How to Worship Varahi Devi in Hinduism: A Comprehensive Guide

Varahi Devi is an important deity in Hinduism, worshipped as a form of Shakti, the divine feminine power, and is one of the Sapta Matrikas (seven mother goddesses). Varahi Devi is considered the shakti (energy) of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and symbolizes strength, protection, and the destruction of evil forces. Worshipping Varahi Devi brings blessings of prosperity, protection from negative influences, and spiritual upliftment.

This guide will provide you with detailed instructions on how to worship Varahi Devi in a traditional, eco-friendly manner, including the necessary preparations, puja items, steps for the puja, mantras, and what to do with leftover items.

1. Preparation for Worship

a. Cleanliness and Purification

Begin with cleaning the space where the puja will be performed. This can be a home altar or a temple area.
Clean yourself by taking a bath and wearing fresh, clean clothes.
Purify the puja area with holy water (Ganga Jal) or sprinkling water with some turmeric (haldi) and tulsi leaves.

b. Time for Worship

Varahi Devi is often worshipped at night, particularly on Fridays, Ashtami (eighth lunar day), or during the Panchami Tithi (fifth lunar day).
Evening time or during Rahu Kala (a period of 90 minutes in the day, depending on the day of the week) is considered auspicious for Varahi Devi worship.
You may also perform the puja during Navaratri or Amavasya (new moon day).

c. Attire

It is recommended to wear yellow or red clothes, as these colors are associated with strength, prosperity, and spiritual energy.
Women may wear sarees or traditional attire in these colors, while men may wear dhotis or traditional kurtas.

2. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly & Traditional)

Choose biodegradable, eco-friendly puja items to respect nature.

Varahi Devi’s idol or image (made of clay or natural materials)
Eco-friendly lamp (diya), made from clay, and ghee or coconut oil for lighting the lamp
Fresh flowers like lotus, jasmine, or hibiscus (all eco-friendly and traditionally used)
Beetle leaves, tulsi leaves, and durva grass (green, biodegradable, and sacred)
Kumkum (red powder), haldi (turmeric), and sandalwood paste
Rice grains (preferably organic, unpolished)
Fruits such as bananas, coconuts, and seasonal fruits
Incense sticks (natural, non-toxic, preferably made from organic herbs and flowers)
Camphor (pure and eco-friendly, for aarti)
Milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar for the Panchamrit
Water for sprinkling and washing hands during the puja
A bowl of natural, organic sweets for offering (e.g., jaggery, coconut ladoo, or kheer)

3. Simple Steps for the Puja

a. Invocation

Sit in a comfortable position facing east or north.
Light the eco-friendly lamp (diya) and incense sticks.
Place the Varahi Devi idol or image on a clean altar, and decorate it with fresh flowers.

b. Sankalpa (Intention)

Hold some rice grains, water, and flowers in your hand, and recite the sankalpa, mentally stating your purpose for the puja (for protection, prosperity, and blessings).

c. Offerings (Upachara)

Offer the following items to Varahi Devi in a simple sequence:

Flowers (pushpam) – Offer flowers one by one while chanting Her name.
Kumkum, turmeric, and sandalwood paste – Apply to the idol or sprinkle in front of the image.
Fruits and sweets – Place the prasad (fruits, jaggery, and kheer) in front of the deity.
Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar) – Offer it in a small bowl, representing purity and auspiciousness.
Naivedyam – Offer the cooked food (if any) as prasad.

d. Mantras and Prayers

Chant the following mantra while offering flowers and other items:

Om Aim Hreem Kleem Varahi Deviye Namaha

Recite any additional prayers or stotras like:

Varahi Gayatri Mantra:

Om Varahyai cha Vidmahe  
Daityanashinyai cha Dhimahi  
Tanno Varahi Prachodayat

Alternatively, recite the Varahi Stotra, which glorifies the goddess.

e. Aarti

Light camphor and perform the aarti with devotion, moving the flame in a circular motion in front of Varahi Devi’s image or idol. Sing devotional hymns or songs praising the goddess.

4. Prasad (Sacred Food Offering)

Prepare eco-friendly and traditional prasad such as:

Kheer (rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and cardamom)
Coconut ladoo (coconut mixed with jaggery and ghee)
Jaggery-sweetened rice or any other sattvic (pure) food that is natural and homemade.

Distribute the prasad to everyone after the puja.

5. How to Conclude the Puja

After offering the aarti, conclude the puja by chanting a closing mantra like:
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Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
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This signifies peace and the conclusion of the ritual.
Offer prayers of gratitude to Varahi Devi, seeking her blessings for protection, strength, and prosperity.

6. Disposal of Puja Leftovers (Eco-Friendly)

Flowers, leaves, and organic items – These can be composted or placed under a tree to return them to nature.
Ash from the diya or incense – This can be sprinkled around plants in your garden as a natural offering.
Food offerings – Distribute them to family members, friends, or neighbors. Do not waste or throw away prasad.
Water and other liquids – Can be poured onto plants or trees, symbolizing nurturing the earth.

7. Importance and Benefits of Worshipping Varahi Devi

Protection: Varahi Devi is known for providing protection from evil forces, negative energies, and psychic attacks.
Strength and Courage: She empowers her devotees with strength to face difficulties and challenges in life.
Spiritual Growth: Worshipping Varahi Devi helps in overcoming inner obstacles, promoting spiritual growth, and deepening the connection with divine feminine energy.
Prosperity and Success: Her blessings bring success in business, career, and personal endeavors, along with general prosperity and abundance.
Health: Varahi Devi is also associated with good health and well-being.

By following this eco-friendly and traditional approach to worshipping Varahi Devi, you not only honor the goddess but also respect nature by using biodegradable and sustainable products. This form of worship aligns with the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) towards the environment, while invoking the powerful and protective energy of the divine Mother.

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