Comprehensive Guide to Worship Lord Murugan in Hinduism
Lord Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Subramanya, is a widely revered deity in Hinduism, particularly in South India. He is the God of war and victory, often worshipped for courage, strength, and spiritual progress. This guide outlines a detailed, eco-friendly way to worship Lord Murugan, focusing on cleanliness, rituals, and traditional, sustainable practices.
Preparation for Worship
Cleanliness:
- Personal hygiene: Begin your puja with a bath to cleanse the body and mind. Wear freshly washed clothes.
- Puja area cleanliness: Clean the puja space, ideally a dedicated altar or space for Lord Murugan's idol or image. Ensure all puja items are fresh and clean.
- Eco-friendly puja setup: Avoid using plastic or synthetic items. Use natural materials like copper, brass, or clay for lamps and containers.
Best Time for Worship:
- Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) is considered the most auspicious time for Murugan puja.
- Alternatively, Tuesdays and Fridays are considered auspicious days for Murugan worship.
- Sashti (6th day of the lunar fortnight) is especially important for Murugan devotees.
Clothes to Wear:
- Preferred color: Traditionally, yellow, red, or orange clothes are worn during Murugan puja as these colors represent purity, devotion, and energy.
- Material: Cotton or other natural, eco-friendly fabrics should be used.
Puja Items Required:
Ensure all the items are eco-friendly and biodegradable, avoiding plastics and synthetics.
- Murugan idol or picture
- Flowers: Red and yellow flowers like jasmine, hibiscus, marigold, and lotus.
- Fruits: Bananas, mangoes, coconuts, and pomegranates.
- Betel leaves and nuts
- Kumkum (vermilion) and Haldi (turmeric)
- Chandan (sandalwood paste)
- Camphor
- Dhoop (incense sticks) made from natural ingredients.
- Deepam (lamp) made from brass or clay filled with ghee or sesame oil.
- Panchamritam: A mixture of banana, jaggery, honey, cardamom, ghee, and yogurt.
- Water in a copper kalash (pot) for offering.
- Leaves: Mango or Vilvam (Bilva) leaves.
- Eco-friendly cloth for offerings (use cotton or jute).
Simple Steps for Murugan Puja
Setting the Altar:
- Place a clean cloth or banana leaf on the altar and arrange Murugan’s idol or picture on it.
- Decorate the area with flowers and leaves.
- Light the lamp (deepam) using ghee or oil and burn the incense sticks.
Invocation (Dhyana) and Sankalpam (Intent):
- Sit comfortably and focus your mind on Lord Murugan. Chant “Om Saravanabhavaya Namah” while offering flowers to Murugan.
- Perform Sankalpa, declaring your intention and devotion.
Offering Items (Upacharas):
- Bathing the Idol (Abhishekam): Using water, milk, and Panchamritam. Ensure the water used is eco-friendly (no chemical additives).
- Dressing the Deity: After Abhishekam, wipe the idol clean and adorn it with sandalwood paste, turmeric, and kumkum.
- Offering Flowers: Offer fresh flowers or garlands. Hibiscus and jasmine are highly favored for Lord Murugan.
- Offering Fruits and Naivedyam: Place fruits, Panchamritam, and cooked Prasad on banana leaves.
Mantras and Prayers:
- Chant the following mantras while offering flowers:
- Moola Mantra: “Om Saravanabhavaya Namah”
- Murugan Gayatri Mantra:
"Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe
Mahasenaya Dhimahi
Tanno Shanmukha Prachodayat" - Kandar Sashti Kavasam: This powerful hymn protects devotees and brings blessings.
- Subramanya Bhujangam: For divine grace and protection.
- Chant the following mantras while offering flowers:
Aarti:
- Conclude the puja by waving the lit camphor or deepam in front of the deity, in a clockwise motion.
- Sing or chant the Murugan Aarti or Harivarasanam.
Prasad (Offerings to be Prepared)
- Panchamritam: A mix of banana, jaggery, honey, ghee, and cardamom.
- Sweet Pongal: Made with rice, jaggery, ghee, and dry fruits.
- Vada: A savory fritter made of lentils.
- Fruits: Bananas, coconuts, or pomegranates are often offered.
Always serve the prasad on eco-friendly plates like banana leaves.
How to Conclude the Puja:
- Final Prayer: Offer thanks to Lord Murugan for his blessings and protection. Chant "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti" for peace.
- Distribution of Prasad: Share the prasad with family and guests as it carries the divine blessings of Lord Murugan.
- Closing with Camphor Aarti: Perform the final aarti with camphor and sing praise of Murugan.
What to do with Puja Leftover Items (Eco-Friendly Disposal)
- Flowers and Leaves: Collect them after the puja and compost them, or offer them in a flowing river (without plastic).
- Fruits: Share any unused fruits with others or offer them to animals or birds.
- Ashes from Camphor or Incense: Mix them with soil in your garden or potted plants.
- Puja water: Sprinkle the holy water in your garden or around your home.
Importance and Benefits of Murugan Worship:
- Victory over Obstacles: Lord Murugan is the god of war, known to help devotees overcome challenges and enemies, both internal (like fear or doubt) and external.
- Spiritual Growth: Worshiping Murugan helps devotees achieve higher spiritual consciousness and focus.
- Courage and Strength: Regular worship builds inner strength, self-confidence, and bravery.
- Prosperity and Success: Murugan grants success in personal and professional endeavors.
By following these simple, eco-friendly guidelines for Murugan worship, you can deepen your spiritual connection with the deity, protect the environment, and lead a life filled with positivity, strength, and success.