Diwali Puja Process

Diwali Puja Process

Diwali is the festival of Laxmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi visit everyone during Diwali and brings peace and prosperity to all. On the night of Diwali "Lakshmi-Pujan" is performed in the evenings. A traditional Pujan is performed after sunset in all the homes.

Five pieces of ghee diyas (lamps) are lit in front of the deities, naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess and devotional songs are sung in praise of Goddess Laxmi. After Deepawali Puja people light diyas (lamps) in their homes to usher in light and clear the darkness from the world.

In villages cattle are adorned and worshipped by farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south, cows are offered special veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and therefore they are adorned and worshipped on this day.

Step By Step Diwali Pujan:

First clean the Puja room and then Bathe each Deity (Lakshmi & Ganesh) first with water, then with panchamitra/or rose water, followed by water once more Now put Deepak (Lamp) in front of the Deities - As the tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits Make a Panchamitra with 5 ingredients of milk, curd, ghee (clarified butter), sugar & Honey. Place Few mithais, snacks & fruits as a prashad. Make offerings of flowers, Abir (red colour), Sindoor (vermillion) and Haldi (turmeric). Light the Agarbatti (incense sticks) and lamps filled with Ghee. Now make offerings of Fruit, Sweet dishes (mithai), Salty snacks (Mathis, Ghathia, Namakpare) and offer Dakshina (token money), which could be given to the poor. In the end offer paan (betel leaves), cloves. Now pray to the deities to seek their blessings. Ganesh Pooja : Ganesh Puja is a must for Diwali Puja. (Lord Ganesha is to be worshipped in all pujas before any other God or Goddess.) (Ganesh Aarti is sung) Laxmi Pooja : Place Lotus and other flowers at her feet as an offering. A silver coin is placed in front of the Goddess during the puja. Now perform Aarti with flowers in hand (Lakshmi Aarti is sung). After Deepawali Pujan have the Prasad and go out to burst Diwali Crackers.

Sankasta Chaturthi - 2009

Sankastha Chaturthi or Ganesh Sankashta Chaturthi Vrata, is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesha in a Hindu lunar month. It falls on the 4^th day in a Krishna Paksha lunar fortnight or on the fourth day after full moon or Purnima. Ganesha devotees observe a fast (fasting – upvaas) on Sankashta Chaturthi Vrata days. Here are the dates of Sankashti Chaturti in 2009.

Sankashti Chaturti days in 2009 is based on Indian Standard Time (IST).

January 14, 2009 – Sankashti Chaturti

February 12, 2009 – Sankashta Chaturthi

March 14, 2009 – Sankashti Chaturti Vrat

April 12, 2009 – Sankashta Chaturthi Vrata

May 12, 2009 – Angarak Sankashti Chaturti

June 11, 2009 – Sankashta Chaturthi

July 11, 2009 – Sankashti Chaturti Vrat

August 9, 2009 – Sankashta Chaturthi Vrata

September 8, 2009 – Angarak Sankashti Chaturti

October 7, 2009 – Sankashta Chaturthi

November 5, 2009 – Sankashta Chaturthi

December 5, 2009 – Sankashti Chaturti Vrat

When Sankashta Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday it is known as Angarak Sankashti Chaturti and is considered highly auspicious.

Hindu Festivals in March 2009

Dates of important festivals associated with Hinduism in 2009 March – based on major Hindu calendars used in India.

March 2nd – Sashti Vratam

March 6th – Phagu Dasami in Orissa

March 7th – Ekadashi – Papanasini Ekadasi - Amalki Ekadashi

March 8th – Pradosha Vrata

March 9th – Masi Magam in Tamil Culture

March 10th – Pournami in South India… in all place full moon day begins on March 10 and continues into March 11

March 10th – Holika Dahan

March 11th – Holi – playing with colors

March 11th – Dola Purnima

March 11th – Poornima full moon day

March 12th – Chaitra Month begins in Traditional North Indian calendar

March 12th – Sant Tukaram Jayanti

March 12th – Holi in Orissa

March 14th – Sankashti Chaturthi – Sangadahara Chaturthi

March 19th – Sheetalashtami

March 22nd – Papamochani Ekadasi

March 24rd – Pradosha Vrata

March 26th – Amavas no moon day

March 27th – Saka Era – New Year in the Calendar followed by Government of India.

