The Amla tree (Indian gooseberry) holds significant spiritual, medicinal, and religious value in Hinduism. Worshiping the Amla tree is considered auspicious, particularly for family well-being, prosperity, and longevity. Below is an eco-friendly, comprehensive guide to worshiping the Amla tree, including the necessary steps, puja items, mantras, and more.
Preparation & Cleanliness
- Cleanliness:
- Begin by ensuring the area around the Amla tree is clean and free of debris.
- If the puja is done inside a temple or in your yard, clean the surroundings using water or sweep the area.
- You should bathe and wear clean clothes before starting the puja.
Best Time for Amla Puja
- Auspicious Day: The best time to worship the Amla tree is during the Amla Navami or Amla Ekadashi days, which fall during the Kartik month (October-November).
- Time: Ideally, the puja should be done in the morning after sunrise.
What to Wear: Dress Code for the Puja
- White, yellow, or green clothes are recommended for performing Amla tree puja as these colors symbolize purity, peace, and nature.
- Avoid synthetic or dark-colored clothing. Opt for traditional cotton or khadi materials.
Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
Use only biodegradable and eco-friendly puja materials to respect nature and reduce environmental impact.
Fruits and Flowers:
- Fresh seasonal fruits (preferably Amla fruit) and local flowers (Jasmine, Hibiscus, Marigold).
- Avoid plastic-wrapped or chemically treated flowers.
Incense Sticks:
- Use natural incense sticks made from bamboo and organic essential oils.
Lamp (Diya):
- Use a clay lamp (diya) with ghee or sesame oil for lighting.
Camphor:
- Use natural camphor for the Aarti.
Turmeric, Kumkum, and Sandalwood Paste:
- Ensure they are organic and free from synthetic chemicals.
Rice (Akshata):
- Raw, unbroken grains of rice (can be colored with turmeric).
Water in a Copper Pot (Kalash):
- Use fresh, clean water mixed with Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges, if available).
Betel Leaves, Betel Nuts, and Durva Grass:
- Betel leaves (without pesticides) and betel nuts (cleaned and natural).
Garlands and Coconut:
- Natural flower garlands and an unbroken coconut.
Amla Fruit:
- As the centerpiece of the offering, place ripe Amla fruits at the base of the tree.
Simple Steps for Performing Amla Tree Puja
Purification: Begin by sprinkling water around the tree as a form of purification. You can mix Gangajal into the water for sanctity.
Offering of Turmeric and Kumkum: Apply a small amount of turmeric and kumkum on the base of the tree and its trunk.
Garlanding the Tree: Offer fresh flower garlands to the tree, especially those made of fragrant flowers like jasmine or marigold.
Lighting the Lamp: Light a clay diya (oil lamp) and place it near the base of the tree. The lamp symbolizes enlightenment and the removal of negativity.
Offer Prayers: Close your eyes and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, as she is believed to reside in the Amla tree. Offer Amla fruits, flowers, betel leaves, and betel nuts as symbolic offerings.
Chant Mantras: Chant the following mantras for the Amla tree:
Amla Tree Mantra: "Om Dhatri Mahadevi Dharmarupini, Amla Mahavriksha Mooladevi Namo Namah."
Translation: Salutations to the goddess of the Amla tree, who is the embodiment of dharma.
Gayatri Mantra (optional for general well-being): "Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat."
Circumambulation (Parikrama): Walk around the Amla tree in a clockwise direction at least three times, while gently chanting prayers or mantras.
Aarti: Perform Aarti using camphor or ghee in the diya. Sing the Aarti song dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi or recite any hymns related to nature or the divine.
Offering Prasad: Place the prepared prasad (Amla fruits and sweets) at the base of the tree. Distribute the prasad among family members after the puja.
Prasad Preparation
- Eco-friendly Prasad:
- Amla-based sweets like Amla Murabba, Amla chutney, or Amla laddoos can be prepared.
- Traditional sweets like Kheer or Halwa made from jaggery (instead of refined sugar) can also be offered.
How to Conclude the Puja
- Gratitude Offering: At the end of the puja, offer your heartfelt thanks to the Amla tree for the blessings of good health, prosperity, and peace.
- Distribution of Prasad: Distribute the prasad (sweets or Amla fruit) to family members, friends, and neighbors.
- Leave Nature Unharmed: Ensure that all items left behind like flowers, leaves, and fruit peels are biodegradable and can be left at the base of the tree as compost, or disposed of in an eco-friendly manner.
- Water the Tree: After the puja, water the Amla tree as a symbolic act of nurturing and gratitude.
Mantras & Prayers
Lakshmi Mantra: "Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah"
Reciting this mantra during the puja invites Goddess Lakshmi's blessings for wealth and prosperity.
Surya Mantra: "Om Suryaya Namaha"
Recite this to honor the Sun God, as Amla is associated with the solar energy.
Importance of Amla Tree Worship
- Health Benefits: Amla is revered for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda. Worshipping it symbolizes the fostering of health and longevity.
- Prosperity and Wealth: Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is believed to reside in the Amla tree. Thus, worshiping it can bring abundance and prosperity.
- Environmental Importance: Amla trees are ecologically significant for their contribution to biodiversity, their ability to purify the air, and their role in sustaining local ecosystems.
Benefits of Amla Tree Worship
- Spiritual Growth: Amla tree worship enhances your connection with nature and promotes spiritual development.
- Family Welfare: It is believed to protect families from diseases and ensure a long, healthy life for all members.
- Material Prosperity: Worshiping the Amla tree can attract wealth, success, and abundance.
What to Do with Puja Leftovers
- Flowers: Scatter leftover flowers at the base of the tree or place them in compost to return them to nature.
- Fruits: Distribute edible fruits to family and friends, and offer them to animals like cows and birds if any are remaining.
- Other Organic Materials: Betel leaves, grass, and other organic items can be composted or placed at the base of the Amla tree as an offering.
- Water: The water used in the puja can be sprinkled around the garden or used to water plants.
By adhering to eco-friendly principles and performing the Amla puja with devotion, you honor both spiritual traditions and nature, fostering an atmosphere of growth, peace, and prosperity.