Center

Four Ghee Oblations

Step 14: Morning Ghee & Saamagree Oblations

Use these mantras only if doing havan more than once for the day and this one is being done in the morning period.

Offer oblation after “swaahaa”.

If doing only Havan once for the day, use “combined” mantras which is in the following section.

Om sooryo jyotir jyotih sooryah swaahaa.
Om sooryo varcho jyotir varchah swaahaa.
Om jyothih sooryah sooryo jyothih swaahaa.
Om sajoor devena savitraa sajoo-rusha-sendra-vatyaa. Jushaanah sooryo vetu swaahaa.

Morning Mantras

Step 14: Evening Ghee & Saamagree Oblations

Use these mantras only if doing havan more than once for the day and this one is being done in the evening period.

Offer oblation after “swaahaa”.

If doing only Havan once for the day, use “combined” mantras which is in the next section.

Om agnir jyotir jyotir agnih swaahaa.
Om agnir varcho jyotir varchaah swaahaa.
Om agnir jyotir jyotir agnih swaahaa. (Offer silently, recite mantra in your mind)
Om sajoor devena savitraa sajoo-raatryen-dra-vatyaa. Jushaanah agnir vetu swaahaa

Evening Mantras

Step 14: Combined Mantras Ghee & Saamagree Oblations

Use these mantras only if doing havan once for the day.

Offer oblation after “swaahaa”.

Om bhoo-rag-naye praanaaya swaahaa. Idam agnaye praanaaya, idanna mama.
Om bhuwar-waaya-ve ‘paanaa-ya swaahaa. Idam vaaya-ve ‘paanaa-ya, idanna mama.
Om swar-aadit-yaaya vyaanaa-ya swaahaa. Idam aadit-yaaya vyaanaa-ya, idanna mama.
Om bhoor bhuwah swaragni vaay-va-ditye-bhyah praana-paana vyaane-bhyah swaahaa. Idam agni vaay-vaa-ditye-bhyah praanaa-paana vyaane-bhyah, idanna mama.
Om aapo jyotee raso ‘mritam brahma bhoor bhuwah swar-om swaahaa.
Om yaam medhaam deva-ganaah pitarash cho-paa-sate. Tayaa maa-madya medhayaag-ne medhaa-vinam kuru swaahaa.
Om vishwaani deva savitar duritaani paraa-suva. Yad bhadram tan-na aasuva swaaha.
Om agne naya su-pathaa raaye asmaan vishwaani deva vayu-nani vidwaan. Yuyo-dyas-maj juhuraanam eno bhooyish-thaan te nama uktim vidhema swaahaa.

Morning & Evening

Step 15: Vyaahriti Aahuti

Offer ghee into the fire as directed after each mantra.

Each time ghee is offered let the final drips of ghee drain into bowl or container with a little water in it of water.

The mixture of ghee and water will be used at the end of the havan.

Om bhoor agnaye swaahaa. Idam agnaye, idanna mama.
Om bhuwar vaayave swaahaa. Idam vaaayave, idanna mama.
Om swar aadityaaya swaahaa. Idam aadityaaya, idanna mama.
Om bhoor bhuwah swaragni vaayvaa-dityebhyah swaahaa. Idam agni vaayvaa-dityebhyah, idanna mama.

Vyaahriti Aahuti

Step 16: Triveni Havan Mantras (Optional)

We at Triveni Mandir have used these Havan mantras for many years. Feel free to use them in your offerings.

Offer oblation after “swaahaa”.

Aum Shri Praja Patay Swaahaa
Aum Shri Agniyay Swaahaa
Aum Shri Prithveeyay Swaahaa
Aum Shri Gauriyaya Swaahaa
Aum Shri Ganapattiyay Swaahaa
Aum Suriyo Jyotir Jyotir Warcho Swaahaa
Aum Agni Jyotir Jyotir Warcho Swahaa
Aum Bhoorbhuvah Swah, Tatsavitur Varnagyam
Bhargo Devvasyaa Dhee Mahi Dhee Yo Yona
Praachodajaat Swaahaa (3)
Aum Shri Varun Aayay Swaahaa
Aum Shri Rudra Aayay Swaahaa
Aum Shri Marut Aayay Swaahaa
Aum Shri Vaayu Aayay Swaahaa
Aum Shri Lakshmi Maata Aayay Swaahaa
Aum Hring Shri Saraswati Aayay Swaahaa
Aum Shri Durga Maata Aayay Swahaa
Aum Namo Bhagwatay Vasusevaayaa Swaahaa
Aum Shri Brahmanay Swaahaa
Aum Shri Vishnuay Swaahaa
Aum Namah Shivaayaa Swaahaa
Aum Shri Hanumatayaa Swahaa
Aum Shri Ishtaa Devayay Swahaa
Aum Shri Kul-Dewataaay Swahaa
Aum Shri Suryaadi Naw Grahaa Devta Aayay Swaahaa
Aum Sarvay Deo Aayay Swaahaa
Aum Sarvay Devi Aayay Swaahaa
Aum Sarvay Pritri Swaahaa
Aum Sarvas Mai Sarva Beejaaya Sarva
Bhootaateanay Swaahaa
Aum Namo Narayan Aayay Swaahaa (3)
Aum Purna Medah, Purna Idam, Purnat Purna
Mu Dakshyatay, Purnasya Purnamaa Daayaa Purna Mewah Vashisht Ya Tay
Aum Purna Ahuti Guam Shanti Swaahaa.

Triveni Mantras

Step 17: Medicated Rub

Dip fingers into lota/container of water which has the water and ghee mixture.

Rub hands together hold out to the agni kund (flames) warming them while chanting the mantra.

Pass over your body.

Repeat the process three times.

Om Shanno Devirabhishtya Apo Bhavantu Pitaye
Shanyorabhi Sravantu Nah

(x3)

Medicated Rub

Step 18: Aarti

Om Jai Jagadish Hare Swami Jaya Jagadish Hare,
Bhakta janon ke sankat, Daasa janon ke sankata,
Kshana me duur kare, Om Jai Jagadish Hare

Jo dhyaave phala paave dhuhkha binase manakaa,
Sukha sampati ghara aave, Kashhta mite tan kaa,
Om Jai Jagadish Hare,

Maataa pitaa tuma mere Sharana gahun me kisakii
Tum bina aura na duujaa Aas karun mai kis ki
Om Jai Jagadish Hare,

Tum puurana Paramaatmaa Tum Antaryaami
Para brahma Parameshwara, Tuma sabke Swami
Om Jai Jagadish Hare

Tum karunaa ke saagar Tum paalan kartaa,
Mai sevak tuma swami Kripaa karo bhartaa
Om Jai Jagadish Hare

Tuma ho ek agochar Sab ke praana pati
Kisi vidhi milun dayamaya Tum ko mai kumati
Om Jai Jagadish Hare

Deena bandhu Dhuhkha harataa Tum rakshaka mere
Apane haatha uthao Apane charana badhaao Dwaar kharaa mai tere
Om Jai Jagadish Hare

Vishaya vikaar mithaao Paapa haro devaa
Shraddha bhakti badhaao Santana kii sevaa
Om Jai Jagadish Hare

Tana mana dhana saba tera, saba kucha hai teraa,
Teraa tujhko arpana Kyaa laage meraa
Om Jai Jagadish Hare,

Om Jai Jagadish Hare, Swami Jai Jagadish Hare
Bhakta janon ke sankat Kshan me door kare Om Jai Jagadish Hare

Aarti

Step 19: Closing Prayer

Recite closing prayer. Hands together, eyes closed, head bowed.

