Comprehensive Guide on How to Worship Pratyangira Devi in Hinduism
Pratyangira Devi, also known as Narasimhi or Atharvana Bhadrakali, is a fierce and protective goddess in Hinduism. She is invoked primarily for protection from negative forces, overcoming enemies, and removing evil influences like black magic. Worshiping Pratyangira Devi requires devotion, purity, and attention to detail, ensuring that all rituals are performed with the utmost respect.
This guide will provide an overview of how to perform a simple yet powerful puja (ritual) to Pratyangira Devi using eco-friendly and traditional methods, which are aligned with nature and ancient practices.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
Before starting the puja, it’s essential to maintain physical, mental, and spiritual cleanliness.
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes. It is recommended to wear clothes of specific colors that align with Pratyangira Devi's energy.
- Clothing Color: Black or dark blue (symbolizing protection) is often preferred during her puja as these colors are associated with absorbing negative energies.
- Space Cleanliness: Clean the altar and the space where the puja will be conducted. The altar should be free from dust, and all items should be arranged neatly.
2. Best Time to Worship
Pratyangira Devi's puja can be performed during the Amavasya (new moon), Pournami (full moon), or on Tuesdays and Sundays. These days are considered especially powerful.
- Ideal Time: The evening hours (especially after sunset) are preferred for her worship, but early morning pujas are also beneficial.
3. Puja Items Required
Use eco-friendly, traditional, and biodegradable products to perform the puja, avoiding any plastic or non-biodegradable materials.
- Picture or Idol of Pratyangira Devi: A photograph, yantra, or small idol of the goddess.
- Kalasha: A copper or brass pot filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut, symbolizing the presence of the goddess.
- Turmeric and Kumkum: For applying tilak and decorating the altar.
- Fresh Flowers: Red hibiscus or lotus flowers, as they are sacred to Pratyangira Devi. Ensure the flowers are locally sourced and pesticide-free.
- Eco-friendly Camphor: For aarti (light offering).
- Agarbatti (Incense Sticks): Made from natural materials like sandalwood or jasmine.
- Ghee Lamp: Use a small earthen lamp (diya) with cotton wicks and pure cow ghee.
- Betel Leaves and Areca Nut: Traditional offerings.
- Coconut: Split as a symbol of offering ego and worldly desires.
- Fruits: Use locally sourced, seasonal fruits for naivedyam (offering). Bananas, coconuts, and apples are ideal.
- Holy Water: Ganga jal or clean water from a nearby river.
- Rice: Unpolished rice for akshata (used for blessings).
- Eco-friendly Red Cloth: To drape on the altar or offer to the deity.
4. Simple Steps for Pratyangira Devi Puja
Preparation:
- Clean the altar and your surroundings.
- Set up the picture or idol of Pratyangira Devi.
- Light the ghee lamp and incense to purify the environment.
Invoke the Goddess:
- Begin with a small prayer to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles:
"Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha." - Close your eyes, fold your hands, and chant:
"Om Pratyangire Namaha"
or
"Om Hreem Pratyangire Namaha"
to invoke the goddess.
- Begin with a small prayer to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles:
Kalasha Puja:
- Place the Kalasha (pot) on the altar, surround it with flowers, and place a coconut on top.
- Sprinkle turmeric and kumkum on the Kalasha, symbolizing the goddess' divine energy.
Offering Flowers and Fruits:
- Offer hibiscus or lotus flowers to the Devi, chanting her name.
- Place the fruits, betel leaves, and areca nut before the altar as naivedyam (offering).
Aarti and Camphor Offering:
- Perform aarti using eco-friendly camphor and sing a Pratyangira Devi bhajan or chant her mantra: "Om Pratyangire Namaha."
- Circulate the flame three times around the deity in a clockwise motion.
Chant Pratyangira Devi Mantras:
- Chant the following powerful mantras to please the goddess and invoke her protective energies:
- Main Pratyangira Mantra:
"Om Aim Hreem Kleem Pratyangire Hum Phat Swaha." - Gayatri Mantra of Pratyangira Devi:
"Om Pratyangirayai Vidmahe Shool Hastayai Dhimahi, Tanno Devi Prachodayat."
- Main Pratyangira Mantra:
- Chant the following powerful mantras to please the goddess and invoke her protective energies:
Concluding the Puja:
- Offer a final prayer, expressing gratitude to Pratyangira Devi for her blessings and protection.
- Perform a silent meditation or sit quietly, visualizing the protective energy surrounding you and your loved ones.
5. Prasad to be Prepared
- Coconut and Jaggery based prasad is most suitable for Pratyangira Devi puja.
- Simple Offerings:
- Sweet pongal (made from rice and jaggery).
- Dry fruits and nuts mixed with honey.
- Offer eco-friendly items that avoid plastic packaging or artificial ingredients.
6. How to Conclude the Puja
- Distribute the Prasad to family members and those present at the puja.
- Offer the water from the Kalasha to plants or pour it under a sacred tree.
- Collect any leftover items like flowers or betel leaves and immerse them in a nearby water body or bury them in your garden, returning them to nature.
- Ashes from camphor or incense sticks should be sprinkled around your home or garden for protection.
7. Importance and Benefits of Worshiping Pratyangira Devi
Worshiping Pratyangira Devi brings immense spiritual and material benefits. Her powerful energy offers:
- Protection from negative forces: Whether it be black magic, evil eye, or enemies, her blessings help in eliminating harmful influences.
- Removal of obstacles: She clears the path of hindrances in one's personal and professional life.
- Inner strength and fearlessness: Devotees gain courage to face life’s challenges.
- Mental peace: Her divine presence calms the mind and promotes mental clarity.
- Spiritual growth: Worshiping Pratyangira Devi helps devotees evolve on their spiritual path by fostering wisdom and insight.
8. Eco-Friendly Disposal of Puja Items
- Flowers and Organic Offerings: Once the puja is over, all natural items like flowers, fruits, and leaves should be composted or immersed in a nearby natural water body.
- Coconut Water: If a coconut was broken, the water should be poured under a tree.
- Earthen Lamps (Diyas): Reuse the diya by cleaning and refilling it with ghee for future pujas.
Always respect nature and dispose of puja items in a way that aligns with eco-friendly practices, ensuring no harm is done to the environment.
By following these simple and traditional steps, you can perform an eco-friendly and spiritually powerful Pratyangira Devi puja, inviting her protection, strength, and blessings into your life.