PUJA

A LARGE PUJA TO SHRI GANESHA

> PUJA : (1) Before the photograph
Five articles are placed before the photograph:
1. Oil lamp or candle, incense
2. Conch
3. Bell
4. Water Pourer (Jug)
5. Coconut (place on a copper pot "kumbha")
The place of Puja can be a table or a seat, decorated with a cloth.
> PUJA : (2) The Washing of Shri Mataji's Feet
A pot of lukewarm water is needed as if Shri Mataji was present in person, also a jug to pour the water. It
can be perfumed with rose water. A deep large bowl or thali to collect the vibrated water is also needed. It
is important that this thali, as well as the other Puja objects have been decorated with kumkum by drawing
a "SWASTIKA" an the bottom of the thali. Use clean towels, new if possible, and reserved for Puja.
> PUJA : (3) The Panchamrut
A large bowl is needed, for God's "BEVERAGE" or "NECTAR". This bowl will not be marked with kumkum
(as kumkum is not edible). Five small bowls are also needed; they can be metal, but care should be taken
with copper as it reacts with yoghurt.
The Five elements which will constitute the Amrut are kept in the bowl:
1. Honey (good quality if possible and liquid)
2. Milk
3. Sugar
4. Yoghurt
5. Ghee or clarified butter
> PUJA : (5) Decorations
Perfume on a bit of cotton wool is applied to Shri Mataji's Feet. A vertical SWASTIKA is drawn on each of
HER FEET with a paste of kumkum mixed with water. Flowers can be offered (a bunch of flowers, garlands,
or just single flowers etc..) or fruit (with the exception of citrus fruit), cakes, sweets.
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KNOWLEDGE : PUJA
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> PUJA : (4) The Rice
It is customary to offer rice in an expression of welcome (just a bowl of white rice that can be mixed with turmeric
and kumkum). It is offered at the beginning of the Puja, after the mantra to the DEITY.
> PUJA : (5) Decorations
Perfume on a bit of cotton wool is applied to Shri Mataji's Feet. A vertical SWASTIKA is drawn on each of HER
FEET with a paste of kumkum mixed with water. Flowers can be offered (a bunch of flowers, garlands, or just
single flowers etc..) or fruit (with the exception of citrus fruit), cakes, sweets.
> PUJA : (6) Kumkum
This powder is mixed with water. It is used to decorate the objects of PUJA which are particularly respected.
As these are going to be used during the PUJA, they have to be pure. This paste decorates Shri Mataji: Her
Feet, Her tika, Her Hands. The "tika" can be put on the forehead of the participants. It is important then, not
to re-use the same batch for Shri Mataji.
The kumkum is needed:
1. To decorate the large bowls receiving the vibrated water.
2. To mark the objects of the Puja as well as the coconut
3. To decorate Mother's Feet, Her photograph
4. To put on the forehead of participants (again from a separate container)
> PUJA : (7) The Coconut
Select a good size coconut which is not damaged in any way, and which contains milk. Shake it and listen.
The coconut is dedicated to Shri Ganesha and marked with a vertical swastika. Also mark with kumkum the 3
points on the top that are called the eyes of Shri Shiva.
The coconut gives a particular type of vibration, but it also absorb the negativity. It should not be kept too long
(like lemons). Afterwards it should either be buried or offered to a river or the sea (with the flowers and prasad).
> PUJA : (8) The Aarti
The PUJA is concluded by singing the AARTI while we offer AARTI to Her photograph with the flame. Place
a little oil lamp or candle, incense, and also camphor. Cut the camphor into small pieces that they can be burned
one by one in a small lamp. It may become very hot, so care should be taken.
The AARTI can be done for as long as the singing continues. It can also be done 108 times in silence.
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> PUJA : (9) The Date of Puja
For a GREAT PUJA, it is proper to announce the day and position of the moon. Each day is governed by a
Deity. So it is possible to dedicate the Puja to the particular Deity of a particular day:
DAY PLANET CHAKRA DEITY
Monday The Moon Sahasrara Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
Tuesday Mars Mooladhara Shri Ganesha
Wednsday Mercury Swadistan Shri Saraswati Brahmadeva
Thursday Jupiter Nabhi Shri Vishnu - Adiguru
Friday Venus Heart Shri Shiva
Saturday Saturn Vishuddhi Shri Krishna
Sunday The Sun Agnya Shri Jesus
> PUJA : (10) Prasad
The Prasad is everything that is distributed. The Prasad is eaten or drunk by the participants.
