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How to Worship Nataraja in Hinduism – A Comprehensive Guide

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Worshipping Nataraja, the cosmic form of Lord Shiva performing the "Tandava" dance, is considered highly auspicious in Hinduism. Nataraja represents the balance between creation and destruction, and worshiping Him helps devotees find peace, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles in their lives.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the step-by-step process of worship, including preparations, cleanliness, materials required (using eco-friendly products), mantras, prayers, and how to conclude the puja. Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance and benefits of Nataraja worship.

1. Preparations Before Worship

Cleanliness and Time:

  • Bathing: Take a shower and wear clean clothes before starting the worship. Hygiene is crucial as it represents inner purity.
  • Timings: Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or evening is the best time for performing Nataraja puja.
  • Clothes: It is recommended to wear white or saffron-colored cotton clothes, as these colors signify purity and devotion.

2. Materials Required for Nataraja Puja

Use eco-friendly and traditional puja items to keep your worship aligned with nature and avoid plastic or synthetic products.

  • Nataraja idol or image: Preferably made of bronze or copper.
  • Eco-friendly incense sticks: Made from natural ingredients like sandalwood or camphor.
  • Earthen or copper lamps: For lighting ghee or sesame oil lamps.
  • Organic flowers: White flowers like jasmine, lotus, or hibiscus are ideal.
  • Fresh turmeric powder and sandalwood paste: For marking the idol.
  • Betel leaves and nuts: For offering.
  • Fruits and sweets: Prepared at home, using organic ingredients (like bananas, apples, or dates).
  • Coconut: Whole, unbroken, and ideally, organic.
  • Eco-friendly plates (made of banana leaves or steel): For arranging the offerings.
  • Organic rice and sesame seeds: For offerings and rituals.

3. Simple Steps for Performing Nataraja Puja

  1. Setup the Altar: Place the Nataraja idol or image on a clean, elevated surface or altar, preferably facing east. Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks.

  2. Invoke Ganesha: Begin the puja by chanting the Ganesha mantra, as Lord Ganesha is worshiped first to remove obstacles:

    • Om Gam Ganapataye Namah.

  3. Perform Abhishekam (Bathing of the Deity):

    • Use clean water, milk, honey, curd, ghee, and coconut water. These can be poured over the idol one by one, chanting Shiva mantras.
    • Om Namah Shivaya is commonly chanted during the Abhishekam.
    • Finally, wipe the idol with a clean cotton cloth.

  4. Apply Sandalwood Paste and Turmeric: Mark the idol with sandalwood paste (on the forehead) and turmeric (on the feet).

  5. Offer Flowers and Fruits: Arrange fresh, organic flowers around the idol, and place the fruits and coconut in front of the deity.

  6. Light the Lamp and Incense: Light an earthen or copper lamp with ghee, and let the fragrance of eco-friendly incense purify the atmosphere.

  7. Chant Mantras: Recite or chant the following sacred mantras dedicated to Lord Nataraja:

    • Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra:
      • Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat.
    • Shiva Panchakshari Mantra:
      • Om Namah Shivaya (This mantra represents the five elements and Shiva's power).

  8. Arati (Waving of Lights): Perform Arati with the ghee lamp in clockwise circular motions while chanting Om Natarajaya Namah. Offer the light to the deity and then to the devotees.

4. Prasad Preparation

Prepare simple, eco-friendly prasad at home, ensuring the ingredients are pure and organic:

  • Sweet Pongal: A traditional dish made of rice, jaggery, ghee, and cardamom.
  • Fruits: Fresh and seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, and pomegranates.
  • Coconut: Use the coconut offered during the puja as prasad.

Place the prasad in eco-friendly bowls made of banana leaves or steel.

5. Concluding the Puja

  1. Offer Arati: Conclude the puja by performing one final arati with a camphor flame.

  2. Recite a Final Prayer: Chant a concluding prayer:

    • Om Purnamadah Purnamidam Purnat Purnamudachyate.

  3. Distribute Prasad: Share the prasad with family members and guests, remembering that it is blessed food.

  4. Dispose of Puja Items Respectfully:

    • Flowers and organic materials: Compost them or leave them under sacred trees.
    • Ash and offerings: Mix the ashes from incense or lamps into garden soil, giving it back to the earth.
    • Water and milk from abhishekam: Pour it under a plant or tree. Avoid dumping any offerings in rivers or lakes.

6. Importance and Benefits of Nataraja Worship

  • Balance in life: Nataraja represents the cosmic cycle of creation and destruction, and His worship brings balance and harmony into one’s life.
  • Spiritual growth: By performing the puja with devotion, devotees can advance on their spiritual path and seek liberation from worldly attachments.
  • Removal of obstacles: Nataraja’s dance symbolizes the removal of ignorance and negative karma. Worshipping Him brings clarity and wisdom.
  • Health and well-being: Many believe that invoking the blessings of Lord Nataraja promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

7. Mantras and Prayers for Nataraja Worship

Chanting mantras is a crucial part of Nataraja worship. Here are a few powerful ones:

  • Nataraja Gayatri Mantra:
    • Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi Tanno Rudrah Prachodayat.
  • Shiva Tandava Stotram: Recite the famous Shiva Tandava Stotram to praise the cosmic dance of Nataraja.

8. Eco-Friendly Practices in Nataraja Worship

It is essential to align the spiritual practice with environmental consciousness:

  • Use biodegradable materials: Avoid plastics and synthetic materials during the puja.
  • Compost organic offerings: Flowers and leaves used during the puja can be composted and returned to the earth, reducing waste.
  • Natural colors and ingredients: Ensure all the materials used, including incense and prasad, are natural, chemical-free, and sourced sustainably.


Worshipping Nataraja is a beautiful blend of devotion, symbolism, and ritual purity. Through regular puja, devotees not only connect with Lord Shiva’s cosmic energy but also enhance their spiritual journey and achieve a deeper sense of inner peace. By incorporating eco-friendly products and practices, we also honor nature, reflecting the core principles of Hinduism that promote harmony between the divine, humanity, and the natural world.