'Puja' Flowers and other things used in 'puja' (Hindu Worship).

The banana plant has a special significance in Hindu mythology and tradition. It is believed that "Vrihaspati Devta", a form of God Vishnu resides in the banana plant. Religious folks in India follow many "Vrats" related to days of the week. For example, Sun God is worshipped with some rules on Sundays, Shiva on Monday, Hanumaan on Tuesday, and Ganesha on Wednesday. Similarly, some of them follow a "Vrat" named "Vrihaspatiwar Vrat" or "Guruwar Vrat". In this "Vrat" "Vrihaspati Deva" is worshipped with certain rules on each Thursday. This Puja needs many things that are yellow in color because yellow color is liked by God Vishnu and his different forms. They need yellow flowers, Chana Dal (Bengal gram pulse), Munakka (a type of raisin), yellow rice, yellow sweetmeat (Besan Laddu), and turmeric (Haldi) for the worship of "Vrihaspati Devta". The worship is done near a Banana plant. Turmeric water is poured over the banana plant and gram pulse, Munakka, Besan laddu, and ripe yellow banana fruit is put near the root of the banana plant. Arti with Deepak is done. The devotee does not take salt, onions, garlic, or non-veg the whole day till the next morning. They wear yellow clothes and eat yellow eatables in their only meal during the "Vrat". After the worship, they hear a "Katha" (Story) of "Vrihaspati Deva" in which it is stated that the follower of this "Vrat" gets wealth, peace, and desired things.

Worshipping a Banana plant

The banana leaves, fruits, and the plant is thought to be auspicious in Hindu traditions. On the occasion of Lakshmi worship on Diwali (Deepawali) this plant is put at both sides of the gates of the house or shop. Goddess Lakshmi is the wife of Vishnu. Even on the occasion of Satyanarayan Puja which is mostly performed at home, the four legs of the Aasan are tied with banana leaves and all the four leaves are tied together at the top. Even Prasad may be distributed in small pieces of banana leaves. On auspicious occasions like marriage and Yajnopaveet (Janeu), banana plants are used for making Torandwar and Mandapa.

Banana leaves around
the Aasana of Satyanarayana
Bhagwaan

Not only this, during worship if metal plates are not available the Bhog to gods may be offered on banana leave pieces just like betel leaves. During Navratri, Bhog of Kheer to Goddess Durga is offered on banana leaves. In Sanskrit, banana fruit is called "Kadali Fal" and in Hindi -"Kele ka Fal". Ripe and yellow banana fruits are one of the fruits which a devotee prefers to offer to gods. Though many varieties of banana are available in the market a devotee's first choice is the local smaller variety generally called "Chiniya Kela". When unavailable, only then they use other varieties like -Singapuri, Robusta, or Cavendish. In the Chhath Puja, a full bunch of banana (Kele ka Ghoud) is necessary and only local variety is permitted which is available in that season.

Desi whole banana bunch in Chhath Puja
छठ महापर्व में देसी केले का घौंद

The banana leaves are also used by vegetarian people as a plate for consuming meals in India. It is mostly in the Sothern part of India where banana plants are abundantly grown. By tradition and devotional respect to this plant, they refrain from putting non-vegetarian items on this leaf-plate.

The banana plant has been used in old paintings and sculptures as it has been a part of Indian culture for a long time. It brings good luck and wealth to our homes.

Banana Plants as Torandwaar

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Monday, December 2, 2019

Hawan Samagri - हवन सामग्री

Hawan-Samagri

Homa or Hawan (होम या हवन) is an important ritual in Hindu Puja. It is rooted in Vedic traditions. Not only in Hindu worship but it has been adopted in other Asian religions like Buddhism and Jainism. In more than 3000 years of history of Asia, it is found from Samarkand to Japan. Homa on a bigger scale is also called Yagya (यज्ञ). The Homa is generally performed on the occasions of festivals like Navratras, Marriage, or other important Sanskaras after the Vedic Puja at Purnahuti or after the special Japa (like Mahamriyunjaya Japa, Rahu Japa, Shani Japa, etc.). Some devotees include it in their daily worship rituals at a smaller scale. On a larger scale, the Homa or Yagya is performed for some specific purposes. In this, Yajnakarta or the Yajman offers different types of sacrifices in the holy fire and in return, he expects something specific from the Yagyadeva. There are different types of Yagya based on the final expected outcome. Putreshthi Yagya is one of such Yagyas performed by King Dashratha on completion of which he got two bowls of Kheer from the Yagyadeva. Dashratha gave Kheer to his queens and the three queens conceived.