All food which comes from Shri Mataji in person can be treated as PRASAD.
When Puja is done to the photograph, the elements and water should NOT be applied with fingers, rather it
should be poured onto the photograph. This serves to preserve the vibrations of the AMRUT, which is offered
as prasad.
> PUJA : (11) Mantra to Shri Ganesha
NYASA:
Nyasa is the preparation of the inner being. It is divided into parts:
1. Mantra to Shri Ganesha
2. Names of Shri Vishnu
3. The Pranayama (optional)
4. Guru Mantra
5. Gayatri - Mantra
Please say it clearly every word. Otherwise mantras have no meaning. Don't combine the mantra and the
translation. Please be careful. Mantras are very important. Say it clearly every word maybe let someone else
tell the meaning. Everyone should listen to the mantra, and then say it. Otherwise it has no meaning".
Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, Shri Ganesha Puja, Switzerland 8.8.1989
The mantra to Shri Ganesha is recited to awaken the Mooladhara Chakra. It can be said four times:
OM TWAMEWA SAKSHAT SHRI GANESHA SAKSHAT
SHRI ADI SHAKTI MATAJI
SHRI NIRMALA DEVI NAMOH NAMAH
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> PUJA : (12) Names of Shri Vishnu
The names of Shri Vishnu are recited to awaken the main NADHIS. Sometime the first four names are said
three times.
OM TWAMEWA SAKSHAT SHRI LAKSHMI VISHNU SAKSHAT
SHRI ADI SHAKTI MATAJI
SHRI NIRMALA DEVI NAMOH NAMAH
> PUJA : (13) The 24 Names of Shri Vishnu
OM TWAMEWA SAKSHAT...
MANTRA TRANSLATION
SHRI KESHAVAYA With hair like the lion
SHRI NARAYANANDA Refuge of all beings
SHRI MADHAVAYA Who is like a stream of honey
SHRI GOVINDAYA The one who leads the cows
SHRI VISHNAVE Omnipresent
SHRI MADHUSUDHANAYA The one who kills the demon Madhu
SHRI TRIVIKRAMAYA The one who measured the universe ... in three steps
SHRI VAMANAYA The one incarnated as a dwarf
SHRI SHREEDHARAYA The one who keeps our Mother ... Shree on his breast
SHRI HRISHIKESHAYA The one who controls the senses
SHRI PADMANABHAYA The lotus of Brahma came from ... your Nabhi
SHRI DAMODARAYA Who can be attained by austerities
SHRI SHANKARSHANAYA The one who assembles all things ... at the end of the age
SHRI VASUDEVAYA The Lord of Vasus (the ... moon dynasty of Shri Krishna)
SHRI PRADYUMNAYA The infinite wealth
SHRI ANIRUDDHAYA The one who does not know defeat
SHRI PURUSHOTTAMAYA The highest of the Purushas (Lords)
SHRI ADHOKSHAYA One can know you by ... towards the inside
SHRI NARASINHAYA Incarnated as Man-Lion
SHRI UPENDRAYA Higher than Indra
SHRI ACHYUTAYA Without changes
SHRI JANARDANAYA The one who stimulate the seekers
SHRI HARAYE The one who purifies Karma
SHRI KRISHNAYA The Lord Krishna
SAKSHAT
SHRI ADI SHAKTI MATAJI
SHRI NIRMALA DEVI NAMOH NAMAH
> PUJA : (14) The Pranayama
The Pranayama is recited to create a balance between the IDA and PINGALA NADHIS (it is optional)
OM PRANAVASYA PARABRAHMA RISHIH
PARAMATMA DEVATA
DAIVI GAYATRI CHHANDAH
GAYATRYA GATHINO VISWAMITRA RISHIH
SAVITA DEVATA GAYATRI CHHANDAH
PRANAYAME VINIYOGAH
Translation:
Parabrahma is the sage,
Paramatma is the Deity, the Goddess
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Gayatri is the measure and the aim is Pranayama
> PUJA : (15) The Guru Mantra
The Guru Mantra is recited to awaken the Void
GURU BRAHMA, GURU VISHNU
GURU DEVO MAHESHVARA
GURU SAKSHAT PARABRAHMA,
SHRI MATAJI NIRMALA MA
TASMAYE SHRI GURUVE NAMAHA
PRANAYAME VINIYOGAH
Translation:
We pay respect to the principle of Guru,
which is formed of the innocence of the three Gods
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva who are the God Supreme
That we achieve by the Grace of Shri Mataji
> PUJA : (22) Offering the Rice
A cup of rice coloured with kumkum and tumeric is offered as a sigh of welcome.
