Understanding the energy flows in Vastu

A space enclosed by walls has different energy than it's surroundings. This is due to the concept of distinction (परिच्छिन्नता). There is nothing such as good or bad in the universe. Everything acts in perfect synchronization with the cosmic plan. The law of karma begins when we think that we are distinct from the eternal principle. The sense of self identification with the body, the sense of ownership over objects is the beginning of pleasure and pain. We say that something is good or bad due our identification with what is pleasing to our mind and what is not. We therefore try to avoid unpleasantness and create an atmosphere compatible with the aims of the structure.

The flow of cosmic energy:

As we live on earth, we are subject to energies from the earth and also outside it. Vastushastra believes that the north and eastern directions generate an energy flow which is active in nature and conducive to well being . In opposition, the energy generated by the southern and western directions is inert or passive in nature.  This idea is rooted in The Taittireeya Brahmana where the Nakshatras are divided into Deva- Nakshatras and Asura- Nakshatras.(Tait. Br. 1-5-9 Pratham kaanda, 5th anuvaaka, mantra 10 onward).

The adjacent diagram will show the zones of active and passive energy in an enclosed space.
We can thereby guage, that the concentration of active energy is greatest in the northeastern quadrant and passive energy saturation is highest in the southwestern quadrant. The Northwestern and Southeastern  quadrants are a mixture of the two energies. Therefore, more openings towards the north and east are always advisable for any structure. This is the basic underlying principle of energy dynamics in Vastushastra.

The flow of earth energy :

A plot of land, in the shape of a quadrilateral is generally supposed to be divided into nine rows and nine columns by ten horizontal lines running from west to east and ten vertical lines running south to north. These lines are called Shiraas (meridians). They form a grid over the plot. Their intersections are called Marmas (sensitive points ). A shiraa's thickeness is generally 1/36 th of the length or breadth. In the diagram below, the Shiraas are shown as black rays and the marmas  are shown as orange intersection points.

North

Factors that thwart the flow of energy :

1. If there is lesser amount of light and or air coming from northern and eastern side in an enclosed space, one is bound to face problems of finance and health respectively over there.

2. If the building / apartment is L-shaped and the open space is towards south and west instead of north and east.

3. If the building / apartment is C shaped and the opening of the structure is towards south and west instead of north and east.

4. If a building is constructed at oblique angle more than 22 degrees to the the main direction. (Vidisha Dosha). This dosha is common in a city like Mumbai.

5. If the vertical walls superimpose the vertical shiraas, and the horizontal walls superimpose the horizontal shiraas and if the marma points are injured by columns.

Is correction possible?

If the committee or builder is willing to allow certain changes like openings or small ducts or ventilators in the positive direction the owner can hope for an improvement in his Vastu. But many a times it is almost impossible to correct faults in the constructed building . Therefore one should take proper precaution at the time of buying the property itself. The last option would be moving to a Vastushastra compliant new place.

How can the situation be salvaged?

The Vidisha dosha needs to be analysed properly. Even when the place is Vidisha, the intensity of the fault is diminished if there are plenty of openings in the positive directions. It is sometimes impossible to find a perfectly aligned space due to the geographical and town planning restrictions. Nowadays, to counter this fault, the architects design the building in two parts. The base which is used generally as podium parking, is as per the contour of the  plot but the upper part is aligned with the cardinal directions.

Ritual rectification :

Panchashirsha sthapana is recommended in Shilparatnam and Vastuvidya as a remedy for most of the Vastu doshas. Pancha shirsha ie the figures of five animal heads embossed on a gold sheet are installed near the main door of the house. It is an elaborate ritual entailing Vastupooja, Havan and finally the installation of the figurines in a copper casket. Vidisha and Marma Doshas are countered by this ritual.   

Bali Pradipada and Yama Dwitiya Rituals

Bali and Vaamana Pattachitra courtsey : pinterest

Kartika Shukla Pratipada ie the first day of the bright half of  the month of Kartika is celebrated as Bali pratipada. The festival is linked to the legend of the demon king Bali and Vaamana avataara of Vishnu. In some parts of Gujrat and Maharashtra this day is celebrated as a New year day of Vikram Samvat. 
The next day is celebrated as Bhau beej / Bhaiyya Dooj or Yamadwitiya. 
 
Mythology : 
Vishnu was born to Aditi and Kashyapa as Vaamana. He was a dwarf and had the paraphernalia of a Brahmin child. He went to the sacrifice of the demon king Bali and asked him to give three steps of land in charity. Bali agreed and immediately Vaamana began to grow enormously. He covered the earth with one foot and the celestial world with the other. There was no place to keep the third step. Bali offered his head as the third place to keep the Lord’s foot. Vaamana pushed Bali right through the earth into the nether worlds. But Vaamana was overcome by Bali’s righteousness and offered him the kingdom of Paataal (nether regions). He also permitted him to visit his subjects on earth once in a year. This event is celebrated on Bali Pratipadaa. Bali is to be crowned as the next Indra. Vaamana is also known as Trivikrama as he conquered the three worlds with his feet. 

Trivikrama sculpture. courtesy : pinterest.
note the small figures of Bali and Vaamana near the right side of the base lotus. 

Rituals of Bali Pratipada:
On the day of Balipratipada people take an oil bath like that on Narakachaturdashi. They wear new clothes. In the evening wives wave oil lamps before their husband and receive gifts in return. The newly wedded couple is invited to the girl’s  house for their first Diwali Paadwa and served sumptuous meals and gifts.