March 27th – Ugadi – Yugadi – New Year in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

March 27th – Gudi Padwa – Maharashtra New Year

March 27th – Chaitra Month begins in Marathi and Gujarati Calendar

March 27th – Vasant Navaratri Begins

March 29th – Matsya Jayanti

Yantra Most Popular

Most Powerful Yantra

Yantra for conquering love of Girlfriend (or wife) Yantra for conquering love of boy-friend(or husband) Gambling Yantra: Keep this yantra in your pocket and play -- your - self confidnce will increase and you will get miraculous success. Vashikaran Yantra for conquering the enemy Yantra for removing the black magic Mahamrunjaya Yantra for conquering health, Escape from accident. Yantra for getting bumper money

Gayatri Mantra

Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah

Tat

Savitur Varenyam

Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi

Dhiyo Yonah:

Prachodayat

English translation:

Throughout all realms of experience

'That'

essential nature illuminating existence

is the adorable

One.

May all beings perceive through

subtle and meditative intellect

the magnificent brilliance

of enlightened awareness.

Mantra for Yantra

Yantra Name	Mantra	Benefits
Akarshan Yantra	Aakarshay Mahadevi Ram Mam Priyam Hey Tripure Devdeveshi Tubhyam Dasyami Yanchitam	Attraction/Vashikaran
Ashtalakshmi Yantra	Om Namah Dhandaye Swaha	Wealth/Prosperity
Annapurna Yantra	Om Hreem Kleem Sreem Hreem Namo Bhagawate Maheshwari Annapurna Swaha	Food/Fulfillment of desires
Baglamukhi Yantra	Om Hareeng Bagla Mukhi Namha	Victory over enemies,Law suits and Power
Bhairon Yantra	Om Hareeng Butkaya Aapduddhar anay kuru kuru Batukaya Hareeng	Wish fulfillment,Good fortune and Siddhis
Bajrang Yantra	Aakarshay Mahadevi Ram mam Priyam Hey tripure Devdeveshi Tubhyam Dasyami Yanchitam	Protection from Ghosts/Spirits/Tantra attacks and Evil eyes
Budh (Mercury) Yantra	Om Braang Breeng Brong Sa Bhudhaya Namah	To appease the planet Buddh or Mercury
Brihaspati (Guru/Jupiter) Yantra	Om Graang Greeng Grong Sa Gurve Namah	To appease the planet Brihaspati or Jupiter
Bhuvneshwari Yantra	Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Bhuvaneshrayah Namah	To gain Knowledge and for meditation
Bala Tripura Sundari Yantra	Om Aim Hreem Shreem Sri Lalita Tripurasundari Padukam Poojayami Namah	Wealth,Prosperity and Goodluck
Bhoot Pret Badha Nivaran Yantra	Om namo bhagwate ru ru bhairvaye bhoot pret shay kuru kuru hu fat swaha	Protection from Ghosts and Spirits
Bhairavi Yantra	Om Bhairavi Saham	Energy/power and to get rid of fears
Chandra Yantra	Aakarshay Mahadevi Ram mam Priyam Hey tripure Devdeveshi Tubhyam Dasyami Yanchitam	Yantra to appease the planet Moon
Chandi Yantra	Aim Hrim Klim Chamundaye Vichhe	Prosperity,Power and Positive energy
Chinnamasta Yantra	Om Shrim Hreem Hreem Aim Vajra Vairochaniye Shrim Hreem Hreem Phat Svaha	Power
Dhumavati Yantra	Dhung Dhung Dhumavati Tha Tha	Success and Spiritual upliftment
Durga Bisa Yantra/Durga yantra	Aaeng Hareeng Kaleeng Chamundaye Vichche	Luck in Business, wealth, prosperity
Dhumavati Yantra	Dhum Dhum Dhumavati Swaha	Success and Spiritual Upliftment
Dhanvantri Yantra	Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya Dhanvataraye Amritha Kalasa Hasthaya Sarva Maya Vinasanaya Trilokya Nathaya Sri Maha Vishnave Namah	Rid of diseases and good health