OM TWAMEWA SAKSHAT
SHRI MAHAGANAPATI DEVATABHYO NAMAHA
AKSHATAM SAMARPAYAMI
The first line can be replaced by the following
OM BHUR BHUVA SWAHA MAHAGANAPATI
DEVATABHYO NAMAHA
Translation:
"O You who are the supreme chief of the Ganas.
We pay homage to You,
we offer this rice to Your Holy Feet, please accept it"
> PUJA : (23) Washing of Shri Ganesha's Feet
A cup of rice coloured with kumkum and tumeric is offered as a sigh of welcome.
OM SHRI MAHAGANAPATI DEVATABHYO NAMAHA
PADYAM SAMARPAYAMI
Translation:
"O supreme chief of the Ganas.
We pay homage to You,
we offer you this bath of Your Holy Feet, please accept it"
During this time one can read the "Atharvasheersha".
If one has problem with Sanskrit one can read "To the Divine Essence of the Prayer"
The 108 names of Shri Ganesha may also be read. One can also keep silent, sing or read an appropriate poem.
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> PUJA : (24) Ganeshatharvasheersha
> PUJA : (25) Offerings
After washing the Feet, or, following the mantra of shri ganesha, one can offer the coconut, sweets, edibles,
flowers (red if possible).
> PUJA : (26) Conclusion
After the conclusion of this worship one thanks Shri Ganesha.
NAMAS KAROMI KARYAM ME SIDDHI MAYATU
PRASANNE TVAYI DHATARI VIGHNANI
NASHA-MAYANTU SARVANI SURANA-YAKA
Translation:
Salutations, Oh God, please return in the future
for destroying the obstacles
and assuring the success of our work.
The Bhagavad Gita
Chp 12 V 14
The Yogi who is ever content, self-controlled, unshakeable in determination with mind and understanding given
up to Me, he, My devotee is dear to Me.
Chp 12 V 20
But those who with faith, holding Me as their supreme aim, follow this immortal Nectar, those devotees are
exceedingly dear to Me.
PUJA TO THE PRINCIPAL DIVINITY
> If the Deity to be worshipped is Shri Ganesha, one has already started and can proceed to the appropriate
prayers. Otherwise one worships the Principal Deity after the Puja to Shri Ganesha.
> The Puja is actually to Shri Mataji, in a particular form, for example as Shri Krishna, Shri Rama. To worship
Her in certain Chakra or as Shri Mataji Herself, the Adi Shakti, here is a list of proceedings:
> Mantra No. 17
> Offering of the Rice No. 18
> Bathing of the Feet No. 19
> Amrut No. 21
> Decoration No. 22
> Different Offerings No. 23
> Aarti No. 24
Prayer No. 20 can be said at any time after the first mantra.
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> PUJA : (27) Mantra
One says the mantra to the Divinity that one has decided to worship. One can evoke or describe the qualities
and aspects. Find in the following points Mantras of Invitation.
> PUJA : (28) Offering the Rice
The offering of rice is an expression of welcome (the rice is coloured with kumkum and tumeric).
OM SHRI ... DEVATABHYO NAMAH
AKSHATAM SAMARAPAYAMI
Translation:
We offer You this rice in order to worship Your Presence
Would You kindly accept it
> PUJA : (29) Bathing of the Feet
Another Thali is required.
OM SHRI ... DEVATABHYO NAMAH
PADYAM SAMARAPAYAMI
Translation:
We offer You this bathing to worship Your Lotus Feet.
We offer it with devotion, would You kindly accept it.
> PUJA : (30) Prayers
SHRI VISHNU
MANTRA
SHANTAKARAM BHUJAGASHAYANAM
PADMANABHAM SURESHAM
VISHVADHARAM GAGANASADRUSHAM
MEGHAVARNAM SHUBHANGAM
LAKSHMIKANTAM KAMALANAYANAM
YOGEEBHIR DHYANA GAMYAM
VANDE VISHNU BHAVABHAYAHARANAM
SARVALOKAEKANATHAM
TRANSLATION
Salutations to Shri Vishnu, who reclines peacefully on the bed of the serpent Sheisha, with the Lotus on His
Navel. He is the Lord of celestial beings, the tabernacle of the universe. He is as immense as the firmament,
His colour is that of a dark cloud; His limbs are auspicious, He is the Lord of Shri Lakshmi the one with Lotus
Eyes. Object of the meditation of the sages, the one who banishes all fears of the cycle of rebirth and suffering.