Closing Prayer

Step 20: Shaantih Paath

May peace radiate there in the whole sky as well as in the vast ethereal space everywhere.
May peace reign all over this earth, in water and in all herbs, trees and creepers.
May peace flow over the whole universe.

May peace be in the Supreme Being Brahman.

And may there always exist in all peace and peace alone.

Om dyauh shaanti-ranta-riksham shaantih prithivee shaanti-raapah shaanti rosha-dhayah shaantih.

Vanas-patayah shaantir vishwe devaah shaantir.

Brahma shaantih sarvam shaantih shaanti-reva shaantih saa maa shanti–redhi

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Shaantih Paath

Hindu Havan – An Ancient Fire Ritual

Hinduism has extremely precious rituals and vidhis associated with its existence.

Every ritual framed has highly advanced beneficiary methodologies associated.

Havan is seen to be the prime part of any major Puja.

The sacredness and purity which a Havan can create are much more than any other process.

A Homa or Havan is a sacred Hindu ritual in which offerings are made to the fire.

Fire is considered to be the main element of a Havan or Homa as well as belongs to the major five elements of existence.

The offerings made to the sacred fire, during a Havan, are said to purify the environment as well as the people around.

It is also believed to drive away all negative energies around.

This fire is supposedly the main link between cosmic consciousness and human consciousness.

The key to spiritual and material success

Havan is seen as one of the ten niyams/rules or positive virtues that are prescribed for a devotee, who wishes to come closer to the divine, one who wants to acquire Oneness with Him.

Havan is also one way of performing the Deva Yagnya, i.e. one of man’s five daily duties, as per the tenets of the Sanatan Dharma.

A Havan is, generally, performed with an aim to achieve spiritual as well as material success.

What is a Havan?

It is performed in a Havan Kund or fire pit which is made of bricks.

This fireplace is generally decorated with colorful flowers, leaves, beans, and grains.

The items used in performing Havan are a special mixture of medicinal herbs, roots, dry fruits, wood and ghee and are offered as an oblation into the Havan Kund fire.

This is accompanied by Sanskrit Mantras which are yet another powerful medium.

Types Of Havan Kunds

Havan – the ancient fire ritual

The most interesting fact about Havan Kunds is its different properties in different situations.

As per the Scriptures, the unique shape of the Havan Kunda looks into the controlled generation and multi-directional dissipation of energy.

It acts as a generator of essential and highly powerful energy fields and spreads them in its surrounding atmosphere.

Below mentioned are the shapes in which a Havan Kund can be made and their properties:-

Rectangular or Square – It is also called Chaturastra Kund for the accomplishment of all work & gaining Siddhis.

Triangular – It is also called Trikon Kund which look like bow & arrow and perfectly designed to win over enemies.

Circular – It is also called Vrut Yajna Kund and is designed for public welfare and peace.

Semi-Circle – It is also called Ardha Chandra Kund which is made to gain harmony, happiness, peace and resolve conflicts.

It is also for conferring peace in the family, both wife and husband have to offer oblation together.

Hexagonal

Yoni Kunda – designed for desire manifestation like getting a child and attracting love

Octagonal

Lotus-shaped – It is also known as the Padma Kund which denotes Lotus and the Yajna Kund is made in Flower shape which is primarily made to gain wealth.

Some old scriptures also mention its construction for safety against evil energies.

Star-shaped Yajna Kund – It is also called Pushtrkon Kund which is made for a win over the unseen and seen enemies.

The Yajna Kund with 6 angles is constructed for stopping death.

Types Of Havan performed

There are different types of Havan performed depending on the requirements.

Some depend on the region, some on the purpose and some on the situation.

We may have missed certain kinds of Havan so do comment below if you know any additional information.

We would be glad to accept that.

Havan – the ancient fire ritual

Lakshmi ganapathi havan

Rudra havan pooja

Navagraha havan

Nakshatra havan

Maha mrityunjaya havan

Sudarshan havan

Saraswati havan

Lakshmi Narasimha havan

Lakshmi Narayana Havan

Subrahmanya havan

Chandi havan

Mahalakshmi havan

Dhanvantari havan

Dakshinamurthy havan

Lalitha devi havan

Gayatri havan

Santana gopala havan

Samagri/ Materials Needed For A Havan

Havan – the ancient fire ritual Hawan Samagri ingredients are approximately of 70 types.

We have mentioned major of the samagris below.

Agar Wood Anwala Bach Baheda Bawachi Bay Leaves Cardamom Green Chharil Cloves Daru Haldi Deodar Dhawai Phool Dry Coconut or Sookha?

Nariyal Dry Eucalyptus leaves Guggal or Guggul Guruch Harr or Harad Howber Indra Jau Jara Kush Jata Masi?

or Balchhad Kamal Gatta Kapoor Kachari Nag Keshar Nagarmotha Nutmeg Red Sandal Wood Sandal Wood Sugandh Bala Sugandh Kokila Sugandh Mantri Tagar Wood Talish Patra Tej Bal Wood Tomad Bee Dry the leaves and roots in a shadowed open space till the entire moisture is removed.

Mix these together and grind the mixture.

Why should Havan be performed?

(Benefits) Havan – the ancient fire ritual In Saam Veda, about 114 Mantras speak about the importance of Havana.

Yajur Veda says that the Havana is the most important, necessary and useful deed.

The Vedas say that Yajna or Yagnya and Gayatri Mantra are the only ways of attaining Moksha or Salvation or Self-realization.

All four Vedas have innumerable mantras related to Yajna.

The word Yajna is derived from the root “Yaj”.

The word “Yaj” has three connotations as mentioned in the Yajur Veda mantra as “Yajudevapujasangatikaranadaaneyshu”.

Hindu Havan Benefits

Havan has many benefits; starting from our body, mind, soul to the environment.

It’s us who have left these traditions and super awesome solutions by ancestors, somewhere behind.

The benefits of Havan are mentioned below:-

Acts as a cleanser

We not only purify the air but also remove the impurities from our mind and body.

A source of bonding

This process also helps in maintaining the unity and harmony in the family and the community.

