Ayudha Puja, which translates as ‘worship of tools or instruments,’ is a major component of the Navratri celebration. It is observed on the ninth day of the Navratri festival, or the Navami tithi. Individuals set aside one day to pray for the equipment and instruments they use daily to mark this occasion. Mahishasur, the demon king, was slain by Goddess Durga Devi during an eight-day struggle between the two. After defeating the Demon King, the Goddess’s weapons were stored for devotion.
Ayudha Puja is observed on the last day of Navratri and immediately before Dussehra. Ayudha Pooja is also known as Saraswati Pooja in various locations, particularly in South India.
Date: Ayudha Puja will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 04, 2022.
Why Is Ayudha Puja Celebrated?
The term “Ayudha” refers to a weapon/tool, and the word “Pooja” refers to worship. The ceremony is an integral feature of “Navratri,” “Dussehra,” or “Golu” celebrations in several Indian states. The event, which takes place on the ninth day of Navratri, commemorates the Goddesses Lakshmi, Parvati, and Saraswati in their many manifestations. This unique event is traditionally observed during the Tamil month of Purattasi. (September – October), also known in the North Indian calendar as Bhadrapada month.
The Ayudha Pooja Mythology
Goddess Chamundeeswari is supposed to have gotten various weapons to defeat the monster Mahishasura. Because the weapons were rendered useless after the Goddess destroyed the demon, they were worshiped independently. The Hindu epic, Mahabharata, emphasizes the ceremony’s significance. On this day, Arjuna is said to have worshiped his weapons. They had been secreted under a Vani tree throughout his 13-year exile. He was a legendary Pandava king who had exceptional dexterity in archery. This ceremony granted him the graces of Goddess Durga, which aided him in defeating the Kauravas.
Ayudha Pooja’s Customs and Traditions
Pooja is mostly concerned with the worship of weapons and tools. Individuals worship various tools or objects employed in their line of work. As a result, specific poojas to Goddess Saraswati are performed in every home, workplace, and store. Sandalwood paste, vermilion, and holy ash are used to embellish all tools.
The day also includes Vahana (Vehicle) Pooja, during which one’s vehicle, which may be a bicycle, a car, or a truck, is completely cleaned, painted, or polished, and adorned in the same manner as weapons. After the ceremony, a large white pumpkin, coconut, and lime are crushed in front of the office/shop/house/vehicle. This is thought to protect you from any bad forces that may surround you.
FAQs About Ayudha Pooja
Maha Ashtami, Goddess Durga’s weapons are cleansed on the eighth day of Navratri. The tools are then presented in front of the Goddess on Navami tithi to get her blessings.
– In front of the pooja chamber, create the rangoli.
– Over a wooden board or Peeta, place the Goddess photograph or statue.
– Utilize flowers, garlands, and other embellishments to decorate the picture or statue of Goddess Saraswati.
– A white cloth is draped around the Goddess’s idol.
– Begin by saying a short prayer to Lord Ganesha, ” Suklam Baratharam.”
– You may turn on the lighting. Then, using flowers, do the archanai for Goddess Saraswati and demonstrate the agarbatti/incense by singing any shloka devoted to the Goddess.
– After doing the archanai, you may give your prasadam or neivedyam.
– Finally, do the Aarti and conclude the Pooja.
– On the evening of Saraswathi puja, we serve sweet appam, nei appam, or you may bring idli/dosa.
The celebration occurs on the tenth day of the bright half of the Moon’s 15-day cycle (as per Almanac) in September/October. It is often associated with Dasara, Navaratri, Durga Puja, or Golu. Weapons and tools are worshiped on the tenth day of the Dasara celebration.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about Ayudha Pooja, it’s time to get ready to celebrate this festival with a lot of pomp and love! For more blogs about popular Indian festivals, keep reading Seema!