Bali pooja is also done in some houses. An image of king Bali with made with coloured rice and worshipped. People pray to him with the following mantra

बलिराज नमस्तुभ्यं विरोचनसुत प्रभो | baliraaja namastubhyam virochanasuta prabho
भविष्येंद्र सुराराते पूजेयं प्रतिगृह्यताम् || bhavishyendra suraaraate poojeyam pratigruhyataam
I bow to you King Bali, thou who art the son of Virochana O Lord ! Thou being earlier the enemy of the Devas are now  the future Indra . Please accept my worship.

Govardhana pooja : Krishna discontinued the worship of Indra and instead urged the cowherds to worship Govardhana hill which he felt was the actual haven for cows of Vraja. This Pooja was performed and Indra was furious. He lashed Vraja with heavy rains and thunder but Krishna lifted up Govardhana and everybody took shelter under its canopy for a week. Indra was humbled and worshipped Krishna.
To mark this event, Govardhana of cowdung is made in some households and worshipped on Bali Pratipada.

Annakoota : In some temples there is a custom of making a heap of all sorts of delicacies and offering it to the Lord. People come from far and near to watch the spectacle.

Maargapaali Bandhana: The entry point of the village is decorated with a string of darbha with Ashoka leaves. The headman worships this festoon and all people walk underneath this Maargapaali to ensure progeny and prosperity.

Custom: 

Chopda Poojan : New account books and Bill books are worshipped and used from this day in many shops and business establishments.

 Yamadwitiya :

Who so ever worships Yama in the late afternoon after having a bath in the Yamuna on the second day of the bright half of Kartika shall never go to hell.

Ritual
The Bhavishyottara Purana says that Yama was invited to dine at his sister Yamunaa’s place on this day.  She fed him heartily with love and he was pleased with Yamuna.  So any brother desirous of attaining good health and good fortune, should always dine at his sister’s place on that day. If he doesn’t have a sister his paternal and maternal uncles’ daughters can also take her place. Even a sister in faith (by emotional bonding) can be treated as a real sister. He should honour his sisters by giving ornaments, garments and various gifts to them.
There is a tradition that the sister waves an oil lamp in front of the brother for his long life and good fortune receiving gifts in return. But the Purana states that in fact, she is to be honoured by the brother instead and no such ritual of Neerajana is mentioned.

This is the last post on the Diwali festival rituals. I am sure you must have enjoyed the glimpses of our traditions as much as myself. 

Happy Diwali!

Laxmi Poojan Rituals

Laxmi by Baburao Painter. Photograph courtsey: wiki.phalkefactory.com

लक्ष्मी (Laxmi) has several meanings. Amongst them are  good fortune and success. This same meaning finds a striking resemblance in the word ‘luck’.   As money makes the world go round, Laxmi the Goddess of good fortune, wealth and prosperity is a much worshipped deity in people of Indic culture and therefore, Laxmi Poojan becomes the focal point of Deepavali festive season. Pooja, merrymaking and ritual gambling mark this day.

Mythology :

Laxmi was born out of the ocean of milk while it was jointly churned by the Devas and Asuras for obtaining  Amrit. Amongst all the Devas, Rishis and Asuras who vied for her attention, she chose to be the consort of Narayana.  This befits her because Narayana is engaged in the protection of the creation and creation cannot survive without the aid of abundance. Laxmi is the incarnation of this abundance which permits life to thrive and beautify. All that is beautiful, bountiful and enriching finds place in the name “Shree” by whch Laxmi is known in the Vedas.
She also has a sister Alaxmi who precedes her. Alaxmi denotes disorder, poverty, enmity, deprivation etc.
Alaxmi and Laxmi are two sides of the same coin.  “Shree” when expressed as Abhaava( absence) is Alaxmi and “Shree” when expressed as Bhaava (presence) is Laxmi. As necessity is the mother of invention, Alaxmi is instrumental in creating a desire for Laxmi. Every creature is driven by this desire to attain, to seek, to achieve fullness, satisfaction and perfection in life.

Muhurta : On the day of New Moon in the month Ashwina, after sunset when the Vrishabh Lagna (Taurus ascendant) rises on the eastern horizon, Laxmi is invoked and worshipped. The most auspicious time is the Vrishabh Navamsa in Vrishabh Lagna. People can calculate this time of fifteen minutes as per their local panchanga.  It is not possible for everyone to worship at the same time. So people should conduct the pooja during the whole day as per everybody’s convenience and during the most auspicious period they can again offer sandal paste, flowers, incense, lamp and sweets to Goddess Lakshmi and pray for her blessings. 

Astrological significance : Vrishabha Ascendant  is ruled by Shukra (Venus) which is a benefic planet and associated with female benefic deities like Laxmi, Saraswati, Annapoorna etc. Taurus is also a stable sign which signifies that the punya(merit) and blessings created should remain stable with the worshipper and not trickle away. 
There is also an opinion that Simha Lagna (Leo) which is at midnight and also a stable sign should be utilized for pooja. But I think that since the Lord of the ascendant (Sun) is debilitated and the lord of the 12^th house i.e moon is conjunct with the Ascendant lord, this is not a very auspicious muhurta. Yet tradition is stronger than Shastra and one can be his own best judge. 

Ritual : 
This pooja is fairly elaborate and one should either learn it from a knowledgeable person or invite a priest to perform it. There are online versions of the pooja on the net. Yet I am giving a procedure for a simple pooja which can be performed by a lay person.

The panchanga says that Laxmi should be worshipped with Kubera the treasurer of the Gods. But in Northern India there is a tradition of worshipping Laxmi Ganesh. All three can also be worshipped simultaneously. 

