How to Worship Lord Kartikeya in Hinduism: A Comprehensive Guide
Worshiping Lord Kartikeya (also known as Murugan, Skanda, or Subramanya) holds significant importance in Hinduism. He is revered as the god of war and victory and is considered the epitome of youth, wisdom, and power. His worship is believed to help devotees overcome obstacles, gain courage, and achieve success in life.
Here's a detailed guide on how to perform Kartikeya Puja with eco-friendly traditional practices.
1. Importance of Kartikeya Puja
Worshiping Lord Kartikeya can:
- Remove obstacles from one's life.
- Grant wisdom, strength, and success.
- Help devotees overcome fear and confusion.
- Bring peace and harmony to families.
- Help those struggling with health, especially issues related to blood and the nervous system.
2. Cleanliness and Preparation
Personal Cleanliness:
- Take a bath before starting the puja.
- Wear fresh, clean, and preferably new clothes. The recommended color for Kartikeya worship is red, as it symbolizes energy and power, but white or saffron can also be worn for purity and devotion.
Place of Worship:
- Clean the altar and surrounding area. The puja area should be calm, serene, and free from distractions.
- Use natural decorations such as banana leaves, flowers (especially red hibiscus, lotus, or marigolds), and turmeric-dyed cloth to adorn the altar.
3. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly)
For an environmentally conscious Kartikeya Puja, it's important to use eco-friendly and biodegradable items:
- Murti (Idol) or Picture of Kartikeya – Choose an eco-friendly clay idol or use a framed photo.
- Diya (Lamp) – Use ghee lamps made of clay or brass.
- Agarbatti or Dhoop – Choose natural, chemical-free incense.
- Fresh Flowers – Red hibiscus, lotus, marigolds, or any other available fresh flowers.
- Fruits – Bananas, pomegranates, and coconuts (offered as prasad).
- Turmeric and Kumkum – Traditional haldi and kumkum for tilak.
- Betel Leaves – Natural leaves used for offerings.
- Panchamrut (Mix of five sacred items) – Milk, honey, ghee, curd, and sugar.
- Eco-Friendly Plates (for prasad) – Use leaf plates or brass/stainless steel for offerings and prasad distribution.
- Water and Kalash (Water-filled copper or brass pot) – Placed at the altar with a coconut on top.
- Cloth – Red cloth to cover the altar or for decoration.
4. Simple Steps of Kartikeya Puja
Step 1: Dhyana (Meditation)
- Sit in a comfortable position facing east.
- Begin by closing your eyes, meditating on Lord Kartikeya’s form, and invoking his presence.
- Recite: “Om Saravanabhavaya Namah” to call upon Kartikeya.
Step 2: Sankalp (Resolve)
- Make a sankalp (intention) in your mind about the purpose of the puja, whether for health, success, or spiritual growth.
Step 3: Kalash Puja
- Place a water-filled kalash (pot) at the altar and sprinkle water to purify the place and yourself.
Step 4: Aavahan (Invocation)
Invoke Lord Kartikeya by chanting the following mantra:
“Om Kumaraaya Namaha”
This is the mantra for invoking his presence.
Step 5: Offering
Offer flowers, fruits, coconut, and betel leaves to the idol or photo of Kartikeya. Recite Kartikeya mantras like:
“Om Sharavana Bhavaya Namah”
Offer fresh flowers and kumkum, chanting this mantra at least 108 times.
Step 6: Aarti
- Light a ghee lamp and perform aarti in a clockwise motion while chanting Kartikeya's names. Traditional Aarti song: Subramanya Aarti.
Step 7: Prasad
- Offer fresh fruits like pomegranate, bananas, and homemade sweets like Modak or Payasam (kheer) as prasad.
5. Prasad to Prepare for Kartikeya
You can prepare simple, sattvic (pure) food items for prasad, such as:
- Panchamrit – A mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar.
- Coconut Rice or Sweet Rice – Cooked with jaggery and coconut.
- Modaks – Sweet dumplings made of rice flour and jaggery.
- Payasam (Kheer) – A sweet pudding made of milk, rice, and jaggery.
Ensure that the prasad is made with pure and fresh ingredients, avoiding any additives or preservatives.
6. Mantras and Prayers for Kartikeya
Here are some key mantras to chant during the puja:
Kartikeya Beej Mantra:
- “Om Saravanabhavaya Namah” – Chant this 108 times to connect with the energy of Kartikeya.
Skanda Shashti Kavacham (Protection Prayer):
- Recite this ancient prayer for protection, success, and blessings.
Subramanya Gayatri Mantra:
- “Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Maha Senaya Dhimahi Tanno Skanda Prachodayat”
7. How to Conclude the Puja
After the offerings, perform a final aarti with camphor or ghee, circling it around the deity while ringing a bell.
Pray for forgiveness for any errors in the puja: "Om Tat Sat, Kshama Yachna".
Finally, distribute the prasad to family members and neighbors.
Bow before the deity, thanking Lord Kartikeya for his blessings, and chant his closing mantra:
“Om Kumaraaya Namah, Swaha”
8. What to Do with the Puja Leftover Items
To maintain eco-friendly practices, the leftover items from the puja should be handled with respect:
- Flowers and Leaves: Compost or immerse them in a flowing water body if possible.
- Coconut or Fruits: Consume or distribute to neighbors, friends, or animals.
- Offerings on Cloth: Cloth can be washed and reused for future pujas or donated.
- Water in the Kalash: Pour into plants or a garden.
- Avoid throwing any items in plastic bags or garbage. Always opt for natural, biodegradable disposal methods.
9. Benefits of Worshiping Lord Kartikeya
Worshiping Kartikeya brings numerous benefits to the devotee:
- Success and Victory: Helps overcome obstacles and grants success in endeavors.
- Spiritual Growth: Enhances wisdom and mental clarity.
- Health and Well-being: Improves vitality, reduces illnesses, especially related to mental stress.
- Protection: Protects from negative energies and harmful influences.
Regular Kartikeya Puja helps align one’s spiritual path with strength, victory, and wisdom.
By following this eco-friendly approach to Kartikeya Puja, you can not only maintain the sanctity and purity of the worship but also contribute to preserving the environment.