Worshipping Lord Govinda, a form of Krishna associated with protection, compassion, and prosperity, is a deeply rewarding practice for devotees. This guide provides detailed steps to perform the worship with eco-friendly methods, the benefits of worship, and the care required in handling all aspects of the puja.
Benefits of Worshiping Govinda
- Spiritual Growth: Brings devotees closer to the divine, fostering devotion and spiritual awareness.
- Material Prosperity: Invoking Govinda is believed to attract prosperity and wealth.
- Peace of Mind: Alleviates mental stress and brings peace and positivity to the home.
- Good Health: Helps in overcoming obstacles and promoting overall well-being.
- Environmental Harmony: The eco-friendly puja emphasizes respect for nature, aligning with Krishna’s love for the environment.
Preparation
- Cleanliness:
- Purify yourself by bathing before the puja.
- Clean the puja area thoroughly with water and natural cleaning agents like neem or cow dung.
- Timings:
- Perform the worship during Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn, approximately 4:30 AM to 6:00 AM) for maximum spiritual benefits.
- Alternatively, choose auspicious hours like early morning or evening twilight.
- Attire:
- Wear clean clothes, preferably in shades of yellow, saffron, or white, which are associated with Krishna's divine energy.
- Avoid synthetic materials; opt for natural fibers like cotton or silk.
Items Required for Worship (Eco-Friendly Options)
- Govinda Idol or Picture: Choose a traditional idol or a painting made from natural materials like clay or wood.
- Incense Sticks (Agarbatti): Use handmade, organic varieties.
- Ghee Lamp: Traditional ghee diya made of mud or brass.
- Flowers: Fresh and organic flowers like tulsi leaves, lotus, marigold, and jasmine.
- Fruits: Offer seasonal fruits, preferably locally sourced.
- Puja Plate: Use a brass or copper plate.
- Natural Rangoli: Use turmeric, rice flour, or flower petals for decoration.
- Tulsi Leaves: Essential as Lord Govinda is especially pleased with tulsi.
- Organic Camphor: Avoid synthetic camphor.
- Water in a Copper Kalash: For offering and purification.
Steps for Worship
- Preparation of the Space:
- Decorate the altar with flowers and a rangoli.
- Place Govinda's idol or image in the center.
- Light the ghee lamp and incense sticks.
- Purification:
- Sprinkle the altar with holy water using a tulsi leaf.
- Wash your hands and feet before starting.
- Invocation:
- Chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" three times to invite the presence of Govinda.
- Offering Items:
- Water: Offer water to the idol as a symbolic bath.
- Flowers and Tulsi: Decorate the idol with fresh tulsi leaves and flowers.
- Fruits: Place fruits in front of the idol as naivedya (offering).
- Incense and Lamp: Circle the incense and lamp around the deity seven times in a clockwise direction.
- Chanting: Recite the Govinda Ashtakam or simple mantras like “Govindam Adi-Purusham Tam Aham Bhajami”.
- Prasad Offering:
- Prepare prasad such as makhana (puffed lotus seeds), panchamrit (a mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar), or sweet rice kheer.
- Offer these to the deity with devotion.
- Meditation and Reflection:
- Sit silently and meditate on Govinda’s form, recalling his teachings and virtues.
- Use a japa mala (prayer beads) to chant his name 108 times.
Concluding the Puja
- Aarti:
- Conclude with an aarti using the lamp, chanting Govinda Govinda Hare Murare or similar prayers.
- Blessings:
- Distribute the prasad to family members and guests as divine blessings.
- Respectful Disposal:
- Collect all biodegradable items like flowers and tulsi leaves used during the puja.
- Compost them or immerse them in a plant-friendly manner.
- Recycle materials like brass plates and copper kalash after cleaning.
Mantras and Prayers
- Govinda Ashtakam:
- A powerful eight-verse prayer glorifying Govinda.
- Simple Govinda Mantras:
- "Govinda Govinda Hare Murare"
- "Om Govindaya Namaha"
- Krishna Shloka:
- "Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum" (I bow to Krishna, the world’s teacher).
Eco-Friendly Handling of Leftover Items
- Flowers and Leaves: Compost or place them at the base of a tree.
- Water: Pour used water at the roots of plants or in a clean place.
- Prasad: Share with others or offer it to animals and birds if leftover.
Importance of Govinda Worship
- Cultural Heritage: Connects devotees to the timeless values and traditions of Hinduism.
- Divine Protection: Lord Govinda safeguards devotees from negative influences and obstacles.
- Environmental Care: Promotes eco-consciousness, aligning with Krishna’s teachings of harmony with nature.
By following these steps, you not only honor Govinda but also integrate spiritual practice with environmental sustainability, a principle close to Lord Krishna's teachings.