Siddhars in Hinduism are revered as enlightened beings who have attained extraordinary spiritual powers through intense meditation and penance. Worshiping Siddhars can bring devotees blessings for health, wisdom, spiritual growth, and protection from negativity. This guide will walk you through how to worship Siddhars using eco-friendly traditional practices.
1. Cleanliness and Purity: Preparation for Puja
Before beginning the worship, physical and spiritual cleanliness is crucial:
- Personal Cleanliness: Bathe before starting the puja and wear clean, preferably new, eco-friendly clothes. Pure cotton clothes are a good choice.
- Spiritual Cleanliness: Purify the mind by meditating or chanting the Siddhar mantra. Keep a calm, peaceful attitude during the puja.
- Space Cleanliness: Clean the area where the puja will take place. Wipe down surfaces, and ensure the puja space is free from clutter and distractions.
Time of Puja:
- The best time to worship Siddhars is during the Brahma Muhurta (around 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM), which is considered the most spiritually potent time of day. However, the puja can be performed in the evening as well if mornings are difficult.
2. Attire for Puja
- Color of Clothes: Wear light-colored or white clothing, symbolizing purity and devotion. White is a preferred color when worshiping Siddhars, as it is associated with simplicity and cleanliness.
- Eco-Friendly Fabric: Choose sustainable fabrics like cotton or khadi that are biodegradable and promote a natural way of life in harmony with nature, aligning with the values Siddhars promote.
3. Eco-Friendly Traditional Puja Items Required
The puja should be performed using biodegradable and natural materials:
- Brass or Copper Lamp: Use a brass or copper lamp (Diya) to light oil wicks. These metals are eco-friendly and symbolize auspiciousness.
- Cow Ghee or Sesame Oil: For lighting the lamp.
- Flowers: Offer natural flowers like jasmine, marigold, and tulsi leaves. Avoid plastic or artificial flowers.
- Incense Sticks: Use natural, herbal incense made from ingredients like sandalwood, rose, or camphor.
- Water: Use water from a clean source for abhishekam (ritualistic bathing). Use a brass or copper vessel.
- Fruits: Use seasonal, fresh fruits for offering. They should be organic and pesticide-free.
- Betel Leaves and Nuts: These are traditional items often used in Indian rituals.
- Kumkum (Red Vermilion) and Turmeric: Ensure they are natural and free from chemicals.
- Chandan (Sandalwood Paste): Made from natural sandalwood.
- Earthen Pots or Metal Utensils: For storing water or other offerings.
4. Simple Steps for Siddhar Puja
Prepare the Puja Area: Place a clean mat or cloth in the puja room or designated area. Position an image or statue of the Siddhar you are worshiping.
Lighting the Lamp: Light the brass or copper lamp with cow ghee or sesame oil to signify the presence of divine light.
Invoke Siddhars:
- Chant "Om Siddha Namah" or "Om Siddharaya Namah" to invoke the presence of Siddhars.
Abhishekam (Bathing of Deity): Gently pour water, milk, and honey (in that order) over the statue or image of the Siddhar. This symbolizes purification.
Offering Flowers and Fruits:
- Offer fresh flowers at the feet of the deity or place them on the altar.
- Arrange fruits and other offerings in front of the deity.
Recite Mantras:
- Om Siddha Namah (108 times or 11 times).
- Other Siddhar mantras like "Om Namo Siddhar Maharajaya Namah" can be chanted for deeper meditation.
Meditation and Silence: After the chanting, sit quietly in meditation for a few minutes, visualizing the Siddhars and seeking their blessings for spiritual growth and wisdom.
Prayers: Recite any personal prayers, asking for guidance, protection, and blessings.
Offering the Prasad: Conclude the puja by offering the prepared prasad to the deity and then distribute it among the devotees or family members.
5. Prasad Preparation
Prasad is a vital part of the ritual and should be prepared with devotion:
- Pongal (a rice-based sweet or savory dish) made from natural ingredients such as jaggery (for sweet) or pepper and cumin (for savory).
- Fruit Offerings like bananas, mangoes, or any seasonal fruit.
- Coconut: Break a coconut and offer it as a symbol of surrendering the ego.
Ensure that all prasad is made from organic ingredients and prepared in a clean environment with love and devotion.
6. Concluding the Puja
- Perform an Aarti (ritual waving of light) with the lamp, moving it in circular motions in front of the deity while singing a traditional aarti or simply chanting "Om Siddha Namah."
- After the aarti, distribute the prasad to everyone present. This marks the conclusion of the puja.
7. Handling the Puja Leftover Items (Eco-Friendly Disposal)
- Flowers: After the puja, collect the used flowers and place them in a compost bin or use them in a garden as natural fertilizer. Avoid throwing them in the trash or in water bodies.
- Ash (from burnt camphor or incense sticks): This can be sprinkled in the garden as a natural pest repellent.
- Water from Abhishekam: Pour the water used for abhishekam into the garden or on plants.
- Fruits and Food Offerings: Distribute the leftover prasad to animals, birds, or the needy. Never waste food.
- Oil from Lamp: If any oil remains in the lamp, use it again for the next day's puja.
8. Importance of Worshiping Siddhars
- Siddhars are considered powerful spiritual beings who have attained divine knowledge and powers through rigorous meditation. Worshiping Siddhars brings:
- Spiritual Growth: You become closer to your spiritual path and experience mental clarity.
- Health and Longevity: Siddhars are known to bless devotees with good health and protection from diseases.
- Wisdom and Knowledge: Siddhars help one attain deeper knowledge and the wisdom needed for life's challenges.
- Overcoming Obstacles: Their grace helps in removing negativity and obstacles on the spiritual and material planes.
9. Benefits of Siddhar Worship
- Inner Peace: Regular worship leads to a calm and peaceful mind, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Positive Energy: The puja creates a positive aura in the home, inviting prosperity and harmony.
- Divine Protection: Worshiping Siddhars shields the devotees from negative energies and misfortunes.
- Healing Powers: Siddhars are known for their healing abilities, and their worship can bring relief from ailments.
10. Mantras for Siddhar Worship
Here are some mantras you can chant during the puja:
- "Om Siddharaya Namah": The simplest and most powerful mantra.
- "Om Siddha Purushaya Vidmahe, Brahma Rishaye Dhimahi, Tanno Siddha Prachodayat": For invoking the divine blessings of Siddhars.
By following these eco-friendly practices, not only do you respect nature, but you also honor the values of the Siddhars, who always advocated for a simple, harmonious, and nature-friendly lifestyle.