Pujas & Homas

What is puja? What is homa? Overview of pujas, homas & samskaras Anna prashana samskar Ayusya homa Chandi homa Durga homa Ganapati homa Go puja Griha pravesha homa Kalasarpa nivarana homa Lalita sahasranama chanting Mahalakshmi homa Mahamrityunjaya homa Mundana sanskara Navagraha homa Rudrabhishekam Rudra homa Shanti homa Shastyapta purti Special birthday celebration Subrahmanya homa Sudarshana homa Vastu homa Vidyarambha sanskara Vishnu sahasranama chanting

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What is Puja?
In Sanskrit 'puja' is defined as 'purnaat jayate iti puja', which means 'that which is born (jayate - ja) out of fullness (purnaat - pu)'. So puja means the spontaneous happening which is born out of the fullness and contentment of the Self. Puja is an innocent playful process reciprocating the supreme love of nature. The state of mind with which the puja is performed, the various materials (samagri) used and the chanting (mantras) which is done during the puja, all have a profound effect on the environment. The vibrations purify the place and people present.Puja is a meditation, it is a yoga. The feeling of oneness of the worshipper and the worshipped, is the realization of the true nature of the Self. An overview of the pujas available for booking is given below.

What is Homa?
Homa is the most ancient and sacred ceremony in the Vedic tradition. In the presence of the fire element, Agni, the forms of the divine are invoked by the power of mantras and profound spiritual intention (sankalpa). Special offerings are cast into the fire while Sanskrit mantras are chanted. The element of fire is associated with the upward motion of the divine energy and is considered to be the most powerfully purifying element. The vibrations created by the Homa have a profound effect on the atmosphere and surroundings. All homas are performed with an intention of universal happiness and peace: 'lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu, Om shanti shanti shanti', which means 'may everyone be happy, may there be peace everywhere'. Apart from this, every specific homa will have a specific effect or benefits, depending on the type of energy the homa invokes and enhances (the 'devata' or divinity invoked). An overview of the various homas offered is given below. For detailed descriptions of the various homas, go here. Every Puja and Homa is performed according to the Vedic tradition. They are conducted by learned and experienced vedic scholars (pandits), that are part of our Sri Sri Gurukul. All of them have undergone a formal education and rigorous training in the field of Vedic Studies for a minimum of 6 years and have also undergone rigorous practical training and have received guidance from H.H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The formal school education provided at Sri Sri Gurukul also includes a daily practice of yoga, meditation and Sudarshan Kriya. Sri Sri Gurukul is built in a similar style as the traditional Pathashala's (vedic schools) many centuries ago, bringing together the ancient rich heritage of the Vedic Tradition and the modern technology and sciences, in a traditional and natural setting. For more information on Sri Sri Gurukul, visit the website.

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Overview of Pujas, Homas & Samskaras

Name Anna Prashana Samskara Ayushya Homa Chandi Homa Durga Homa Ganapati Homa Go Puja Griha Pravesha Homa Kalasarpa Nivarana Homa Lalita Sahasranama Chanting Mahalakshmi Homa Mahamrityunjaya Homa MahamrityunjayaMundana Samskara Nava Graha Homa Rudrabhishekam Rudra Homa Shanti Homa Shashtyapta Purti Special Birthday Celebration Subrahmanya Homa Sudarshana Homa Vastu Shanti Homa Vidyarambha Samskara Vishnu Sahasranama Chanting Main Benefits / Purpose Bestows purity, healthy growth & strength on a child Bestows longevity & improved quality of life Removes blocks or obstacles in growth, bestows peace & harmony Removes disputes, bestows physical & mental strength Removes any obstacles in a venture or undertaking (business, education, etc) before starting Bestows success in any positive undertaking Bestows purity, harmony & peace on a new house or working space Removes any negative effects due to the astrological 'Kalasarpa Dosha' Removes negative effects of mistakes in pujas, fulfills specific needs Bestows various types of abundance & wealth (not just material) Removes illnesses & health problems, bestows longevity Removes negative impressions, stimulates the brain & intellect Removes negative effects & enhances positive effects of the nine planets Removes negative impressions from the mind, bestows fulfillment & joy Removes negative impressions from the mind, purifies the body & mind Bestows peace & harmony in various levels of our existence Celebrates one's 60th birthday, bestowing peace, health & longevity Celebrates one's birthday, bestowing prosperity & health Bestows energy, valour & victory Removes negative vibrations & keeps them at a distance Removes negative influences & bestows harmony in a living/working space Kindles knowledge & righteous thoughts in the mind of a child Bestows unwavering state of mind, increases awareness, removes stress

