Worshiping Goddess Shashti Devi: A Comprehensive Guide
Goddess Shashti Devi, often associated with fertility, childbearing, and the protection of children, is revered in Hinduism, especially by mothers and families who seek blessings for healthy children. Worship of Shashti Devi is particularly prevalent in eastern parts of India, like Bengal, and in other Hindu communities where she is celebrated for her nurturing and protective qualities.
Here's a detailed guide on how to worship Goddess Shashti Devi, including specific items, rituals, cleanliness guidelines, benefits, and eco-friendly practices.
1. Importance and Benefits of Worship
- Blessings for Children: Goddess Shashti Devi is known as the protector of children. Her worship is believed to promote the well-being, health, and safety of children.
- Fertility and Childbirth: She is associated with fertility and helps those wishing for a child or a safe childbirth experience.
- Motherly Guidance: Shashti Devi embodies maternal love and guidance, providing emotional and spiritual support to mothers.
2. Cleanliness and Preparation
- Purify Yourself: Bathe before the puja and wear freshly washed clothes.
- Cleanse the Space: Ensure the puja area is cleaned and free of clutter.
- Eco-Friendly Setup: Use traditional, eco-friendly items such as clay diyas, natural incense, and avoid synthetic materials.
3. Time of Worship
- Preferred Days: The sixth day after the new moon and full moon, known as Shashti Tithi, is considered auspicious.
- Morning Rituals: Worship is usually conducted in the early morning to harness fresh energies and a peaceful environment.
4. Color of Clothing
- Wear yellow or white attire, as these colors are considered pure and auspicious. Yellow represents happiness and devotion, while white symbolizes peace and purity.
5. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly)
Use only natural, biodegradable items for the puja to align with traditional and eco-conscious practices:
- Flowers: Marigold, jasmine, lotus, or any local flowers
- Fruits: Fresh seasonal fruits, such as bananas, mangoes, or apples
- Tulsi (Holy Basil) Leaves: Considered sacred and used in many Hindu rituals
- Incense and Diyas: Natural incense sticks and ghee/oil diyas made from clay or brass
- Turmeric, Vermilion (Kumkum), and Sandalwood Paste: For marking tilak and offering on the goddess idol
- Kalash (Water Vessel): Filled with water and a few leaves or flower petals
- Natural Cotton Wicks: For lighting the diyas
- Akshata (Rice Grains mixed with turmeric): For offerings
- Eco-Friendly Puja Plate (Thali): Use brass or steel thali, as they are sustainable.
6. Simple Steps of Puja
Preparation: Arrange all the items, ensure the space is clean, and place the idol or image of Goddess Shashti Devi in the center.
Invoke the Goddess: Begin with an invocation, asking Shashti Devi to bless the ritual. You can recite a simple mantra like:
- "Om Shashti Devi Namah"
Offer Water: Pour water from the kalash to symbolically purify the space and invite divine presence.
Lighting the Diya: Light the diya to represent the presence of divine light and blessings.
Offering Flowers and Fruits: Place the flowers, fruits, and rice (Akshata) before the idol as offerings.
Chant Mantras: Recite Shashti Devi's mantras or simply chant her name:
- "Om Shashthi Devyai Namah" (Repeated 11 or 21 times)
Prasad Offering: Place the prepared prasad (sweet dishes) before the goddess.
Prayer and Meditation: Meditate or pray silently, focusing on health, well-being, and blessings for children and family.
7. Prasad to be Prepared
- Kheer (Rice Pudding): Made with milk, rice, and sugar, kheer is commonly prepared as it symbolizes nourishment.
- Laddoos: Use natural ingredients like coconut, jaggery, and sesame seeds for a healthy, traditional prasad.
- Seasonal Fruits: Fresh fruits like bananas, mangoes, and guavas are also offered.
8. Mantras and Prayers
Recite these simple prayers and mantras:
- Shashti Devi Stuti: "Om Shashti Devi Shubhe Devi Prasannam Bhava Sarvada."
- General Prayer: "May Shashti Devi bless my family, protect my children, and grant them health, happiness, and wisdom."
These mantras focus on invoking blessings and maintaining divine protection.
9. How to Conclude the Puja
- Aarti: Perform aarti by rotating the diya in a circular motion in front of the deity.
- Thanksgiving: Express gratitude by bowing down and mentally offering thanks to the goddess.
- Distribute Prasad: Share the prasad with family and friends, symbolizing blessings for all.
10. Handling Puja Leftover Items (Eco-Friendly Practices)
- Biodegradable Disposal: Flowers and other organic items should be composted or placed under a tree or in a garden.
- Reuse Non-Perishable Items: Store items like diya, kalash, and thali for future pujas.
- Offer Water to Plants: Water from the kalash and other offerings can be poured onto plants as a respectful return to nature.
By following this eco-conscious and traditional guide, you can honor Shashti Devi and deepen your spiritual connection to her nurturing energies. This practice encourages family welfare, environmental mindfulness, and a meaningful expression of devotion.