Mangal Dev (Mars), in Hinduism, represents energy, courage, and strength. He is regarded as the god of war and is believed to influence relationships, career, and personal power. Worshipping Mangal Dev helps to overcome the negative effects of "Mangal Dosha" in the horoscope, improve health, and gain confidence. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly worship Mangal Dev using eco-friendly traditional methods and materials.
Importance of Worshipping Mangal Dev
- Pacifies Mangal Dosha: Removes adverse effects in one's horoscope that can impact marriage and relationships.
- Boosts Confidence and Energy: Provides strength, courage, and positive energy for daily challenges.
- Removes Obstacles: Alleviates problems related to health, property, debts, and enemies.
- Increases Prosperity: Grants financial stability, enhances career growth, and protects from accidents.
Timing for Worship (Auspicious Time)
- Day: Mangal Dev is typically worshipped on Tuesday (Mangalwar).
- Best Time: During Mangal Hora, which is usually the first hour after sunrise. Check the local panchang for accurate timings.
- Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast on Tuesdays in honor of Mangal Dev. Only light and simple food, such as fruits or sattvic meals, should be consumed.
Preparations: Cleanliness and Environment
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath early in the morning. Maintain physical and mental purity.
- Sacred Space: Clean the place of worship thoroughly. Use natural cleaning products like cow dung or turmeric water for the floor.
- Eco-friendly Items: Use biodegradable and natural materials like clay lamps, brass utensils, and cotton wicks.
Puja Items Required (Eco-friendly)
- Red Cloth: For placing the deity or picture of Mangal Dev.
- Brass or Copper Idol/Photo: Use a brass or copper idol/picture of Mangal Dev, avoiding plastic.
- Oil Lamp (Diya): Use earthen lamps with mustard oil or ghee (clarified butter) and cotton wicks.
- Incense Sticks (Agarbatti): Eco-friendly, made of natural herbs and flowers.
- Flowers: Red flowers, particularly red hibiscus or red roses.
- Fruits: Pomegranate, guava, or any seasonal fruit.
- Red Sandalwood (Chandan): For tilak on the deity and devotees.
- Betel Leaves and Nut: Organic and eco-friendly options.
- Raw Rice: Unpolished rice for offering (colored red with kumkum if possible).
- Camphor: Natural camphor for the aarti.
Color of Clothes to Wear
- Red Clothes: Since Mangal Dev is associated with the color red, devotees should wear red clothes during the puja. This enhances the connection with the deity.
Simple Steps for Mangal Dev Puja
Clean the Altar: Spread the red cloth and place the idol/photo of Mangal Dev.
Lighting the Diya: Light the oil lamp using mustard oil or ghee, symbolizing the removal of ignorance.
Offering Flowers and Fruits: Offer red flowers like hibiscus or roses, and fruits such as pomegranates.
Tilak: Apply red sandalwood or kumkum tilak on Mangal Dev's idol/photo, then on your forehead.
Mantra Chanting: Chant the following Mangal Dev mantra 108 times using a red rosary or just by counting on your fingers:
- "Om Kraam Kreem Kraum Sah Bhaumaya Namah"
- This mantra is dedicated to invoking the blessings of Mangal Dev for strength and courage.
- "Om Kraam Kreem Kraum Sah Bhaumaya Namah"
Offering Prasad: Place the prepared prasad (explained below) in front of Mangal Dev.
Performing Aarti: Light camphor and perform aarti in a circular motion, showing respect and devotion.
Concluding the Puja: Once the aarti is done, bow in front of the deity and offer gratitude. Distribute the prasad to family members and devotees.
Prasad to be Prepared
Prepare simple, sattvic (pure) food that is easily digestible and natural:
- Sweetened Rice (Gudanna): Made with jaggery, rice, and cardamom.
- Pomegranate or Guava: Use seasonal fruits.
- Chana Dal: Boiled chickpeas offered as a savory dish, symbolizing strength.
Ensure that all prasad ingredients are organic and eco-friendly.
Mantras and Prayers for Mangal Dev
Mangal Dev Gayatri Mantra:
- "Om Angarakaya Vidmahe Bhoomipalaya Dheemahi Tanno Bhauma Prachodayat"
- This mantra is believed to reduce the negative effects of Mangal Dosha.
Prayer:
- "O Mangal Dev, remover of obstacles and granter of strength, I bow before you. Bless me with courage, energy, and protection from evil forces."
How to Conclude the Puja
- Final Prayers: After the Aarti, offer a final prayer of gratitude to Mangal Dev for listening to your prayers.
- Distribute Prasad: Share the prasad with family, friends, and neighbors. This spreads the blessings of Mangal Dev.
What to Do with Puja Leftover Items (Eco-Friendly)
- Flowers: Use fresh flowers and, after the puja, immerse them in a garden or compost them to return them to nature.
- Oil from Diya: If leftover, use it for lighting the diya on subsequent days. Avoid wastage.
- Ashes from Agarbatti/Incense: Ashes can be placed at the root of plants as it is biodegradable.
- Food Prasad: Share it with others or donate it to animals if there is excess. Avoid any food wastage.
Benefits of Mangal Dev Puja
- Marriage and Relationships: Pacifies Mangal Dosha in the horoscope, leading to happier marriages.
- Health: Provides relief from physical ailments and improves vitality.
- Strength: Bestows inner courage, determination, and physical strength.