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How To Worship Ravalnath In Hinduism - A Comprehensive Guide

Comprehensive Guide on Worshipping Ravalnath in Hinduism

Ravalnath is a regional Hindu deity worshipped in Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, particularly by the Konkani people. Known for his association with Lord Shiva and as a guardian deity, he is invoked for protection, strength, and healing. Worship of Ravalnath is simple yet spiritually profound, and it's essential to follow traditional and eco-friendly practices during the puja. Below is a comprehensive guide for worshipping Ravalnath in an environmentally conscious and respectful manner.


1. Significance and Benefits of Worship

  • Protection: Ravalnath is known as a guardian deity, invoked for protection from evil forces, accidents, and other dangers.
  • Healing: Many devotees believe that Ravalnath has the power to heal diseases, both physical and mental.
  • Prosperity: His blessings are sought for prosperity, well-being, and success in personal and professional life.
  • Courage and Strength: Worship of Ravalnath instills courage, inner strength, and resilience in facing life's challenges.
  • Spiritual Growth: Regular worship leads to greater spiritual discipline, humility, and devotion to God.

2. Cleanliness and Preparation for Worship

  • Physical Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before starting the puja. Clean the place where the worship will be conducted, ensuring it is free from dust and dirt.
  • Mental Purity: Clear your mind of distractions and focus entirely on devotion and prayers.
  • Eco-Friendly Approach: Use natural materials for puja items, avoiding plastics and non-biodegradable substances.

3. Ideal Time for Worship

  • Morning or Evening: Puja should ideally be performed in the early morning or during the evening after sunset. Morning is considered more auspicious, but evening puja is also acceptable if one cannot perform it in the morning.
  • Specific Days: Worship of Ravalnath can be performed daily, but certain days like Mondays (connected to Lord Shiva) and festival days like Navratri or Shivaratri are considered more auspicious.

4. Appropriate Attire

  • White or Yellow Clothes: White is the color of purity, while yellow symbolizes prosperity and spirituality. Both are considered ideal for performing the puja.
  • Avoid Synthetic Fabrics: Use natural fabrics like cotton or silk, and avoid synthetic materials to maintain eco-friendly practices.

5. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly Products Only)

  1. Idol or Picture of Ravalnath: Made from eco-friendly materials such as clay or wood.
  2. Kalash (Water Pot): A brass or clay pot filled with water.
  3. Coconut: Symbolizing prosperity and purity.
  4. Fresh Flowers: Use locally sourced and pesticide-free flowers such as marigold, lotus, or jasmine.
  5. Betel Leaves and Betel Nuts: Offerings representing respect and tradition.
  6. Camphor: Used for the final Aarti.
  7. Incense Sticks: Made from natural ingredients, avoid synthetic fragrances.
  8. Oil Lamp (Diya): Use ghee or sesame oil for lighting the lamp.
  9. Fruits: Offer seasonal fruits that are local and fresh.
  10. Rice: Use organic, unpolished rice for offerings.

6. Steps to Perform the Puja

  1. Prepare the Altar: Place the idol or picture of Ravalnath on a clean cloth on the altar. Arrange the puja items neatly.
  2. Light the Diya and Incense: Begin by lighting the diya (lamp) and incense sticks. This purifies the surroundings and creates a sacred atmosphere.
  3. Offer Water: Sprinkle water on yourself, the altar, and the puja items as an act of purification.
  4. Invocation (Dhyanam): Meditate on Ravalnath and chant mantras to invite his presence. Recite "Om Ravalnathaya Namah" or "Om Namah Shivaya" to invoke his blessings.
  5. Flower Offering (Pushpam): Offer flowers to the deity with both hands, saying "Ravalnathaya Namah" after each offering.
  6. Fruits and Coconut: Place fruits and a coconut in front of the idol as an offering. Break the coconut if desired, as a symbol of surrender.
  7. Betel Leaves and Nuts: Offer betel leaves and nuts as a traditional token of respect.
  8. Aarti: Light camphor and perform Aarti, moving the lamp in a circular motion around the deity while chanting "Om Ravalnathaya Namah".
  9. Prasad Offering: Place the prasad (food offering) in front of the deity and offer it with devotion. You can prepare simple, sattvic food like rice, jaggery, coconut, or a sweet dish like sheera (semolina pudding).

7. Prasad to Be Prepared

  • Sweet Rice: A traditional offering made with jaggery, rice, and coconut.
  • Coconut Jaggery Laddoos: Made with roasted coconut and jaggery, simple and eco-friendly.
  • Seasonal Fruits: Like bananas, apples, or pomegranates.

These offerings are simple, sattvic, and easy to prepare using eco-friendly, natural ingredients.


8. Mantras and Prayers

  1. Invocation Mantra:
    "Om Ravalnathaya Namah"
    This is the primary mantra for invoking the deity's presence and blessings.

  2. Shiva Mantra (as Ravalnath is associated with Shiva):
    "Om Namah Shivaya"
    Recite this mantra 108 times for strength, healing, and protection.

  3. Prayer for Protection and Prosperity:
    "Om Trayambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam,
    Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat"
    This Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is particularly effective for protection and healing.


9. Conclusion of Puja

  • Offering Aarti: Conclude the puja by performing Aarti using the camphor and lamp.
  • Seek Blessings: Bow your head and seek Ravalnath’s blessings for protection, prosperity, and well-being.
  • Distribute Prasad: Share the prepared prasad with family members and neighbors.
  • Thanking the Deity: Conclude by thanking Ravalnath for his presence and blessings. Recite "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti" for peace.

10. What to Do With Leftover Puja Items (Eco-Friendly Disposal)

  • Flowers and Leaves: After the puja, flowers, and leaves can be composted or immersed in flowing water if a natural water body is accessible.
  • Coconut and Fruits: The coconut and fruits used in the offering can be consumed as prasad, shared among family members, or given to animals like cows.
  • Ash from Camphor: The ash from camphor can be mixed with water and offered to plants, as it is non-toxic and biodegradable.
  • Water from Kalash: The water from the Kalash can be used to water plants or poured into the soil.
  • Incense Ash: Like camphor ash, incense ash can also be safely used in gardens or plants.

Using biodegradable materials ensures that the puja remains eco-friendly, contributing to both spiritual growth and environmental sustainability.


11. Importance of Worshipping Ravalnath

Worshipping Ravalnath is significant for those who seek protection, prosperity, and healing. The deity, as a form of Shiva, represents power and purity. Regular worship brings inner strength, resilience, and peace. By following eco-friendly practices, you ensure that your devotion not only nourishes the spirit but also respects and preserves the environment.


By incorporating these practices, you align with the true spirit of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life and the responsibility to protect nature while maintaining a path of spiritual growth.