The evil destructor

By constantly looking at the Havan fire, and by chanting this divine mantra, all disturbing and wavering thoughts will be destroyed in the fire which will result in concentration and equanimity.

Acts as a disinfectant

Various gasses produced during Havana decompose the poisonous gasses liberating free oxygen and other useful products acting as disinfectants.

A scientist named Trelle of France did experiments on Havan.

He found that Havan is mainly performed by using mango tree.

When the wood is burnt then a gas, “formic aldehyde” comes out which destroys the harmful bacteria and makes the atmosphere purified.

Then only, the scientists made “formalin” from “formic aldehyde” gas.

He also did experiment on jaggery Gur and found that on burning the jaggery, jaggery also generates “formic aldehyde” gas.

A scientist named Tautilk came to know that if we stay in a Havan and its smoke for half an hour then the germs of typhoid are destroyed and all these matters are used in Havan.

Yajurveda says that four types of things mainly used to prepare offerings for a Havan-

Sweet Like honey, jaggery, raw sugar etc.,
Antibiotic herbs like gyol, etc.,
Nutrition like pure ghee, dry fruits etc.,
Fragrant materials like cardamom, dried petals flowers etc.

An energy booster

With the offerings into the fire and chanting of mantras, one’s chakras are re-energized, creating a rejuvenating and revitalizing effect for both the mind and body.

Ladder to success

One attains positive thoughts, actions, and words which pave way for one’s success.

Acts as a shield

Havan is said to dispel all negative energies and a protective shield is said to be built around the house where the ritual is performed, warding off any negative or evil energies.

It strengthens the mental abilities

Havan also induces peace, good health, prosperity and clarity of thought, with the increased power of discrimination and an improved usage of mental abilities.

The result, therefore, is the success in all one does.

When should havan be performed?

Ideally, Havan should be performed daily.

In every household, havan should be carried out the once per week at least in the presence of all members of the family.

Early hours of the morning are considered to be the most conducive for all religious activities as the air is charged with energy or praan at that time.

However, this practice may also be done at a time that is best suited for everyone.

No Havan is considered complete until some Donation/Daan is given.

Daan refers to acts of charity and benevolence, liberality, and gifts, financial and otherwise.

Conclusion

Today’s polluted environment is the biggest challenge being faced by the world.

It is threatening the very survival not only of the human race but the entire living world.

The western world has in recent times become truly concerned about our environment which has become increasingly polluted over the years.

Our Rishis and Maharishis have since the early Vedic Age advised us of the purification process involved in a Havan.

It follows that if more people perform Havan two times a day, it can arguably have a greater influence in purifying the environment. But, we have ignored it tillages.

If we pledge to follow the rules of Sanatana Dharma and perform our acts accordingly, I’m sure within no time, the world would be a much better place to reside in.

YAGNA/HAWAN

Pooja & Hawan

Pooja is the act of showing reverence to a god, a spirit, or another aspect of the divine through invocations, prayers, songs, and rituals. An essential part of Pooja for the Hindu devotee is making a spiritual connection with the divine.

Most often that contact is facilitated through an object: an element of nature, a sculpture, a vessel, a painting, or a print.

It is possible to reduce the suffering due to the unfavorable position of planets through sincere reliance on God, the One who controls the planets.

During Pooja an image or other symbol of the god serves as a means of gaining access to the divine.

This icon is not the deity itself; rather, it is believed to be filled with the deity’s cosmic energy.

It is a focal point for honoring and communicating with the god.

For the devout Hindu, the icon’s artistic merit is important, but is secondary to its spiritual content.

The objects are created as receptacles for spiritual energy that allow the devotee to experience direct communication with his or her gods.

There are several Poojas which people can do for specific events, such as the starting of a business, or the beginning of a journey.

The benefit of this type of Pooja is to remove obstacles.

The Poojas are performed on behalf of those who request them by us.

Benefits of a Pooja according to our sacred texts, Pooja –

• Disciplines the mind

• Energizes the deity and the worshiper

• Enables one to experience oneness with divinity as we unconsciously offer the self through our material offerings.

Pooja establishes a bridge between the worshiper (the lover) and the deity (the loved).

It facilitates flow of love-energy in both ways.

This energy not only sanctifies the self but also re-vitalizes the body’s resources, making one experience, what is called HOLY BLISS.

Thus both the worshiper and the worshiper benefit from Pooja.

How Pooja is Performed?

A worshipper is required to be pure of body and mind.

The Puranas lay more stress on the quality of devotion and good behavior than on rigid Pooja procedures.

Pooja originated as a substitute to homa and other Vedic sacrifices which women and Shudras could not perform and which required animal sacrifices.

Due to Dravidian(see Dasas), Buddhist and Jain influences that preached non-violence, the killing or sacrifice of animals was discontinued and with the development of iconography, idol worship and Pooja took the place of sacrifice.

It was also recognized that worship was essential for all, whatever the gender or caste (see Varna) and therefore Pooja was formalized as a universal option instead of the exclusive Hawan.

What is Hawan?

Hawans are Poojas performed for a particular deity by invoking Agni – the God of fire.

It is said that when Lord Brahma (the creator among the Trinity) created man, he also created “Hawan” for man’s livelihood and his attainment of spiritual desires.

The fundamental premise of Hawan is derived from the Vedams, although, according to “Purusha Sooktham“, it is the other way around – Vedams originated from Hawan! Anyhow, Vedams and Hawan are eternal truths having neither beginning nor end, and are “Apourusheyam” (divine, not the creation of humans).

Karmam (work or action) is an integral part of living.

Right and wrong Karmams can hardly be discerned by human intellect, and has to be guided by knowledge.

Vedams, indeed, contain the highest form of knowledge.

The singular goal of Vedam is to guide man through the correct path. And Hawan forms the essence of all the Karmams prescribed in the Vedams.

The goal of all Hawans is the prosperity of the people at large by energizing and protecting the environment.

The Sun is considered as the main source of energy supply, and fire is considered as a representation of the Sun’s energy.

According to the ancient texts on Hawan, any offer to Fire as a god, is actually an offer to Sun.

Any such offer is either to enrich energy in the environment or to destroy the undesirable elements in the environment, and thus, in both ways, environment is protected.

Attaching divine nature to such rituals (like Hawan) induced people to practice them.

Thus, the ancient texts proclaim that “Such Vaidika Karmams are result-oriented, and meant to lead to Sreyass or spiritual attainments”.

How Hawan is performed?

Each Hawan is performed strictly according to scriptures.

These are conducted by fully learned and experienced vedic scholars.

The ingredients recquired for these Hawans are different for each Hawans.

Each Hawan is performed after praying (Sankalpa) for the specific relief / benefit desired for each individual.

After each Hawan, pundits are fed with vedic prayers.

How to do Havan at Home

Yagya, Hawan, Homa, or Havan (Fire Ritual) is a sacred ritual performed in a temple or home to invoke the Divine by chanting mantras and paying an offering to the fire god Agni.

