Worship of Srinathji, a form of Lord Krishna, is central to the Pushtimarg tradition in Hinduism. This guide covers everything needed to perform a simple yet meaningful worship with eco-friendly traditional practices.
1. Importance of Worshiping Srinathji
Srinathji represents Lord Krishna in his youthful form, lifting the Govardhan mountain to protect devotees from storms. Worshiping Srinathji invokes protection, prosperity, devotion (bhakti), and inner peace. It strengthens the bond with the divine and purifies the mind.
2. Cleanliness and Preparation
- Personal Hygiene: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before starting the puja.
- Puja Area: Ensure the altar or puja space is clean and tidy. Avoid clutter.
- Eco-Friendly Practice: Use natural materials (wood, clay, brass) for the puja altar and utensils.
3. Best Time for Worship
- Morning: Ideally during Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn, approximately 4:00–6:00 AM).
- Evening: During Sandhya Kala (around sunset).
4. Dress Code for Worship
- Wear traditional, clean, and modest attire:
- Men: Dhoti-kurta or simple traditional wear.
- Women: Sari or salwar kameez.
- Colors: Prefer bright and auspicious colors such as yellow, white, or orange (avoid black).
5. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly Options)
- Idol or Picture of Srinathji
- Eco-Friendly Lamps: Use brass or clay diyas with ghee or sesame oil.
- Incense Sticks: Natural fragrance, made of herbs or resins.
- Flowers: Locally sourced, fresh, and fragrant.
- Leaves: Tulsi (sacred basil) leaves.
- Fruits and Sweets: Fresh fruits, homemade sweets, or jaggery-based preparations.
- Water Vessel (Kalash): Filled with clean water for sprinkling.
- Chandan (Sandalwood Paste): Prepared naturally.
- Cloth for Idol: Eco-friendly cotton or silk fabric.
- Eco-Friendly Rangoli Colors (optional): To decorate the altar.
6. Steps of the Puja
Step 1: Sankalp (Resolution)
- Sit in front of the altar and take a vow (sankalp) for the puja with folded hands, praying for blessings and divine connection.
Step 2: Cleaning
- Sprinkle water on yourself and the puja items to purify them.
Step 3: Offerings
- Light the diya and incense sticks.
- Offer fresh flowers, fruits, and Tulsi leaves to Srinathji.
- Place Chandan on the idol or picture.
Step 4: Prayers and Mantras
- Chant the following mantras:
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
- Shri Nathji Pranam Mantra:
- Recite Govardhan Dharan Leela stories or sing bhajans dedicated to Srinathji.
Step 5: Arti (Offering of Light)
- Perform the arti with a ghee diya, moving it in circular motions around the idol while singing:
- “Om Jai Jagdish Hare” or Srinathji-specific bhajans.
Step 6: Prasad
- Offer prepared food items (see below) to Srinathji, imagining him accepting your devotion.
Step 7: Meditation
- Spend a few moments in silent meditation, connecting with Srinathji's divine form.
Step 8: Conclude
- Thank Srinathji for his blessings. Fold hands and bow down in gratitude.
7. Prasad to Prepare
- Use eco-friendly and sattvic ingredients (no onion, garlic):
- Makhan Mishri (butter and sugar crystals).
- Peda (sweet made from milk solids).
- Fruits: Seasonal and fresh.
- Rice Kheer: Sweet rice pudding made with jaggery or sugar.
- Sabudana Khichdi or Laddu: For festive days.
8. Disposal of Puja Items
- Flowers and Leaves: Compost them or immerse in a small garden soil pit.
- Water from Kalash: Use it to water plants.
- Ashes from Incense: Can be added to soil as fertilizer.
- Eco-Friendly Diyas: Reuse if possible, or dispose of them sustainably.
9. Benefits of Worship
- Promotes mental peace and positivity.
- Encourages eco-conscious living through natural products.
- Brings the devotee closer to the divine, enhancing spiritual growth.
- Purifies the environment with incense and mantras.
By following this guide, you can honor Srinathji in a way that is spiritually meaningful and environmentally respectful, fostering both devotion and sustainability.