In Hindu tradition, menstruation is seen as a natural biological process, and after the menstrual period ends, women generally perform certain rituals to "purify" themselves before resuming regular religious practices, such as puja (worship). The following is a detailed guide on how to pray and perform puja after your period, with a focus on worshiping powerful goddesses like Kamakhya Devi, Goddess Parvati, Goddess Bagalamukhi, Tripurasundari, and Sheetala Mata.
1. Purification Ritual (Shuddhi Vidhi):
After the menstrual period ends, many women in Hindu culture perform a simple purification ritual before resuming their religious duties. This involves taking a bath and reciting certain mantras to purify the mind, body, and spirit.
Steps for Purification:
Take a bath: Use clean water and, if possible, add a few drops of Ganga Jal (holy water from the Ganges) for spiritual purification.
Recite the following mantra to purify yourself mentally and spiritually:
Mantra:
ॐ अपवित्रः पवित्रो वा सर्वावस्थां गतोऽपि वा । यः स्मरेत पुण्डरीकाक्षं स बाह्याभ्यन्तरः शुचिः ॥ Om Apavitrah Pavitro Va Sarvaavastham Gato’pi Va | Yah Smaret Pundariikaaksham Sa Baahyaabhyaantarah Shuchih ||Meaning: Whether pure or impure, or in any state of being, one who remembers the lotus-eyed Lord (Vishnu) becomes pure externally and internally.
2. Simple Daily Prayers (Nitya Puja):
After purification, you can perform a simple daily puja at home to honor the divine goddesses. Here’s a basic step-by-step guide to performing puja and mantras for goddesses like Kamakhya Devi, Parvati, Bagalamukhi, Tripurasundari, and Sheetala Mata.
Puja Steps:
- Prepare the altar: Clean the altar and place images or idols of the goddesses you wish to worship.
- Offerings: Arrange fresh flowers, fruits, water, and a lamp (diya) for the offerings.
- Light the lamp and incense: This symbolizes inviting the divine energy into your space.
- Invoke the goddess by chanting their mantras (given below).
- Offer flowers and food (Naivedyam): Offer flowers and place the food in front of the deity.
- Aarti: Sing the aarti (a devotional hymn) while circling the lamp in front of the deity.
- Pray and meditate: Spend a few moments in meditation, connecting with the goddess.
3. Ideal Goddesses and Mantras:
Here are some of the powerful goddesses you can worship after your period, along with their respective mantras.
Kamakhya Devi:
Kamakhya Devi is the goddess of fertility, desire, and power. Kamakhya’s temple in Assam is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas in India.
Kamakhya Devi Mantra:
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कामाख्ये ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं नमः। Om Aim Hreem Kleem Kamakhye Aim Hreem Kleem Namah ||
Meaning: This mantra invokes Kamakhya Devi to bless the devotee with strength, protection, and fulfillment of desires.
Goddess Parvati:
Parvati is the consort of Lord Shiva and represents strength, devotion, and love. She is the universal mother and embodies feminine power.
Parvati Mantra:
ॐ नमः पार्वत्यै पतये नमः। Om Namah Parvatyai Pataye Namah ||
Meaning: This mantra praises Goddess Parvati as the consort of Lord Shiva and seeks her blessings for marital happiness and spiritual growth.
Goddess Bagalamukhi:
Bagalamukhi is a powerful goddess associated with victory over enemies and obstacles. She is one of the Mahavidyas (Wisdom Goddesses).
Bagalamukhi Mantra:
ॐ ह्लीं बगलामुखि सर्वदुष्टानां वाचं मुखं पदं स्तम्भय। Jihvam Kilaya, Buddhim Vinashay Hlim Om Swaha || Om Hleem Bagala Mukhi Sarva Dushtanam Vacham Mukham Padam Stambhaya | Jihvam Kilaya Buddhim Vinashay Hlim Om Swaha ||
Meaning: This mantra is for protection from negative energies, enemies, and evil intentions. It is believed to help neutralize and subdue enemies.
Tripurasundari (Shodashi):
Tripurasundari is the embodiment of beauty and supreme consciousness. She is one of the most prominent forms of Goddess Shakti.
Tripurasundari Mantra:
श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं त्रिपुरसुन्दरीयै नमः। Shreem Hreem Kleem Tripurasundariyai Namah ||
Meaning: This mantra invokes Tripurasundari for beauty, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.
Sheetala Mata:
Goddess Sheetala is worshipped for protection from diseases and ill health. She is associated with healing and health.
Sheetala Mata Mantra:
ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं शीतलायै नमः। Om Hreem Shreem Sheetalayai Namah ||
Meaning: This mantra is for protection from diseases and good health for oneself and one’s family.
4. Rare and Relevant Facts:
- Kamakhya Devi’s temple: Kamakhya Devi’s temple in Assam is known for the "Ambubachi Mela," which celebrates the annual menstruation of the goddess. This is unique, as it shows that menstruation is not taboo but rather a symbol of fertility and feminine power.
- Menstrual Taboos: In many ancient Hindu texts, menstruation is seen as a time when women are undergoing natural cleansing. Traditionally, women refrain from performing certain religious rites, but this practice varies widely across regions and communities.
- Worship of the Divine Feminine: Worship of goddesses such as Tripurasundari, Kamakhya Devi, and Bagalamukhi is central to Tantric practices, where menstruation and female energy are considered sacred and powerful.
5. Other Important Considerations:
- Mental Purification: Before beginning any puja, it is important to sit in silence and clear the mind. Focus on the divine energy of the goddess you are invoking and feel gratitude.
- Timing: While there is no strict rule, the early morning or during the "Brahma Muhurta" (about 1.5 hours before sunrise) is considered an ideal time to perform worship.
- Fasting: Some women may choose to fast on certain days, such as Mondays (for Parvati) or Fridays (for Goddess Shakti).
Praying after menstruation in Hinduism is a way to reconnect with the divine feminine energy. By purifying yourself through physical and mental means, offering simple prayers, and focusing on goddesses like Kamakhya Devi, Parvati, Bagalamukhi, Tripurasundari, and Sheetala Mata, you can resume your spiritual practices with devotion and clarity. These goddesses embody strength, health, prosperity, and protection, making them ideal deities to invoke for ongoing spiritual support.