Worshiping Goddess Ekanamsha, who is regarded as a powerful and unique form of the Divine Mother in Hinduism, is a sacred ritual known to bring harmony, protection, wisdom, and liberation. Ekanamsha is revered for embodying purity and feminine strength, often associated with other forms of the Divine Mother such as Parvati or Durga. Below is a comprehensive guide to performing a simple, eco-friendly, and meaningful Ekanamsha Puja.
1. Significance and Benefits of Worshiping Goddess Ekanamsha
Worshiping Ekanamsha brings clarity, peace of mind, and the ability to transcend ego and desires. Devotees believe that she blesses her followers with wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual insight, helping them to overcome life’s challenges. Her worship is also believed to provide protection from negativity and grant liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
2. Preparations for Worship: Cleanliness and Timing
- Cleanliness: Begin by cleansing yourself through a bath, symbolizing purity of body and spirit.
- Sacred Space: Clean and tidy the place where the puja will be held, preferably a dedicated prayer room or a calm, clean corner of your home.
- Time: Dawn (early morning) is considered the best time to perform Ekanamsha Puja. However, you may also perform it during the evening hours if morning is not feasible.
3. Attire for the Puja
Traditionally, white, yellow, or green-colored clothes are ideal for worshiping Goddess Ekanamsha. These colors represent purity, wisdom, and nature, aligning with her attributes. Clean and modest attire is essential, showing respect for the Divine.
4. Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
Using eco-friendly materials not only aligns with Hindu values but also honors the environment. Gather the following items:
- Earthen or brass oil lamp with ghee or mustard oil
- Cotton wicks for the lamp
- Fresh flowers (white, yellow, or green), avoiding synthetic decorations
- Organic incense sticks made from natural materials
- Fresh fruits like bananas, coconuts, and mangoes
- Betel leaves and areca nut
- Camphor for aarti (use sparingly, as it is eco-friendly but should be disposed of mindfully)
- Organic rice grains for offering
- Tulsi leaves (sacred basil) as a pure offering
- Natural red kumkum (vermillion) and haldi (turmeric) powder
5. Steps for Performing Ekanamsha Puja
Step 1: Invocation
- Begin by lighting the oil lamp and incense sticks.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, focusing on Goddess Ekanamsha.
- Invocation Mantra: Chant “Om Ekanamshaaya Namaha” three times to invite her presence.
Step 2: Offer Flowers
- Offer fresh flowers at her feet or on her idol/photo while chanting her name.
Step 3: Sankalpa (Statement of Intent)
- Offer rice grains as you mentally state your intention or prayer, asking for her blessings and expressing gratitude.
Step 4: Offer Fruits and Tulsi Leaves
- Arrange fresh fruits and tulsi leaves as a simple yet sacred offering, symbolizing purity and devotion.
Step 5: Perform Aarti
- Light camphor and wave it in a circular motion, offering the light to Goddess Ekanamsha.
- Chant the Aarti Mantra: “Om Ekanamshaaya Namaha” or any known Ekanamsha aarti.
Step 6: Chant Mantras
- Recite “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Viche Namaha” or “Om Shreem Hreem Ekanamsha Namaha” 11, 21, or 108 times.
6. Prasad Preparation and Offering
Prepare simple, sattvic prasad using traditional ingredients. Options include:
- Kheer: Rice pudding made with rice, milk, sugar, and cardamom.
- Fruit Prasad: Offer fresh, seasonal fruits.
- Coconut and Jaggery Ladoo: A sweet, eco-friendly option made with grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom.
Place the prasad near the deity after preparation, offer it to Goddess Ekanamsha with gratitude, and then distribute it to family members or friends.
7. Conclusion of the Puja
- Prayer for Blessings: After offering prasad, bow down and mentally ask for the Goddess’s blessings, focusing on the virtues of wisdom, courage, and compassion.
- Thanksgiving: Thank Goddess Ekanamsha and mentally convey that the puja is complete.
- Final Aarti: Conclude with a small aarti to formally end the ritual.
8. Eco-Friendly Disposal of Puja Leftover Items
- Flowers and Leaves: Collect and compost or immerse these items in a garden or a natural water body, avoiding any synthetic materials.
- Ashes of Camphor and Incense Sticks: Mix the ashes with soil in your garden as a way to honor the earth.
- Edible Offerings: Share the remaining prasad with family, friends, or neighbors. Avoid waste by preparing only as much as necessary.
9. Additional Mantras and Prayers
Here are a few more mantras that can be chanted during or after the puja to enhance the spiritual experience:
- Beeja Mantra: “Om Aim Hreem Shreem Ekanamshaaya Namaha” (for general blessings and positive energy)
- Peace Mantra: “Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi” (to bring tranquility at the end of the puja)
10. Importance of Ekanamsha Worship
The worship of Goddess Ekanamsha emphasizes harmony, mental clarity, and spiritual insight. By worshiping her, devotees develop a greater connection with the divine feminine energy, enhancing inner strength and wisdom. Eco-friendly worship further enhances this bond, honoring both the environment and the Divine Mother.