Ashwatha Narayana Pooja is performed in many Hindu temples especially in South India. It is dedicated to Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The puja is performed before Ashwatha tree (sacred fig or peepal tree).
The popular belief is that Bhagavan Vishnu along with Goddess Lakshmi resides in the Ashwatha tree. The puja is based on this belief.
There is reference to Ashwatha Narayana Pooja in the Padma Purana.
Benefits of Performing Ashwatha Narayana Pooja
Ashwatha Narayana Pooja is performed for good health, recovery from illness, auspicious and prosperity, and for the birth of healthy children in the family by married couples.
The puja is also performed as a solution to sade sathi or ezhara shani (the bad influence of Shani for 7.5 years in the horoscope of an individual.)
The puja is also performed for another Shani dosha that extends for 2.5 years in the horoscope of a person. This bad influence happens in ashtama rashi.