Kubera sculpture photograph courtsey : FindMessages.com

You will require :
1. A picture or coin or idol of Laxmi , Kubera and or Ganesha ( if nothing is available two betel nuts will  act as Laxmi and Kubera). 2. An Altar, 3. Water in metal containers, 4.metal bowls metal spoons, plastic or paper plates, metal plates, 5. clean cloth and napkin 6. Sandal paste, haldi kumkum, grains of uncooked rice, 7. Flowers,8. Incense sticks and match box. 9. A stationary oil lamp and a small ghee lamp for arti 11. Camphor. 12. Food/ sweets offering as per tradition

Procedure:

1. Light the oil lamp and incense stick.
2. Aachamana : This type of Aachamana is called shrotraachamana.  Take a little water on your right hand fingertips and chanting the following mantras, wet your eyes left one first and right one thereafter. Touch the right ear with your right thumb and wash your hand.

केशवाय नमः | keshavaaya namah
नारायणाय नमः | naaraayaNaaya namah
माधवाय नमः | maadhavaaya namah
गोविन्दाय नमः | govindaaya namah (wash you hand)
Again repeat the procedure once.
Then chant विष्णवे नमो विष्णवे नमो विष्णवे नमः|
vishNave namo vishNave namo vishNave namah

3. Sankalpa : Dedication of the pooja
Chant Following Mantras

श्रीगणेशाय नमः | श्रीगुरुभ्यो नमः | श्रीकुलदेवतायै नमः | श्रीलक्ष्मीकुबेराभ्याम् नमः| or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशाभ्याम् नमः or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशकुबेरदेवताभ्यो नमः |shree gaNeshaaya namah. shree gurubhyo namah. shree kuladevataayai namah.
shree laxmikuberaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshakubera-devataabhyo namah (as per the number of deities worshipped).

Take a few grains of uncooked rice in your right and with a spoonful of water. Then say
“लक्ष्मी-कुबेर-प्रसाद-सिद्ध्यर्थं यथाशक्ति पूजनं करिष्ये”| (laxmi kubera prasaada siddhyartham yathaashakti poojanam karishye). Or लक्ष्मी-गणेश-प्रसाद-सिद्ध्यर्थं यथाशक्ति पूजनं करिष्ये| 
(laxmi gaNesha prasaada siddhyartham yathaashakti poojanam karishye)
or लक्ष्मी-गणेश-कुबेर-प्रसाद-सिद्ध्यर्थं यथाशक्ति पूजनं करिष्ये|
laxmi gaNesha kubera prasaada siddhyartham yathaashakti poojanam karishye)
Meaning: I bow to Ganesha, the lineage of Gurus, my family deity and Laxmi with Kubera (or Ganesha)
I will now  worship Laxmi and Kubera for obtaining their blessings.
Drop this in a separate metal plate or small metal bowl. Replace Kuberas name with Ganesha if that’s your tradition otherwise chant names of all three.

4. Ganesh poojan/ smarana : You can at this point offer sandal paste, flowers and sweet to the Ganesha idol. Or just chant  the following. Pray to Ganesha for an obstacle free pooja.
 श्रीमहागणपतये नमः| निर्विघ्नं कुरु|  shree mahagaNapataye namah nirvighnam kuru.

5. Purification of material :
While covering the the main water container with your right hand, imagine that water from sacred rivers is collected in it. Worship it with sandal paste and flowers. Chant the following
गंगादिसर्वतीर्थेभ्यो नमः आवाहयामि, पूजयामि | gangaadi-sarva-teerthebhyo-namah aavaahayaami, poojayaami. I call upon all the sacred waters starting from the Ganges and worship them with salutation.
Offer sandalwood paste and flowers to the pooja bell and oil lamp.
Take a spoonful of water from the container and sprinkle over the pooja materials, the space created for pooja and finally on one’s own body chanting  नमो नारायणाय | “Namo Naaraayanaaya”.

6. Invocation :
Chant following mantras while meditating on Laxmi

सरसिजनिलये सरोजहस्ते धवलतामंशुकगंधमाल्यशोभे |
sarasijanilaye sarojahaste dhavalatamaamshuka-gandha-maalya-shobhe
भगवति हरिवल्लभे मनोज्ञे त्रिभुवनभूतीकरी प्रसीद मह्यं ||
bhagavati harivallabhe manodnye tribhuvana-bhootikari praseeda mahyam
महालक्ष्म्यै नमः ध्यायामि |
Mahaalakshmyai Namah Dhyaayaami.

 Meaning : O Goddess ! You, who are dear to Hari, knower of my mind, the grace of three worlds, residing in the lotus, bearing lotuses in your hands, resplendent in white robes, sandal paste and garlands bless me.

Meditate on Kubera with following Mantra

मनुजवाह्यविमानवरस्थितं गरुडरत्ननिभं निधिनायकम् |
manujavaahya-vimaana –varasthitam garuda-ratnanibham nidhi-naayakam
शिवसखं मुकुटादिविभूषितं वरगदे दधतं भज तुन्दिलम् ||
shivasakham mukutaadi-vibhooshitam varagade dadhatam bhaja tundilam
कुबेराय नमः| ध्यायामि |
Meaning : Worship the plump bodied friend of Shiva, who is the Lord of treasury,  who is decorated with a  crown and other ornaments, who holds a mace and makes a boon giving gesture, who has an emerald green hue, and who is seated on a celestial plane pulled by humans.

