Comprehensive Guide on How to Worship Goddess Subachani in Hinduism
Goddess Subachani, also known as Maa Subachani, is revered in parts of Odisha, India. Worshiping her is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and good fortune, especially for health, protection, and the well-being of families. Here's a detailed guide for performing a simple, eco-friendly worship of Goddess Subachani at home.
1. Benefits of Worship
- Protection from Evil: Devotees believe that worshiping Goddess Subachani protects from evil forces, diseases, and negative energies.
- Health and Well-being: It is said that Maa Subachani blesses devotees with good health and physical well-being.
- Family Prosperity: Her blessings are sought for familial harmony, prosperity, and happiness.
- Spiritual Growth: Regular worship deepens spiritual connection and offers inner peace.
2. Cleanliness & Preparation
Cleanliness is an essential aspect of any Hindu worship, as it is believed that cleanliness invites divine energy. Here’s how you can ensure it:
- Personal Cleanliness: Bathe and wear fresh, clean clothes before starting the puja.
- Sacred Space: Clean the puja room or altar thoroughly. Use natural, biodegradable cleaning products like lemon or neem water to purify the space.
- Puja Items: Ensure all puja items are clean and placed on a natural cloth like cotton or silk.
3. Best Time for Worship
- Morning Hours: Early morning, preferably before sunrise (Brahma Muhurta), is considered ideal for worship.
- Evening: If morning is not possible, you can perform puja in the evening around sunset.
- Specific Days: Fridays, Navaratri, or Purnima (full moon days) are auspicious for worshiping Goddess Subachani.
4. Which Color Clothes to Wear
- Yellow and Red: Yellow signifies purity and prosperity, while red symbolizes strength and divine energy, both associated with Goddess Subachani.
- Eco-friendly Fabrics: Opt for organic cotton or silk clothes that are handwoven or naturally dyed.
5. Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
Use traditional, eco-friendly items to keep the ritual natural and aligned with environmental care.
- Diyas (Lamps): Use clay diyas filled with cow ghee or sesame oil.
- Flowers: Organic marigold, lotus, and hibiscus flowers are traditionally offered. Avoid plastic or artificially dyed flowers.
- Leaves: Use fresh leaves like mango, banana, and tulsi (holy basil).
- Incense: Choose organic, hand-rolled incense sticks made from natural ingredients like sandalwood or camphor.
- Water in Copper Kalash: Store water in a copper vessel (Kalash) for purification.
- Natural Rangoli Colors: Use rice flour, turmeric, or flower petals for creating sacred patterns (Rangoli) near the altar.
- Food Items for Prasad: Fresh fruits, jaggery, coconut, and rice.
6. Simple Steps of Puja
Step 1: Invocation (Dhyana)
- Mantra: “Om Subachani Namah”
- Sit facing east or north, and light a diya and incense. Close your eyes and meditate on Goddess Subachani’s image.
Step 2: Kalash Sthapana (Establishing Sacred Pot)
- Place a copper or silver Kalash filled with water and a coconut atop. Surround it with mango leaves.
- This symbolizes divine presence and purity.
Step 3: Offering Flowers and Leaves
- Offer fresh flowers (preferably red and yellow) and sacred leaves like tulsi while chanting the mantra “Om Subachani Deviya Namah”.
Step 4: Lighting the Diyas
- Light the eco-friendly clay diyas, one for the goddess and one for each family member, and place them around the altar.
Step 5: Offering Prasad
- Place the prasad (sweet dishes like Kheer, coconut laddoo, or fruits) in front of the deity as an offering.
Step 6: Aarti
- Perform an aarti using a small plate or thali with the lit diya, camphor, and incense. Circle it clockwise around the deity’s image while singing praises of Goddess Subachani.
7. Prasad to Be Prepared
- Kheer (Rice Pudding): Prepared using rice, milk, jaggery, and cardamom.
- Coconut Laddoo: Made from fresh coconut and jaggery.
- Fruits: Bananas, apples, and pomegranates are often offered.
8. Mantras and Prayers
Chanting mantras is essential for invoking divine blessings.
- Main Mantra: “Om Subachani Deviya Namah”
- Other Prayers: Recite “Durga Chalisa” or “Devi Mahatmya” to honor Goddess Subachani.
- 108 Recitations: Chant the main mantra 108 times using a tulsi mala (rosary).
9. How to Conclude the Puja
- Final Offering: Offer water, flowers, and food (prasad) once more before concluding.
- Prarthana (Prayer for Peace): Pray for the well-being of family, peace, and prosperity.
- Bhasma (Sacred Ash): Apply the sacred ash (bhasma) to the forehead as a symbol of protection.
- Distribution of Prasad: Share the prasad among family members and neighbors as a token of the goddess's blessings.
10. Importance of Worshiping Goddess Subachani
- Spiritual Upliftment: Worship promotes spiritual growth and inner peace.
- Blessings of the Divine Mother: As a form of Shakti (feminine power), she blesses her devotees with strength, protection, and prosperity.
- Family Well-being: Her blessings are invoked for the health and prosperity of all family members.
11. What to Do With the Puja Leftover Items
Use eco-friendly, sustainable methods to handle leftover items:
- Flowers and Leaves: Compost the flowers, leaves, and organic items.
- Coconut and Fruits: Distribute them as prasad or compost the remains.
- Diyas and Incense Ash: Collect the ash and use it as a natural fertilizer for plants.
- Kalash Water: Offer the water from the Kalash to plants in your garden.
Eco-Friendly and Traditional Puja Practices
- Avoid Plastics: Refrain from using any plastic materials in puja.
- Organic Products: Use organic ghee, natural oils, and fresh flowers for offerings.
- Clay Idols: If you choose to use an idol, ensure it is made from clay and naturally dissolvable substances.
By following these simple steps and focusing on eco-friendly, traditional products, you can celebrate Goddess Subachani's worship meaningfully, while preserving the environment and embracing the purity of the ritual.