Aryaman, one of the Vedic deities, is known as the god of hospitality, friendship, and honor. His worship promotes harmony, good relations, and a sense of duty among individuals and communities. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to worship Aryaman, emphasizing eco-friendly practices and simplicity.
Preparation for Aryaman Puja
Cleanliness and Preparation:
- Clean the space where the puja will be performed, ensuring it is clutter-free and purified.
- Take a bath and wear clean, preferably new, clothes to maintain personal purity.
- Clean the puja items and arrange them neatly.
Time for Worship:
- The ideal time to worship Aryaman is during the early morning, preferably during sunrise or at the time of Sandhya (twilight), which is considered auspicious.
Color of Clothes:
- White, yellow, or light green clothes are recommended for the puja, as these colors symbolize purity, prosperity, and nature, aligning with Aryaman's benevolent attributes.
Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly Products Only)
- Clay or Copper Aryaman Idol or Image: Avoid plastic idols; use traditional clay or metal idols.
- Earthen Diya (Lamp): Use ghee or sesame oil and cotton wicks.
- Fresh Flowers and Leaves: White or yellow flowers like marigold, jasmine, or lotus. Use banana leaves for decoration.
- Natural Incense Sticks (Agarbatti): Made of sandalwood or other natural ingredients.
- Kumkum, Haldi (Turmeric), and Sandalwood Paste: Use organic or traditionally prepared powders.
- Eco-friendly Fruits: Banana, apple, coconut, or other seasonal fruits.
- Raw Milk, Honey, and Ghee: For Panchamrita (a sacred mixture).
- Gangajal (Ganges Water) or Clean Water: For Abhishekam (ritual bathing).
- Eco-friendly Plates and Bowls: Made of leaf, clay, or copper for offering prasad.
- Fresh Tulsi (Basil) Leaves: Considered sacred and purifying.
Simple Steps of Aryaman Puja
Invocation (Dhyana):
- Begin by sitting quietly, closing your eyes, and focusing on Aryaman’s image.
- Chant the mantra:
“Om Aryamanaya Namah” to invoke his presence and seek blessings.
Lighting the Lamp:
- Light the earthen diya filled with ghee or oil. It symbolizes knowledge and the dispelling of darkness.
Offering Water and Flowers (Pushpanjali):
- Offer fresh flowers and Tulsi leaves at Aryaman’s feet, symbolizing purity and devotion.
Abhishekam (Ritual Bathing):
- Bathe the idol with Panchamrita (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and water).
- Wipe the idol gently and adorn it with sandalwood paste, kumkum, and haldi.
Offering Naivedyam (Prasad):
- Offer fruits, sweets (preferably homemade like laddoo or halwa), and other simple offerings as prasad.
- Ensure the prasad is sattvic (pure), prepared without onion or garlic.
Chanting Mantras:
- Recite Aryaman’s Vedic hymns or the following mantra:
“Om Aryamanaya Vidmahe Kshatriyadhipataye Dhimahi Tanno Aryama Prachodayat.”
- Repeat the mantra 11 or 21 times with devotion.
- Recite Aryaman’s Vedic hymns or the following mantra:
“Om Aryamanaya Vidmahe Kshatriyadhipataye Dhimahi Tanno Aryama Prachodayat.”
Aarti:
- Perform aarti using a camphor flame or a lit diya. Sing traditional Aryaman aarti songs, if known, or a simple hymn glorifying Aryaman.
Prayers and Conclusion:
- Conclude by seeking forgiveness for any errors committed during the puja.
- Offer your prayers for harmony, good health, and the fulfillment of your righteous desires.
Offering the Prasad to Family:
- Distribute the prasad among the family members and share it with friends and neighbors, fostering community bonds.
Importance and Benefits of Aryaman Worship
- Promotes Unity and Harmony: Aryaman is a deity associated with the virtues of community and relationships, helping individuals foster positive relationships.
- Blesses with Hospitality and Honor: Worshipping Aryaman invokes qualities like honor, hospitality, and respect in one’s character.
- Boosts Physical and Mental Well-being: The peaceful nature of this puja helps calm the mind and fosters a sense of satisfaction and gratitude.
- Flowers and Leaves: Collect and compost the used flowers and leaves. They can also be immersed in a plant pot to recycle them naturally.
- Ashes from Incense and Camphor: Ashes can be sprinkled on plants, as they serve as natural fertilizers.
- Remaining Water and Milk: Offer it to plants or pour it under a tree, ensuring it returns to nature respectfully.
- Prasad Leftovers: Share with others or feed animals and birds, promoting eco-friendly and charitable actions.
- Offer a final prayer of gratitude and seek blessings for peace, prosperity, and good relations in your life.
- Extinguish the diya if required, or let it burn out naturally, symbolizing the continuity of Aryaman’s blessings.