It is thought that the Aahuti along with the Mantras reaches the gods through the holy fire of the Hawan-Kund. Dry mango wood, Agar, black Til and Ghee are essential ingredients of Hawan Samagri. General Hawan Samagri also includes Jau (barley), Dhaan, jaggery, Gugal, Humaad, Kapoor, sandalwood powder, Lobaan and many other Aushadhi (exotic herbs). There are different types of wooden sticks called Samidha for Navagrahas. Different woods are for different Grahas (planets) as follows,

1. Ark or Aak - Sun

2. Palash -Moon

3. Khadir -Mars

4. Peepal - Jupitar

5. Apmarg - Mercury

6. Audumber (Goolar) - Venus

7. Shami - Saturn

8. Durva - Rahu

9. Kusha - Ketu

A whole dry coconut (inner part of the hard shell) is also wrapped in a red cotton cloth and offer in the Hawan-Kund in the end. Before wrapping it is cut at a place so that it does not burst in the fire.

The Homa/Havana has some process. There are some Mantras by which the holy fire (Agni) is called (Awahan) and a lit Kapoor is placed in the Hawan-Kund. Then with the chanting of Mantra, a pinch of Hawan Samagri is put in the fire with the word "Swaha". This is repeated 108 times (One Mala) or 11 times or as recommended by the priest. The process is repeated with another Mantra. Nawagraha Samidha is also put in the Kund one by one with the specific Mantra for the corresponding planet.

Humaad

The general Samagri for the Homa is prepared by mixing Jau, Dhan and Black Til in equal proportion. Gud (jaggery) is mixed in somewhat less proportion. Now Ghee (Clarified butter from Desi Cow), and exotic herbs are added and mixed well. At the time of Homa, this mixture is picked on the adjoining middle and third fingers. The forefinger and the little finger is not used. At the chant of "Swaha", this is push dropped into the holy fire with the thumb. Separate Aahuti of Ghee is also offered. For this wooden spoon or a green mango-leaf is used.

The Mantras used for Hawan may be Gayetri Mantra, Mahamrityunjay Mantra, Beej Mantra of Chandika, Panchakshari, Ashtakshari or Dwadashakshari Mantra or Shlokas from Durgasaptashati.

The Hawan-Samagri is available everywhere at Puja-shops in India. It can also be purchased online from Amazon or Flipkart for which links are given below.

Hawan-Samagri at Amazon

Hawan-Samagri at Flipkart

Havan items at Flipkart

Mango-wood Samidha at Amazon

Monday, July 8, 2019

Parthiv Shivlinga - पार्थिव शिवलिंग

Parthiv Shivlinga (पार्थिव शिवलिंग) means a Shivlinga made of clay. There is a great significance of Parthiv Shivlinga worship. There is a description of Lord Ram in Ramayana worshipping the Parthiv Shivlinga twice. First when he was crossing river Ganga - (Kewat Prasang) and second before the conquest of Lanka at Setubandh Rameshwaram.

The worship of this Shivlinga gives happiness, peace of mind, good health and victory over obstacles. The "Abhishek" of Parthiv Shivlinga and its "Visarjan" keeps away some "Dosha" in "Kundali". Generally, one, eleven, 108 or 1008 Parthiv Shivlingas are made by mixing fine clay with water. The best clay used is from the bed of river Ganga. This clay is called Mrittika-मृत्तिका. It is different from the Ganga sand. Some people apply it on their body like soap when taking a bath in the Ganga.

If not available, fine clay is separated from the soil using a fine sieve. Panch-Gavya (पंचगव्य) is mixed in it to form a loaf and from it, Parthiv Shivlinga is made by rolling between palms. Panch-Gavya (पंचगव्य) is five items collected from a cow. These are milk, curd, ghee, dung, and urine.