He is the Lord of all Worlds.
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SHRI SHIVA
MANTRA
DHAYENITYAM MAHESHAM RAJATA
GIRINIBHAM CHARUCHANDRAVATANSA
RATNAKALPOJALANGAM PARASHU
MRUGAVARABHEETIHASTAM PRASANNAM
PADMASEANAM SAMANTAT STUTAMAMARA
GANAIRVYAGHRAKRUTTIM VASANAM
VISHWADHYAM VISHWA VANDYAM NIKHIL
BHAYAHARAM PANCHAWAKTRAM TRINETRAM
TRANSLATION
May the Supreme God be always the object of meditation, He who is white like a mountain covered with snow,
resplendent as the moon, shining as thought His body is covered with jewels, always content by holding an
axe in His hand for scaring the beasts and malevolent beings.
He, sitting in the Lotus position in the company of the immortals who worship Him, is dressed in a tiger skin.
He is the beginning of the universe. He has five faces and three eyes.
THE GODDESS
MANTRA
NAMO DEVYAI MAHA DEVYAI SHIVAYAI
SATATAM NAMAH
NAMOH PRAKRUTYAI BHADRAYAI
NIYATAH PRANATAH SMA TAM
TRANSLATION
Salutations to the Goddess, the Supreme Goddess. Salutations again and again! Salutations to shri Shiva, the
one that gives true knowledge! Salutations to the Goddess who is also the spouse of Shri Shiva. Salutations
to Prakruti who is always of joyous auspiciousness.
GOD THE FATHER
MANTRA
OM SAHASTRASHIRSHA PURUSHA SAHASTRAKSHAH
SAHASTRA PAT
SA BHOOMIMVISHWATO WRUTTWA
TYATISHTHADDASHANGULAM
AGACHHA DEVADEVESHA TEJA
RASHE JAGATPATE
KRIYAMANAM MAYA POOJA GRUHAN
SURASATTAM SHRI MATAJI NIRMALA DEVYAI ...NAMO NAMAH AWAHANAM SAMARAPAYAMI
TRANSLATION
Amen Hari (Shri Vishnu), Amen Purusha (God Almighty), You who have a thousand heads, a thousand eyes
and a thousand feet and who embrace the four corners of the earth! Welcome Oh God among Gods, the most
powerful, master of the world! Would You be kind enough to accept this Puja that we offer to You. Salutations
to Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.
We offer this rice mixed with vermilion as an invitation.
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> PUJA : (31) Panchamrut
The Amrut or PANCHAMRUTA consists of five elements. Here are the offerings in order. One can pour a little
bit of warm or hot water between the application of each of the elements.
The Milk
The milk was offered by Kamadhenu and appeared with the drying of the ocean. It satisfied the Devarshis
(Sages who attained the level of the Gods) and ancestors.
OM TWAMEVA SAKSHAT
SHRI ... DEVATABHYO NAMAH
DUDHI SNANAM SAMAR-PAYAMI
Translation:
We offer You this milk for the bathing of Your Holy Feet
Please accept it shri ... , Salutations to Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.
The Yoghurt
The represents the white part of the sky; it is also that part of the atmosphere which forms a white halo around
the moon. All the Gods like it.
OM TWAMEVA SAKSHAT
SHRI ... DEVATABHYO NAMAH
DADHISNANAM SAMAR-PAYAMI
Translation:
Here is the Yoghurt to worship Your Holy Feet
Please accept it shri ... , Salutations to Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.
The Ghee
The ghee (clarified butter) is offered in all sacrifices. It is the nourishment of the Gods.
OM TWAMEVA SAKSHAT
SHRI ... DEVATABHYO NAMAH
GHRUTA SNANAM SAMAR-PAYAMI
Translation:
Please accept this ghee, very pure, for Your Holy Feet
Please accept it shri ... , Salutations to Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.
The Honey
The honey is the quintessence of the MOTHER EARTH from the pollen. It is for he who follows DHARMA, for
him the strong winds become breezes of gentle sweetness! Soft are the streams that carry water to him! May
the herbs of Mother Earth be always sweet, may gentle be the night and the dawn, the earth and the skies!
