Worshiping Goddess Dashama Devi, a revered goddess in Hinduism, is believed to bring prosperity, health, and protection to devotees. A form of Goddess Durga, Dashama Devi is particularly popular in Gujarat, India, and her worship is an integral part of the Hindu tradition. Here’s a comprehensive guide for worshiping Dashama Devi, including details on timing, attire, required items, and eco-friendly practices.
1. Benefits of Worshiping Dashama Devi
- Protection from Negative Energies: Worshiping Dashama Devi is said to shield devotees from negative energies, bad influences, and evil spirits.
- Health and Prosperity: Devotees seek her blessings for good health, prosperity, and happiness within the family.
- Spiritual Growth: Regular worship fosters personal growth and spiritual advancement.
- Relief from Difficult Situations: Devotees believe that she helps to overcome obstacles and challenging times.
- Protection for Children: Dashama Devi is also known to protect children, making her an important deity for families.
2. Preparation and Cleanliness
- Clean the Puja Space: Ensure the area where the puja will be performed is clean. Use eco-friendly cleaning agents, such as neem-based floor cleaners, and avoid harsh chemicals.
- Personal Cleanliness: It’s traditional to bathe and wear clean, fresh clothes before performing the puja. This helps purify the body and mind.
- Mindfulness: Sit quietly for a few minutes to calm the mind before beginning the puja.
3. Best Time to Worship
- Morning or Evening: Dashama Devi’s puja is best performed early in the morning or in the evening, which are considered auspicious times for spiritual practices.
- Dashami (10th day) of the Month: Especially during the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase), the 10th day is seen as favorable for Dashama Devi’s puja.
- Festivals and Auspicious Days: Worship during festivals like Navratri is considered especially powerful, as the goddess is invoked more strongly during these periods.
4. Color of Clothes to Wear
- Wear bright, clean attire when performing the puja. Red or yellow are the most auspicious colors as they symbolize energy, prosperity, and devotion.
- Avoid black or dark colors, as they are generally considered inauspicious in Hindu worship.
5. Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required
- Incense Sticks: Choose eco-friendly incense sticks made of natural ingredients.
- Diyas or Oil Lamps: Use earthen or brass diyas with cotton wicks soaked in clarified butter (ghee) or sesame oil.
- Flowers: Marigold, lotus, and red hibiscus are ideal for offering to Dashama Devi. Use organic, pesticide-free flowers if possible.
- Coconut: Offer a coconut as a symbol of purity and devotion.
- Betel Leaves and Areca Nut: These are traditional offerings for Hindu deities.
- Kumkum (Vermillion) and Haldi (Turmeric): Essential for applying tilak on the deity’s idol and on yourself.
- Eco-Friendly Idol or Picture: Use a biodegradable clay idol of Dashama Devi, or a printed image placed on a cloth or wooden base.
- Fruits and Sweets: Fruits like bananas and apples and sweets such as laddoo, made from organic ingredients, are excellent offerings.
- Holy Water: Collect clean water or use Gangajal (water from the Ganges) for sprinkling and purifying purposes.
6. Simple Steps of the Puja
- Light the Diya: Begin by lighting the earthen diya and incense sticks. Place these on the puja altar.
- Offer Water (Achamanam): Sprinkle water around the deity as a symbol of purification.
- Apply Kumkum and Haldi: Apply kumkum and haldi to the idol or picture of Dashama Devi as a mark of respect.
- Offer Flowers: Place flowers around the idol or picture as a symbol of devotion.
- Chant Mantras: Recite mantras dedicated to Dashama Devi. A simple and powerful mantra is:
- “Om Dashamaayai Namah”
- Repeat the mantra 11 or 21 times.
- Offer Fruits and Sweets: Place the prepared sweets, coconut, and fruits in front of the goddess.
- Recite Prayers: Chant the Dashama Devi Chalisa or recite prayers specific to Dashama Devi, asking for her blessings.
- Perform Aarti: Conclude the puja by waving the lit diya in front of the goddess in a circular motion while singing the aarti. Use a brass or copper plate for this purpose.
7. Prasad Preparation
- Simple Prasad Options: Use organic ingredients to make traditional prasad like:
- Laddoo made with gram flour, ghee, and jaggery.
- Coconut Rice made with grated coconut, rice, and jaggery.
- Offering Fruits: Bananas, apples, and other fresh, seasonal fruits can also be offered as prasad.
8. Mantras and Prayers
- Simple Mantra: “Om Dashamaayai Namah” – Repeat this for focus and devotion.
- Aarti and Chalisa: Sing Dashama Devi’s aarti and read the Chalisa (a 40-verse hymn) if available, which is beneficial for invoking her blessings.
9. How to Conclude the Puja
- Thank the Goddess: Offer gratitude to Dashama Devi by mentally or verbally thanking her for her blessings and presence.
- Prasad Distribution: After the puja, distribute the prasad among family members and guests to share the blessings.
- Dispose of Flowers and Offerings Properly: Ensure that all offerings (like flowers) are disposed of in an eco-friendly way. Flowers can be composted, or they can be respectfully immersed in flowing water, following local eco-friendly disposal practices.
10. Importance of Dashama Devi Puja
- Brings Positivity: Worshiping Dashama Devi is known to create a protective aura around the devotee’s home, attracting positive energies.
- Promotes Family Unity: Her worship is believed to foster peace and unity within the family, enhancing harmony and love.
- Cultural Significance: Worshiping Dashama Devi helps preserve traditional values, connecting devotees to their roots and the cultural heritage of Hinduism.
11. Eco-Friendly Disposal of Puja Leftovers
- Composting Organic Offerings: Use compostable puja items like leaves, flowers, and fruits by placing them in a compost pile.
- Avoid Plastic: Avoid using plastic items or decorations, as these are not biodegradable and can harm the environment.
- Clean up Respectfully: After the puja, ensure that the space is left clean and tidy. Any remaining food can be offered to animals or composted if possible.
By following these simple steps and maintaining eco-friendly practices, you can worship Dashama Devi with devotion and respect while contributing positively to the environment.