It’s an age-old Hindu ritual that creates a revitalizing, rejuvenating, and purifying effect on both the devotee who performs as well as on the environment.

Negative energies are dispelled and the protective shield is built around the house, this is even proved by science that havan kills the harmful bacteria from the surrounding.

One should do havan to purify the atmosphere, for that we need to pay an offering to the fire with something aromatic, sweet, curative, and nourishing.

According to the scientific approach burning Cow’s ghee kills disease-producing germs. Even the burning of sugar will purify the air and destroy the bacteria.

We must perform havan on a regular basis, but in the current modern lifestyle, it is very difficult for working people to find time for doing havan.

For such people, we are providing a shorter version of Havan that you can do easily at home yourself without a pandit.

Havan is said to remove Black Magic, Evil Forces, Obstacles, and negative vibration around a person or in a family at home or at workplaces which hinders progress and prosperity, Business Losses, distress, etc.

Havas is good for their Eco-friendly nature as the herbs and ghee used in the havan create gases that drive away from the pollution in the environment.

Things you will require to do hawan at home

Havan Samagri
Mauli (Red thread)
Kanku (Red puja powder)
Agarbati
Ghee
Coconut
Camphor
Matches
Wood (Havan wood)
Glass of water
Havan Kund (Huge bowl)
2 Spoons
Arati holder
Sesame seeds (til) – To be added to havan samigri
Mustard seeds – To be added to havan samigri
Oat (jaun) – To be added to havan samigri
Jaggery (Desi Khand) – To be added to havan samigri
Rice
Foodstuffs (fruits and sweets)
Flowers to offer to diety and place near havan kund
Prasad (Halwa) should be prepared to offer to the main deity worshiped

Havan should be done in sunlight, preferably between 7-9 AM, clean and mop the place where you intend to do havan (Centre of your home is the best place).

After a bath, all family members should sit facing North or East, keep the havan kund in front of you. Asan on which you sit should be four-time folded i.e Sukh Asan.

After you have comfortably sat close your eyes and recite Gayatri Mantra three times in your mind not loudly.

Place a Kalash, vessel filled with water in the right direction, it can be covered with coconut and mango leaves.
Put teeka (Kanku and rice) on Havan Kund and family members’ foreheads and tie Mauli on their wrist.
Offer your prayer to Lord Ganesh and start the havan ritual by arranging 3-4 pieces of wood in the Havan Kund.
Take water in your right hand by spoon and recite ‘OM AMRTIO UPASTRANMASI SWAHA’ and drink the water.

Again take water in your right hand recite ‘OM AMRITA APIDHANMASI SWAHA’ and drink it.
Again take water in your right hand and recite ‘OM SATYAM YASHAH SHRI MAYI SHRI SHRAYTAAM SWAHA’ and drink the water.
Now lastly take water in your hands and wash them while sitting.
Start the fire in the havan kund with the help of camphor. Chant Gayatri mantra and add word Swaha in the end and offer ghee with a spoon into havan kund and ask other family members to add a pinch of Havan samagri from right-hand finger avoid using forefinger.
You can do this 11, 21, 51, or 108 times as per your wish.
You can choose the mantras as per your wish. After chanting the Mantra, recite ‘Swaha’ and add some Ghee and Hawan Samagri.

Gayatri Mantra for successful completion of all tasks –

“Aum Bhur Bhuvah Swah, Tat Savitur Varenyam

Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat”

Finally, a coconut filled with ghee is offered and Hawan is concluded with Arati. Distribute the prasad among all the members.

What is Puja?

Traditional Step of the Vedic Ritual and How to Worship a Hindu Deity

Puja is worship.

The Sanskrit term puja is used in Hinduism to refer to the worship of a deity through observance of rituals including daily prayer offerings after a bath or as varied as the following:

Sandhyopasana: The meditation on God as the light of knowledge and wisdom at dawn and dusk
Aarti: Ritual of worship in which light or lamps are offered to the deities amid devotional songs and prayer chants.
Homa: The offering of oblations to the deity in a duly consecrated fire
Jagarana: Keeping vigil at night amidst much devotional singing as a part of spiritual discipline.
Upavasa: Ceremonial fasting.

All these rituals for puja are a means to achieve purity of mind and focusing on the divine, which Hindus believe, can be a fitting stepping stone to knowing the Supreme Being or Brahman.

Why You Need an Image or Idol for a Puja

For the puja, it is important for a devotee to set an idol or icon or a picture or even symbolic holy object, such as the shivalingam, salagrama, or yantra before them to help them contemplate and revere god through the image.

For most, it is difficult to concentrate and the mind keeps wavering, so the image can be considered as an actualized form of the ideal and this makes it easy to focus.

According to the concept of ‘Archavatara,’ if the puja is performed with utmost devotion, during puja god descends and it is the image that houses Almighty.

The Steps of Puja in the Vedic Tradition

Dipajvalana: Lighting the lamp and praying to it as the symbol of the deity and requesting it to burn steadily till the puja is over.
Guruvandana: Obeisance to one’s own guru or spiritual teacher.
Ganesha Vandana: Prayer to Lord Ganesha or Ganapati for the removal of obstacles to the puja.
Ghantanada: Ringing the bell with appropriate mantras to drive away the evil forces and welcome the gods. Ringing the bell is also necessary during ceremonial bath of the deity and offering incense etc.
Vedic Recitation: Reciting two Vedic mantras from Rig Veda 10.63.3 and 4.50.6 to steady the mind.
Mantapadhyana: Meditation on the miniature shrine structure, generally made of wood.
Asanamantra: Mantra for purification and steadiness of the seat of the deity.
Pranayama & Sankalpa: A short breathing exercise to purify your breath, settle and focus your mind.
Purification of Puja Water: Ceremonial purification of the water in the kalasa or water vessel, to make it fit for use in puja.
Purification of Puja Items: Filling up the sankha, conch, with that water and inviting its presiding deities such as Surya, Varuna, and Chandra, to reside in it in a subtle form and then sprinkling that water over all the articles of puja to consecrate them.
Sanctifying the Body: Nyasa with the Purusasukta (Rigveda 10.7.90) to invoke the presence of the deity into the image or idol and offering the upacharas.
Offering the Upacharas: There are a number of items to be offered and tasks to be performed before the Lord as an outpouring of love and devotion for god. These include a seat for the deity, water, flower, honey, cloth, incense, fruits, betel leaf, camphor, etc.

Note: The above method is as prescribed by Swami Harshananda of Ramakrishna Mission, Bangalore.

He recommends a simplified version, which is mentioned below.

Simple Steps of a Traditional Hindu Worship:

In the Panchayatana Puja, i.e., puja to the five deities – Shiva, Devi, Vishnu, Ganesha, and Surya, one’s own family deity should be kept in the center and the other four around it in the prescribed order.

