Manasa Devi is the Hindu goddess of snakes (nagas) and fertility, especially worshipped to prevent snake bites, for the welfare of children, and for fertility. Worship of Manasa Devi, especially in states like West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, involves observing certain rituals, prayers, and offerings to seek her blessings.
Below is a detailed guide for a simple, eco-friendly worship of Manasa Devi.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
- Bathing: Before beginning any puja (worship), cleanliness is crucial. Take a bath and wear clean clothes, as physical purity is a reflection of spiritual purity.
- Puja Area: Clean the puja area thoroughly. It is best to do the puja in the early morning after cleaning the home, particularly the place of worship.
- Eco-Friendly Items: Use traditional, biodegradable puja items such as earthen lamps, natural incense, cotton wicks, and brass or copper vessels.
2. Best Time for Manasa Puja
- Manasa Devi Puja Days: The most auspicious time for worshipping Manasa Devi is during the monsoon months (July-August), especially on Nag Panchami and Shravana month. Tuesdays and Fridays are considered ideal days for her worship.
- Time of Day: Early morning, after a bath, or evening during sunset is ideal.
3. Clothes to Wear
- Wear clean white, yellow, or green-colored clothes, as these colors are associated with peace, purity, and nature.
- Women may wear sarees or salwar kameez, and men may wear a dhoti or a simple kurta-pajama.
4. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly)
- Idol or Image of Manasa Devi: If possible, use a simple clay idol.
- Earthen lamp (use ghee or sesame oil and cotton wicks)
- Brass or copper plate for offerings
- Flowers: Lotus, hibiscus, or jasmine (all eco-friendly flowers, avoid artificial flowers)
- Fresh green leaves: Like neem or tulsi (holy basil)
- Bilva leaves (Belpatra): A favorite offering to Manasa Devi
- Turmeric powder, kumkum (vermilion), and sandalwood paste for tilak (mark on the forehead)
- Fruits and coconut: Seasonal fruits, as they are eco-friendly
- Rice: Unpolished, organic rice for offerings
- Jaggery, honey, and milk: Organic and free from chemicals
- Incense sticks made from natural ingredients
- Natural camphor (not synthetic) for aarti
5. Simple Steps of Puja
Prepare the Puja Area:
- Place the idol or picture of Manasa Devi on a clean cloth, preferably on a wooden platform.
- Light the earthen lamp and incense sticks to purify the environment.
Offer Flowers and Fruits:
- Begin by offering flowers and fruits while chanting prayers or mantras to invoke her presence.
Abhishekam (Sacred Bath):
- Bathe the idol with a mixture of water, milk, honey, and turmeric. This is an act of purifying the deity’s energy.
Apply Tilak and Offer Sweets:
- Apply sandalwood paste and kumkum to the idol.
- Offer rice, fruits, and sweets made as prasad.
Chant Mantras:
- Manasa Devi Mool Mantra:
“Om Manasa Devyai Namah”
Chant this mantra 108 times using a tulsi mala (rosary).
- Manasa Devi Mool Mantra:
Prayers:
- Recite the Manasa Devi Stotra or Snake Goddess Stotra.
- Pray for protection from snake bites, health, fertility, and the well-being of the family.
Aarti:
- Perform the aarti by circling the lit camphor around the deity in a clockwise motion, accompanied by ringing a bell. Sing traditional aarti songs for Manasa Devi.
Offering Prasad:
- Distribute the prasad (offered food) after the aarti to everyone present.
6. Prasad to be Prepared
- Puffed rice (muri) mixed with jaggery and coconut.
- Peda or Laddu made with jaggery.
- Sweetened curd (mishti doi) is often offered in Bengal.
- Fresh seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, or coconuts.
7. How to Conclude the Puja
- After distributing the prasad, thank Manasa Devi for her blessings by chanting:
“Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti” (invoking peace). - Bow down to the deity and silently meditate for a few minutes.
- Blow the conch or ring the bell to signify the end of the puja.
8. Importance and Benefits of Manasa Devi Worship
- Protection from snakes: Manasa Devi is worshipped for protection from snake bites, which is crucial in regions where snake encounters are common.
- Fertility and family welfare: Her blessings are sought for the birth of healthy children, prosperity, and the well-being of the family.
- Relief from obstacles: Devotees believe that she removes obstacles and brings peace and stability into their lives.
9. What to Do With the Leftover Puja Items (Eco-Friendly Options)
- Flowers and leaves: These can be composted or immersed in a river, pond, or garden. Avoid throwing them in plastic or unnatural materials.
- Earthen lamps and camphor remnants: If broken or used, they can be buried in your garden soil or simply disposed of naturally in an eco-friendly manner.
- Food offerings (prasad): Share prasad with family, friends, or even animals. Ensure that nothing goes to waste.
- Puja water: The water used in the abhishekam can be sprinkled around the house or poured at the roots of plants as a blessing.
Worshipping Manasa Devi brings about peace, protection, fertility, and spiritual cleansing. By performing this puja with eco-friendly products and a humble heart, devotees can align themselves with nature and receive the divine blessings of the snake goddess. The emphasis on natural and traditional products not only honors the goddess but also protects the environment.
Manasa Devi’s worship is a wonderful blend of nature, devotion, and care for the ecosystem, reflecting the intrinsic connection between humanity and the environment in Hindu spiritual practices.