Lord Murugan, the deity of valor, wisdom, and youth, is especially revered in South India. One of the most prominent symbols associated with Lord Murugan is the Vel, a divine spear given to him by his mother, Goddess Parvati, which symbolizes the power of knowledge, destruction of evil, and triumph of good. Worshiping the Vel of Murugan is considered auspicious and can bring strength, clarity, and spiritual progress.
Here is a comprehensive guide to performing the Vel Puja with simplicity and eco-friendly practices:
1. Preparations for the Vel Puja
Cleanliness and Purification
- Ensure that the area where the puja is performed is clean and free of clutter.
- You can sprinkle a few drops of water mixed with turmeric around the space for purification.
- Take a bath and wear clean, traditional clothes before starting the puja. It is essential to maintain personal cleanliness and a calm mind.
Time of the Puja
- Subrahmanya Shashti, Krittika Nakshatra days, and Tuesdays are ideal for performing Lord Murugan puja.
- Early morning after a bath is the most auspicious time to perform the puja, but you can also choose to do it during the evening as per convenience.
2. What to Wear
- Wear clean, simple, traditional attire.
- Preferred color: It is ideal to wear clothes in vibrant colors such as red, yellow, or saffron, as these are considered auspicious and symbolize energy and devotion to Lord Murugan.
- Avoid wearing black, as it is generally not considered auspicious in Hindu rituals.
3. Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
In line with eco-friendly practices, it is essential to use traditional, natural, and biodegradable products for the puja.
Essential Items:
- Murugan Vel (Spear): A small metal Vel (brass or copper) or a picture of Lord Murugan with Vel.
- Betel Leaves and Areca Nuts: Symbolizing prosperity and purity.
- Coconut: Representing selflessness and offering of oneself to the Lord.
- Flowers: Red and yellow flowers (such as marigold, jasmine, or hibiscus) can be used for decoration and offering.
- Kumkum (Red Vermilion) and Haldi (Turmeric): For applying on the Vel and forehead.
- Chandan (Sandalwood Paste): To offer to Lord Murugan.
- Fruits: Bananas, mangoes, or seasonal fruits.
- Rice (Akshata): Unbroken rice grains mixed with turmeric for offering.
- Eco-Friendly Diyas: Use clay diyas with cotton wicks and organic ghee for lighting.
- Camphor: Use camphor for the final aarti.
- Eco-friendly incense sticks (Agarbatti): To create a sacred atmosphere.
4. Simple Steps to Perform Vel Puja
Follow these steps with devotion and a clear heart:
Step 1: Setting Up the Altar
- Place a picture or an idol of Lord Murugan along with the Vel on a clean altar.
- Light the eco-friendly diya (lamp) and incense sticks.
- Offer flowers, fruits, and coconuts at the altar. You can also arrange the betel leaves, areca nuts, and other offerings neatly.
Step 2: Invocation (Dhyana)
- Sit calmly and chant "Om Saravanabhava" or "Om Subramanyaya Namah" to invoke Lord Murugan’s presence.
- Meditate on the form of Lord Murugan and his Vel. Visualize the Vel destroying all negativity and obstacles in your life.
Step 3: Offering (Upachara)
- Apply sandalwood paste, kumkum, and turmeric to the Vel and the image/idol of Murugan.
- Offer flowers (red and yellow), fruits, and coconut to the Vel and the deity.
- Sprinkle rice (Akshata) mixed with turmeric while chanting prayers.
Step 4: Chanting of Mantras
- Recite the following mantras with devotion:
- "Om Saravanabhavaya Namah" (108 times)
- "Om Subramanyaya Namah" (108 times)
- Kanda Sashti Kavacham: A protective prayer dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Step 5: Aarti (Final Offering)
- Light camphor for the aarti.
- Perform a circular motion with the aarti in front of Lord Murugan and the Vel. Chant "Harohara" or "Muruga Muruga" as you offer the aarti.
- Ring the bell softly while performing the aarti to signify the end of the ritual.
5. Prasad (Sacred Offering)
- You can prepare simple prasad for offering:
- Pongal: A sweet dish made from rice and jaggery.
- Payasam (Kheer): A milk-based dessert made from rice or semolina.
- Fruits like bananas, mangoes, or whatever is available seasonally.
- Murukku or other traditional snacks.
- Offer the prasad to the deity, and later distribute it among family members and guests.
6. Concluding the Puja
- Offer gratitude to Lord Murugan for his blessings.
- Close the ritual by offering water (Achamanam) and seeking pardon for any mistakes made during the puja (Kshama Prarthana).
- Recite a final prayer, such as the Subramanya Ashtakam or Vel Maral.
Mantra for Conclusion:
- "Kayena Vacha Manasendriyairva Buddhyatmanava Prakriteshvabhavat, Karomi Yadyat Sakalam Parasmai Narayanayeti Samarpayami."
7. Importance and Benefits of Vel Puja
- Symbol of Knowledge: Worshiping the Vel helps in gaining clarity, wisdom, and direction in life.
- Removal of Obstacles: The Vel is believed to remove ignorance, fear, and challenges, both spiritually and materially.
- Courage and Protection: Murugan, with his Vel, grants courage, strength, and protection to his devotees.
- Family Harmony: Performing Vel Puja with family ensures peace, unity, and harmony in relationships.
8. What to Do with Puja Leftover Items
- Flowers and Leaves: Compost the flowers and betel leaves to give them back to nature. Avoid discarding them in rivers or water bodies.
- Coconut and Fruits: Distribute the coconut and fruits used in the puja as prasad to family and friends.
- Rice (Akshata): Use the Akshata in other pujas or sprinkle it around plants as an offering to nature.
- Camphor and Diya Remains: Ashes from camphor and oil lamps can be sprinkled on plants or used for compost.
- Ensure that all puja leftovers are disposed of in an eco-friendly manner, respecting the environment.
Performing the Vel Puja to Lord Murugan with devotion and eco-friendly practices brings immense spiritual growth, peace, and protection. By using natural, biodegradable materials in your offerings, you honor not only the deity but also the environment, practicing dharma in every aspect of life.