Worshiping the Maruts, who are deities associated with storms, wind, and warriors in Hindu mythology, can be done through a mindful, traditional approach that embraces natural, eco-friendly practices. The Maruts are known for their valor, loyalty, and connection to nature, making a worship process centered on simplicity and environmental respect ideal.
Here is a comprehensive guide to performing a Marut Puja with eco-friendly items:
1. Importance of Worshiping Maruts
In Vedic texts, the Maruts are celebrated as storm gods who bring rain, protection, and energy. They symbolize strength, protection, courage, and resilience. Worshiping the Maruts is believed to help invoke their blessings for physical and mental strength, courage in difficult times, and protection against obstacles and misfortunes. Worship also enhances the connection to nature and the elements, bringing harmony with the environment.
2. Preparation for Worship: Cleanliness, Clothing, and Puja Items
Cleanliness:
- Ensure that the puja area is clean and free from any clutter. Sprinkling water mixed with tulsi (holy basil) or gomutra (cow urine, used traditionally) around the worship area can help purify the space.
- Personal hygiene is also essential; take a bath before performing the puja to symbolize purification.
Color of Clothing:
- Wear clean clothes, preferably in natural, earthy tones like white, yellow, or green to symbolize nature and harmony.
- Avoid synthetic or heavily dyed fabrics; choose natural fabrics like cotton or silk for their eco-friendliness.
Eco-Friendly Puja Items Required:
- Earthen lamp (Diya) – made of clay, with ghee or mustard oil for lighting.
- Flowers – Use seasonal, natural flowers, such as marigolds, roses, or jasmine. Avoid dyed or plastic flowers.
- Incense sticks – Choose handmade, natural incense sticks made from sandalwood or other natural resins.
- Copper or brass vessel – For offering water and other items.
- Sandalwood paste – For marking the forehead and for offering.
- Fresh fruit and nuts – As a simple prasad (offering), choose locally grown options to keep it sustainable.
- Betel leaves and areca nuts – These are traditional items offered during the worship.
- Tulsi leaves – Known for their purifying properties, these can also be used in offerings.
- Earthen or wooden plates – For arranging offerings, avoiding plastic or synthetic materials.
3. Time for Worship
- Early morning is ideal, as it is believed to be the most spiritually charged time, with energies of purity and focus.
- Alternatively, the hour before sunset can also be chosen, aligning with the transition time when natural energies are heightened.
4. Steps of Puja to the Maruts
Purification and Lighting the Lamp:
- Begin by lighting the earthen lamp, facing east, symbolizing the dawn and new beginnings.
Invocation (Dhyana):
- Meditate briefly to calm your mind and invoke the presence of the Maruts. Visualize them as fierce yet benevolent protectors, bringing the strength of the wind and the energy of nature.
Offering Water (Achaman and Arghya):
- Pour water from a copper vessel into a small earthen or copper bowl while reciting “Om Marutebhyo Namah,” symbolizing cleansing and purification.
Applying Sandalwood Paste and Offering Flowers:
- Apply a small amount of sandalwood paste to your forehead as a sign of respect, and offer flowers to the Maruts with folded hands.
Incense and Lamp Offering:
- Light the incense and make circular movements with it in front of the deity’s image, envisioning the air being purified. Follow by offering the lit diya in the same manner.
Chanting Mantras:
- Chant the mantra for the Maruts, such as “Om Marutebhyo Namaha” or “Om Marutam Rudrasya Putraaya Namah.”
- Recite it a minimum of 11 times, focusing on each repetition with intention.
Offering Prasad:
- Offer the fruits, nuts, and tulsi leaves to the Maruts. Arrange them neatly on an earthen or wooden plate.
Final Prayers and Meditation:
- Conclude with a prayer from the Rigveda: “Yenavanta Marutah Pratniyante,” meaning “May the Maruts, who bring strength and vigor, be with us.”
- Meditate for a few moments, visualizing blessings of strength, courage, and harmony.
5. Suggested Prasad
- Fresh seasonal fruits (e.g., bananas, apples, or coconut).
- Nuts like almonds, cashews, or dried fruits.
- Sweet rice pudding (kheer) made with milk, rice, and jaggery, flavored with cardamom – using earthen pots for cooking and serving aligns with eco-friendly practices.
6. Concluding the Puja
- After the final prayer, sit quietly for a moment to absorb the energy of the ritual.
- Extinguish the lamp gently if it has not gone out on its own, thanking the Maruts for their blessings and protection.
7. Eco-Friendly Disposal of Puja Items
- Flowers and Leaves: Return natural offerings like flowers, tulsi leaves, and sandalwood paste to nature. Composting them or placing them under a tree is ideal.
- Water from the Copper Vessel: Pour the water used in the offering around a plant or tree, returning it to nature respectfully.
- Incense Ash: Spread the ash in a garden or potted plant, where it can act as a natural fertilizer.
- Remaining Prasad: Consume any prasad respectfully or share it with family and friends. Avoid wasting food, as it is considered sacred.
8. Benefits of Worshiping the Maruts
- Physical and Mental Strength: The Maruts, known for their vigor, bestow strength to overcome challenges.
- Protection and Resilience: Their blessings help foster courage and endurance, providing protection from adversity.
- Connection to Nature: As deities closely associated with natural forces, worshiping the Maruts fosters a connection to the elements, promoting environmental respect.
- Peace and Harmony: The practice helps achieve internal peace, and regular worship can lead to a balanced and harmonious life.
This puja, focused on simplicity, respect for nature, and reverence for the elements, aligns with eco-friendly principles and the true spirit of worship.