Meditation on Ganesha( Optional)

एकदंतं शूर्पकर्णं गजवक्त्रं चतुर्भुजं|
पाशांकुशधरं देवं ध्यायेत् सिद्धिविनायकम् |
Ekadantam shoorpakarnam gajavaktram chaturbhujam
paashaankushadharam devam dhyaayet siddhivinaayakam
गणेशाय नमः ध्यायामि|   Ganeshaaya Namah Dhyaayaami.

Meaning : I meditate on Lord Siddhivinaayaka who has one tusk, winnowing basket shaped ears, head of an elephant, and four hands. He carries the noose and elephant goad.

Take some rice grains in your right hand and offer them on the icon of the Gods asking them to attend the pooja.

श्रीलक्ष्मीकुबेराभ्याम् नमः| or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशाभ्याम् नमः or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशकुबेरदेवताभ्यो नमः |
आवाहयामि| स्थापयामि |
Shree laxmikuberaabhyaam namah or shree laxmiganeshaabhyaam namah or shree laxmiganeshkubera-devataabhyo namah (as per the number of deities worshipped).
Avaahayaami.  Sthaapayaami.

7. Sandalwood paste offering :
श्रीलक्ष्मीकुबेराभ्याम् नमः| or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशाभ्याम् नमः or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशकुबेरदेवताभ्यो नमः |
गन्धं समर्पयामि |shree laxmikuberaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshkubera-devataabhyo namah.  gandham samarpayaami.

Offer sandalwood paste and also Haldi kumkum to Lakshmi.

8. Offering flowers :
श्रीलक्ष्मीकुबेराभ्याम् नमः| or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशाभ्याम् नमः or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशकुबेरदेवताभ्यो नमः |
पुष्पाणि समर्पयामि |shree laxmikuberaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshkubera-devataabhyo namah. pushpaaNi samarpayaami.

Offer seasonal flowers and leaves.

9. Offering incense:
श्रीलक्ष्मीकुबेराभ्याम् नमः| or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशाभ्याम् नमः or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशकुबेरदेवताभ्यो नमः |
धूपं समर्पयामि |shree laxmikuberaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshkubera-devataabhyo namah. dhoopam samarpayaami.
Wave the incense sticks before the icons from a safe distance.

10. Offering lamp:
श्रीलक्ष्मीकुबेराभ्याम् नमः| or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशाभ्याम् नमः or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशकुबेरदेवताभ्यो नमः |
दीपं समर्पयामि |shree laxmikuberaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshkubera-devataabhyo namah. deepam samarpayaami.

Put sandalwood paste and a flower on the base of a small lighted ghee lamp and wave it clockwise before the icons.

11. Offering  food :

Every community generally has some special traditional sweets specially made for this occasion. If not, then any vegetarian sweet, dry fruits, pieces of fresh fruit etc may be offered. 
Make a square shape with water in front of the icons. Place the bowl or platter of the offering on this square. Sprinkle water with a Tulasi leaf or flower on this offering and put the leaf on the offering chanting नमो नारायणाय | “ namo naaraayaNaaya”.

Then chant following mantras touching the bowl or plate.
श्रीलक्ष्मीकुबेराभ्याम् नमः| or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशाभ्याम् नमः or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशकुबेरदेवताभ्यो नमः |
नैवेद्यं समर्पयामि |shree laxmikuberaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshkubera-devataabhyo namah. Naivedyam samarpayaami.
प्राणाय नमः| अपानाय नमः| व्यानाय नमः| उदानाय नमः| समानाय नमः| ब्रह्मणे नमः|   praNaaya namah. apaanaaya namah. vyaanaay namah. udaanaaya namah. samaanaaya namah. brahmaNe namah.

Offer a spoonful of water by pouring it in an empty plate. Chant मध्ये पानीयं समर्पयामि | “ madhye paaneeyam samarpayaami.”

Again repeat praNaaya namah …till brahmaNe namah.

Offer four spoons of water in the earlier plate.

उत्तरापोषणम्, हस्त-मुखप्रक्षालनं, आचमनीयं समर्पयामि |
Uttar-aaposhanam, hasta-mukha-prakshaalanam, aachamaneeyam samarpayaami

This is offering of water after food for cleansing hand and mouth and for drinking by deities.

Offer a flower dipped in sandalwood paste.  करोद्वर्तनं समर्पयामि | kara-udwartanam samarpayami

Offer Namaskar.  ताम्बूलार्थे नमस्कारं समर्पयामि | taamboolaarthe Namaskaram Samarpayaami.

12. Aarati (optional):

Light the camphor in a plate and sing any arti of your choice. Or simply chant following .
श्रीलक्ष्मीकुबेराभ्याम् नमः| or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशाभ्याम् नमः or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशकुबेरदेवताभ्यो नमः |
कर्पूरनीराजनं समर्पयामि |shree laxmikuberaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshkubera-devataabhyo namah. karpoora neerajanam samarpayaami.

Show your hands to the flame in the plate when aarati is over and swipe them over your head. This is symbolic of the divine light protecting you.

13. Wash your hands and offer flowers.

श्रीलक्ष्मीकुबेराभ्याम् नमः| or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशाभ्याम् नमः or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशकुबेरदेवताभ्यो नमः |
पुष्पांजलिं समर्पयामि |shree laxmikuberaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshkubera-devataabhyo namah. pushpaanjalim samarpayaami.

14. Prostration.
श्रीलक्ष्मीकुबेराभ्याम् नमः| or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशाभ्याम् नमः or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशकुबेरदेवताभ्यो नमः |
नमस्कारं समर्पयामि |
Sshree laxmikuberaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshkubera-devataabhyo namah.  namaskaaram samarpayaami.

