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How To Worship Goddess Hidimba Devi In Hinduism - A Comprehensive Guide

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Worshiping Goddess Hidimba Devi (Hadimba), a revered deity in Hinduism, especially in the regions of Himachal Pradesh, is a practice to seek her blessings for strength, courage, and protection. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to performing a simple and eco-friendly puja for Goddess Hidimba Devi. Worshiping her is associated with bringing peace, prosperity, and protection from evil influences.

1. Importance of Worshiping Goddess Hidimba Devi

Goddess Hadimba Devi, the sister of the demon Hidimb and wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata, is honored as a protector and a symbol of devotion and strength. Worshiping her is believed to:

  • Provide strength and courage: She is known for her strength, loyalty, and sacrifice.
  • Grant protection: Devotees seek her blessings for safety and protection from evil.
  • Bring prosperity and peace: Her worship is associated with household harmony and prosperity.
  • Promote spiritual growth: Devotion to Hidimba Devi can enhance spiritual strength and resolve.

2. Cleanliness and Preparation

Cleanliness is of utmost importance in any puja. Follow these steps:

  • Bathe and wear clean, preferably new, clothes.
  • Clean the puja space thoroughly.
  • Place a small platform or a wooden stool in the chosen area and cover it with a fresh cloth, preferably red, which is sacred to Hidimba Devi.

3. Time and Dress Code for the Puja

  • Time: The ideal time for worshiping Goddess Hidimba Devi is during early morning or evening hours.
  • Dress Code: White, red, or yellow are auspicious colors for Hidimba Devi worship. These colors symbolize purity, energy, and devotion.

4. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly)

  • A small Hidimba Devi idol or picture
  • Fresh flowers (red hibiscus or marigold)
  • A coconut
  • Eco-friendly incense sticks
  • Earthen diya (lamp) and mustard or coconut oil for lighting it
  • Pure water in a copper or brass vessel
  • Uncooked rice
  • Kumkum (vermilion), Haldi (turmeric), and Sandalwood paste
  • Banana or any seasonal fruits for prasad
  • Betel leaves and betel nuts
  • Jaggery as a sweet offering

5. Simple Steps for Worshiping Goddess Hidimba Devi

  1. Set Up the Altar:

    • Place the picture or idol of Goddess Hidimba Devi on a clean, decorated altar.
    • Arrange the flowers, rice, turmeric, kumkum, and prasad on the altar.

  2. Lighting the Lamp and Incense:

    • Light the earthen diya using eco-friendly oil and place it on the altar.
    • Light the incense sticks and wave them in a circular motion around the deity, symbolizing purification of the space.

  3. Offering Water and Puja Items:

    • Pour a few drops of water on the deity’s image as a symbolic “bathing.”
    • Offer rice, flowers, and kumkum, chanting mantras of devotion.

  4. Offer Prasad:

    • Place the fruits, jaggery, and coconut on the altar as prasad. Break the coconut, symbolizing the breaking of ego and dedication to the goddess.

  5. Chant Mantras and Prayers:

    • Recite simple mantras like:
      • “Om Hrim Hidimbayai Namah” (108 times if possible) to invoke her blessings.
    • Offer heartfelt prayers, thanking her for her blessings and requesting her guidance and protection.

  6. Perform Aarti:

    • After the prayers, perform a small aarti with the diya, moving it in a circular motion in front of the goddess’s image. This symbolizes light dispelling darkness.

6. Prasad Preparation

Prasad can be simple, eco-friendly, and traditional:

  • Seasonal fruits like bananas or apples.
  • Jaggery mixed with coconut for a sweet offering.
  • Rice and milk kheer (made with rice, milk, and sugar), a simple and sacred dish that can be shared with others after the puja.

7. Concluding the Puja

  • Thank the Goddess with folded hands, expressing gratitude and asking for her continued blessings.
  • Offer Arati one last time before concluding the worship.
  • After the puja, take a moment to meditate in silence, allowing a sense of peace and gratitude to settle.

8. Handling Puja Leftover Items (Eco-Friendly)

After the puja:

  • Flowers and Leaves: Compost or place them under a tree, returning them to nature respectfully.
  • Water: Pour any leftover water at the base of a plant.
  • Oil from the Diya: Pour it on the earth or use it to fuel further lamps.
  • Fruits and Prasad: Share with family, friends, or distribute to neighbors as a blessing from the goddess.

By using eco-friendly items and handling puja remnants respectfully, we honor both the goddess and the environment.

Additional Notes

  • Maintain a Pure Mind and Heart: The attitude with which the puja is performed is more important than rituals. Approach with a pure mind, free of distractions.
  • Avoid Plastic or Artificial Items: Use natural or biodegradable items only to honor the goddess and reduce environmental impact.
  • Daily or Weekly Worship: You can perform a simplified version daily with flowers, incense, and a brief mantra, while a more elaborate puja can be performed weekly.

Worshiping Goddess Hidimba Devi with dedication and respect is a way of connecting with her strength and protection. By keeping the ritual eco-friendly and simple, devotees not only show devotion to the goddess but also care for nature, an extension of divine creation.