Comprehensive Guide on How to Worship Sarabeswarar in Hinduism
Sarabeswarar is a fierce form of Lord Shiva, worshipped to ward off negative energies and fear. He symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and offers protection to his devotees. The worship of Sarabeswarar is performed with great reverence, following traditional methods that emphasize purity, devotion, and ecological consciousness. Below is a comprehensive guide to performing Sarabeswarar Puja with eco-friendly products, cleanliness, mantras, and more.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation for Puja
- Personal Cleanliness: Ensure that you have bathed and are wearing clean clothes. It's important to approach the puja with a clear mind and body, symbolizing inner and outer purity.
- Altar Cleanliness: Clean the puja area thoroughly. Use a cloth dipped in water mixed with a few drops of turmeric to purify the area. The altar should be clean and organized before starting the ritual.
- Time of Worship: Sarabeswarar puja is ideally performed during Pradosham (a time dedicated to Lord Shiva), which falls between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM. Mondays and Saturdays are especially auspicious.
2. What to Wear During Sarabeswarar Puja
- Clothing Color: Wearing yellow or white-colored clothes is preferred during this worship. Yellow symbolizes knowledge and purity, while white represents peace and surrender. These colors are considered auspicious for Shiva worship.
- Avoid Synthetic Fabrics: Opt for natural fabrics like cotton or silk, which are eco-friendly and aligned with traditional Hindu values.
3. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly)
All items used should be eco-friendly and biodegradable to maintain harmony with nature:
- Fruits: Banana, coconut, pomegranate, and other fresh, organic fruits.
- Flowers: Use locally sourced, organic flowers like jasmine, lotus, or hibiscus. Avoid plastic or artificially colored flowers.
- Turmeric (Haldi) and Kumkum: Use natural turmeric and kumkum, without chemical additives.
- Betel Leaves and Nuts: These are an essential part of puja offerings. Ensure they are naturally grown.
- Dhoop Sticks or Incense: Made from natural ingredients such as sandalwood, cinnamon, or clove. Avoid synthetic incense.
- Camphor: Use eco-friendly, naturally sourced camphor.
- Lamp (Diya): Use brass or clay lamps with ghee or sesame oil.
- Water in a Kalash: A small copper or brass pot filled with pure water is essential for the puja.
- Puja Thali: Use a simple brass or steel plate for holding all offerings.
4. Simple Steps for Sarabeswarar Puja
- Preparation of the Altar: Set up a small idol or picture of Sarabeswarar on a clean altar. Decorate with natural flowers, and place a diya (lamp) in front.
- Lighting the Lamp: Light a ghee or sesame oil lamp and some natural incense sticks or dhoop.
- Kalash Sthapana: Fill the kalash with water, add a few leaves, and place it next to the deity.
- Sankalpam (Intention): Close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Silently express your prayers and intentions for this puja, seeking Sarabeswarar's protection.
- Offerings:
- Flowers: Offer fresh flowers or garlands to Sarabeswarar, accompanied by chanting the mantra.
- Naivedyam (Food Offering): Offer fruits and prasad made from simple, organic ingredients.
- Abhishekam (Anointing): Perform Abhishekam by pouring water from the kalash over the idol or photo, while chanting Sarabeswarar’s mantras. This can be done with milk, water, or rosewater (eco-friendly and biodegradable).
- Mantras and Prayers:
- Chant the Sarabeswarar mantra:
Repeat this mantra 108 times (1 mala). Alternatively, you can recite the “Sarabeswara Ashtakam” or other hymns dedicated to Lord Sarabeswarar.Om Sarabeshwaraya Namah
- Chant the Sarabeswarar mantra:
- Aarti: Light camphor, and perform the aarti by waving the flame in a circular motion in front of the deity.
- Meditation: Sit silently for a few minutes, focusing on Sarabeswarar’s protective energy.
5. Prasad to Prepare
- Coconut-based Prasad: Prepare a simple sweet prasad like coconut jaggery ladoos or rice kheer using organic ingredients.
- Offer fresh fruits: Bananas, apples, or pomegranates are commonly offered as prasad.
6. How to Conclude the Puja
- Final Prayers: After completing the aarti, offer your prayers, asking for peace, protection, and blessings.
- Distribution of Prasad: Distribute the prasad to family members and those present. Ensure the leftovers are either consumed or given to animals.
- Visharjan (Immersion of Water): After the puja, the water from the kalash can be gently poured onto the plants or into the garden, returning the offering to nature in an eco-friendly manner.
7. What to Do With the Puja Leftover Items
- Flowers and Leaves: Compost the flowers and organic items, returning them to nature in an eco-friendly manner.
- Ashes from the Camphor: You can either scatter the ashes in a river or garden.
- Water from Abhishekam: Pour the water used for abhishekam into the plants, symbolizing the nourishing power of the deity.
8. Importance and Benefits of Worshipping Sarabeswarar
- Protection from Negative Forces: Sarabeswarar is known for protecting devotees from harmful energies, diseases, and misfortunes.
- Relief from Fear and Anxiety: Worshiping Sarabeswarar brings mental peace and alleviates deep-rooted fears.
- Success and Prosperity: Devotees believe that invoking Sarabeswarar brings success in undertakings and clears obstacles.
- Spiritual Growth: Sarabeswarar worship enhances spiritual growth by transforming negative tendencies into positive spiritual energy.
9. Mantras and Prayers for Sarabeswarar Puja
- Sarabeswarar Moola Mantra:
Om Sarabeshwaraya Namah - Sarabeswarar Gayatri Mantra:
Om Ugra Veeraya Vidmahe, Vajra Nakhaya Dhimahi, Tanno Sarabeshwarah Prachodayat
Worshiping Sarabeswarar is a deeply spiritual practice, providing protection, inner strength, and the removal of obstacles. Performing the puja in an eco-friendly and traditional manner connects you with nature and reinforces the importance of sustainability. By using biodegradable and natural materials, you contribute to the preservation of the environment while honoring the divine.