Worshiping Goddess Ashwarooda Devi, a powerful form of the Divine Mother riding a horse, is believed to bring courage, confidence, and victory over enemies and obstacles. This guide provides a detailed approach to her worship, emphasizing eco-friendly practices, proper attire, and spiritual hygiene.
1. Importance of Worshiping Ashwarooda Devi
Ashwarooda Devi symbolizes speed, action, and power. Devotees seek her blessings for:
- Overcoming obstacles and winning over enemies.
- Achieving confidence and courage in difficult situations.
- Success in personal and professional ventures.
- Physical and mental strength for spiritual growth.
Her worship is particularly beneficial for those seeking victory in challenges and the ability to face life's obstacles head-on.
2. Preparation and Cleanliness for Worship
- Personal Hygiene: Begin by taking a bath to purify yourself.
- Setting Up a Clean Space: Choose a calm, clutter-free place for the puja, preferably in a prayer room or a quiet corner in your home.
- Eco-Friendly Décor: Use natural flowers, such as hibiscus, jasmine, or marigold, which are associated with the Goddess. Avoid synthetic decorations.
Purity and cleanliness of the surroundings, as well as your mind, are crucial for effective worship.
3. Choosing the Right Time and Clothing
- Time for Worship: Early morning is considered the most auspicious time. However, Fridays or full moon days are also beneficial for Goddess worship.
- Clothing: Wear white or red clothing, as these colors are associated with energy, purity, and devotion in Hinduism. White represents peace, while red signifies energy and power, aligning with Ashwarooda Devi’s qualities.
4. Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
Gather the following eco-friendly and traditional items:
- Flowers: Hibiscus, jasmine, and marigold (preferably grown without pesticides).
- Fruits: Offer seasonal fruits, preferably locally grown and pesticide-free.
- Betel Leaves and Nuts
- Coconut: A symbol of auspiciousness.
- Organic Camphor for aarti (avoid synthetic camphor).
- Cow Ghee: For lighting the diya or oil lamp.
- Rice grains as akshata, mixed with turmeric (natural kumkum).
- Eco-friendly incense sticks (made from natural ingredients like sandalwood or rose).
- Water in a copper vessel for purification.
5. Simple Steps for the Puja
Step 1: Cleanse the Altar and Yourself
Set up a small altar or table. Place a picture or statue of Goddess Ashwarooda Devi in the center. Light a ghee lamp and incense stick.
Step 2: Offer Flowers and Fruits
Present fresh flowers and fruits to the Goddess as symbols of devotion and purity.
Step 3: Chant the Mantras
Recite the following mantras:
- Main Mantra: "Om Ashwaroodaya Deviye Namaha" (Chant this 108 times with devotion).
- Additional Prayer: “Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute.”
These mantras call upon Ashwarooda Devi for her blessings and are powerful for dispelling obstacles.
Step 4: Perform Aarti with Camphor and Ghee Lamp
After chanting, perform an aarti using organic camphor or a ghee diya. Rotate it in front of the deity in a clockwise direction three or five times.
Step 5: Offer Prasad
Offer prasad, which can be a simple preparation of rice pudding (payasam) or fruits like banana or jaggery sweets, as a gesture of gratitude.
Step 6: Pray Silently or Meditate
After the aarti, take a few moments to sit in silence, focusing on Goddess Ashwarooda’s image or visualizing her in your mind, absorbing her blessings and energy.
6. Preparing Prasad (Offerings)
- Kheer or Payasam: Use rice, jaggery, milk, and cardamom for a simple, eco-friendly kheer. Ensure all ingredients are organic if possible.
- Fruits and Jaggery Sweets: Fresh fruits or sweets made with jaggery are traditional offerings.
Prasad represents the Goddess’s blessings and is shared with family members after the puja.
7. Concluding the Puja
- Thank the Goddess: Thank Ashwarooda Devi for her blessings and guidance.
- Pray for Blessings: Offer any final prayers or wishes you have, expressing your hopes and devotion.
- Ring the Bell: Ringing the bell as you conclude signifies the end of the worship.
8. Eco-Friendly Disposal of Puja Items
- Flowers and Leaves: Compost flowers, leaves, and any organic material used in the puja.
- Leftover Prasad: Share prasad with family, friends, or donate to those in need.
- Used Water from Puja Vessel: Sprinkle it in your garden, if possible, to return it to nature respectfully.
9. Benefits of Worshiping Goddess Ashwarooda Devi
Worshipping Ashwarooda Devi regularly is believed to:
- Remove obstacles and provide victory over challenges.
- Foster inner strength, confidence, and courage.
- Promote clarity of thought and provide protection from negative influences.
- Enhance harmony, peace, and prosperity in the family.
Incorporating eco-friendly, sustainable practices into your worship routine allows you to connect with nature while honoring the Goddess with respect.