Bathing: Pouring water for bathing the idol, is to be done with gosrnga or the horn of a cow, for the Shiva lingam; and with sankha or conch, for Vishnu or salagrama shila.
Clothing & Flower Decoration: While offering cloth in puja, different types of cloth are offered to different deities as is stated in scriptural injunctions. In the daily puja, flowers can be offered instead of cloth.
Incense & Lamp: Dhupa or incense is offered to the feet and deepa or light is held before the face of the deity. During arati, the deepa is waved in small arcs before the deity’s face and then before the whole image.
Circumbulation: Pradakshina is done three times, slowly in the clockwise direction, with hands in namaskara posture.
Prostration: Then is the shastangapranama or prostration. The devotee lies down straight with his face facing the floor and hands stretched in namaskara above his head in the direction of the deity.
Distribution of Prasada: Last step is the Tirtha and Prasada, partaking of the consecrated water and food offering of the puja by all who have been a part of the puja or witnessed it.

The Hindu scriptures consider these rituals as the kindergarten of faith.

When understood properly and performed meticulously, they lead to inner purity and concentration.

When this concentration deepens, these external rituals drop off by themselves and the devotee can perform internal worship or manasapuja.

Until then these rituals help a devotee on his path of worship.

HINDU PUJA: HOW HINDUS WORSHIP GOD

What is Puja?

Puja is the act of showing reverence to a god, a spirit, or another aspect of the divine through invocations, prayers, songs, and rituals.

An essential part of puja for the Hindu devotee is making a spiritual connection with the divine.

Most often that contact is facilitated through an object: an element of nature, a sculpture, a vessel, a painting, or a print.

A Brahmin priest along side Nataraja and Ganesha in the Sri Ekambaranathar Temple in Kanchipuram doling out blessings.

The temple is a pilgrimage temple for women who wish to have children.

It is supposedly the site of Shiva and Parvati’s wedding and is therefore renown for its fertility power.

During puja an image or other symbol of the god serves as a means of gaining access to the divine.

This icon is not the deity itself; rather, it is believed to be filled with the deity’s cosmic energy.

It is a focal point for honoring and communicating with the god.

For the devout Hindu, the icon’s artistic merit is important, but is secondary to its spiritual content.

The objects are created as receptacles for spiritual energy that allow the devotee to experience direct communication with his or her gods.

Where is puja held?

Hindus commonly conduct pujas in shrines in three different environments: in temples, in the home, and in outdoor public spaces.

It is equally common for any of the deities to be worshiped in any of these three types of shrines.

Hindus believe that if proper care is not taken of a temple’s images, the deity will abandon the temple.

Hence priests reside at the temple and take care of the gods’ needs.

Priests perform puja at sunrise, noon, sunset, and midnight.

For a layperson, however, visiting a temple every day or even regularly is not mandatory, and many devout Hindus worship at home.

The essential aspect of puja is not congregational worship but an individual’s offering to a deity.

Worship in the home usually takes place daily.

Puja in a Temple A Hindu temple is believed to be the earthly seat of a deity and the place where the deity waits for its devotees.

As such, temple structures are sacred spaces where gods partake of human offerings and in which the people can be with the gods. Many temples resemble palace architecture; this is not surprising, as deities are often considered kings.

Temples are normally dedicated to one primary god.

Often they are elaborately decorated on the outside with stone or plaster carvings depicting religious stories, and their decoration is specific to the deity being worshiped.

Mythological scenes are juxtaposed with scenes of everyday life and important political events, such as royal coronations, conquests, and celebrations, or with portraits of royal and secular patrons.

These divine images and mythological scenes on the outer walls of the temple help worshipers recall the sacred stories they have heard or read.

One should remove one’s shoes before entering a Hindu temple in order to pay appropriate respect to the deity within the temple.

The innermost sanctuary of the temple contains the principal image of the deity.

The character of each shrine is determined by the deity being worshiped.

Home worship The heart of every Hindu home is its shrine:

the sacred space set apart for honoring and worshiping the gods. While a particularly devout Hindu may visit a temple every day, others go there only to request a favor of the deity, to fulfill specific vows, or on festival days.

The pujas that take place in the household shrine are the foundation of all family actions and decisions.

Temple worship requires the intervention of a priest, but in the home the contact between devotee and deity is direct.

The size and decoration of a household shrine do not matter.

The shrine may be large and impressive, an entire room or a beautifully designed edifice, or it may be simply a tiny niche, or even just a row of religious prints pasted on a wall.

Although children grow up following family beliefs, they are encouraged as young adults to make their own choices of which gods or goddesses they find personally inspiring.

Consequently, household shrines contain images of deities that pertain to the belief systems of all a home’s inhabitants, and it is not uncommon to find several small individual shrines in one household.

Puja is usually performed by at least one member of the household every day.

Puja is a means of honoring the gods or goddesses, whose presence in the home is believed to protect the family and to engender good fortune.

The paraphernalia used include an incense burner and a tray with flowers, fruits, and food.

When do Hindus worship?

Hindu worship may take place whenever an individual wishes.

Worship is usually performed daily at each household shrine by one or more family members on behalf of the whole household.

Temple worship is often associated with a particular request being made of the deity, or it may follow the granting of that wish.

Festivals to each of the gods take place during the year, and a follower of a certain deity may choose to participate in the ceremonies associated with that deity either at home or in a temple.

A priest uses a fire to purify ash before dispersing the ash to devotees in front of the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram.

The ash is then spread on the forehead of the devotee.

How is puja celebrated?

Wherever puja is performed it includes three important components:

the seeing of the deity; puja, or worship, which includes offering flowers, fruits, and foods; and retrieving the blessed food and consuming it.

By performing these sacred acts the worshiper creates a relationship with the divine through his or her emotions and senses.

During a household puja, the head of the household chants prayers to the god or goddess.

The worshipers offer the deity a seat, wash its feet, and give it water.

An image may be symbolically bathed, clothed in new garments, and embellished with ornaments.

Perfumes and ointments may be applied, and flowers and garlands may be placed before it.

Incense is burned, and a lighted lamp is waved in front of the deity.

Foods such as cooked rice, fruit, butter, and sugar are offered.

Family members bow before the image, sip the water they have given the god, and receive a portion of cooked food.

The food and water are now considered to have been blessed by the deity for the devotees.

At the temple, where the gods are believed to dwell as royalty, puja is usually performed at sunrise, noon, sunset, and midnight.

Worshipers may also arrange for a puja to be done by a priest to mark a special event such as a birth or death or to ask for a particular favor.

Puja is a multi-sensory experience.

One observes the offering of the lighted lamps, touches the ritual objects and feet of the deity (where possible), hears the ringing of the bells and the sacred chants being recited, smells the incense, and tastes the blessed food offered at the end of the ritual.

How are sculptures incorporated into worship?