Parthiv Shivlinga
(Image source Google)

Some people make Parthiv Shivlinga by mixing clay, water, "Bhasma", honey, and sandalwood paste. Another way is by mixing water, jaggery, butter, cow dung, honey, sandalwood and "Bhasma" to the fine clay. The height of these Shivlingas are not kept more than six inches.
According to the objective, "Shiva-Abhishek" can be performed with different things on the Parthiv Shivlinga. For example, Gangajal, milk, curd, honey, ghee, cane juice, etc. Yagyopaveet (Janeu), Sandalwood paste (Chandan), different flowers and Bilvapatra should be offered to Mahadeva. Flowers like - Dhruva, Aak, Dhatura, Kaner, Aparajita, Genda, Tagar, Kamal, Gulab, are offered. Shamipatra, Akshat, Bhang and Durva are also liked by Mahadeva. Also "Naivedyam" of fruits and sweets should be offered. After the worship is complete, "Prasadam" should be taken with great devotion and the Parthiv Shivlinga is released (Visarjit) in water bodies like ponds and river.

In Shivmahapurana there is the significance of Parthiv Shivlinga worship:-

अपमृत्युहरम् कालमृत्योश्चापि विनाशनम् |

सद्यःकलत्र पुत्रादि धन धान्य प्रदं द्विजाः ||

(The worship of Parthiv Shivlinga keeps away the untimely death. It quickly gives the desired wife, sons, health and wealth.)
Read: Sawan me Parthiv Shivling ka Abhishek,
Abhishek of Parthiv Shivling in the month of Sawan.

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Tuesday, December 25, 2018

पूगीफल (सुपारी) - Betel Nut

Poogiphal, Supari
Betelnut or Arecanut

पूगीफल (सुपारी) - Betel Nut is also known as Areca Nut. In the Indian Subcontinent, it is either chewed with the betel leaves of in Paan-Masala/ Gutkha. It is the fruit of a tree which belongs to the Palm family. When the fruit is green the core is soft but when it ripes the outer color becomes orange or red and the core hardens which is used in betel leaves. It is known by different names in different part of India. In Hindi, it is known as Supari and in Sanskrit as Poogiphal. It is round and woody.

As a custom in Hindu society, while seeing off a guest he is at least offered a pair of Yagyopaveet (Janeu), Betel leaf (Paan), some cloves (as a mouth freshener) and Supari (Betel Nut, Areca Nut). And sometimes money also. Similarly in a Shiva-Puja when the offering of Gangajal, Panchamrita, Vastra (clothes like Dhoti) is complete, the offering of Poogiphal i.e. Supari is done along with a pair of Yagyopaveet, cloves and money.

In Hindu custom or in worship the Poogiphal i.e. Supari is used as a substitute for someone or some gods. For example, in a Yagna the person (Yajman) has to perform the rituals with his wife but in case if she is not present (or is dead) then a whole Areca Nut wrapped in cloth is put beside him as a substitute for his wife and the rituals of the Yagna is performed. Poogiphal i.e. Supari is also used for invoking gods like Varuna and Indra in it. But the most popular is the invoking of god Ganesha in a Supari. Like in a Rudravisheka Puja of Shiva, the first worship is done to Ganesha. For it, the Poogiphal i.e. Supari is fully wrapped with the thread of Mouli. It is put over a betel leaf with Akshat on it. The god Ganesha is invoked (Awahan) in it and his worship is performed assuming the Supari as Ganesha.
Supari is one of the items put in a Kalash when the Kalash Pujan is performed. During the Kalashsthapana the following Mantra is recited while putting the Supari (Poogiphal) in it,

इदं फलं मया सम्यक् प्रक्षिपेत् कलशे यतः |

तेनायं कलशः सम्यक् फलवानस्तु सर्वदा ||

(Edam Phalam Mayaa Samyak Prakshipet Kalashe Yatah.

Tenaayam Kalashah Samyak Phalwaanastu Sarvadaa.)

