Devi Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva, symbolizes love, fertility, devotion, and strength. She is the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya, and her worship is a central aspect of Hindu devotional practice. Parvati’s various forms (Durga, Kali, Annapurna) are worshipped across India for different purposes. This guide will walk you through the essentials of worshipping Devi Parvati, emphasizing cleanliness, devotion, materials, and traditional rituals.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
In Hindu rituals, cleanliness is a crucial element. One must be physically and mentally clean before performing any puja.
- Bathing: Begin your day with a bath, ensuring your body is clean and your clothes are fresh.
- Mindfulness: Purify your thoughts and focus your mind on Devi Parvati, cultivating an attitude of devotion and reverence.
- Altar Preparation: Clean the area where you intend to perform the puja. Set up a small, clean altar or puja space with a picture or idol of Devi Parvati.
2. Time to Worship Devi Parvati
- The ideal time to perform the puja is during Brahma Muhurta (between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM), as it is believed to be the most auspicious period of the day.
- If the morning is not possible, you can also perform the puja in the evening after sunset.
3. Dress Code: Red Clothing for Puja
- It is traditional to wear clean and modest clothing for the puja.
- Red-colored clothes are considered especially auspicious while worshipping Devi Parvati, as red represents power, love, and fertility, which are attributes of the Goddess.
4. Puja Items Required (Samagri)
Here’s a list of common items required for the puja:
- Picture or Idol of Devi Parvati
- Red cloth to cover the altar or place under the deity
- Fresh Flowers, preferably red hibiscus or roses
- Kumkum (vermilion) and Chandan (sandalwood paste)
- Agarbatti (incense sticks)
- Dhoop and Diya (oil lamp) for lighting
- Fruits like bananas, apples, and seasonal fruits
- Fresh Milk, Honey, Sugar, and Ghee for offering (Panchamrit)
- Betel leaves and nuts (Paan)
- Turmeric powder, Rice grains, and Akshata (unbroken rice)
- Water in a small pot for purification
- Prasad such as sweet dishes (ladoos, kheer, or halwa)
5. Simple Steps of Puja to Devi Parvati
Step 1: Dhyana (Meditation)
- Begin by meditating on Devi Parvati’s form. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and recite her name or mantra (e.g., "Om Parvatyai Namah").
Step 2: Prana Pratishtha (Invocation)
- Invite the Goddess to your altar by reciting the mantra:
- "Om Parvatyai Namah, Om Namah Shivaya."
Step 3: Offering Flowers
- Offer fresh flowers at the feet of the deity while reciting:
- "Om Parvatyai Namah, Pushpam Samarpayami."
Step 4: Apply Kumkum and Chandan
- Apply sandalwood paste and kumkum to the deity, symbolizing purity and auspiciousness. Offer rice grains (Akshata) as well.
Step 5: Light Incense and Lamps
- Light the diya (oil lamp) and incense sticks while chanting:
- "Om Parvatyai Namah, Deepam Darshayami."
Step 6: Offering Panchamrit (Milk, Honey, Sugar, Yogurt, Ghee)
- Mix these five items and offer it to the deity. Then sprinkle a few drops around the deity.
Step 7: Offering Fruits and Prasad
- Place the fruits and prasad before the Goddess. Recite:
- "Naivedyam Samarpayami," indicating your offering of food.
Step 8: Aarti
- Perform aarti with the diya in a clockwise direction in front of the idol. Chant the Parvati Aarti or simple mantras.
6. Prayers and Mantras
Main Mantra:
- "Om Parvatyai Namah"
- "Om Gauri Shankaraya Namah" (for devotion and marital happiness)
Other Powerful Mantras:
- "Om Shakti Rupayai Namah" (for invoking the Goddess's strength)
- "Om Hreem Shreem Parvatyai Namah" (for wealth and prosperity)
Prayers:
- Chant Durga Chalisa or Parvati Ashtakam if time allows. A simple prayer invoking her blessings is sufficient for daily worship.
7. Prasad to Be Prepared
The prasad (sacred offering) for Devi Parvati can be simple but should be prepared with cleanliness and devotion:
- Kheer (Sweet rice pudding)
- Ladoos (sweet balls made from gram flour, coconut, or sesame seeds)
- Halwa (semolina pudding)
- Coconut offerings are also considered auspicious.
8. How to Conclude the Puja
- Conclude the puja by offering water (Achamana) and bowing down before the deity, expressing gratitude.
- Perform the final Aarti, and distribute the prasad to the family and devotees.
- Recite the Shanti Mantra to conclude:
- "Om Shanti Shanti Shantih."
9. Importance of Worshipping Devi Parvati
Worshipping Devi Parvati brings harmony, marital bliss, and family happiness. She represents the divine feminine energy, and her blessings remove obstacles, bring peace, fertility, and fulfillment of desires. Devotees believe that by worshipping her, they can overcome emotional turbulence and challenges in life.
10. Benefits of Devi Parvati Worship
- Marital Bliss: She blesses her devotees with a happy and peaceful married life.
- Fertility and Family Prosperity: Parvati is a symbol of motherhood and fertility.
- Health and Protection: Her worship is believed to bring good health and protect the family from negative energies.
- Strength and Determination: Worshipping her invokes inner strength to face life's difficulties.
11. What to Do with Puja Leftovers
- Flowers and Offerings: You can immerse the flowers and organic items (fruits, rice, turmeric) in a clean water body or compost them if possible.
- Eco-friendly Puja Materials: It is essential to use eco-friendly and biodegradable materials during the puja, avoiding plastic or harmful substances.
- Prasad: The food offerings (prasad) should be consumed by the devotees and family members. Avoid wasting prasad as it is considered a divine blessing.
By following these steps and performing the worship of Devi Parvati with devotion, one can receive her blessings of prosperity, love, strength, and happiness.