Hindu sacred sculptures are used to help devotees understand the incomprehensible divinity.

These images may be anthropomorphic-that is, having a human likeness-or they may be abstract.

Whether made of clay or of gold, all these sculptures are considered equally sacred.

Hindu images serve as visual metaphors to express the invisible divine reality.

Although many images of Hindu gods, goddesses, and saints are believed to be always filled with the spirit of the deity they represent, others are bathed and dressed to invite the deity or saint to enter the image temporarily.

The bronze sculpture below depicts the saint Sundara and his wife, Parvati, followers of the God Shiva.

On the right it is shown dressed as it would be when carried through the streets of a southern Indian city during a religious festival.

For most of the year, an image such as this is kept in its own shrine in a large temple.

Once a year during an elaborate puja, it is washed with sacred water, then with milk, yogurt, honey, sandalwood paste, and ashes before being dressed in ceremonial robes.

It is lavishly adorned with garlands of flowers and may also be decorated with jewelry.

Priests then invoke the spirit of the deity or saint depicted to enter the bronze.

For the duration of the ceremony the image is thought to contain the divine being’s presence.

In an elaborate procession many sacred images are paraded through the streets accompanied by thousands of devotees.

Hindus believe that even a glimpse of an image filled with the spirit of the god or saint facilitates a direct visual communication (darshan) with the deity, which will bring blessings to the worshiper.

Darshan is a reciprocal act between the worshiper and the deity. Not only does the devotee “see” the deity, but the deity is understood to “see” the worshiper.

For this reason, Hindu images often have strikingly large eyes to facilitate this exchange of glances between devotee and deity.

Sundara was an eighth-century follower of the god Shiva whose focused devotion and performance of countless miracles with Shiva’s aid were greatly responsible for the spread of the worship of Shiva in southern India.

His wife, Parvati, is honored for her steadfast loyalty to both her god and her husband.

A Nataraja Sculpture completely clothed in the finest silk and adorned with flowers in the Sri Ekambaranathar Temple in Kanchipuram.

Benefits of Everyday Pooja

What is Pooja?

Practicing Hindus believe in doing daily Pooja.

Pooja is nothing but ritual worship of the divine.

It can be done through prayers, invocations, songs, and rituals.

All these enable one to establish a spiritual connection with god.

There are many gods and goddesses – 33 crores, to be precise – in Hinduism.

People tend to worship only the deities who they feel directly influence their lives.

They choose to worship one or more of these deities and perform rituals that can enable them to connect with them.

By calling upon these gods, they hope to get their blessings for wish fulfillment and protection from dangers.

To do daily Pooja, one needs an image or other symbol of the god.

It can be an idol or a picture.

It represents the deity, and devotees believe that it contains the deity’s cosmic energy.

As the devotee’s prayers are directed at this icon, it becomes a focal point for communicating with the deity.

The objects serve as receptacles for the deity’s spiritual energy.

There are many kinds of Poojas that Hindus perform, like Shiva Pooja, Vishnu Pooja, Saraswati Pooja, Durga Pooja, Lakshmi Pooja, Vastu Pooja, etc.

The Vedas, Puranas, Itihasa, and Upanishads, and even the great epics, Mahabharata and the Ramayana, emphasize the importance of performing Pooja to please the gods.

Poojas are also performed during auspicious events like birthdays, marriages, and the launch of new business or professional ventures. One can perform them at temples, homes, temples, or other venues where the ceremony takes place.

However, there is no obligation to perform Poojas.

One can perform them on a daily basis, or one can offer prayers on certain special occasions.

When it comes to the Pooja rituals, there are differing methods or schools of thought.

There are Nigama rituals and Agama rituals.

The former includes fire or Agni without an image or idol, while the latter includes the idol or image.

During the Pooja, the devotee lights an oil or ghee lamp, chants Pooja Mantras, and sings Vedic hymns praising god.

Then the devotee offers Neivedya in the form of fruits and sweets to the deity.

After prayers, these become purified and are distributed as Prasadam (blessed or holy food) to all.

The Significance of Pooja

Pooja is a symbolic offering of one’s whole mind and body, which include one’s thoughts, actions, desires, and possessions.

This is done in the spirit of devotion and surrender.

The worshipper receives whatever comes in return as a gift from the deity.

Pooja may have originated from Tantric worship.

However, one can discern elements of both Vedic sacrifices and Tantric rituals.

An individual or a group of people can perform Poojas.

A priest can perform Pooja on behalf of the worshipper, too.

Major Poojas are usually performed by priests.

Today, Poojas have supplanted Vedic sacrifices like Homas and Yagnas as the major form of Hindu worship, as even lay people can practice it without the help of a priest.

It is a domestic sacrifice performed by householders as part of their daily devotional service.

In Vedic rituals, people invoke the gods to intercede in their favor for gaining wealth, progeny, good health, a life partner, jobs, success in education and court cases, and for protection from enemies and negative energies like the evil eye and black magic, etc.

There are also rituals for attaining union with the Supreme or Moksha (salvation).

The Vedic philosophy that underlies a ritual is to achieve

Dharma (religion),

Kama (sensual pleasures),

Artha (Economic prosperity), and

Moksha (liberation).

Poojas in Temples and Homes

Poojas can be conducted in temples, homes, and public spaces.

The Hindu belief is that if a temple’s idols are not cared for well, the deity will leave the temple.

For this reason, priests live within the temple premises and take care of the deities’ needs.

They conduct Poojas at sunrise, noon, sunset, and midnight.

Not everyone visits the temple daily; one can worship at home, too, if one has a Pooja room or area.

Rather than congregational worship, it is the individual’s offering to god that is the essential aspect of a Pooja.

Most people do daily Pooja at home.

The temple is the earthly abode or seat of a deity. Here, the deity receives and blesses devotees.

So, temples are sanctified places where gods accept human offerings and people can experience the presence of the divine.

The architecture of many temples is often grand, like palace architecture.

This is because the gods are regarded as royalty.

A temple is usually dedicated to one main deity.

Most Hindus have a Pooja room in their homes with idols of various deities.

They also go to temples to worship, mostly on special occasions like religious festivals.

It is commonly believed that praying in temples is more effective then praying at home.

Ritual Poojas should ideally be conducted by experienced Brahmins or priests who know Vedic rituals and Mantras.

A proper home or temple Pooja includes many steps.

First, the deity is invited to the devotee’s home as a guest, then the devotee honors the deity as an important guest.

The devotee also sings Stotras or Vedic hymns and offers food (Neivedya) to the deity.

Items needed for the Pooja are Kalash, coconut, vermilion (kumkum), water, flowers, chandan, and betel leaves.

Usually, there are 16 steps involved in a full Pooja.

Benefits of Pooja

Doing daily Pooja has many benefits.
It can ward off negative energies.

This can bring peace and prosperity.

During Pooja, people often chant ‘Gayatri Mantra’.

