Worshipping Lord Krishna in Udupi is a spiritual practice that combines devotion, ritual purity, and adherence to tradition. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing every aspect of this worship.
Benefits of Worship
- Spiritual Growth: Worshipping Udupi Shri Krishna helps cultivate devotion and detachment.
- Blessings for Prosperity: Krishna is known to bless devotees with abundance and contentment.
- Mental Peace: Chanting Krishna’s name and performing puja fosters inner peace and harmony.
- Removal of Obstacles: Prayers to Krishna help overcome difficulties in life.
- Strengthening Bhakti: Regular puja develops unwavering devotion.
Cleanliness and Time
- Personal Cleanliness: Bathe before puja and wear clean, fresh clothes.
- Puja Area: Ensure the puja space is clean and well-lit. Sprinkle water mixed with turmeric in the area for purification.
- Best Time: Perform the puja during Brahma Muhurta (early morning before sunrise) or during the Sandhya Kala (evening twilight).
Clothing
- Preferred Colors: Wear yellow or white, as these colors are considered auspicious and are associated with Lord Krishna.
- Material: Use natural fabrics like cotton or silk. Avoid synthetic materials.
Puja Items Required
Use eco-friendly and traditional products:
- Idol or Picture of Udupi Shri Krishna: Ensure it is cleaned and adorned.
- Eco-Friendly Oil Lamp (Deepam): Use sesame or ghee.
- Tulsi Leaves: These are dear to Lord Krishna and must be fresh.
- Fresh Flowers: Use biodegradable flowers like jasmine or marigold.
- Incense Sticks (Agarbatti): Opt for natural, eco-friendly varieties.
- Eco-Friendly Plates: For offerings and prasadam.
- Raw Rice or Akshata: Use unbroken rice mixed with turmeric.
- Holy Water (Gangajal): For sprinkling and purification.
- Fruits and Milk: As offerings.
- Eco-Friendly Puja Cloth: For covering the puja items.
- Camphor: For aarti.
Simple Steps of Puja
- Preparation: Arrange the puja items on a clean cloth or puja tray.
- Invocation: Begin by meditating on Lord Krishna and inviting Him to reside in your heart and home.
- Lighting the Lamp: Light the oil lamp and place it to the right of the idol or image.
- Offering Flowers and Tulsi: Offer fresh flowers and Tulsi leaves while chanting mantras.
- Chanting Mantras:
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
- Krishna Krishna Mahayogin Bhaktaanam Abhayamkara
- Performing Abhisheka:
- If you have an idol, perform a simple abhisheka with water, milk, and honey, and clean with fresh water.
- Offering Naivedya:
- Place prepared prasadam (see below) in front of the idol.
- Aarti: Perform aarti using camphor and the lamp while chanting the Krishna Aarti.
Prasad to Be Prepared
Prepare prasadam using fresh, organic ingredients:
- Panakam: A sweet jaggery drink with cardamom and pepper.
- Chakkara Pongal: A sweet rice dish made with jaggery.
- Fruits: Offer seasonal fruits like bananas, mangoes, or apples.
- Butter or Ghee: Krishna loved butter, so include this as an offering.
Mantras and Prayers
- Krishna Gayatri Mantra:
“Om Damodaray Vidmahe Rukmini Vallabhaya Dheemahi Tanno Krishna Prachodayat” - Krishna Aarti Hymn:
- “Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari, He Nath Narayan Vasudeva”
How to Conclude the Puja
- Seek Forgiveness: Conclude by asking forgiveness for any mistakes during the puja.
- Distribute Prasad: Share the prasadam with family and friends.
- Chant Final Prayers: Recite the Hare Krishna mantra: “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.”
Importance of Worship
- Devotion to Krishna: Strengthens faith and love for the divine.
- Cultural Significance: Preserves ancient Vedic rituals and traditions.
- Environmental Connection: Using eco-friendly items enhances reverence for nature.
What to Do with Puja Leftover Items
- Flowers and Tulsi: Compost or immerse them in a pot with soil.
- Puja Water: Pour at the roots of plants.
- Used Oil and Camphor: Ensure proper disposal in an eco-friendly manner.
- Incense Ash: Spread in the garden as it acts as a natural pesticide.
By adhering to this guide, devotees can worship Udupi Shri Krishna with utmost devotion and ecological consciousness, fostering spiritual upliftment and a harmonious connection with nature.