Worshiping Goddess Ashtabhuja (literally, "Eight-Armed Goddess") holds a deep significance in Hinduism, as she embodies strength, courage, and protection. Associated with Goddess Durga, Ashtabhuja symbolizes the divine feminine power that conquers negative energies and brings blessings to devotees. Here is a comprehensive guide to worshipping her, focusing on eco-friendly practices, cleanliness, suitable attire, and a step-by-step approach to performing the puja.
1. Benefits of Worshiping Goddess Ashtabhuja
Worshiping Ashtabhuja Devi can help devotees attain:
- Protection from negative influences and harmful forces
- Inner strength to face challenges with courage
- Spiritual clarity and mental focus
- Blessings of prosperity, success, and health
- Relief from obstacles and freedom from fear and doubt
2. Cleanliness and Environment
- Physical Cleanliness: It is essential to take a bath and wear clean clothes before the puja. Clean the area where the puja will take place.
- Environmental Cleanliness: Ensure the space is free from dust, dirt, and clutter. Place fresh flowers and light incense to purify the atmosphere.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Use biodegradable, traditional materials wherever possible. Avoid plastic, synthetic materials, or anything that may harm the environment.
3. Time for Worship
- Morning: Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) is considered the most auspicious time, typically around 4:30 am to 6:30 am.
- Evening: If morning worship is not possible, dusk (Sandhya time) around sunset is also favorable.
- Special Days: Tuesdays and Fridays, as well as Navaratri, are considered highly auspicious for worshiping Goddess Durga and her forms.
4. Color of Clothes to Wear
- Red or Yellow Attire: Red symbolizes energy and devotion, making it ideal for Ashtabhuja worship. Yellow is another auspicious color that represents wisdom and purity.
- Avoid Black: As it’s generally avoided in Hindu worship because it is associated with inauspiciousness.
5. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly)
Use eco-friendly and biodegradable items wherever possible:
- Clay or Metal Idol/Picture of Goddess Ashtabhuja
- Earthen Diyas: Traditional oil lamps made from clay
- Fresh Flowers and Leaves: Red hibiscus, lotus, and marigold are ideal
- Natural Incense: Use plant-based or organic incense sticks (like sandalwood or jasmine)
- Organic Kumkum and Haldi: Natural turmeric and kumkum (vermillion powder)
- Eco-Friendly Plates for offerings (banana leaves or biodegradable plates)
6. Simple Steps for the Puja
- Step 1: Begin by placing the idol or picture of Goddess Ashtabhuja on a clean altar.
- Step 2: Light the earthen diyas with ghee or oil, and offer incense to purify the space.
- Step 3: Sprinkle water around the altar and offer a prayer for purity and cleansing.
- Step 4: Offer flowers, kumkum, and turmeric at the feet of the deity while chanting mantras (see below).
- Step 5: Offer fruits, sweets, and any prasad you have prepared. Coconut, bananas, and jaggery-based sweets are often offered.
- Step 6: Chant the selected mantras and stotras dedicated to Goddess Durga and Ashtabhuja.
- Step 7: Perform Aarti, using an eco-friendly camphor or diya, while singing or reciting the Aarti for Durga or Ashtabhuja.
7. Prasad to Be Prepared
- Traditional Prasad: Offerings can include jaggery sweets like ladoos, modaks, or kheer (rice pudding).
- Fresh Fruits: Apples, bananas, and coconuts are commonly offered and shared as prasad after the puja.
- Eco-Friendly Serving: Serve prasad in banana leaves or biodegradable plates to remain environmentally friendly.
8. Mantras and Prayers
- Main Mantra:
- "Om Dum Durgaye Namah" – Chant 108 times to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga.
- Ashtabhuja Stotra: Recite specific stotras dedicated to Ashtabhuja Devi, like the Durga Chalisa or Devi Mahatmya verses.
- Other Prayers: Simple, heartfelt prayers for courage, strength, and guidance.
9. How to Conclude the Puja
- Prayers of Gratitude: Thank the Goddess for her blessings and protection.
- Offer Water: Offer a small cup of water as a symbolic end to the offerings.
- Shanti Mantra: Conclude with a peace mantra, like "Om Shanti Shanti Shanti," to bring calm and positivity to your space.
- Distribute Prasad: Share the prasad with family, neighbors, or friends.
10. Importance of Worshiping Goddess Ashtabhuja
Worshiping Goddess Ashtabhuja reminds devotees of the strength within and inspires resilience. She represents the power to overcome negativity, fear, and obstacles. Her blessings are believed to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
11. What to Do with Puja Leftover Items
- Flowers: Collect the flowers and place them in a compost or garden as an offering to the earth.
- Ash and Used Diyas: Use the ashes from diyas in a garden or for plants as it is considered holy and nourishing for soil.
- Eco-Friendly Disposal: If composting isn’t possible, place the leftovers in a flowing water body like a river, ensuring they are biodegradable.
By following this guide, devotees can worship Goddess Ashtabhuja with respect for tradition and care for the environment, achieving both spiritual and ecological harmony.