Durga Saptashi Yantra	Om Dum Durgaye Namaha	Blessings of goddess durga
Gayatri Yantra	Om Bhoorbhuvah Swah Tatsyavitur Vareniyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhi Mahi Dhiya Yona Prachodyat	Peace,Harmony and Happiness
Ganesha/Ganpati Yantra	Aum Gang Ganpatye Namah	Success in business and fulfillment of desires
Grih Dosh Yantra	Om Aakarshay Mahadevi Ram mam Priyam Hey Tripure Devdeveshi Tubhyam Dasyami Yanchitam	To remove vastu doshas
Grah Pida Niwarak Shani Yantra	Om Preeang Preeng Prong Sa Shange Namah	To get Peace,Harmony and Removal of problems
Haridra Ganesh Yantra	Om Hum Gum Glaum	Success in desires
Heramba Ganapati Yantra	Om Gum Ganpati Nama	Power and Success
Hanuman Yantra	Om Sri Hanumante Namaha	Power,Authority,Vigour and to Overcome Enemies
Kanakdhara Yantra	Aum Shri Mahalakymaye Namah	Luck in gambling/speculation,Wealth and Good Fortune
Kuber Yantra	Om Yakshyaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaaya Dhanadhanyadi Padayeh Dhana-Dhanya Samreeddhing Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha	Prosperity,Wealth
Kaalsarp Yantra	Om Asteek Munaye Namah	Get rid of Agonies/Problems arrising due to Kaalsarp yoga
Kamla Yantra	Om Ayeim Shreem Hreem Kamalvaasinyei Namah	Rid of Debts/Poverty/Problems and Tension
Kamdev Yantra	Aum Kamadevaye Vidmahe,Pushp Vanaye Dhi Mahi,Tanno Kamah Prachdayat	Fulfillment of Sexual Desires
Karya Sidhi Yantra	Om Eim Hreem Shreem Kleem Namaha	Fulfillment of Personal Desires
Ketu Yantra	Om Hreem Ketve Namah	To Appease Planet Ketu
Krishna Yantra	Om Devaki Nandaya Vidmahe, Vasudevaya Dheemahi, Tannah Radha Krishnah Prachodayat	Blessing of Lord Krishna
Katyayani Yantra	Kaatyaayani Mahaamaayey Mahaa YoginyaDheeshwaree, Nanda Gopasuta Devi Pati Mey Kuru Tey Namaha	Love Between Couples,Solve difficulties in Marriage
Lakshmi Prapti Yantra	Aum Shree Mahalakyamya Namah	Wealth,Improvement in Finances
Lagan Yog Yantra	Kaatyaayani Mahaamaayey Mahaa YoginyaDheeshwaree, Nanda Gopasuta Devi Pati Mey Kuru Tey Namaha	Helps in Getting Married
Lakshmi Naryan Yantra	Aum Shri Mahalakymaye Namah	Prosperity,Harmony,Good health and Good luck in all ventures
Maha Kali Yantra	Om Kareeng Kalekaye Namah, Om Kapalingaye Namah	Fulfillment of Desires, Wealth, Comforts of life
Manokamna Prapti Yantra	Om Hreem Namah	Fulfillment of All Desires
Mahamritunjay Yantra	Om Hoom Joom Saha, Om Bhu Bhuvah Swaha, Om Triyambakam Yajamahey, Sungandhim Pushti Vardanam, Uruvar Kamiva Bandhanan, Mrityor Muksheeya Mamritat, Swaha Bhuvah Bhu Om, Saha Joom Hoom Om	To get rid of all Health Problems and Fear of Death
Maruti Yantra	Om Sri Hanumante Namaha	Rid of all Fears and ghosts
Matangi Yantra	Om Hreem Kleem Hum Matangaye Phat Swaha	Blessings of Goddess Matangi
Meru Yantra	Om Aaeeng Hreeng Kleeng Shreeng Mahalakshmye Namah	Fulfillment of Ambitions,Financial Gain and Influence
Mangal Yantra	Om Angarakaya Namaha	Luck in Business & Health
Mahalakshmi Yantra	Om Shreem Hreem Shree Mahalaxmiyei Namah	Wealth,Prosperity and Good fortune
Narsimha Yantra	Aum Nring Nring Nring Narsinghaye Namah Aum	Protection from Enemies
Narayan Yantra	Aum Namo Narayana	Blessings of Lord Vishnu