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Anna Prashana Samskar

Anna Prashana or 'eating the first solid food' is one of the traditional samskaras, or purificatory rites, that are prescribed in the vedic way of life. These samskaras, sixteen of which are considered as the main ones, mark the turning points, where we enter a new stage of our life. The samskaras are said to make us eligible for attaining the highest good, in two ways: they remove the impurities we have acquired, and they bestow on us beneficial qualities. Other samskaras, such as Mundana (shaving of the head), Vivaha (marriage), Vidyarambha (starting of studies) and Upanayana (the sacred thread ceremony) can also be arranged. Anna Prashana literally means 'eating of solid food', and during this ceremony solid food is given to the child for the first time, and by doing it in the proper manner, it is sowing the seed of purity in the body of the child. It is usually performed at the age of six months, or when the child starts eating solid food. This simple ceremony bestows healthy growth and strength on the body of the child. It also emphasizes the importance of food as the food we eat effects both our body and mind. This ceremony is traditionally preceded by a Homa.

Ayusya Homa
The word Ayushya literally means 'long life'. The Ayushya Homa bestows longevity, as well as improved quality of life. It is very often performed during birthday and other anniversaries as well.

Chandi Homa
The Chandi Homa is performed to invoke the energy signified by the goddess Chandi. Chandi symbolizes the energy of the Divine Mother, which protects the people. It is performed for the well being of all. During this Homa, the 700 Sanskrit verses (mantras) of the ancient text called Durga Saptashati are chanted, while 108 offerings of various herbs and other materials are offered into the sacred fire. The Chandi Homa is also performed to remove any obstacles or blocks in growth both internally and externally. By performing the Chandi homa, the sufferings that are caused by hostile elements are eradicated and thus it purifies and brings peace and harmony to those present, and also to the surroundings. The Chandi Homa is the heart, or pinnacle of the Navaratri Celebrations. During this festival the Nava Chandi Homa is performed, which means that as part of the Chandi Homa, offerings and pujas are done for all of the nine (nava) nights of the Navaratri celebrations.

Durga Homa
Durga Homa is performed to invoke the energy signified by the goddess Durga (the Divine Mother). The name Durga is traditionally explained as 'durgatinashini' which means 'the one who eliminates suffering'. The energy of Durga is like that of a caring mother, bringing protection and harmony to those who invoke it. This Homa increases mental and physical strength, removes disputes, and bestows welfare and happiness at home. It also enhances the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether) which this creation is made up of, balancing and strengthening them, and bestows victory over problems. Durga is the energy, or Shakti, behind the Creation. The various aspects of this energy are elaborately honored during nine nights of the famous Navaratri Celebrations.

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Ganapati Homa
The Ganapati Homa is performed to invoke the energy signified by Ganesha (the remover of obstacles). This Homa bestows health and wealth, removes obstacles and bestows success in endeavors and matters relating to service and business. The Ganapati Homa is recommended before starting any new venture, business or project, to remove any obstacles that might arise in the future. It also removes any blocks that might be there in the consciousness. Another quality of Ganesha is bestowing knowledge, alertness and awareness, and this homa therefore also aids in removing any blocks or obstacles that one might encounter in the field of studies and academics. It is one of the most eminent homas in the vedic tradition, as nothing is started without invoking this energy.

Go Puja
The word Go means 'cow', and also refers to the abundance that the cow brings to the household. Go Puja confers the blessing of Karya Siddhi, or the fortune of getting good things done successfully. It also gives relief from any negative impressions in the mind.

Griha Pravesha Homa

Griha Pravesha literally means 'entering the house', and this ceremomy is performed before moving into a new house or residence, work place. The Homas invoke peace and harmony in the new Living space, and balance and remove any negative influences that might be present in the new house. As part of the Griha Pravesha, the following Pujas and Homas are performed: Vastu Shanti Homa, Ganapati Homa, Griha Pravesha Puja, Navagraha Homa (optional) and Sudarshana Homa (optional) Griha Pravesha is usually done in one of three instances: Apurva Griha Pravesha: Before the first entry in the newly constructed house. Sapurva Griha Pravesha: Before re-entering the house after traveling abroad or mirgration. Dvandvah Griha Pravesha: Before re-entering the house after reconstruction or renovation, due to earlier damage by earthquake, fire, flood or other calamities.

Kalasarpa Nivarana Homa

This Homa is performed to become free (nivarana) from any negative effects that might be there due to the astrological positioning of the planets in a position called Kalasarpa Dosha. When planets are positioned in this manner, it is said to effect different aspects of a person's life in a negative manner. Certain aspects of this Homa are finalized based on the details of one's astrological chart (kundali). To find out whether this period is there in their life, and if so, when, people get their astrological chart calculated by someone learned in the science of vedic astrology (jyotish). To get your astrological chart calculated, go here.

