Comprehensive Guide to Worshiping Swarna Akarshana Bhairava in Hinduism
Swarna Akarshana Bhairava is a manifestation of Lord Bhairava, known for bestowing wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Worshiping Him with devotion is believed to attract positive energy, wealth, and remove financial obstacles. Here is a comprehensive guide to conducting an eco-friendly puja for Swarna Akarshana Bhairava.
1. Preparation and Cleanliness
- Personal Cleanliness: Before starting the puja, take a bath to purify the body. Wear clean, fresh clothes.
- Space Cleanliness: Clean the puja space or altar thoroughly. Use natural cleaning materials like water mixed with turmeric or lemon juice to cleanse the area. Keep it free from dust and clutter.
- Purify the Air: Light natural incense or dhoop sticks made from eco-friendly herbs such as sandalwood, lemongrass, or camphor to purify the air.
2. Puja Timing
- The best time to perform Swarna Akarshana Bhairava puja is during Rahu Kaalam (an inauspicious time according to Hindu astrology) or during the evening hours on Ashtami tithi (eighth day of the lunar calendar).
- Worship can also be done on Mondays or Saturdays, which are considered auspicious days for Bhairava worship.
3. Clothes to Wear
- It is ideal to wear clothes in golden yellow or red, as these colors are associated with prosperity and wealth, and align with the energy of Swarna Akarshana Bhairava.
- Always choose eco-friendly, natural fabrics such as cotton or silk that are free of synthetic dyes or harmful chemicals.
4. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly Products)
All puja materials should be natural and eco-friendly to honor nature. The following items are essential:
- Idol or Picture of Swarna Akarshana Bhairava: Made of natural materials like clay or metal.
- Flowers: Marigold, lotus, jasmine, and other seasonal, naturally grown flowers.
- Turmeric (Haldi) and Kumkum (Vermillion): Preferably organic, without artificial colors.
- Rice: Akshata (uncooked rice mixed with turmeric).
- Betel Leaves and Areca Nuts: Organic and pesticide-free.
- Incense Sticks or Dhoop: Made from eco-friendly materials like sandalwood or camphor.
- Ghee Lamps: Use traditional clay or brass lamps filled with organic ghee.
- Water: Purified water kept in a copper or brass vessel.
- Fruits and Sweets: Organic fruits such as bananas, apples, and eco-friendly homemade sweets for offering.
- Panchamrit: A mixture of five elements – milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee.
- Natural Leaves: Offer bilva (bael) leaves or tulsi leaves.
- Yellow Cloth: A small yellow or red cloth for covering the altar or idol.
5. Simple Steps of Puja
Cleanse and Set Up the Altar: Arrange all puja items neatly on a clean, eco-friendly cloth. Place the idol or picture of Swarna Akarshana Bhairava in the center.
Lighting the Lamp and Incense: Light a clay lamp with ghee and place natural incense or dhoop beside it to purify the space.
Invoke Swarna Akarshana Bhairava: Close your eyes and chant:
- “Om Hreem Bhairavaya Swarna Akarshanaya Namah” 9 times.
- Mentally offer prayers and invite the deity to bless your home and altar.
Offer Flowers and Akshata: Offer flowers, betel leaves, and akshata to the idol, while chanting Bhairava’s name:
- “Om Swarna Akarshana Bhairavaya Namah” (108 times).
Perform Panchopachara Puja:
- Gandham (Sandalwood Paste): Apply sandalwood paste to the deity.
- Pushpam (Flowers): Offer natural flowers to the deity.
- Dhoopam (Incense): Show the lighted incense in a circular motion in front of the deity.
- Deepam (Lamp): Show the lit ghee lamp, moving it in a clockwise motion.
- Naivedyam (Food Offering): Offer fruits, sweets, or panchamrit. Chant:
- “Om Bhairavaya Swarna Akarshanaya Naivedyam Samarpayami”.
Aarti: After offering the naivedya, perform an aarti with the ghee lamp and bells. Chant:
- “Om Jai Bhairavaya Swarna Akarshanaya Namah”.
Mantra Chanting: Meditate by chanting the following mantra 108 times using a rudraksha mala:
- “Om Hreem Bhairavaya Swarna Akarshanaya Namah”.
Concluding the Puja: Sprinkle a few drops of water around the idol, close the puja with a final prayer of gratitude, and say:
- “Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi”.
6. Prasad to be Prepared
- Simple eco-friendly offerings such as:
- Homemade sweets like coconut ladoos or jaggery-based sweets.
- Fruits such as bananas, apples, and seasonal fruits.
- Panchamrit, a mixture of five sacred elements.
7. Mantras and Prayers
- Moola Mantra: "Om Hreem Bhairavaya Swarna Akarshanaya Namah."
- Shloka:
- "Kaalabhairavam Bhaje, Sree Swarna Akarshana Bhairavam Bhaje."
8. How to Conclude the Puja
- After the aarti, offer the prasad to family members and distribute it among others.
- Perform Namaskar (bowing) and mentally offer your gratitude to Swarna Akarshana Bhairava.
9. Importance and Benefits of Worship
- Wealth and Prosperity: Regular worship is believed to attract wealth and remove financial hurdles.
- Success in Business: It can enhance business success, bring in new opportunities, and attract positive energy.
- Spiritual Growth: The mantra chanting and puja help in calming the mind, developing focus, and connecting with higher spiritual energies.
- Protection: It provides protection from negative energies, misfortunes, and hardships.
10. What to Do With Leftover Puja Items (Eco-Friendly Disposal)
- Flowers and Leaves: Compost the flowers and leaves in a garden or return them to nature by placing them near a tree or in a water body (without plastic or non-degradable materials).
- Incense Ash: Ash can be sprinkled in your garden, as it is rich in minerals.
- Coconut or Fruits: The coconut and fruits can either be consumed as prasad or composted in your garden.
- Water: Offer the leftover water used in the puja to plants.
By following these steps, you can perform an eco-friendly and spiritually enriching puja to Swarna Akarshana Bhairava, inviting prosperity, positivity, and spiritual protection into your life.