Periyachi Amman is revered as a fierce protector deity in Tamil Hinduism, symbolizing the power of motherhood and the divine protection of women and children. She is especially worshipped for the protection of infants, safe childbirth, and family well-being. Worshipping Periyachi Amman is a significant spiritual practice that requires devotion, cleanliness, and an eco-conscious approach. Below is a step-by-step guide for worshipping Periyachi Amman using eco-friendly, traditional puja products.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
Before beginning the worship, cleanliness of both the body and the environment is essential:
- Bathing: Take a full-body bath before starting the puja. Wear clean clothes that are reserved for spiritual practices.
- Cleaning the Space: The puja space (home altar or temple) should be thoroughly cleaned with water and wiped down, ideally using eco-friendly cleaning solutions like herbal powders or water mixed with turmeric.
- Offering Eco-friendly Materials: All materials used should be biodegradable and natural to honor the goddess and the environment.
2. Best Time for Worship
- Day: Fridays, full moon (Pournami), and new moon (Amavasya) days are particularly auspicious for worshipping Periyachi Amman.
- Time: The early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or evening before sunset are ideal times for performing the puja.
3. What to Wear
- Color of Clothing: Red, yellow, or green traditional clothes are often worn during Periyachi Amman pujas. Red symbolizes strength and devotion, which are significant aspects of the goddess.
- Women can wear sarees or salwar suits in these colors, while men can opt for veshti (dhoti) or simple traditional attire.
4. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly)
Ensure that all puja items are biodegradable and eco-friendly. Here is a list of traditional, sustainable items to use:
- Earthen or metal lamps (no plastic or synthetic materials)
- Cotton wicks soaked in ghee (clarified butter) or sesame oil
- Natural flowers: Lotus, hibiscus, and marigold are often used (avoid plastic or synthetic flowers)
- Turmeric and kumkum (red powder) for marking the forehead and the goddess's idol
- Sandalwood paste (chandan) for applying on the deity
- Natural incense sticks made of organic materials
- Fruits like bananas, coconuts, and seasonal fruits for offerings
- Betel leaves and areca nuts (supari) as symbols of gratitude and devotion
- Water in a copper or brass vessel (Kalash) with a mango leaf placed on top
- Freshly made prasad like sweet pongal, coconut, or jaggery-based sweets
- Neem leaves are commonly associated with Periyachi Amman for their purifying and healing properties.
5. Simple Steps for Performing the Puja
a. Preparation
- Set up an image or idol of Periyachi Amman on a clean altar.
- Light an oil lamp using sesame oil or ghee and cotton wicks. Place this lamp on the altar.
- Place fresh flowers and fruits as offerings.
b. Invocation of the Goddess
Meditate on Periyachi Amman and chant her names to invoke her presence.
Mantras: Recite the following mantra or prayer:
"Om Shakti Periyachi Amman Thunai"
(Translation: "Om, the power and protection of Periyachi Amman be with us")"Om Periyachi Amman Potri"
(Translation: "Om, I praise the greatness of Periyachi Amman")You can repeat these mantras 108 times using a rudraksha or tulsi mala (rosary).
c. Offering Flowers and Fruits
- Offer flowers, one by one, to the deity while reciting the mantra or mentally praying for blessings and protection.
- Break the coconut, symbolic of removing ego, and offer the pieces along with fruits.
d. Applying Kumkum and Sandalwood
- Apply turmeric and kumkum to the goddess's image, symbolizing purity and devotion.
- Offer sandalwood paste as a sign of respect and cooling.
e. Performing Aarti
- Perform Aarti by circling a lit camphor or ghee lamp in a clockwise direction in front of the deity. As you do this, chant Periyachi Amman’s names and mantras.
f. Concluding the Puja
- After the aarti, take blessings by bowing down in front of the goddess.
- Distribute the Prasad (offered sweets and fruits) among the family members.
6. Prasad (Food Offerings)
- Sweet Pongal: A traditional dish made with rice, jaggery, and ghee.
- Payasam (kheer): A milk-based pudding with rice, cardamom, and jaggery.
- Coconut and jaggery sweets are also ideal as they are simple and eco-friendly.
These offerings should be made with pure, organic ingredients to ensure that they are in line with the eco-friendly approach.
7. Importance and Benefits of Worship
- Protection of Children: Periyachi Amman is widely revered for safeguarding infants and mothers, ensuring a safe pregnancy and childbirth.
- Family Welfare: The worship of Periyachi Amman is believed to bless the entire household with health, prosperity, and protection.
- Overcoming Obstacles: Devotees believe that praying to Periyachi Amman helps in overcoming hurdles, evil eye, and black magic.
8. What to Do with Leftover Puja Items
Flowers and Offerings: Any biodegradable offerings like flowers, neem leaves, and fruits should be returned to nature. You can immerse them in flowing water or place them under a sacred tree like a neem or tulsi plant.
Prasad: Distribute the edible prasad among family, friends, or the needy. Leftover prasad can also be offered to animals or birds in your vicinity.
Lamp and Incense Ash: The ash from incense or the remains of oil lamps can be sprinkled in gardens or around trees, as it is considered auspicious and eco-friendly.
9. Mantras and Prayers
Mantras are an integral part of worshipping Periyachi Amman. Chanting her mantras invokes her protection and blessings. Apart from the previously mentioned basic mantras, you can also recite:
"Om Durga Lakshmi Saraswati Periyachi Amman Namaha"
This mantra connects the devotee with the divine feminine energies of Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Periyachi Amman for holistic protection and prosperity.
10. Concluding the Puja
- After the worship, sit quietly and meditate for a few minutes to absorb the divine energy.
- Pray for the well-being of yourself, your family, and the larger community.
- Offer your gratitude to Periyachi Amman for her protection and blessings.
Before leaving the altar, touch the feet of the deity (symbolically) and seek blessings for courage, health, and prosperity.
11. Eco-friendly Approach
By using eco-friendly, traditional puja items and ensuring that any leftovers are returned to nature responsibly, you not only honor the goddess but also take care of the environment, staying aligned with the core values of Hinduism, which emphasize respect for nature and all living beings.
This method of worship reflects devotion, simplicity, and reverence for the divine in both the spiritual and material realms.