Kuber, the Hindu God of Wealth, is revered as the guardian of the North and the treasurer of the divine wealth. Worshipping Kuber at home brings prosperity, material abundance, and overall well-being. Here's a comprehensive guide for conducting a simple, eco-friendly Kuber Puja at home using traditional methods.
1. Cleanliness and Preparations
- Clean the house thoroughly, focusing on the puja area. Purity and cleanliness are essential for any puja.
- Decorate the puja space with fresh flowers and eco-friendly rangoli made from natural powders or flowers.
- Clean yourself and wear fresh clothes (preferably new or washed).
- Light incense sticks or natural dhoop for fragrance.
2. Best Time for Kuber Puja
- Thursday and Friday are considered auspicious days to worship Kuber.
- Perform the puja during pradosh kaal (the time after sunset) or early morning.
- During special occasions like Dhanteras, Diwali, and Akshaya Tritiya, Kuber Puja holds even greater significance.
3. Clothes to Wear
- Wear yellow, green, or gold-colored attire, as these colors symbolize wealth, prosperity, and purity.
- Women may wear saris, and men can wear dhotis or simple kurtas made of natural fabrics like cotton or silk.
4. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly Alternatives)
- Idol or Picture of Kuber: Made of natural material like brass, clay, or wood.
- Fresh Flowers: Use eco-friendly flowers like marigold, lotus, or rose.
- Betel Leaves, Betel Nuts
- Rice (Akshata)
- Water in a Copper Kalash (holy water)
- Coins or Gold/Silver Items: Place some coins or gold pieces in front of the idol.
- Coconut
- Incense Sticks/Dhoop: Use natural, eco-friendly incense or dhoop made from herbs or cow dung.
- Oil or Ghee Lamp (Diya): Use a brass or clay diya with cotton wicks.
- Camphor (Kapoor)
- Sandalwood Paste (Chandan): Use organic chandan.
- Fruits and Sweets: Prepare eco-friendly prasad like fruits (banana, apple) and traditional sweets like homemade ladoos, kheer, or halwa.
- Panchamrit: A mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee.
- Tulsi Leaves
- Eco-friendly Rangoli colors
Use biodegradable and natural items wherever possible. Avoid plastic or non-biodegradable materials.
5. Simple Steps for Kuber Puja
Prepare the Puja Area:
- Clean the puja area, and place a small table or platform for the Kuber idol or picture. Decorate with fresh flowers and a rangoli made of flower petals or eco-friendly powders.
Light the Diya (Lamp):
- Light a ghee or oil lamp (diya) and incense sticks (or dhoop). This symbolizes the removal of darkness and negativity.
Kalash Sthapana (Placing of Water Pot):
- Place a copper pot filled with water in front of the idol. Add mango leaves and a coconut on top of the kalash as a symbol of life and prosperity.
Invocation of Kuber:
- Close your eyes and invite Lord Kuber into your home with devotion. Recite the following mantra to invoke him:
Mantra:
ॐ यक्षाय कुबेराय वैश्रवणाय धनधान्याधिपतये धनधान्यसमृद्धिं मे देहि दापय स्वाहा॥ "Om Yakshaaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye Dhanadhanya Samriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha."Offer Water, Flowers, and Akshata:
- Sprinkle water and offer fresh flowers, betel leaves, and Akshata (rice mixed with turmeric or kumkum) to the deity.
Offer Fruits, Sweets, and Panchamrit:
- Offer fresh fruits, homemade sweets, and Panchamrit as prasad.
Chant Kuber Ashtalakshmi Stotra or Mantras:
- Recite the Kuber Ashtalakshmi Stotra or the Kuber Gayatri Mantra:
ॐ श्री कुबेराय विद्महे यक्षराजाय धीमहि। तन्नो कुबेरः प्रचोदयात्॥ "Om Shree Kuberaya Vidmahe Yaksharajaya Dhimahi Tanno Kubera Prachodayat"Aarti (Final Offering of Light):
- Perform aarti using camphor or a diya, moving the light in circular motions around the deity. Chant "Om Jai Kuber Deva" during the aarti.
6. Prasad Preparation
- Prasad can include eco-friendly homemade dishes like kheer, halwa, ladoos, or panchamrit.
- Offer the prasad with gratitude and distribute it to family members or guests after the puja.
7. How to Conclude the Puja
- After the puja, offer your final prayers and express gratitude to Lord Kuber.
- Bow down to the deity and silently meditate for a few moments, focusing on your intentions and blessings.
- Chant the Shanti Path for universal peace and harmony:
Om Shanti Shanti Shantiḥ
8. What to Do with Leftover Puja Items
- Flowers and Offerings: Return them to nature by immersing the flowers in a garden or river. Avoid immersing plastic or non-biodegradable materials.
- Puja Water: The water from the Kalash can be sprinkled around the house for purification or used to water plants.
- Prasad: Share it with family, neighbors, or distribute it among the needy.
9. Importance of Kuber Puja
- Worshipping Kuber helps attract financial stability, prosperity, and abundance.
- It removes obstacles related to finances, improves business ventures, and ensures the protection of wealth.
- Kuber is also revered for spiritual prosperity, reminding devotees to use wealth for good and charitable purposes.
10. Benefits of Kuber Puja
- Financial Growth: Regular worship ensures prosperity in business and personal life.
- Wealth Protection: It safeguards wealth and helps manage finances efficiently.
- Spiritual Abundance: Kuber Puja helps maintain a balance between material and spiritual wealth.
- Household Prosperity: It invites happiness, harmony, and abundance into the home.
By following this simple, eco-friendly guide, you can invite the divine blessings of Kuber into your home, ensuring both material and spiritual prosperity.