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OM TWAMEVA SAKSHAT
SHRI ... DEVATABHYO NAMAH
MADHU SNANAM SAMAR-PAYAMI
Translation:
Please accept this sweet honey that derives from the plants, for Your Holy Feet
Please accept it shri ... , Salutations to Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.
The Sugar
The sugar comes from the cane; it is purified and becomes brilliant as crystals.
OM TWAMEVA SAKSHAT
SHRI ... DEVATABHYO NAMAH
SHARKARA SNANAM SAMAR-PAYAMI
Translation:
Please accept this sugar in worship of Your Holy Feet
Please accept it shri ... , Salutations to Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.
After the offering of the AMRUT, one removes the Thali. Another can be used for the washing of the photograph.
One can use the mantra:
"... PADYAM SAMARAPAYAMI" found in proceeding sections.
> PUJA : (32) Decorations
Perfume
One can offer perfume with cotton wool. The cotton wool is saturated, then applied to Shri Mataji's Feet. Later
one can use this perfumed cotton to perfume the back of the right hand of the participants in the Puja. It is part
of the "philosophy" of Puja, to share all the offerings, once they have been vibrated and accepted by the Divine.
OM TWAMEVA SAKSHAT
SHRI ... DEVATABHYO NAMAH
GANDHODAKA SNANAM SAMAR-PAYAMI
Translation:
We offer You this perfume to worship Your Holy Feet
Please accept it shri ... , Salutations to Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.
Kumkum
One can decorate Shri Mataji's Feet with two SWASTIKAS using the third finger of the right hand. One can
also paint Shri Mother's toes and ankles (which represent the Vishuddhi). The SWASTIKA is a symbol of Shri
Ganesha and allows one to show our devotion as children of Shri Mataji, as we are made in the image of Shri
Ganesha. The SWASTIKA should be vertical:
OM TWAMEVA SAKSHAT
SHRI ... DEVATABHYO NAMAH
KUMKUM SAMAR-PAYAMI
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Translation:
We decorate with great devotion Your Holy Feet with this kumkum,
Please accept it Shri ... , Salutations to Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.
> PUJA : (33) Assorted Offerings
One can offer flowers, cakes. The same mantra mentioned in the previous section is used and substituting the
word Kumkum with Pushpa, (flowers) or Laddus, (sweets). This offering can be made in silence or during the
recitation of 108 names. One can offer a variety of things: dried fruits, cakes,lemons and chillies, fruit, also
object, if there is an occasion to do so.
> PUJA : (34) Aarti
The term Aarti describes the forming of bandhans with the flame. One can do it with a simple candle, or incense,
or both. In a Puja one presents an oil lamp, incense and camphor (in an appropriate lamp) on a tray. One holds
it with the right hand and the left hand holds the wrist of the right hand. A second person can also put his hand
on the elbow of the first person. The flame should not extinguish during the Aarti. At the same time one sings
the hymn "Sabko Dua dena" for example, or "Jerusalem", or a hymn to Shri Ganesha. It is auspicious to ring
the bell at the same time or to start and finish by blowing the conch. Following is an example of a prayer of
introduction for the Aarti:
TO THE GODDESS
MANTRA
CHANDRADITYA CHANDHARANIRVIDYU
AGNISTATHAIVACHA
TWAMEWA SARVAJYOTEESI ARTIKYAM
PRATI GRUHYATAM
MATAJI SHRI NIRMALA DEVYAI
NAMO NAMAH
MAHANIRANJANADEEPAM SAMAA PAYAHE
TRANSLATION
Alone You are the sun, the moon, the earth and the whole cosmos. Would You be kind enough to accept this
Aarti that we offer to You Salutations again and again to Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi. We offer You this lamp and
the Aarti.
> PUJA : (35) Salutation or prostration
Following the Aarti and the reciting of the mantras to Shri Mataji, the assembled Yogis give salutation to Shri
Mataji and namaskar to Her. After salutations, time should be spent in meditation to absorb the vibrations
generated through the Puja.
"Now you must meditate also after the Puja because My vibrations you do not suck in without meditation. Always
it happens so far I have had very few Pujas in which all My whole vibrations, were sucked in. If you have sincerity
about it, it is really the sincerity part of it you will suck all My vibrations. Tell your mind not to ask questions and
to misbehave, but to suck the vibrations clearly. This is for your nourishment, for your own growth, for your own
enjoyment".
May God Bless You
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