Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, is deeply revered in Hinduism. Worshiping this manifestation of Bhagavan Krishna is considered highly auspicious and is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and liberation. Here's a detailed guide on how to perform Jagannath worship with eco-friendly and traditional methods.
Importance of Worshiping Jagannatha
- Spiritual Upliftment: Devotees believe that worshiping Jagannatha grants moksha (liberation).
- Divine Protection: He protects devotees from negativity and grants peace.
- Material Prosperity: Worship brings prosperity, health, and success in endeavors.
- Universal Love: Jagannatha represents the oneness of humanity, promoting harmony and unity.
Preparation for Worship
1. Cleanliness
- Personal Hygiene: Bathe and wear clean clothes before starting the puja.
- Sanctify the Area: Clean the altar and surroundings where the puja will be conducted. Sprinkle Ganga Jal (holy water) to purify the space.
2. Time of Worship
- Perform the puja in the Brahma Muhurta (early morning, before sunrise) or during an auspicious time recommended by a priest.
- Avoid inauspicious times like Rahu Kaal.
3. Attire
- Men: Prefer traditional attire like dhoti and kurta in white, yellow, or saffron.
- Women: Wear clean sarees, preferably in yellow, red, or green. Avoid black clothes.
Puja Items Required
Use eco-friendly traditional items to honor the environment and tradition:
- Deity: Jagannatha idol or image.
- Incense Sticks: Natural incense made from flowers or herbs.
- Earthen or Copper Diyas: Filled with ghee or sesame oil.
- Flowers: Marigold, lotus, tulsi leaves, and other fresh flowers. Avoid plastic garlands.
- Fruits and Prasad: Bananas, coconuts, and seasonal fruits. Prepare prasad like khichdi or chhapan bhog (56 varieties of food).
- Chandan (Sandalwood paste): For tilak.
- Eco-friendly Plates and Bowls: Use leaf plates and clay pots.
- Water Pot: Copper or clay pot for offering water.
Simple Steps for Worship
1. Begin with Prayers
- Light the diya and incense sticks.
- Sit facing east or northeast.
- Recite the following mantra to invoke Jagannatha:
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
2. Offerings
- Flowers: Offer fresh flowers to the deity.
- Water: Offer water in a copper or clay pot.
- Fruits: Place seasonal fruits before the deity.
- Chandan: Apply sandalwood paste on the idol or image.
3. Recite Mantras and Chants
- Recite the Jagannath Ashtakam or chant:
“Jagannath Swami Nayana Pathagami Bhava Tume” - Sing devotional songs or bhajans dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
4. Perform Aarti
- Use a ghee diya to perform aarti, moving it in a circular motion. Ring a bell or blow a conch shell during the aarti.
5. Prasad Offering
- Offer freshly prepared prasad like khichdi, kheer, or chhapan bhog. Ensure all ingredients are pure and vegetarian.
Prasad Preparation and Offering
- Khichdi: Made from rice, moong dal, and seasonal vegetables.
- Kheer: Sweet rice pudding made with milk, jaggery, and cardamom.
- Chhapan Bhog: Includes dishes like rice, dal, sweets, fruits, and other vegetarian items.
How to Conclude the Puja
- Offer a final prayer thanking Jagannatha.
- Distribute the prasad to family and neighbors.
- Sit for a few moments in silence, meditating on the Lord's form and chanting His name.
Handling Puja Leftovers
- Flowers and Organic Offerings: Compost the flowers or immerse them in a water body. Avoid throwing them in the garbage.
- Ash and Burnt Incense: Use ashes in your garden as a fertilizer.
- Prasad: Consume with devotion or distribute to others. Never discard prasad.
Benefits of Worship
- Promotes inner peace and positivity.
- Invites divine blessings for prosperity and harmony.
- Develops a sense of devotion and spiritual discipline.
Worshiping Jagannatha with devotion, cleanliness, and eco-friendly methods ensures a fulfilling spiritual experience while honoring the environment.