Om Yantra	Om Namah Shivay	Grave dangers,Rid of serious health problems
Rahu Yantra	Om Bhraang bhreeg Bhrang Sa Rahve Namah	To Appease Planet Rahu and Victory
Ram Raksha Yantra	Om Sri Ram Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama	To get rid of all Perils, Obstacles in the way of your success, gain, all round prosperity, fame and luxuries
Raksha Kavach Yantra	Mrityunjaya Mahadev Traahimaam Sharanagatam Janam-Mrityu Jara Vyadhi Piditam Karmbandhane	To overcome enemies, protection from black magic
Rishi Mandal Yantra	Om Hreem Kamal Vaasinyei Pratyaksham Hreem Phat	Blessings of Rishis and Harmony at Home
Rog Nivaran Yantra	Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwarah Guru Sakshaat Para Brahma Tasmei Shree Gurave Namah	Rid of Fatal Diseases and Life Giving
Saraswati Yantra	Om Eim Saraswatiyei Swaha	Education,Learning and Knowdedge
Santan Gopal Yantra	Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya	Prevents Miscarriage During Pregnancy and Bless Childless couples with Children
Shree Yantra	Om Shreeng Hareeng Kaleeng Hareeng Sri mahalakshmiaye Namah	P eace,Happiness,Popularity,Power,Authority,Wealth, Prosperity & Success
Shubh Labh Yantra	Om Shareeng Hareeng Kaleeng Glaeeng gang Ganpataye var varad Sarvjan me Vashmanaya Svaha	Good Luck, Success, Wealth & Prosperity
Shiva Yantra	Om Namah Shivay	Protection From Evil Spirits
Shani Yantra	Om Preeang Preeng Prong Sa Shange Namah	Blessings of Lord Shani
Shukra Yantra	Om Draang Dreeng Drong Sa Shukraye Namha	Blessing of Lord Shukra and For Love
Surya Yantra	Om Hreem Suryay Namah	To Appease Planet Sun and Overcome Difficulties
Swastik Yantra	Om Lakeen	Protection from Evil Eyes and goodluck
Sudarshan Yantra	Om Namo Narayanaya	To Remove illness and Misfortune
Sarva Badha Mukti Yantra	Sarvaa Badhaa Vinirmukto Dhana Dhaanya Sutaanvitah Manushyo Mata Prasaaden Bhavishyati Na Sanshayah	Rid of all Troubles/Problems and All Material Comforts in Life
Sampurn Sriyantra	Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmyei Shreem Hreem Shreem Namah	Wealth,Luck,Prosperity,Harmony and Peace
Sampurn Vastu Dosh Nivaran Yantra	Vaastudev Namastatu Bhushanyaanirat Prabho, Mam Grahe Dhan Dhaanyaadi Samraddh Kuru Sarvada	Removes Vaastu ill-effects from place of work/residence
Sampurn Mahalakshmi Yantra	Om Shreem Hreem Kamle Kamlalayei Praseed Praseed Om Shreem Hreem Shree Mahalaxmiyei Namah	Wealth,Prosperity and Good fortune
Sarva Karya Sidhi Yantra	Om Hreem shreem Kleem Mam Sarva Karya Sadhay Sadhay Swaha	Fulfillment of All Desires
Tara Devi Yantra	Om Streem Hum Phat	Overcome Troubles,Poverty
Tripura Sundari Yantra	Shreem Hreem Kleem Aim Soo	Happiness,Joy and Beauty
Vastu Yantra/ Vastu Devta Yantra	Vaastudev Namastatu Bhushanyaanirat Prabho, Mam Grahe Dhan Dhaanyaadi Samraddh Kuru Sarvada	Remove Vastu ill Effects
Vashikaran Yantra	Om Lakeem Lakeem (name of person) Mum Vashyam Kuru Kuru Swaha	Love,Attraction and Desires
Vahan Durghatna Yantra	Om Aum Hraam Hreem Hraum Shree Vayu Putraye Namaha	Protection from Accidents and Mishaps
Vyapar Vridhi Yantra	Om Akarshaye Swaha	Business,Turnover and Luck
Vighantras Navgrah Yantra	Om Maha Hareeng La Shareeng Kashamayee Kaling Aing Noon	Prosperity and Removal of Negative Effects of Planets