(Meaning: I am now leaving this fruit (Poogiphal) into the Kalash so may the Kalash be always fruitful to us)
In addition to the offering of Supari to Shiva, it is also used to perform a Phulaish puja of Shiva. Phulaish Puja is a puja performed for a devotee who wants to know whether his wishes will be granted or not. In the famous temple of Baba Basukinath in the district of Dumka, this worship is done. The wet Akshat is put over the Shivalinga in a heap as high as possible. On the top of this heap, a whole Supari is slowly put. The devotee along with his family chant "Jai Baba Basukinath" and request for fulfilling his wishes. If the Supari at the top falls down after some time, it means the wishes are going to be fulfilled.

The Supari (Betel nut) worshipped as Ganesha
(wrapped in Mouli thread, a Yagyopaveet around
it and kept in a "Katori" over dry Akshat

The Areca Nuts (Supari) offered to Shiva or the one used to invoke gods are not taken as Prasad. They are put in a water body (Visarjit) after the Puja. If the Punditji gives the Supari worshipped as Ganesa to you for daily worship, then keep it at your place of worship in the house in a small plate (Katori) filled with dry Akshat and a Yagyopaveet (Janeu) around the Supari.

Puja Supari, Poogiphal

The Supari is available in the market either whole or cut. The cut Supari is not used in the worship. Only the whole ones are used for the Pujan (Worship). The whole Areka nuts are available in two types - one type is rounder and bigger which is also known as "Chhaliya Supari" and the other type is smaller and longer also known as Puja-Supari. Puja-Supari is used for offering to gods and Chhaliya-Supari for invoking a god like Ganesha.

Sarauta, The Nutcracker

Chhaliya Supari is also used for chewing after cutting or slicing. These are very hard and need a Nutcracker or Supari cutter (Called Sarauta in Hindi). Small pieces of Supari or its slices are also used for chewing with betel leaf or Paan. Though modern research says that chewing of Supari/Areca-nut is not good for health but its consumption in India is like tobacco or cigarette. People consume it even knowing the risks. The consumption of Supari is more in the areas where betel-leaf i.e. Paan is popular culturally. For example the region of Mithila in Bihar. Not only Paan is cultivated but eaten with a passion. They keep it in beautifully engraved boxes known as "Paandan". In this box, there is space for betel leaves, Supari, Kattha (Catechu), cloves, small cardamoms and Chuna (soaked lime).

In addition to the worship, the supari is also used for "Sankalp" which means to take a vow of worship or "Japa" and give it to a Panditji (With some rituals) with a faith that he will perform the worship or "Japa" for you on your behalf. In fact, a vow and the faith in a person to do your work has become a proverb in Hindi as "Supari Dena" (To give a Supari to a person). So Supari Dena means entrusting someone a very special work.

Sometimes the Supari worshipped as a Ganesha is wrapped in red cloth and placed in the "Tijori" or chest along with Akshat. It is assumed to attract the wealth (Dhan).

Supari is also used for some "Totkas".

So the Supari or Pungi Phal is an important Puja item and it is also a part of Indian culture.

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Availability

Supari or the betel nut is easily available in local Kirana shops or Puja item shops. It is also available online at Amazon and Flipkart.

At Amazon:- Supari Whole, Supari Puja, Silver Supari, Lord Ganesha carved on real Supari, Supari Daan- a gift item, Pan Dani

At Flipkart:- Supari, Supari cutter, 5-Ganesha supari idol, Real Arts Betel Nut (10 decorative pieces). Luxary Supary Box Supari-Pak

Thursday, December 6, 2018

तिल -Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are called "Til" (तिल) in Hindi and Sanskrit. It is the oldest oilseed crop known. Due to being cultivated from ancient times and its capability to grow even in drought-like conditions, the sesame seeds have got a special place in Hindu traditions and worship. Sesame seeds are native to Indian Sub-continent and Africa. In India mostly two types of sesame seeds are grown - Black sesame and White sesame. The white sesame is used in making sweet sesame balls (Til Laddu- तिल लड्डू) while the black sesame is used both as sweet sesame balls and in worship.