15. Prayer.
सर्वेपि सुखिनः सन्तु सन्तु सर्वे निरामयाः
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चित दुःखभाग्भवेत्
Sarvepi sukhinah santu santu sarve niraamayaah
Sarve bhadrani pashyantu maa kashchit dukkhabhaag-bhavet

विद्यावन्तं यशस्वन्तं लक्ष्मीवन्तं जनं कुरु |
रूपं देहि जयं देहि यशो देहि द्विषो जहि ||
vidyaavantam yashaswantam laxmeevantam janam kuru
roopam dehi jayam dehi yasho dehi dwisho jahi

यक्षाय कुबेराय वैश्रवणाय धनधान्यपतये धनधान्य समृद्धिं मे देहि दापय स्वाहा |
yakshaaya kuberaaya vaishravaNaaya dhana-dhaanyaadhipataye
dhana dhaanya samriddhim me dehi daapaya swaaha.

Meaning:

1. Let everyone be happy, let everyone be healthy, may everyone see goodness, may no one have sorrow in his destiny.
2. Pray make me full  off knowledge, success and wealth . Give me beauty, victory, fame and overcome those who hate me.
 3. I make this offering to Kubera who is Yaksha, son of Vishravas, lord of wealth and food grains. Give me abundance of money and food grains.

16. Submission of worship:
अनेन पूजनेन श्रीलक्ष्मीकुबेरौ प्रीयेताम् | or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशौ प्रीयेताम् or लक्ष्मीगणेशकुबेरदेवता: प्रीयन्ताम् |
Anena poojanena Shree laxmikuberau priyetaam or shree laxmigaNeshau priyetaam or shree laxmigaNeshkubera-devataah priyantaam.  

17. Achaman once more :   Take a little water on your right hand fingertips and chanting the following mantras, wet your eyes left one first and right one thereafter. Touch the right ear with your right thumb and wash your hand.

केशवाय नमः | keshavaaya namah
नारायणाय नमः | naaraayaNaaya namah
माधवाय नमः | maadhavaaya namah
गोविन्दाय नमः | govindaaya namah (wash you hand)
Again repeat the procedure once.
Then chant विष्णवे नमो विष्णवे नमो विष्णवे नमः|
vishNave namo vishNave namo vishNave namah

On the next day replace the icons to their respective places.
Take uncooked rice grains in your hand and say the following and offer them on the betel nuts.
 श्रीलक्ष्मीकुबेराभ्याम् नमः| or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशाभ्याम् नमः or श्रीलक्ष्मीगणेशकुबेरदेवताभ्यो नमः |
विसर्जयामी |shree laxmikuberaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshaabhyaam namah or shree laxmigaNeshkubera-devataabhyo namah visarjayaami. Suppose the deities have been invoked on betel nuts then immersion should be body in a natural water body .
Customs :
Driving away Alaxmi : At around midnight the house is swept and dirt is discarded. This is symbolic of driving away Alaxmi.
Gambling : Gambling just for sport is permitted on Laxmi poojan night . People believe that Laxmi blesses people who gamble with stakes of money at that time.
Deepalaxmi pooja : a plate full of diyas is worshipped as Deepalakshmi near the Laxmi poojan altar.

More about Laxmi Kubera  Ganesha

Narakachaturdashi Rituals

The  fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwina is celebrated as Narakachaturdashi . It is also called Roopachaturdashi or Kali Chaudas. Ritual oil bath, Neerajan and Diwali feast mark this day.

Narakasura vadha
Courtsey radhemaa .org 

Mythology : 

As per Srimad Bhaagavatam and other Puranas like Vishnu Purana and Kaalika Purana, Narakasura was a born to Bhoodevi (Earth Goddess) and Varaha Bhagawan.  He was valiant and ruled over Praagjyotishpura which was is in present day Assam. He stole the earrings of Aditi the mother of Gods and kidnapped 16000 damsels and wished to add them to his harem. He was a menace to Devas and humans both. 
Aditi approached Shri Krishna’s wife Satyabhaamaa and asked for her help. Krishna along with Satyabhaamaa went to Praagjyotishapura riding Garuda. He destroyed the enormous army of Narakasura and finally slew him. He released the 16000 damsels and later consented to wed them to save them from social stigma. That day was known as Narakachaturdashi ever after to commemorate the end of Narakasura.  

Rituals:
1. Abhyanga Snaana: 
Down south starting from Maharashtra, Narakachaturdashi is marked by the ritual oil bath taken early before sunrise. This is called Abhyanga Snaana. People get up very early in the morning on that day. Generally ladies of the house massage their husbands and children with medicinal fragrant oil or Sesame oil. Besan (Chick pea flour), milk and sometimes coconut milk is applied on the body. A fragrant medicinal Ubtan is also applied during bath. All this is aimed at making the skin soft during the dry winter days of Diwali. The shastras say that an Apaamaarga (Aaghaadaa in Marathi) sapling or its leaves or the leaves of pumpkin are encircled thrice over the body and thrown away to avert any bad karma. After bath oil lamps are waved in front of the members of the family. It is said that one who takes such a bath will never go to hell.

