Comprehensive Guide to Worship Jhulelal in Hinduism
Worshipping Jhulelal, the Ishta Dev (preferred deity) of Sindhi Hindus, is a significant practice in Hinduism, especially among the Sindhi community. Jhulelal is revered as the protector against oppression, patron deity of the Sindhu River, and embodiment of Varuna, the god of water. He is often depicted sitting on a fish or a lotus. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to worship Jhulelal following eco-friendly, traditional practices.
1. Cleanliness & Purity Before Puja
Cleanliness is an essential aspect of any puja (worship). It is believed that a clean environment attracts positive energies and blessings from the deity.
Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear fresh clothes. Wearing light-colored clothing, especially white, yellow, or saffron, is recommended during Jhulelal puja as these are considered auspicious colors associated with purity and divinity.
Puja Area Cleanliness: Clean the area where the puja will take place thoroughly. Avoid using chemical cleaners. Instead, use natural cleansers like Ganga Jal (holy water) or plain water infused with turmeric and neem leaves, which have purifying properties.
2. Time for Worship
While there is no strict rule on the time, it is recommended to perform Jhulelal puja during the early morning hours (Brahma Muhurat) for maximum spiritual benefit. However, Chaitra month, especially Cheti Chand, the Sindhi New Year, is considered particularly auspicious for Jhulelal worship. You can also perform puja on Thursdays, considered a sacred day for Jhulelal devotees.
3. Items Required for Jhulelal Puja
Using eco-friendly traditional puja items is essential, especially in today's world where sustainability is a focus. Here's a list of items required:
- Jhulelal Idol or Image: Use a clay idol that can be immersed in water without harming the environment.
- Fresh Flowers: Use flowers like marigolds, lotuses, and roses. After the puja, flowers can be composted.
- Betel Leaves & Betel Nuts: Betel leaves are considered sacred and offered during pujas.
- Akshata (Rice Grains): Use raw rice, which can be composted after the puja.
- Fruits: Bananas, apples, coconuts, etc., can be used. Offer seasonal, fresh fruits as prasad (offering).
- Water in Copper Kalash: Use water collected from natural sources or filtered water.
- Diya (Lamp): Use an earthen or brass lamp with ghee or sesame oil. Avoid wax-based candles.
- Incense Sticks (Agarbatti): Ensure they are made of natural ingredients and are eco-friendly.
- Sindoor (Vermillion): Organic vermillion can be used for applying tilak.
- Coconut with its husk: For breaking during puja.
- Camphor: Used during aarti, ensure it’s a natural product.
- Toran: Hang a fresh toran (garland made of mango leaves or marigold flowers) at the entrance.
4. Simple Steps for Jhulelal Puja
Step 1: Prepare the Puja Space
- Place the idol or picture of Jhulelal on a clean cloth or raised platform, ideally decorated with fresh flowers and toran.
- Fill the kalash (pot) with water and place it near the idol.
- Light the diya (lamp) using ghee or sesame oil and place it near the idol.
Step 2: Purify the Space
- Sprinkle water around the space to purify the surroundings.
- Offer incense sticks and place the betel leaves with nuts near the idol.
Step 3: Invocation of Jhulelal
Invoke Jhulelal by chanting the following mantra:
"Om Jhulelalay Namah"
"Om Varun Devay Namah"
These mantras help connect the worshiper with the energy of the deity.
Step 4: Offerings
- Place flowers, akshata (rice grains), fruits, and coconut before the idol.
- Break the coconut and offer the water and pieces to Jhulelal.
- Offer the prepared prasad (details below).
Step 5: Perform Aarti
Light camphor and move it in a clockwise motion in front of the deity while singing Jhulelal’s aarti or devotional songs.
Example of a simple aarti you can sing:
“Aarti Sai Jhulelal Ki, Din Ko Raati Subah Shaam Ki…”
Rotate the diya in a similar manner. Chant Jhulelal's name while doing this.
5. Prasad Preparation
The traditional prasad offered during Jhulelal puja includes Teevran (a sweet rice dish) and other simple dishes like sooji halwa or chana dal with rice. Ensure the ingredients used for prasad are organic and avoid using any non-biodegradable packaging.
Recipe for Teevran (Sweet Rice):
- Ingredients: Rice, sugar, ghee, saffron, cardamom.
- Boil rice and mix it with sugar, ghee, saffron, and cardamom.
- Offer it to Jhulelal as part of the prasad, and distribute it to family and friends after the puja.
6. Mantras & Prayers for Jhulelal Puja
Recite the following prayers during the puja:
Jhulelal Ashtak:
“Sindhi Tuhinje Seer The Tuhinje Raza,
Har Ghar Mein Thahinda Jhulelal Jee Saath,
Darya Shahinsho Jhulelal Thaaindaa,
Darya Panjhih Ya Ya Pahih Ya…”Gayatri Mantra can also be chanted to invoke peace and divine blessings.
7. Concluding the Puja
- Offer your final prayers, thank Jhulelal for his protection and blessings, and ask for peace and prosperity in your life.
- Perform Pradakshina (circumambulation) around the puja space and bow in gratitude.
8. Importance & Benefits of Worshipping Jhulelal
- Protection: Jhulelal is believed to protect devotees from calamities, evil forces, and enemies.
- Prosperity: Worshipping Jhulelal brings wealth, prosperity, and success in life.
- Harmony: It strengthens family bonds and ensures peace and harmony at home.
- Spiritual Growth: Devotees feel a deep connection with their inner self and experience spiritual growth.
9. Eco-Friendly Disposal of Leftover Puja Items
It is essential to dispose of puja items responsibly. Since eco-friendly products have been used in the puja, their disposal is easy and environmentally sound:
- Flowers and Leaves: Collect all the used flowers, toran, and betel leaves and compost them.
- Water from Kalash: Pour the water from the kalash into plants or any water source nearby.
- Coconut: The coconut can be consumed as prasad by the family or given to animals.
- Rice and Grains: These can either be used in cooking or fed to birds and animals.
Avoid throwing any puja remnants in plastic bags or water bodies, as it leads to environmental harm.
Worshipping Jhulelal with sincerity and using eco-friendly traditional puja items helps us stay connected to nature and spirituality. The rituals, mantras, and offerings aim to invoke divine blessings for a prosperous, peaceful, and harmonious life. By following sustainable practices, we not only show respect to the deity but also to the environment, fostering a holistic sense of reverence.