Worshiping Maa Tara, the second of the Dasha Mahavidyas in Hinduism, is an important practice for devotees who seek her blessings for wisdom, strength, protection, and liberation from negative forces. Worshiping her at home can be done with devotion, simplicity, and a focus on eco-friendly practices. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you perform Maa Tara Puja in a traditional yet environmentally responsible manner.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
Cleaning the Space
- Choose a quiet, clean spot in your home for the puja. The area should be dust-free and free of clutter.
- Purify the space with water (Ganga Jal if possible) or sprinkle turmeric water around the puja area to cleanse the environment.
- Take a bath and wear clean clothes before beginning the puja. Maintaining personal and environmental cleanliness is crucial for inviting divine energy.
Time to Perform the Puja
- Early morning during Brahma Muhurta (approximately 4 AM to 6 AM) is considered the best time for Tara Maa’s worship. If not possible, evening time can also be chosen.
- Devotees also prefer to worship Maa Tara on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as these are auspicious days for invoking her energy.
Color of Clothes
- While performing the puja, it is auspicious to wear yellow, red, or blue colored clothes, as these colors are dear to Maa Tara.
- Women can wear a saree and men can wear a dhoti or simple traditional attire.
2. Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
Use biodegradable and sustainable items to honor nature as well as the Goddess.
Idol or Picture
- A photo or an idol of Maa Tara placed on a clean, raised platform (preferably a wooden one).
Puja Items (All Eco-friendly)
- Earthen or brass diya (lamp)
- Organic ghee or sesame oil for the lamp
- Organic incense sticks or dhoop made from natural materials like sandalwood, camphor
- Natural flowers (marigold, hibiscus, lotus, etc.); avoid plastic flowers
- Fruits (banana, coconut, pomegranate, etc.) and homemade sweets for offering
- Eco-friendly Kalash (water-filled copper or brass pot) with mango leaves and a coconut placed on top
- Red sandalwood powder, turmeric, and kumkum for tilak
- Rice grains (Akshata) and sindoor (vermilion)
- Organic cloth for altar (preferably red or yellow)
- Camphor tablets for aarti
- Betel leaves and betel nuts
- Eco-friendly asana (seat), like a woolen cloth or cotton mat, for sitting during the puja.
3. Simple Steps of Maa Tara Puja
Step 1: Invocation (Aavahanam)
- Begin the puja by invoking Maa Tara’s presence by lighting the lamp and incense. Sit in a comfortable position, either in Padmasana or on a clean mat facing the east or north.
- Recite “Om Tara Devi Namah” thrice and close your eyes to meditate on her form, envisioning her blessing you with strength and wisdom.
Step 2: Sankalpa (Declaration of Intent)
- Offer water in your hand and take a vow or intent for the puja. You can say: "I, (your name), perform this puja of Maa Tara for the well-being of my family, removal of obstacles, and attainment of wisdom."
Step 3: Offering (Upacharas)
- Asana (seat offering): Offer a seat (as a gesture) for Maa Tara.
- Water: Offer a spoonful of water to cleanse her feet (Paadya), another for hands (Arghya), and one for rinsing her mouth (Achamanam).
- Snana (Bath): Mentally offer a bath by sprinkling clean water or offering water on the idol.
- Clothes (Vastra): Offer red or yellow cloth to the idol or photo.
- Flowers and Kumkum: Offer flowers, turmeric, kumkum, and sandalwood paste.
- Naivedya (Food Offering): Offer fruits, sweets, and coconut to the deity.
- Aarti (Light Offering): Light camphor or ghee lamps and wave the flame in a clockwise motion, reciting Maa Tara’s mantras.
Step 4: Reciting Mantras and Prayers
Chanting mantras dedicated to Maa Tara is an integral part of the puja. You can use:
Main Mantra:
“Om Tare Tuttare Ture Swaha”108 Names of Maa Tara can be recited or a few popular stotras like Tara Kavach for protection and wisdom.
Step 5: Aarti
- After the recitation of mantras, perform the aarti with a camphor lamp or ghee lamp. Circle it around the deity's picture or idol while chanting prayers.
4. Prasad to Prepare
- Simple and homemade prasad is ideal for offering to Maa Tara.
- Sweetened rice or kheer
- Fruits like bananas, pomegranates, and coconuts
- Coconut ladoos made from jaggery
- Avoid any store-bought or processed items. Use organic ingredients for cooking.
5. Concluding the Puja
- Thank the Goddess by bowing before the idol and mentally asking for her blessings.
- Offer water and fruits to her, followed by distributing the prasad to all family members.
- Recite Shanti Mantras or a small prayer for peace and harmony:
- "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti"
- Ring the bell gently to signify the end of the ritual.
6. Disposal of Leftover Puja Items (Eco-friendly Approach)
- Flowers and organic offerings can be buried in a garden or placed in a compost pit.
- Water and leftover food can be offered to plants or trees in your garden.
- Avoid any plastic or synthetic materials in the puja to reduce environmental harm.
7. Importance and Benefits of Worshiping Maa Tara
- Spiritual Growth: Worshiping Maa Tara helps one connect with higher consciousness, achieving spiritual liberation and enlightenment.
- Protection: Tara Devi is known to shield her devotees from evil forces, black magic, and negative energies.
- Overcoming Obstacles: Tara’s blessings help in overcoming hurdles in life, be it financial, personal, or emotional.
- Wisdom and Knowledge: As a goddess of knowledge, Maa Tara blesses devotees with intellect, insight, and clear decision-making skills.
8. Benefits of Using Eco-Friendly Products
- Spiritual Purity: By using natural products, you maintain purity in your offerings, honoring Maa Tara and the environment.
- Environmental Impact: Reduces pollution and helps conserve nature. Organic offerings are biodegradable and support ecological balance.
- Simplicity and Devotion: A simple and sustainable puja is aligned with traditional values, focusing on devotion rather than excess.
By worshipping Maa Tara with faith, simplicity, and an eco-friendly approach, you not only receive her blessings but also contribute to the well-being of nature, which is an extension of the divine.