Different sweetmeat of sesame seeds
(Til) for Makar Sankranti

According to the Ayurveda, the effect of sesame seeds is warm for the body. Hence it is mostly consumed in the winters. Come November and one can notice the seasonal roadside "Tilkut-Shops" making Tilkuts. Tilkut is a sweetmeat prepared by roasting the sesame seeds in an earthen pot on a coal oven. Then it is mixed with either jaggery, sugar or palm sugar and pounded with a hammer to give a special "Tilkut-shape" which is flat circular in the middle and raised on the circumference. Since its preparation is labor intensive, it is generally made in shops. Homemade sweetmeat is the sesame balls. In a "Kadahi" the white or black sesame is roasted slowly. It is kept aside for cooling so that it becomes crispy. The jaggery is heated with a little water and when it is hot and full of bubbles, the roasted sesame is put in it and mixed well. Taking it down from the oven, the mix is made into small balls while still hot with a wet hand. It is called Til Laddu- तिल लड्डू. The "Tilkut" and Til Laddu (तिल लड्डू) is offered to gods (especially sun god) on the Hindu festival of Makara Sankranti. Makara Sankranti which generally falls on the 14th January each year marks the first day of Sun's transit into Capricorn which is called Makara in Hindi and Sanskrit. From this day the Sun is Uttarayana (उत्तरायण) or Northward. Uttarayana is thought to be preferable for good works. {There is a famous incident in Mahabharata about Bhishm Pitamaha who had a god-gift of choosing a time for his death. When in the Mahabharata war, Arjuna pierced his body with innumerable arrows, he fell down but not on the ground. He laid on the arrows in his body above the ground like on an arrow bed. The death was certain, but he waited for days till the Sun became Uttarayana.} After the worship the offered "Tilkut" and Til Laddu to gods is taken as Prasadam. On this Makar Sankranti festival, the elders give Til sweetmeats to youngers. While giving it there is a ritual to ask a question to younger - "will you remain ever faithful to me on account of each sesame seed?" The younger replies- "Yes".

There are many types of sweetmeats of sesame. In addition to the above two types, there are "Til-Patti", Chikki and Khoa or Mawa filled Tilkut. They are made in different shapes to make it attractive. The Tilkut of Gaya (a town in Bihar, India) was once famous.

The sesame seeds have a high oil content. It is edible and has a medicinal property which reduces the blood pressure to a little extent. But the sesame oil is used to light Deepam (दीप) which is offered to gods. The sesame oil Deepak is offered to please the Shani god and do away with bad effects of Shani planet (Saturn).

The black sesame seeds are offered to Shiva for good luck and good health. Donation of black sesame seeds is beneficial in doing away with the ill-effects of the planets of Rahu-Ketu. If the black sesame seeds are used to make a cow shape on a Vedi (Worship platform) and after worship, it is donated to a Brahmin along with clothes (Vastra), it is said to be equivalent to a "Godan" (Donation of a cow).

White and Black sesame seeds

The black sesame seeds are regarded as a pure (Pavitra) thing in the Hindu culture. It is used in Pitripaksh to offer to dead forefathers (Pitar -पितर). The first fortnight of Hindu calendar month Ashwin is called Pitripaksh (आश्विन कृष्ण पक्ष). Hindus offer water (Jalam) preferably Ganga water with black Til to the souls of forefather so that they are satisfied and wish well for the living generation (Give Aashirwad). This act is called "Tarpan". The Pitars are called and offered black Til mixed water with the following Mantra (For example):-

अस्मत्पिता अमुकशर्मा वसुरूपस्तृप्यमिदम् इदं तिलोदकं (गङ्गाजलं वा)

तस्मै स्वधा नम: | तस्मै स्वधा नम: | तस्मै स्वधा नम: |

(Meaning: We offer Til mixed water to our "Such" named father who is in Vasu form for his Satisfaction. We salute you.) The Til-water is dropped three times through between thumb and first finger.

There are different forms of the Mantras for offering father, mother, grandfather, and grandmother.
Til is easily available in local markets but these may contain very minute sand like particles (Kankar). These make the Til Laddoos and Tilkut bad in chewing and also may harm your teeth. Hence it is advisable to buy it from a good shop. It is also available on Amazon at this link. And on Flipkart at this link.

Therefore use sesame seeds in worship and in food. But remember, though sesame seeds are being used worldwide in food and chefs are doing experiments with new dishes using sesame seeds, in India traditionally it is used with sweet food items only not with salty foods just like milk.

