Bhairavi is one of the ten Mahavidyas (wisdom goddesses) in Hinduism, revered as the fierce form of the Divine Mother and associated with the goddess Durga. Bhairavi represents the power of transformation and spiritual awakening. Worshiping her is a way to invoke her energy for protection, inner strength, and wisdom. Here's a comprehensive guide to worship Bhairavi, emphasizing eco-friendly, traditional practices.
1. Cleanliness & Purity
- Personal Hygiene: Before beginning the puja, it's important to bathe and wear clean, fresh clothes. Cleanliness signifies purity of both the body and mind, which is essential for connecting with the divine energy of Bhairavi.
- Space Preparation: Clean the puja area thoroughly, using eco-friendly products. You can sprinkle water mixed with a little turmeric or Ganga water around the altar to purify the space.
2. Best Time for Worship
- The best time to worship Bhairavi is during the early morning (Brahma Muhurta), which is approximately 4:30 to 6:00 AM. Evening pujas can also be performed during twilight.
- Fridays, Navaratri, and Ashtami tithis are considered especially auspicious for Bhairavi puja.
3. Color of Clothes
- Traditionally, red is considered the most auspicious color for Bhairavi puja. It symbolizes Shakti (divine feminine power), energy, and transformation.
- If red is not available, orange, yellow, or saffron-colored clothes can also be worn, as they signify spiritual growth and devotion.
4. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly Options Only)
- Altar setup: Place a picture or statue of Bhairavi on a clean altar.
- Eco-friendly Lamp (Diya): Use ghee or oil made from natural sources, such as sesame oil or coconut oil.
- Flowers: Fresh red hibiscus flowers are sacred to Bhairavi. Always choose locally sourced flowers, free of chemical preservatives.
- Incense: Use natural incense sticks or dhoop made from herbs, sandalwood, or camphor. Avoid synthetic options.
- Fruits: Offer fruits like bananas, pomegranates, or coconut.
- Prasad: Use homemade eco-friendly food items like jaggery-sweetened offerings, rice, or kheer.
- Water in Copper Kalash: For purification and offering.
- Natural Kumkum: Organic vermillion powder (kumkum), sandalwood paste, and turmeric.
- Betel Leaves and Nuts: These can be used as offerings (ensure they're pesticide-free).
- Cloth: A piece of red cloth for offering.
- Rice (Akshata): Use raw, unpolished rice for offering.
- Organic Camphor: For aarti at the end of the puja.
5. Simple Steps of Bhairavi Puja
- Prepare the Altar: Set up the idol or image of Bhairavi on a clean altar. Surround the image with flowers and light the diya (lamp).
- Invocation (Dhyanam): Close your eyes and meditate on Goddess Bhairavi. Visualize her powerful form and pray for her blessings to remove obstacles and fear.
- Lighting the Lamp: Light the lamp (diya) and incense. Offer them to the goddess with both hands while reciting Bhairavi's mantras.
- Offering Flowers: Offer red flowers like hibiscus while chanting her names or the Bhairavi Ashtakam.
- Water and Rice Offering: Offer water from the copper kalash and akshata (rice) to the goddess.
- Prasad Offering: Place fruits and prasad like kheer or sweets before the goddess.
- Chant Mantras: Chant Bhairavi's mantras (given below) to invoke her presence and power. Recite these mantras at least 108 times using a rosary (mala).
- Aarti: After completing the mantra chanting, perform aarti using camphor. Move the camphor in a clockwise direction in front of the deity.
- Conclusion (Shanti Path): After the aarti, conclude the puja with a prayer for peace (Shanti Path).
6. Mantras and Prayers
- Bhairavi Moola Mantra:
ॐ ह्रीं भैरवी नमः। Om Hreem Bhairavi Namah - Bhairavi Gayatri Mantra:
ॐ त्रिपुराय विद्महे महाभैरव्यै धीमहि तन्नो देवी प्रचोदयात्। Om Tripuraye Vidmahe Maha Bhairavyai Dheemahi Tanno Devi Prachodayat. - Bhairavi Ashtakam: Reciting the Bhairavi Ashtakam (a set of eight verses dedicated to Bhairavi) brings immense blessings and spiritual upliftment.
7. Prasad to Be Prepared
- Kheer (rice pudding): Prepared with milk, rice, and jaggery.
- Fruits: Bananas, pomegranates, and coconuts can be offered.
- Sweet Offerings: Ladoos made from sesame seeds, jaggery, or gram flour (besan) are ideal.
- Ensure all ingredients are natural, locally sourced, and free of chemicals.
8. Concluding the Puja
- After the aarti, offer the prasad to all family members.
- Perform a final prayer of gratitude to Bhairavi for her blessings and protection.
- Visarjan: If you're using natural elements like flowers, they can be immersed in a garden or a plant to avoid polluting water bodies.
9. What to Do with Puja Leftover Items
- Flowers: Collect and compost them or bury them in your garden. Avoid throwing them in rivers or ponds.
- Water from Kalash: Offer it to plants or use it to clean the puja area.
- Prasad: Distribute prasad among family members, neighbors, or donate it to a nearby temple or people in need.
- Used Diyas and Incense: Diyas made of clay can be cleaned and reused. Ashes from the incense sticks can be scattered in a garden.
10. Importance and Benefits of Bhairavi Worship
- Spiritual Awakening: Bhairavi represents the energy of transformation, guiding devotees towards spiritual enlightenment.
- Protection and Courage: Worshipping Bhairavi invokes her protection from negative forces and fears.
- Inner Strength: Bhairavi strengthens inner resolve and confidence to face life's challenges.
- Removes Obstacles: Her worship is believed to eliminate obstacles on the path to success and spiritual growth.
- Healing and Purification: Bhairavi purifies the mind and body, promoting peace and wellbeing.
11. Eco-Friendly Practices
- Sustainable Offerings: Use natural and biodegradable items like flowers, fruits, and natural oils for offerings.
- Minimal Waste: Use minimal packaging and avoid plastic items during the puja.
- Plant-Based Colors: Use natural, plant-based colors like turmeric and sandalwood for the ritual.
- Reuse Diyas and Kalash: Opt for reusable materials to minimize waste.
By following these eco-friendly, traditional practices, you honor Bhairavi while also respecting the environment, aligning with the sacred principle of sustainability in Hinduism.