Batuk Bhairav is considered a youthful and gentle manifestation of Lord Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. Worshiping Batuk Bhairav is believed to remove obstacles, bring protection, good fortune, and spiritual growth. He is also known to eliminate negative energies and grant strength to overcome life's difficulties. Worshiping Batuk Bhairav with devotion and proper rituals ensures success in endeavors, mental peace, and prosperity.
Below is a comprehensive guide on how to perform Batuk Bhairav Puja, including the time, cleanliness, attire, puja items, and detailed steps for performing the worship.
1. Preparation and Cleanliness
Before starting the puja, ensure both mental and physical cleanliness:
- Personal Hygiene: Take a bath to purify your body before starting the worship.
- Purity of the Place: Clean the area where you will perform the puja. The puja area should be free of dirt and clutter, and a clean and peaceful environment is ideal.
- Mindset: Approach the puja with devotion, a pure heart, and positive intent. Avoid anger, negativity, and distractions during the worship.
2. Time of Worship
Batuk Bhairav is often worshiped on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are considered auspicious for Lord Bhairav. You can also perform the puja during Rahu Kaal (inauspicious period of the day) for specific benefits, though the most suitable time is early morning or evening.
3. Clothes to Wear
It is advised to wear clean, simple, and comfortable clothes during the puja:
- Color of Clothes: The ideal colors to wear while worshiping Batuk Bhairav are black or blue, as these colors are associated with Lord Bhairav and symbolize protection from negative energies.
- Type of Clothes: Cotton clothes are preferable, and traditional Indian attire like a saree (for women) or dhoti-kurta (for men) is considered auspicious.
4. Puja Items Required
Here’s a list of essential puja items for Batuk Bhairav Puja:
- Image or Idol of Batuk Bhairav (can also use a Shivling as a representation of Lord Shiva)
- Roli (Red Vermillion)
- Rice (Akshat)
- Flowers (preferably red flowers like hibiscus or marigold)
- Betel Leaves and Betel Nuts
- Incense sticks and camphor
- Ghee lamp (Diya)
- Oil lamp (mustard oil preferred)
- Offerings (Naivedya) like fruits, sweets, especially Black Urad Dal Vada or Samosa, are preferred by Lord Bhairav.
- Black sesame seeds for offering during aarti.
- Cloth to offer (black or blue)
- Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar)
- Yogurt, mustard oil, and black gram lentils for special offerings.
- Prasad to offer at the end (sweets like Ladoo, fruits, or kheer)
5. Steps for Batuk Bhairav Puja
Step 1: Purification
- Sprinkle Ganga Jal (holy water) around the puja area to purify the space.
- Light an oil lamp and an incense stick in front of the Batuk Bhairav image or idol.
Step 2: Invocation (Dhyana)
Close your eyes and invoke Lord Batuk Bhairav’s presence. Chant:
"Om Hreem Batukaya Aapaduddharanaya Kuru Kuru Batukaya Namah"
Pray to Batuk Bhairav to bless you with success, protection, and strength.
Step 3: Offering Flowers and Akshat
Offer red flowers and Akshat (rice grains) to the deity while chanting:
"Om Bhairavaaya Namah"
Step 4: Offering Roli and Panchamrit
- Apply Roli (red vermillion) to the idol’s forehead or Shivling.
- Offer Panchamrit to the deity as a symbol of devotion and nourishment.
Step 5: Offering Naivedya
Place the food offerings (Naivedya) in front of Batuk Bhairav. Common offerings include black gram lentils, samosas, and sweets like laddoo or fruits.
Chant:
"Om Ksheem Batukaya Namah"
Pray for prosperity and fulfillment of your desires.
Step 6: Lighting Mustard Oil Lamp
- Light the mustard oil lamp as it is an important offering to Batuk Bhairav. It symbolizes removing obstacles and attracting positive energies.
Step 7: Chanting of Mantras and Aarti
Recite the Batuk Bhairav Mantras:
"Om Hreem Batuk Bhairavaye Namah"
Alternatively, chant the Batuk Bhairav Stotra for protection and blessings.
Conduct the Aarti by singing:
"Jai Bhairav Deva, Jai Bhairav Deva..."
Perform aarti using the oil lamp, camphor, and incense sticks.
6. Prasad and Distribution
After concluding the aarti, offer the Prasad to Lord Batuk Bhairav. Once the puja is completed, distribute the Prasad among the family members, friends, or neighbors. Sweets like laddoo, kheer, or fruits are typically distributed as prasad.
7. Concluding the Puja
- Bow before Batuk Bhairav and seek forgiveness for any mistakes committed during the puja.
- Perform Namaskar or prostrate in front of the deity.
- Thank Lord Bhairav for his protection and blessings.
8. Importance and Benefits of Batuk Bhairav Worship
- Protection from Negative Forces: Batuk Bhairav protects devotees from evil spirits, bad omens, and negative energies.
- Obstacle Removal: Worshiping Batuk Bhairav helps in removing all obstacles from life, ensuring success in endeavors.
- Courage and Strength: Lord Bhairav bestows inner strength, courage, and resilience in the face of challenges.
- Fulfillment of Desires: Devotees who worship with pure intent often find their wishes fulfilled.
- Spiritual Growth: Batuk Bhairav helps one progress spiritually and overcome mental or emotional blockages.
9. Mantras and Prayers
Main Mantra:
"Om Batuk Bhairavaya Namah"
Chant this mantra 108 times daily to seek Batuk Bhairav’s blessings.Other Important Mantras:
"Om Hreem Batukaya Namah"
"Om Bhairavaaya Namah"
10. Handling Leftover Puja Items
- Flowers and Leaves: These can be immersed in a flowing river or water body. If that's not possible, they can be buried in the soil.
- Puja Offerings: Food offerings should be consumed as prasad, shared with family, or given to animals.
- Oil from the Lamp: The leftover oil can be used to light another lamp in future pujas or poured near a sacred tree.
11. Things to Keep in Mind
- Never disrespect or misuse the Prasad.
- Avoid alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and harmful substances on the day of puja.
- Maintain a respectful attitude throughout the worship.
By worshiping Batuk Bhairav with devotion, you invite his protection, positivity, and spiritual guidance into your life, ensuring peace, prosperity, and strength.