Comprehensive Guide on Worshiping Malhari Martand in Hinduism
Malhari Martand (also known as Khandoba) is a form of Lord Shiva worshiped primarily in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and other regions. He is revered as the god of war, protection, and is considered a patron deity of warriors, farmers, and shepherds. Worshiping Malhari Martand brings blessings for protection, prosperity, courage, and success. This guide will help you conduct a simple, eco-friendly puja at home, following traditional practices and sustainable approaches.
1. Cleanliness and Preparation
- Purity of Body and Mind: Cleanliness is of paramount importance. Before starting the puja, bathe, and wear fresh clothes. This practice signifies internal and external purity.
- Clean the Puja Area: Ensure that the area where you will be performing the puja is thoroughly cleaned. Wipe the altar with clean water or a damp cloth, preferably using natural disinfectants like neem water or cow dung.
2. Appropriate Time for Worship
- Auspicious Days: The best days to worship Malhari Martand are Mondays and Tuesdays, with the most important festival being Champashashti, celebrated in the Marathi month of Margashirsha (November-December).
- Time of Day: The most auspicious time for worship is either during Brahma Muhurta (early morning before sunrise) or during Sandhya (twilight hours). Both these times are considered sacred and powerful for invoking divine energy.
3. Color of Clothes to Wear
- For Devotees: Wear white, saffron, or yellow-colored clothes, which are considered pure and auspicious for worship. These colors represent purity, peace, and spiritual growth.
- For the Deity: The idol or picture of Malhari Martand can be adorned with saffron-colored clothes or a white cloth during the puja, symbolizing his warrior-like yet peaceful nature.
4. Puja Items Required (Eco-friendly and Traditional)
All items used in the puja should be organic, biodegradable, and sourced sustainably.
- Brass or copper Kalash (water pot)
- Copper or clay lamp
- Eco-friendly incense sticks (agarbatti) or dhoop made from natural resins
- Fresh Flowers like marigold, hibiscus, or lotus (avoid plastic or synthetic flowers)
- Beetle leaves and Banana leaves for offering
- Fruits like bananas, coconuts, pomegranates (local, seasonal fruits are preferred)
- Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, honey, ghee, curd, and sugar) in small copper bowls
- Camphor or eco-friendly ghee wicks for aarti
- Haldi (turmeric), Kumkum (vermilion), and Chandan (sandalwood paste)
- Raw rice
- Coconut with husk (symbolizing completeness)
- Pure ghee for lighting the lamp
5. Simple Steps of Malhari Martand Puja
1. Sanctify Yourself
- Begin with an offering to Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles in the worship.
2. Purify the Space
- Sprinkle water around the puja area, using a few tulsi (holy basil) leaves dipped in water to purify the surroundings.
3. Invoke the Deity (Avahanam)
- Place a picture or idol of Malhari Martand on the altar.
- Light the lamp using ghee or sesame oil. Light incense sticks or dhoop.
4. Offerings (Upachara)
- Flowers: Offer fresh flowers at the feet of Malhari Martand.
- Akshata (Rice): Sprinkle a little rice (unbroken) on the deity while chanting mantras.
- Chandan (Sandalwood paste): Apply sandalwood paste to the forehead of the idol or picture.
- Fruits: Offer fruits and coconut to the deity. Break the coconut and place it on a plate.
- Panchamrit: Bathe the idol or pour it mentally through prayers, symbolically offering the sacred mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar.
5. Mantras and Prayers
Chant the following mantras while offering flowers and other items to the deity:
1. Malhari Martand Dhyana Mantra:
"Om Namah Khandobaya Mahasenaya Martandaya Namah."
2. Om Namah Shivaya Mantra:
You may also recite the Shiva Panchakshari Mantra or hymns from Haripath (popular in Khandoba worship).
6. Aarti (Lamp Offering)
- Perform the aarti using a camphor or a ghee lamp while chanting praises of Malhari Martand.
- Sing the traditional aarti or chant “Khandoba Chi Aarti” in Marathi or any local hymn dedicated to the deity.
6. Prasad to be Prepared
- Traditional Prasad: You can prepare simple prasad like Satori (a type of sweet flatbread), Modaks, or Puran Poli.
- Alternatively, you can offer seasonal fruits and jaggery-based sweets that are eco-friendly and do not involve any synthetic materials.
7. How to Conclude the Puja (Visarjan)
- Thanksgiving: Conclude the puja by offering water to the deity and bowing down, seeking blessings for protection and prosperity.
- Distribute Prasad: Offer the prepared prasad to all participants, sharing the blessings with everyone.
- Aarti for Concluding: Perform a small final aarti to thank Malhari Martand for his blessings and seek protection.
8. Importance and Benefits of Worshiping Malhari Martand
- Protection from Negativity: Devotees believe that worshipping Malhari Martand shields them from evil forces and obstacles in life.
- Courage and Strength: Worship provides physical and mental strength, especially for those engaged in physical labor, such as farmers and soldiers.
- Prosperity: It is said that regular worship brings material success and family welfare, ensuring good health and wealth.
- Spiritual Growth: The worship of Malhari Martand brings spiritual insight and wisdom, connecting the devotee to the deeper powers of Lord Shiva.
9. Eco-Friendly Disposal of Puja Leftover Items
- Flowers and Leaves: Collect the used flowers and leaves and compost them in your garden or a compost bin.
- Ashes and Lamp Wicks: The burnt wicks from the lamp can be used in your garden soil as they contain ghee and cotton, which are biodegradable.
- Coconut: You can use the coconut in cooking or offer it to birds and animals.
- Water from the Kalash: Use the sanctified water to water plants, ensuring that no part of the puja goes to waste.
By conducting an eco-friendly and traditional puja to Malhari Martand, you not only honor the deity but also show respect for the environment. This simple yet profound ritual strengthens your spiritual connection while contributing to a sustainable way of life.