In Hinduism, Iravan (also spelled Aravan) is a revered deity, particularly venerated in South India, especially among Tamil and Draupadi Amman devotees, transgender communities, and warriors seeking protection and victory. He is known for his bravery, sacrifice, and connection to Mahabharata traditions, where he offered himself as a sacrifice for Pandava victory. Worshipping Iravan can bring devotees protection, strength, and peace. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to worship Iravan with a focus on eco-friendly practices.
Benefits of Worshipping Iravan
Worshipping Iravan is believed to offer several spiritual and material benefits:
- Protection from obstacles and dangers.
- Strength and courage in facing life's challenges.
- Victory and success in endeavors.
- Fulfillment of specific wishes, particularly those related to self-sacrifice and valor.
- Spiritual growth through compassion and devotion.
Preparation for Iravan Puja
1. Cleanliness and Personal Hygiene
- Begin with a bath to cleanse yourself before the puja.
- Wear clean, freshly laundered clothes. Practicing purity in body and mind is essential.
2. Attire and Colors
- Traditional attire in white, yellow, or red is often preferred as these colors represent purity, devotion, and auspiciousness.
- Avoid dark colors like black for the puja.
3. Time for Worship
- Ideal worship times are early morning or evening.
- Thursdays are considered auspicious, but devotees may also perform puja on days dedicated to Draupadi Amman (like Fridays).
- Choose a calm, undisturbed place to set up the puja.
4. Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
Use traditional, natural items to keep the ritual sustainable and in harmony with nature:
- Fresh flowers (marigold, jasmine, or lotus preferred) without plastic wrappings.
- Leaves like mango, banana, and betel for decoration.
- Natural kumkum (vermilion) and turmeric powder for marking sacred symbols.
- Earthen or brass lamps filled with ghee or sesame oil.
- Camphor, if available in eco-friendly, natural form.
- Natural incense sticks made from bamboo and herbal ingredients.
- Betel nut and fruits like banana, coconut, and seasonal fruits.
- Traditional rice flour to create rangoli (kolam) designs in front of the deity.
Simple Steps to Worship Iravan
1. Set Up the Altar
- Place a picture or small idol of Iravan on a clean altar. Decorate it with flowers and mango leaves.
2. Begin the Puja
- Light the lamp and incense. Place fruits and flowers in front of the deity.
- Offer sandalwood paste and turmeric mixed with water (apply to the deity if possible or place in small bowls).
3. Invocation and Prayers
- Mantras for Invocation:
- "Om Aravanaya Namah" – Chant this mantra while offering flowers.
- If you know a specific prayer or slokas dedicated to Iravan, recite them with devotion.
4. Offering Items (Naivedyam)
- Prepare a simple, vegetarian prasad (sacred offering) like rice kheer (sweetened milk rice), fruits, or coconut.
- Offer the prasad with sincerity, envisioning it as blessed by Iravan.
5. Meditation and Mantras
- After offering, sit quietly for a few minutes in meditation, focusing on Iravan’s virtues of courage, strength, and sacrifice.
- Chant the mantra "Om Aravanaya Namah" 11, 21, or 108 times to deepen your focus.
Concluding the Puja
- Aarti: Perform a simple aarti by circling a lit camphor or ghee lamp in front of the deity 3 or 5 times in a clockwise motion.
- Final Prayers: Recite a concluding prayer, expressing gratitude and asking for blessings.
- Bow and End with Respect: Place both palms together, bow, and end the puja respectfully.
Prasad Preparation
- Simple prasad options include milk-based sweets like kheer, coconut sweets, or fruit-based offerings.
- Avoid non-sustainable packaging; use banana leaves or eco-friendly containers.
After the Puja – Eco-Friendly Disposal of Items
- Flowers and Leaves: Place used flowers, leaves, and other biodegradable items in a compost pile or a sacred tree as a natural offering.
- Incense Ash and Lamp Remains: Spread the incense ashes in plants or in a designated area outdoors. If you used oil lamps, let the residue cool and reuse or compost any remaining wicks.
- Prasad Leftovers: Distribute any leftover prasad to family or friends or offer it to animals (like birds or cows) if possible.
Importance of Iravan Worship
Worshipping Iravan holds deep significance for devotees as it connects them to themes of sacrifice, devotion, and valor. Iravan’s willingness to sacrifice for a greater cause serves as an inspiration to live with selflessness and courage, overcoming ego and fear. He is particularly revered in Tamil Nadu during certain festivals and holds a place of honor among various communities. Iravan worship fosters unity, compassion, and dedication to dharma (righteousness).
This puja practice, using eco-friendly items and reverence for nature, honors both Iravan and the planet.