2. Yama Tarpana: 
Actually Narakachaturdashi might have actually got its name due to the various rituals meant to  eliminate the possibility of going to Naraka(hell) in the afterlife. Yama tarpana is one such ritual. After bath on Narakachaturdashi morning , one should sit facing south and resolve to do Yama tarpana for destroying sins and escape the torture of hell by the grace of Yama.
Those whose father is alive should perform tarpana with the yadnyopaveeta over the left shoulder. They should take rice grains or unhusked barley grains in their right hand and offer water once with each of the following mantras allowing it to flow straight from the palm to the finger tips.
Those whose father is deceased should keep the yadnyopaveeta on their right shoulder and perform tarpana with black sesame seeds by offering water thrice chanting the mantras three times each . The water should flow from the middle of the right palm through the space between the thumb and forefinger.
 यमं तर्पयामि| धर्मराजं तर्पयामि| मृत्युं तर्पयामि| अंतकं तर्पयामि| वैवस्वतं तर्पयामि| कालं तर्पयामि|

सर्वभूतक्षयं तर्पयामि| औदुंबरं तर्पयामि| दध्नं तर्पयामि| नीलं तर्पयामि| परमेष्ठिनं तर्पयामि| वृकोदरं तर्पयामि|

चित्रं तर्पयामि| चित्रगुप्तं तर्पयामि|  

after this one should raise his hands and chant the following mantra ten times 

यमो निहन्ता पितृधर्मराजो वैवस्वतो दंडधरश्च कालः |भूताधिपो दत्तकृतानुसारी कृतांत एतद्दशभिर्जपंति ||

This is a very concise description of the ritual. One can visit other sites to obtain a more detailed procedure if interested.

3. Neeraajana and feast :

After these rituals people worship their family gods. They wear new clothes and feast on the delicacies prepared specially for Diwali.
There is also a small ritual of crushing the kareet fruit with the left foot and tasting its bitter juice or applying its tilak on the forehead. This is supposed to signify the destruction of Narakasura. After this ritual,  oil lamps are waved in front of all male members and children of the family to ward off evil. The ladies receive gifts in cash or kind for this Neeraajana vidhi.

4. Kali Chaudas :

In some parts of India Goddess Kali is worshipped on the night of Diwali and that’s why it is also called Kali Chaudas.

Customs:

Narakasura burning. 

Goa has a tradition of burning large effigies of Narakasura. There are various groups who prepare tall statues using paper, hay and fire crackers. Competitions are held for the most impressive float.The slaying of Narakasura is enacted and the effigy is burnt finally. Nowadays this competition has become a major tourist attraction. 

Narakasura effigy in Goa

courtsey parrikar blogspot

Dhanatrayodashi Rituals

Though Diwali starts with Vasu Baaras the actual momentum is gained only by Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanteras. Rangolis, Diyas, Muhurat shopping and poojas mark the day of Dhanteras. 

Mythological background : As the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean on milk, Dhanvantari the divine healer finally manifested himself with the pitcher of Amrita. He was none other than Vishnu. Dressed in fine raiment, carrying the conch, discus, leech and the pitcher of Amrita he destroys the physical and spiritual ailments of the world. Dhanatrayodashi is celebrated to commemorate the advent of this form of Lord Vishnu. Those who worship him on this day will be blessed with good health and good luck all year round.  Dhanvantari is the patron deity of Ayurveda. 

Rituals : 

1. Dhanvantari Pooja
Most Ayurvedic physicians perform Dhanvantari pooja on Dhanatrayodashi. There is also a sacrifice called Dhanvantari Yaaga performed for good health of the family and purification of the premises. Those who cannot do this pooja can worship Lord Dhanvantari by chanting the following mantras during the evening prayers on Dhanteras.

धं धन्वंतरये नमः | Dham Dhanvantaraye Namah .
ॐ नमो भगवते धन्वंतरये अमृतकलशहस्ताय सर्वामयविनाशनाय त्रैलोक्यनाथाय श्रीमहाविष्णवे नमः  ॥
Om namo bhagavate dhanvantaraye amrita-kalasha-hastaaya sarvaamaya-vinaashanaaya trailokya naathaaya shree-maha-vishnave namah
Om. I bow time and again to Lord Dhavantari who carries the pitcher of Amrita, who destroys all ailments, who is the Lord of the three worlds and is (none other than) Mahavishnu. 
 Dhanatrayodashi is in a way a day to honour our physicians who are custodians of our health.

2. Yamadeepadaan : This is a small but important ritual to be done on Dhanatrayodashi for the health of the family and to avert untimely death. A lamp made of wheat flour mixed with turmeric , filled with sesame oil and a cotton wick is to be lit outside the main door of the house with the flame facing south. This lamp is offered to Yama, the God of righteousness and death with the following mantra 

मृत्युना कालदंडाभ्यां कालेन श्यामया सह | Mrityuna kaala-dandaabhyaam kaalena shyaamayaa saha 
त्रयोदश्यां दिपादानात् सूर्यजः प्रीयतां मम || trayodashyaam deepa-daanaat sooryajah preeyataam mama 

May Kaala, Lord of death who is born of the Sun God(ie Yama) , who wields the sceptre of mortality along with his consort Shyaama be pleased with this offering of a lamp made on this thirteenth day (of the dark half of Ashwina).

Customs : Worship of wealth.
At dusk as the oil lamps are lit, people place new utensils, money, ornaments on an altar. Coriander seeds (dhaniya) is put in these vessels. Worship is offered in the form of flowers, sandalpaste, incense, lamps and sweets. These utensils are used from next day. People buy new clothes and utensils on Dhanteras.

Diwali Rituals and Customs

Diwali, the festival of prosperity and joy is celebrated with much fanfare by Hindus world over. There are many legends associated with Deepavali. Each state has a different flavour to add to the festival. In this post  I will share about some rituals which should generally be performed during Diwali time. Off course, every household has a different style of celebrating but here we will follow scriptural directives to gain a more generalized and universal view of the rituals.

