Worshiping Goddess Nanda Devi, revered as a form of the Mother Goddess, is deeply rooted in the Hindu tradition, particularly in the regions of Uttarakhand, India. Known as a protective deity and associated with nature and the Himalayas, Goddess Nanda Devi embodies purity, nurturing, and strength. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to worship her, emphasizing eco-friendly practices to honor nature in line with the spirit of her worship.
Importance of Worshiping Goddess Nanda Devi
Goddess Nanda Devi is seen as the divine mother who blesses devotees with strength, purity, and protection from adversities. Her worship is believed to bring blessings of health, prosperity, protection, and peace of mind, especially among those who live in mountainous regions or have deep connections to nature.
Ideal Time for Worship
- Preferred Days: Tuesdays and Fridays are considered auspicious for worshiping the goddess.
- Time: Early morning, during sunrise, or evening during sunset.
- Purification: Take a bath and clean the area where you intend to worship, ensuring a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Preparations for Worship
- Cleanliness: Before starting, ensure personal cleanliness and purity of the surroundings. Use eco-friendly cleaning agents for the space.
- Clothing: Wear traditional attire, preferably in light yellow or white, as these colors signify purity and devotion. Cotton is encouraged, as it’s a natural, eco-friendly fabric.
Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
- Image or Idol of Goddess Nanda Devi: If possible, use an image or idol made from eco-friendly materials like clay.
- Earthen Lamp (Diya): Use a ghee lamp, ideally made from clay, as a source of light.
- Flowers: Fresh, local flowers are best. Avoid plastic or synthetic flowers.
- Incense Sticks: Eco-friendly incense sticks made from natural ingredients.
- Kumkum, Haldi (Turmeric), Chandan (Sandalwood): For applying tilak.
- Fruits and Prasad: Prepare a simple, organic prasad like kheer, fruits, or local sweets made from jaggery and rice, symbolizing the connection to the earth.
- Water and Leaves: Fresh water in a copper or clay vessel; use eco-friendly leaves like banana or mango.
- Kalash (Copper Pot): Filled with water, placed on a banana leaf or soil.
Step-by-Step Guide for Worshiping Goddess Nanda Devi
- Setup and Purification: Place the idol or picture of Goddess Nanda Devi on a small altar. Arrange all puja items neatly, offering a calm and serene environment.
- Lighting the Lamp and Incense: Light the clay diya with ghee, followed by the incense sticks. Wave them in a circular motion in front of the deity, symbolizing the welcoming of divine presence.
- Invocation (Aavahan): Chant the following mantra to invite the goddess:
- “Om Hreem Nanda Devyai Namah”
- Offer folded hands, bow in respect, and ask the goddess to bless you with her presence.
- Offerings:
- Flowers: Offer fresh flowers with devotion.
- Kumkum, Turmeric, and Sandalwood: Apply a small amount of each in front of the deity.
- Prasad: Place kheer, fruits, or sweets made from eco-friendly ingredients.
- Mantras and Prayers: Recite the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavati Nanda Devi” or chant her 108 names. You may also recite the Devi Suktam or any personal prayers, asking for guidance and blessings.
- Meditation and Silence: Spend a few moments in silent prayer, meditating upon the goddess’s qualities and presence.
Concluding the Puja
- Aarti: Perform aarti (waving of diya) to complete the worship, moving the diya in a circular motion.
- Offering Water: Sprinkle water around the altar to signify the end of the puja.
- Bowing Down: Offer final prayers and gratitude to Goddess Nanda Devi, bowing down in reverence.
Prasad Preparation and Distribution
- Kheer: Made with rice, milk, and jaggery, symbolizing purity and abundance.
- Fruits: Fresh seasonal fruits are ideal, symbolizing natural bounty.
- After the puja, distribute the prasad among family members or visitors, promoting a sense of sharing and community.
What to Do with the Puja Leftover Items
- Flowers and Leaves: Place the flowers and leaves in a compost bin or under a tree, as they decompose naturally and nourish the earth.
- Ashes from Diya: Collect and spread ashes in the garden or plants as a natural fertilizer.
- Water from Kalash: Pour the remaining water at the base of a tree, symbolizing the cycle of life and nurturing the environment.
Benefits of Worshiping Goddess Nanda Devi
- Spiritual Protection: Devotees believe that she protects from physical and spiritual adversities.
- Inner Strength and Wisdom: The goddess is a source of courage, helping devotees face challenges with a clear mind and strong will.
- Health and Prosperity: Worshiping Nanda Devi is said to bestow blessings for well-being and prosperity, especially among families living in mountainous and natural surroundings.
By worshiping Goddess Nanda Devi with purity, eco-friendly practices, and a reverent heart, you not only honor her but also respect and protect the natural environment that she embodies.