Homas and Pujas

Different types of Worship

To enable creation of the universe, the one absolute reality (A-U-M) first split itself into 3 gunas - rajas, sattva, tamas. Afterwards, 5 different tattvas were formed - earth, water, fire, air, and ether. There are 5 major devatas representing the 5 tattvas of creation and their worship is done in various ways. Ganesh controls earth, Surya light, Visnu ether, Durga water, and Rudra air.

Most jyotish (astrological) or vedic remedies involve worshipping these devatas in a particular manner. More about the specific remedies offered is here.

There are different types of ritual worship:

  • Shodashopachara pujā: a puja involving 16 offerings including perfume, flowers, incense, ghee lamp, and food to the devata with mantra.
  • Homam: offering mantras with ghee and etc. into a sacred fire.
  • Archanam: offering flowers with the 1008 names of the devata.
  • Abhishekam: offering an unbroken stream of milk or water while chanting mantra.

Process

For any result to manifest from a ceremony, we follow very strict rules of karma khanda. Before anything else, the sankalpa, or the intention of the ceremony must be spoken or decided with an Acarya. Note that some pujas can only be done in person. The following is the exact process that is followed:

  1. No meat, alcohol, drugs for the time of the puja or the sankalpa.
  2. A phone call where the sankalpa is taken for the puja. A teaspoon of washed rice, a candle / dhia, a cup of water / achmana, a few flowers, and a few coins are required.
  3. The mantra given during the phone call must be done for whatever quantity of time decided.
  4. By the Vedic rules, a certain quantity of mantra and oblations are required for it to be effective. Depending on the size of the puja, acarya(s) will also be required to do any required mantra for a specific number and time.
  5. On the day of the puja, different preparations are required. If the puja is not being done in person, a photo is required.
  6. After the puja, there may be a different practice needed for up to 40 days to solidify the effects of the ceremony.

Devatas

Gaṇeśa

Gaṇeśa removes obstacles and gives skills and siddhi to his worshippers. There are many names and forms of Ganesh.

  • As Vighnarājāya (Lord of Obstacles) - he removes any difficulties.
  • As Lakṣmī Gaṇeśa, he brings happiness and grants wishes.
  • As Haridrā Gaṇeśa, he protects the worshipper.

Surya

Surya upholds dharma and is the provider of all resources to this loka giving light, knowledge, and wealth.

  • Adityas are the lords of the rashis (signs) which are worshipped for wealth and resources.
  • Surya can be worshipped for vidya/knowledge.
  • Surya is the lord of tejas - the internal fire which ensures you have proper energy, health, and knowledge.

Viṣṇu

Viṣṇu is the sustainer of all. He is worshipped as the 10 avatars for relief from this loka and purifies the gunas (qualities).

  • Viṣṇu sahasranama - there are many fruits for reciting the 1008 names of Viṣṇu, but above all else, this purifies one's desires.
  • Laksmi-Narayana - this involves Sri Suktam and Purusha Suktam together and this is for wealth and happiness.
  • Avatar puja - from Krsna to Nrsimha, various avatars ceremonies are all unique and can be performed.

Durga

The Mother of the universe takes care of all beings. Śakti pervades all creation and is worshipped in many ways.

  • Durga - the form of the Mother that removes durgati (bad path) and uplifts the downtrodden.
  • Lakṣmī - the giver of happiness.
  • Sarasvatī - who helps one gain understanding and knowledge.
  • Kālī - the ferocious form of the goddess that destroys evil.

In the picture above, Durga is carrying the weapons in her 10 hands which represent the 10 directions. She will ensure that you will not go on the wrong path.

Male and female in the sanatan dharma tradition represent consciousness and energy. Each male devata has a female śakti without which they will remain inert. Śakti is the one who remains in action in samsara.

Rudra

Rudra is the transformer of creation and his fierce form is known as Mahākāla or beyond time.

  • Rudra - when Rudra stops protecting, then you will cry. He is worshipped with an unbroken stream of water or milk (abhishek) using mantras from all 4 vedas in the aṣṭa-dhyāyi which is also known as the rudram.
  • Mritunjaya - worshipped for health and removing sickness with abhishek, homam, and archana.
  • Jyotirlingam - there are 12 jyotirlingam and each are worshipped for different purposes.

Hanuman

Hanuman is the greatest bhakta of Rama.

  • Rudra - when Rudra stops protecting, then you will cry. He is worshipped with an unbroken stream of water or milk (abhishek) using mantras from all 4 vedas in the aṣṭa-dhyāyi which is also known as the rudram.
  • Mritunjaya - worshipped for health and removing sickness with abhishek, homam, and archana.
  • Jyotirlingam - there are 12 jyotirlingam and each are worshipped for different purposes.

Jyotish (astrological) ceremonies

There are many rituals for remedies.

  • Amavasya
  • Grahana - Surya and Chandra
  • Kunja(mangala) dosa
  • Kala sarpa
  • Navagraha puja
    • Surya shanti
    • Navagraha shanti
  • Gandanta puja
    • Mula, Revati, Ashvini, Jyestha, Ashlesha, Magha

Please contact us if you require more information.