Diwali Cleaning : this is a compulsory annual routine followed in every house. This is because dirt is associated with Alakshmi ( goddess of misfortune). Therefore every house is cleaned or painted and made spick and span to drive out misfortune and welcome the Goddess Lakshmi .

Diwali Kandeel ( Lantern): Lighting lamps and lanterns generally starts from Ashwina Krishna Ekadashi i.e. the eleventh day of the dark fortnight of Ashwina. (Kartika Krishna Ekadashi for those following north Indian style of months). Laterns of many varied hues and electrical lights adorn houses, shops offices and roads. Even the sale of Lanterns in many areas is a sight to behold.

Vasu Baaras or Govatsa Dwadashi :
Cows have been loved and worshipped in Indian tradition since the times of yore. Legend has it that the divine wish yielding cow Surabhi was born as Devas and Asuras churned the ocean of milk for obtaining Amrta  (Nectar of immortality).  Therefore a cow with her calf is worshipped on the evening of Ashwina Krishna dwadashi.   Milk products are not eaten on that day.
Those who had cows at their home would wash them, mark them with sandalwood paste and adorn them with garlands.  Water mixed with sandalwood paste, flowers, grains of rice and sesame seeds is to  be offered on the cow’s hoof reciting the following Mantraक्षीरोदार्णावसम्भूते सुरासुर नमस्कृते |
सर्वदेवमये मातर्गृहाणार्घ्यं  नमोस्तुते ||
Born of the ocean of milk, thou art respected by Devas and Asuras alike. Embodiment of celestial Gods  art thou O Mother, I bow down to thee accept this Arghya (offering).

Offering of 5,7 or 10 dumplings of black gram (Urad Vadas) is made to the cow with the following mantras.
सुरभिस्त्वं जगन्मातर्देवि विष्णुपदे स्थिता |
सर्वदेवमये ग्रासं माया दत्तमिदं ग्रस || 
Thou art the Mother Goddess nourishing  the world O Surabhi, thou who art near the feet of Vishnu. Embodiment of celestial Gods art thou, eat this morsel of food I offer to thee.
Ghee lamps are then waved before all the cattle and also everyone in the family.

Information : Courtesy Deshpande Panchang. 

Painting courtesy : Pinterest

Worship of the clay Ganesha - Contemplation and concerns

All over the world, ancient people believed that the cycle of nature depended on the favour of the Gods. Bharata was no exception to it. Therefore all the festivals and vratas( religious vows) are based on  nature. But there has been an enormous population explosion since the times of yore when these vratas and festivals were formulated. These vratas were followed by people who lived close to nature. They might not have imagined how people of the future would stay in thousands of  minuscule rooms in chawls, or in apartments and skyscrapers leaving their village behind. Their religious practices were in tune with those circumstances. Now only  the carcass of those vratas remains. Their spirit has gone away. These spiritless rituals are destroying us and our environment. Only if the view behind Shastras is understood will religion lose its inertia and the society will be invigorated. 
Why Parthiva pooja ?

An icon is a simple way to focus on a deity . Though there are various media through which idols can be made, clay or mud is the easiest material available.  The term Parthiva means that which is made of  Prithvi (earth). Hence worship of an earthen idol is called Parthiva pooja.  Shastras say that in Kaliyuga, an idol made of mud is more effective than idols of gold or silver. The Shastrakaras may have said this due to their foresight about the plight of individuals in Kaliyuga. Yet the basic thought is ‘ worshiping God through materials readily available in one’s own vicinity and returning those materials to the same ecosystem after the worship is over.’ 

Ganesha festival :

Ganesha festival is actually based on the worship of a clay idol of Ganesha advocated in Shivapurana and Agnipurana. The festival is most popular in Maharashtra with southern Bharata in tow. Yet it's popularity stretches worldwide. You-tube hosts clippings of people celebrating  Ganesha festival in Thailand too. There are also some Parsi, Sikh and even Muslim families which celebrate this festival like their  Hindu brethen.

The iconic problems  :
As pointed out earlier, the former style and the environmental implications of this festival have changed with time. The idol which is the focal point of celebration was earlier made at home or by the village potter. It has metamorphosized into a full time industry for many artisans now. Due to the increase in cost of clay, its heaviness and time taken to dry, artisans use plaster of Paris ( POP) which is not eco-friendly at all. The Sarvajanik Mandals order huge idols which require the use of iron rods for stability. Moreover, the colours used on them are dangerous to the environment. In addition to this, the demand for Ganesha idols has been increasing every year. To top it all the Municipality does not have proper plans for separate immersion and recycling of idols. Last year the undissolved idols in immersion tanks were again immersed in the sea and rivers ! Every Ganeshotsava thus deals a cruel blow to the already fragile environment.

How can we overcome these problems? Ganesh festival is celebrated every year due to  love of tradition, the fondness for festivities, by fear or faith in God or cultural compulsions. But we cannot hold environment at ransom for our religious or cultural needs. Some practical thinking which guided by the scriptures might help us overcome this delicate problem. The following points are worth considering .

1. Divisions of the same family should not celebrate Ganesh festival separately.
 All family members should come together and celebrate the festival. If it is not possible to do so, they should go volunteer for a Sarvajanik Ganesha festival or perform Sevas at a Ganesha temple during the Ganesha Chaturthi festival.

2. Dimensions of the idol should be as per the scriptures.
The least height of an idol worshipped at home should be as much as the upper digit of the human thumb and the maximum limit should be 12 angulas i.e. the length of a normal palm. If this is adhered to, then the problem of clay deposits due to immersion will automatically be reduced.