Mantra - Chanting

I've added this section for basic mantras I keep recommending to friends. Spend ten minutes or so chanting any of the following mantras. You can chant them out loud or in your head - both ways can be just as effective. I try to pronounced the "R" Indian-style, but western style is just fine. Remember, the more you chant the mantra the better, so a great time to do this is while walking or commuting or taking a shower, etc. And the more you focus on the power of the mantra, the more effective it can be too. With a real goal, I might chant flat-out until the goal is reached, or a 40-day discipline of at least half an hour's chanting a day can be performed for the dedicated person. (I often seem to be doing one 40-day discipline or another at any given time these days!)

Now if you have trouble pronouncing the mantra, you can just download the MP3 file, turn on the repeat setting in Windows Media Player and chant along with me (even in your head) until you are comfortable with it.

Also note that if you ever feel tears coming for whatever reason when chanting, always let them out if you can - this is an emotional release and is very beneficial for you. Sometimes you may find that these emotions have been trapped inside you for lifetimes.

Om Gam Shrim Maha Lakshmiyei Namaha
For attracting the abundance in all areas into your life. You can also focus on a specific area if you want - i.e. income, friends etc. (This is a standard Lakshmi mantra with a Ganesha seed syllable "Gam" added to help remove obstacles at the same time.) I chant a lot of different mantras, but this a good default daily mantra.

Om Eim Hrim Klim Chamundayei Vicche Namaha
For building self-confidence and willpower when feeling weak, nervous or lacking drive. Also for protection from evil forces. For me, this is a great mantra for those times when I need a boost to get me going. (However do read the "Ego-Purging Mantras" section below before going hard out with this one!) A very important mantra.

Om Eim Sawaswatyai Swaha
For attracting Saraswati's blessings in the areas of inspiration, creativity, knowledge and the intellect, plus in all areas of the arts and sciences. There is also a much longer mantra which I think is great in the book "Shakti Mantras" - (click here for pronunciation).

Om Gam Ganapatayei Namaha
A very well-known Ganesha mantra commonly used for removing any obstacles facing people in life. They can be obstacles to success, love, or whatever situation yuo feel is "stuck". Simply chant the mantra - or you can set the intention by stating the desired obstacles to be removed before you chant - and Ganesha in his wisdom will help.

Om Kshipra Prasadaya Namaha
For an immediate blessing when suddenly faced with trouble or difficult circumstances and you need help right now. Even potentially losing your car keys when you really really need them, etc.

Om Apadamapa Hartaram Dataram Sarva Samapadam Loka Bhi Ramam, Shri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namamyaham
This Rama mantras is regarded by Thomas Ashley-Farrand as one of the great healing mantras and one which is especially good for alleviating mental and/or emotional problems. Yes it's long, but I have found it's effects to be very interesting indeed. I've even had a very long and emotional past life flashback while chanting this one so don't underestimate the effects these mantras can have. Also remember they are working on levels that most of us can hardly perceive. Some effects you will notice at the time, others may only become apparent later.

Om Vakratundaaya Hum
This Ganesha mantra is one for straightening out any problematic circumstances and is said to be very powerful (in spite of its short length). According to Sadguru Sant Keshavadas in his book Lord Ganesha: "This is a very powerful mantra, as discussed in the Ganesha Purana. When something is not working properly, individually or universally, nationally or internationally, or when the minds of the people turn crooked, negative, depressed or discouraged, the attention of Ganesha may be drawn by this mantra to straighten their ways. The HUM symbolizes 'Delay no more, my Lord, in straightening the paths of the crooked-minded ones.' This mantra is used many times in the Ganesha Purana to curb the atrocities of cruel demons. In addition, this mantra could also be used for healing any spinal deficiency, such as curvature of the spine or curved limbs. Dedicate 1,008 repetitions of this holy word to straighten and heal such deficiencies." I have been personally very impressed with its results.

Ha Sa Ka La E I La Hrim Ha Sa Ka La E I La Hrim
This is a Lalita mantra for engaging the energy of Kubera, the earthly Lord of Wealth, to work divinely in your life. If you have financial worries and would like to invoke Divine energies to assist you, this would be an excellent mantra to put to work on a daily basis.

Om Shanti Om
To attract peace into a difficult situation with other people (e.g. children, in-laws, workmates etc). Also I feel it's very good for pacifying nervous pets when it's time to take them to the vet or give them a flea treatment! With this one I state my intention before I chant.