It is the mother of the Vedas and supposedly destroys all sins.

It can eliminate sorrows and facilitate spiritual development. Doing Pooja increases good thoughts, positivity, and spiritual vibrations.
To enhance the benefit of Pooja, one can do spiritual practice and vows.

Meditation, fasting, prayer, and chanting Mantras can purify us and help us to consume more spiritual energy released by the Pooja.

Rituals like Pooja inculcate good habits and bring order to life.

Do Pooja regularly, and you can develop a positive and powerful mindset.

Doing Pooja helps you to start your day on a note of positivity. It gives us the strength to deal with problems.
Poojas create a sense of harmony within us.

The Aartis and chanting induce calmness and peace.

It has a positive effect on the body, mind, and soul.

Pooja can help ward off evil eyes. When people buy something costly like a car or a house, they first do a Pooja to protect them from harm.
Poojas are done to cure or gain relief from diseases.

Worship acts like a placebo. Feeling the divine presence around us makes us stronger.

Roots and traditions are what keep us grounded.

It is why elders or parents conduct Poojas daily at home so that their children will observe and continue the rituals after they have gone. Forgetting God is the first step toward moral and material decay.

Pooja cleanses the home of evils.

Pooja vs Puja: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

When it comes to Hindu religious practices, the terms pooja and puja are often used interchangeably.

However, there is a subtle difference between the two that is worth exploring.

It is important to note that both pooja and puja are acceptable spellings of the same word.

The choice of spelling often depends on regional variations and personal preferences.

That being said, the word pooja is often used in North India, while puja is more commonly used in South India.

So, what do these words actually mean?

In essence, both pooja and puja refer to the act of worship or reverence towards a deity or sacred object.

However, pooja typically involves the use of flowers, fruits, and other offerings, while puja involves the use of fire, incense, and other elements.

Overall, whether you use the term pooja or puja, the important thing is to understand the significance behind the practice and to approach it with respect and devotion.

Define Pooja

Pooja, also spelled puja, is a Hindu ritual that involves offering prayers and worship to one or more deities.

It is a Sanskrit word that means “worship” or “homage.”

The pooja ceremony typically involves the use of various items, such as flowers, incense, lamps, and food offerings, which are presented to the deity or deities being worshipped.

The purpose of the pooja is to show reverence and devotion to the divine and seek blessings for oneself and others.

Define Puja

Puja is the same as pooja, a Hindu religious ritual that involves offering prayers and worship to one or more deities.

The difference in spelling is simply a matter of transliteration, as the Sanskrit word can be written in different ways depending on the system used.

The puja ceremony is an important part of Hindu culture and is performed on various occasions, such as festivals, weddings, and other special events.

It is believed that performing puja with devotion and sincerity can bring blessings and good fortune to the devotee.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using the words “pooja” and “puja” in a sentence, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between the two. Here’s a guide on how to use both words correctly:

How To Use “Pooja” In A Sentence

“Pooja” is a Hindi word that refers to a prayer ritual performed by Hindus.

Here are some examples of how to use “pooja” in a sentence:

My family and I performed the morning pooja at our local temple.
During Diwali, we decorate our home and perform a special pooja to honor the goddess Lakshmi.
Before starting a new business, it’s common for Hindus to perform a pooja to seek blessings from the gods.

As you can see, “pooja” is typically used to refer to a specific religious ceremony or ritual.

It’s important to use the word in the appropriate context to avoid any confusion or offense.

How To Use “Puja” In A Sentence

“Puja” is a Sanskrit word that also refers to a prayer ritual performed by Hindus.

However, it’s also used in other contexts and can have different meanings depending on the situation.

Here are some examples of how to use “puja” in a sentence:

I bought a new car and performed a puja to bless it and ensure safe travels.
During the puja ceremony, the priest chants mantras and offers flowers and sweets to the gods.
In some parts of India, it’s common to perform a puja for the harvest season to thank the gods for a bountiful crop.

As you can see, “puja” can be used in a variety of contexts beyond just religious ceremonies.

It can also be used to refer to a blessing or offering made to the gods.

In general, it’s important to understand the context in which the word is being used to ensure proper usage.

More Examples Of Pooja & Puja Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how the words “pooja” and “puja” are used in sentences.

Examples Of Using Pooja In A Sentence

My family and I perform pooja every morning.
During the pooja ceremony, we offer flowers and incense to the gods.
She decorated the pooja room with colorful lights and rangolis.
The pooja rituals are an integral part of Hindu culture.
He recited the mantras during the pooja with utmost devotion.
She wore a traditional saree for the pooja at the temple.
The priest chanted the pooja hymns while performing the aarti.
We invited our friends and family for the Diwali pooja at our home.
He donated generously during the pooja to help the needy.
The pooja pandal was beautifully decorated with flowers and lights.

Examples Of Using Puja In A Sentence

The puja ceremony was conducted by the head priest of the temple.
We performed the puja rituals to seek the blessings of the goddess.
She offered sweets and fruits during the puja at the ashram.
The puja items like camphor, coconut, and flowers were arranged in a plate.
The devotees sang bhajans during the puja at the community center.
The puja room was adorned with beautiful idols of gods and goddesses.
The priest explained the significance of each step during the puja ceremony.
He participated in the puja ceremony to honor his ancestors.
The puja vidhi was followed strictly as per the scriptures.
The puja offerings were distributed among the devotees as prasad.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to Hindu rituals and traditions, the terms “pooja” and “puja” are often used interchangeably.

However, it’s important to note that there are differences between the two and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Pooja And Puja Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “pooja” and “puja” interchangeably.

While both terms refer to Hindu rituals and worship, they have different origins and meanings. “Pooja” is a Sanskrit word that means “worship” or “prayer,” while “puja” is a Hindi word that is derived from the Sanskrit word “pooja.”

Another reason why using these terms interchangeably is incorrect is that they are associated with different regions of India.

“Pooja” is more commonly used in South India, while “puja” is used in North India. Therefore, using the wrong term can also indicate a lack of knowledge about the cultural differences within India.

Using Pooja Or Puja Incorrectly

Another mistake people make is using “pooja” or “puja” incorrectly in sentences.

For example, saying “I did a pooja for my friend’s wedding” is incorrect because “pooja” is a noun and cannot be used as a verb. The correct sentence would be “I performed a pooja for my friend’s wedding.”

Similarly, using “puja” as a verb is also incorrect.

For example, saying “I puja every morning” is incorrect because “puja” is a noun.

The correct sentence would be “I perform puja every morning.”

How To Avoid Making These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to understand the differences between “pooja” and “puja” and how they are used in sentences.

Here are some tips:

Learn the correct usage of “pooja” and “puja” in sentences and practice using them correctly.
Research the cultural differences between North and South India to understand the regional usage of these terms.
When in doubt, use the more generic term “worship” or “prayer” instead of “pooja” or “puja.”