3. Do not resort to nontraditional  materials.
This Vrata should be celebrated with an earthen idol. Papier mache is not mud and neither does the idol dissolve easily in water therefore this option is not eco-friendly. Last year a lady made a Ganesh from chocolate and immersed it in milk which was then distributed to poor children. This idea is innovative and generated through goodwill. But since this vrata is of a Parthiva Ganesha, it is my personal opinion that this option does not confirm to the spirit of the vrata.  

4. Clay is not totally environment friendly.
Some institutions suggest that the clay idol can be immersed at home and the water can be given to plants. But this is not advisable since clay blocks the pores in the soil and does not allow water to percolate down thereby causing suffocation to the  roots and also their decay. Though clay is from the same ecosystem as lakes and rivers, unnatural influx of large amount of clay during immersion of idols is bound to disturb the ecological balance of the water body .

5. Installing two idols is a feasible option.Create an idol as per scriptures using soil from garden/ farm which is as small as the thumb or as big as your palm. This can be used for the rituals. A larger and colourful idol made of stone, fiber glass, wood or metal can be kept behind it for aesthetic purposes but this idol should never be immersed.

6. Immersion can be done at home.
 If an idol is made by using garden soil, it can be easily immersed at home and the water along with the soil can be safely used for plants. moreover it won't create any hazard for the environment even if immersed in any water body.

7. Convince your family members.
Many a times, in spite of agreeing with the environmental view we tend to give in to insistence by children or pressure from other family members to buy colourful POP idols. We should try and convince them that we are holding the environment at stake for our fancies. There is no greater misfortune if indiscriminate following of religious traditions and a fancifulness that makes us forget about the current situation become reasons for our degradation.

8. Motivate children to make idols.
Children are always eager to take part in celebrations. They can be encouraged to make the idol for their home. Many schools in Andhrapradesh have taken up this project.

9. Compel artisans to make idols from red / farm soil.
Ganesha idols from red terracotta clay are available in Hyderabad. These idols are coloured using natural colours.

10. Larger idols can be made using Bamboo and straw.
Bengali artisans make the inner body frame of an idol using bamboo and straw. These are then plastered with cow dung and clay. The same method can be followed for making big idols. After immersion the clay will wash off and the straw and bamboo can be recycled. Yet the colours used for these idols should be natural and the clothes and ornaments should also be made by using  clay.

Method of making Parthiva (mud idols) at home:

It is heard that Shri Dattamaharaj Kavishwar of Pune used to prepare Parthiva Ganeshas for their family Ganeshotsava. Similarly Pandit Shri Ravi Tambe from Thane also reminiscences that his father used to  prepare a Ganesha idol afresh for the Ganesh Chaturthi vrata during pooja. The following mantras are used while preparing the idol. First timers should make this idol at least 8-10 days in advance so that they can be confident that the idol does not crack.

1. हेरम्बाय नमः । (Herambaaya Namah)- bring the soil/ take the soil in front of you  using this mantra. If terracotta clay is not available, then use soil from a farm or garden and let it dry for a few days. Local nurseries will readily provide dry soil. Clean this soil using a fine sieve and take only the fine dust which falls down. If a cow dung cake is crushed and mixed with the soils, it will strengthen the idol. But this is optional.
2. गणनायकाय नमः । ( Gananaayakaaya Namah) - add water and mix the soil into a ball by this mantra . Add water slowly and roll the soil firmly. If you mix it for a considerable time, there will be no air bubbles inside the ball.
3. सुमुखाय नमः । (Sumukhaaya Namah) - Shape the idol by this mantra. Be careful not to crack the soil while shaping the idol. Keep your hands wet whle shaping the mud. Do not add more clay. It is not necessary to get a full fledged idol with all limbs at the first instance.  Even if you fashion the ears and an elephants head and snout it is enough to represent a Ganesha. By practice you c an make the other limbs too. Till then you can model your idol as per one of the easier Ganeshas in the Ashtavinayakas.
4. गौरीपुत्राय नमः ।  (Gauriputraaya Namah) - Install the idol on the pooja altar by this mantra. Then do the rituals for pranapratishthaa etc.

This vidhi has been given as per the Shastras. This idol lasts for a long time and if prepared from a single clay ball, it is less likely to develop any cracks. There are also many clips on You-Tube showing how to make eco-friendly Ganeshas.

Haridra Ganesha : In south India , there is also a tradition of making Ganesha with turmeric. There are clippings on the net showing the procedure. But this Ganesha can only be worshipped for a day or two otherwise it is likely to get spoiled or crumbled.

I hope this post reaches many Ganesha devotees and they develop the inclination to worship Ganesha also in his Vishwaatmaka form ie as the God pervading the entire creation. To take care of nature is itself a form of worship offered to the Lord.  Have an eco-friendly Chaturthi !

The first photograph below illustrates the concept of pooja murti and utsav moorti. The puja idol is made from ordinary soil . All the rituals will be performed on this idol and it will be immersed finally. The utsav moorti seen behind is for aesthetic purpose and will be retained at home. No rituals are performed on the utsav moorti. It is only decorated.
The second photograph shows Ganesha idols made by me with garden soil obtained from a nursery. It took me 45 minutes to make this idol in the middle right from sieving the soil to the finishing. The other idols tooks 15 to 20 minutes each. The middle idol is more than 2 inches tall the rest are around more than  one and a half inches. The middle idol took 4-5 days to dry completely while the others took 2-3 days.