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Friday, July 27, 2018

Puja Aasana /mat - पूजा आसन

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Puja Asana/Puja Aasani/Puja Mat

Aasana or Aasani means something to sit on. It may be of cloth, wood or wool. Sitting directly on the ground is thought to be a bad manner in Hindu social life. When a guest comes it is a custom to offer him a sitting place so that he feels honored. When a god is invoked he too is offered an Aasana. But during the worship, the devotee also should sit on an Aasana. Worshiping Gods by directly sitting on the ground is not permitted. Here sitting means sitting on the hips with legs crossed (Palthi Marna -पालथी मारना). But there are some exceptions like in temples where there is a rush of devotees. The devotees may offer Puja things there, by standing or by standing with bending forward. Then they come out of the Garbhgrih and put their Aasana at a suitable place in the temple campus and then sitting on it they may complete their Japa or reading holy books (Paath-पाठ).

While doing the daily Pujan a devotee must sit on an Aasana. There are many types of Aasana for Puja but the best recommended by the religious books is the one made of Kusha or Darbha. It is called as Kushaasana or Darbhasana. Kusha is a type of grass which is known as Halfa Grass in English. It is treated as a holy grass in Hindu religion and there are some rituals to be performed before uprooting it. (Click here to read about the Kusha Grass). Dried Kusha grass is woven to make a mat which is Kushasana. It is said that doing Puja (worshipping gods) by sitting on the Kushaasana is fruitful.
Woolen Aasana (Blanket -कम्बल) is another type of Aasana which is recommended for Puja. In fact, it is the Aasana which is commonly used in Hindu household. While Kushaasana is thin, the woolen Aasana is somewhat soft and sitting on it more comfortable than the former. It is said that using this Aasana brings peace and wealth to the devotee's house. Some astrologers specify different colors for the this Aasana to fulfill different desires.
Aasana of cotton is not recommended but that of silk (Resham -रेशम) is allowed especially in Vishnu Puja.
Wooden Aasana is not allowed in daily Pujan but it is used in some special Pujan on occasions like "Upanayana" or "Janeu". It is made of Mango wood and named as Peedha (पीढ़ा).
There are other Aasanas which are skins of animals like a deer or tiger but these are not used inside a house or temples. It is also not suitable to present time (देश और काल) as the wild animals are on the verge of extinction and Govt ban it. When the religious holy books were written the earth was full of forest and animals. At that time Mrigaasana (Aasana of deer's skin) and Vyaghraasan (Aasana of tiger's skin) were used by Rishi and Muni in the Jungle. Tiger's skin used to keep the wild animals away thus the Saadhak could go in Dhyana undisturbed.
The shape of an Aasana should be square. It is kept on the cleaned ground and before starting the worship it is made "Shuddha" (Pure) by holy water and Mantras. After the Puja is completed it is given a Pranam then it is lifted and kept at its place.
It is also to be noted that a devotee should use his own Aasana for the worship. The same Aasana should not be used by different devotees as is the case with Japmala.
When gods are invoked they are also offered Aasana. For them, Akshat is put on the ground as Aasana. Some Mantras are also spoken. One of the Mantras is like this:-

अयि विभो शरणागतवत्सल यदपि हीनमिदं भवतां कृते।

तदपि भक्तजनं खलु वीक्ष्य मां समुचितं प्रियमासनमास्यताम྄।

(Ayi Vibho Sharanagatvatsala Yadapi Heenmidam Bhawatam Krite
Tadapi Bhaktjanam Khalu Vikshya Maan Samuchitam Priymaasanmaasyataam)
Puja Aasanas are also available online at Amazon.

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'Puja' Flowers and other things used in 'puja' (Hindu Worship).

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

kk-bhai.blogspot.com - INDEX

Friday, October 2, 2020

केले का पौधा एवं फल - Banana Plant and fruits

Monday, December 2, 2019

Hawan Samagri - हवन सामग्री

Monday, July 8, 2019

Parthiv Shivlinga - पार्थिव शिवलिंग

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

पूगीफल (सुपारी) - Betel Nut

Thursday, December 6, 2018

तिल -Sesame Seeds

Friday, July 27, 2018

Puja Aasana /mat - पूजा आसन

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