By understanding the correct usage of “pooja” and “puja” and avoiding these common mistakes, you can show respect for Hindu culture and traditions while also communicating effectively with others.

Context Matters

When it comes to the choice between “pooja” and “puja,” context plays a crucial role.

The two terms are often used interchangeably, but there are certain situations where one may be more appropriate than the other.

Religious Context

In a religious context, both “pooja” and “puja” are acceptable terms to refer to a Hindu prayer ritual.

However, some communities or regions may have a preference for one over the other.

For example, in South India, “puja” is the more commonly used term, while in North India, “pooja” is preferred.

It is important to be aware of these regional differences to avoid any unintentional offense.

Cultural Context

Outside of a strictly religious context, the choice between “pooja” and “puja” may depend on the cultural setting.

For example, in a formal or academic setting, “puja” may be the more appropriate term to use.

On the other hand, in a more casual or colloquial setting, “pooja” may be more commonly used.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice between “pooja” and “puja” may come down to personal preference.

Some individuals may have grown up using one term over the other and feel more comfortable using it.

It is important to be respectful of others’ preferences and not correct them unnecessarily.

Pujas & Rituals

Puja (pooja) in Sanskrit means worship or reverence to God.

It is a form of worship involving physical as well as oral and mental activities.

It is a way to express one’s individual spirituality and gratitude to Isvara (God) and involves all five senses.

Traditionally, the puja is performed with five offerings to symbolize the five elements, and the elements represented are space, air, fire, water and earth.

The offerings are pushpa (flowers), dhupa (incense), deepa (light), naivedya (food) and gandha (sandalwood paste).

Puja is performed on many different occasions, but most practicing Hindus perform puja once or twice daily, and on special occasions. Except for special pujas, which are performed in temples and gatherings, pujas are performed at Hindu homes, at an altar.

Before the puja ceremony, the puja performer is required to maintain perfect physical and mental purity.

The puja can be in honor of a particular deity and the choice of deity would depend on the individual performing the puja.

During the puja, the performer is supposed to focus completely on God, by paying attention to the chosen deity.

It is an active way of worshipping, a path of worship appropriate for the active person (karma yogi) as well as the contemplative person (jnana yogi).

Most of the puja concerns inviting the deity into the house as a guest.

The following are commonly practiced steps of a puja:

S.NO SANSKRIT ENGLISH

1 Dhyaanam Meditation or Contemplation

2 Aawaahanam Invitation of the deity into the worshipper’s home

3 Aasanam Offering the deity a seat

4 Paadyam Offering of water to wash the feet

5 Arghyam Offering of water to wash the hands

6 Aachamaniyam Offering of drinking water

7 Snaanam Offering of bath

8 Prathishta Offering of a seat

9 Vasthram Offering of clothes

10 Gandham Offering of sandalwood

11 Akshatham Offering of rice

12 Pushpam Offering of flowers

13 Ashtothram Chanting of names of the deity

14 Dhupam Offering of incense

15 Deepam Offering of light

16 Naivedyam Offering of food

17 Namaskaram Salutations

A puja also always involves (and usually concludes with) arati, which is the circling of a lighted lamp in front of the deity’s statue.

This is customarily accompanied by chanting certain Vedic hymns.

Arati and deepam are a celebration of and prayer for light (symbolizing knowledge) over darkness (symbolizing ignorance).

Sound is an important aspect of a Hindu puja.

A conch shell is usually blown at various intervals during the puja, because of the purity and clarity of its sound.

The conch sound is believed to generate the clearest vibration.

A bell is also rung for the same reason.

These sounds are considered highly auspicious, and serve the purpose of shutting out external noise and concentrating the mind inwards

Water is also used in pujas and is held in a round, straight-necked vessel made of some kind of metal (preferably gold but often something less expensive).

The water cleanses the statue of the deity and is sprinkled on the heads of those who are praying.

The deity is also bathed with a mixture of milk, curds, ghee, honey and sugar.

Dhupam (incense) and gandham (sandalwood paste) both involve the sense of smell.

Incense, when lit, spreads all over the room, reminding the devotees that Ishvara is all-pervasive.

Sandalwood, which is very soft, releases a sweet smell when rubbed against a hard surface.

This symbolizes the ideal way of dealing with life’s difficulties: by maintaining one’s equanimity and cheerfulness and wishing ill upon none, even one’s enemies.

A performer of a puja will also burn camphor during the ritual. Camphor is used because it burns without leaving a residue, thus converting itself entirely into flame and light.

This symbolizes total destruction of ignorance and total identification with Ishvara.

Yagna is also an active form of worship, similar to puja but performed by a Hindu priest.

A ritual fire (agni) is the central element in a yagna, because it is vital to human civilization and because it is the easiest of the five traditionally-recognized elements (space, air, fire, water and earth) to be seen and perceived.

As such, it is used as a representation and visualization of that which cannot be seen or perceived.

Types of Worship

Within Hinduism, worship can include a wide range of practices and the boundaries between worship, service, glorification, etc.

are not always distinct.

Below we list ten principal acts of worship.

Of these, the first two are most important.

Keep in mind, though, that some traditions will differ.

The Arya Samaj (see The Reform Movements), for example, places havan at the top of their list).

Some of these practices are performed individually and some congregationally – and many can be both.

Additionally, all of them can be performed at home as well as in the temple.

Ten Types of Worship

Puja – ritual worship, especially of the deity
Arti – the greeting ceremony with lamps, etc.
Bhajan or Kirtan – hymns and chants (often during arti)
Darshan – taking audience of a deity or holy person
Prasad – offering and eating sacred food
Pravachan – talk or lecture on the scriptures
Havan – the sacred fire ceremony
Japa/Meditation/Prayer – internal practices of worship
Parikram/Pradakshina – circumambulation
Seva – active service, to the deity, holy people, etc.

Scriptural Passages

“If one offers me with love a leaf, fruit, flower, or water, I will accept it.”

Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-gita 9.26

Visiting the temple

At about six in the morning, I do my own puja at home. Later, on my way to work, I briefly visit the temple for darshan.

I ring the bell as I enter the temple room and pay my obeisance to the murtis.

I say some prayers for God’s protection and put a few coins in the donation box.

I then sip some charanamrita (holy water) and one of the priests gives me some prasada sanctified food.

On Sundays we sometimes go for the early morning arti at 4.30 a.m. After that we worship Tulsi by circumambulating her and having kirtan.

Then I join the other devotees for japa meditation on our beads.

Later, after the priests have dressed the deities in their day outfits, the curtains open and we greet them with a short arti.

After this comes guru-puja, in which we offer flowers to the spiritual master.

Then one of the priests sings a short bhajan and gives a lecture.

Sometimes at the end I ask questions about spiritual life.

After breakfast I do some service, often by helping set up for a wedding.

During the wedding there is a sacred-fire ceremony.