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Lalita Sahasranama Chanting

The Lalita Sahasranama is an ancient Sanskrit text praising the qualities of the consciousness in the form of the goddess (Lalita), singing her thousand (sahasra) names (nama). The chanting of these mantras in the proper manner bestows Karya Siddhi, or the fortune of 'getting good things done successfully'. It is usually performed with a specific desire or need in mind. When done by a lady, it also has a very positive effect on the household and the family relationships. The chanting of Lalita Sahasranama also harmonizes any negative effects that might come to one due to rituals or pujas that were not completed, or that had any mistakes made during their performance. It also bestows the merit gained by visiting places of pilgrimage, for those who are unable to visit these places.

Mahalakshmi Homa
The Mahalakshmi Homa is performed to invoke the energy signified by Lakshmi. Lakshmi symbolizes the energy of abundance, and all the different types of Wealth that we experience in our life (not just material or monetary). Traditionally there are eight types of wealth mentioned in the vedic tradition: Adi Lakshmi (the original Lakshmi), Dhana Lakshmi (abundance of money and gold), Dhanya Lakshmi (agricultural abundance), Gaja Lakshmi (abundance of power and royalty), Santana Lakshmi (abundance of offspring), Vira Lakshmi (abundance of strenght and valour), Vijaya Lakshmi (abundance of all types of victory) and Vidya Lakshmi (abundance of knowledge and wisdom). This Homa invokes and enhances these different types of wealth in our daily life and brings abundance. This Homa is also usually performed at the start of any business venture or undertaking, for abundance of wealth.

Mahamrityunjaya Homa
The word Mrityunjaya literally means 'victory (jaya) over death (mrityu)'. The Mahamrityunjaya Homa is performed for longevity, to extend one's lifetime, and to aid in overcoming any chronic illnesses or health problems. It also removes the fear of death. It is also performed for the attainment of good fortune, steady wealth, peace, and manifold progress in all endeavors. The vibrations of the main mantra used in this homa, the mrityunjaya mantra, have a strong healing and purifying effect on the body and mind. So strong, even, that it is said that even death can be conquered by the chanting of this mantra if done properly. It is therefore also called the Moksha Mantra, or the mantra that gives liberation (moksha) from suffering and death, and even rebirth.

Mundana Sanskara
Mundana or 'shaving of the head' is one of the traditional samskaras, or purificatory rites, that are prescribed in the vedic way of life. These samskaras, sixteen of which are considered as the main ones, mark the turning points, where we enter a new stage of our life. The samskaras are said to make us eligible for attaining the highest good, in two ways: they remove the impurities we have acquired, and they bestow on us beneficial qualities. Other samskaras, such as Vidyarambha (starting of studies), Vivaha (marriage), Anna Prashana (eating the first solid food) and Upanayana (the sacred thread ceremony) can also be arranged.

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Mundana literally means 'shaving of the head', and this ceremony is usually performed when the child is between one and three years of age. Mundana, or tonsure, is performed for harmonious titillation of the nerves and proper development of the brain. It is also said that the birth hair carries undesirable ideas (impressions) and traits from the past birth. By shaving this hair accompanied by the proper ceremony, these impressions are removed with the hair, creating the opportunity for new ideas full of eminence to come up in its place. One can then use his talents, capabilities and intelligence for the benefit of not only himself, but also of the world.

Navagraha Homa
The Nava Graha are the main nine (nava) planets or celestial bodies (graha) that influence our lives through their vibrations. In the Nava Graha Homa, offerings are made to all the nine planets, effectively enhancing any positive effects they might be having on our life, and reducing or removing any negative effects. The substances and materials offered into the sacred fire, carry the same vibrations as the respective planets they are offered to, and are able to balance or negate any negative vibrations, and enhance any positive vibrations. This way the homa effects both the inner, as well as the outer environment. This Homa is also frequently performed after people have referred to their astrological chart (kundali).

Rudrabhishekam
Rudrabhishekam is the offering of water, and other substances, such as the panchamrita (five types of nectar: milk, yoghurt, clarified butter (ghee), honey, and cane sugar (jaggery)), to Shiva. This is done by pouring them (abhisheka) onto the Shivalinga a symbol for the unmanifest consciousness that Shiva represents. Literally, Shiva means 'the benevolent', and this Puja removes sorrow from life, and bestows happiness and fulfillment. It also removes impurities and impressions that might be there in the body and mind. Rudra is another name of Shiva, meaning 'he who destroys the sorrow'. Rudra is praised in the famous body of Sanskrit mantras called Rudram. Rudram consists of two parts. The first is called 'Namakam', and in its eleven chapters the creation is honored (namah) in all its diversity, both the good and bad, beautiful and terrible being honored as part of the divine. It is seeing the divinity, the consciousness in everything around us. The second part of the Rudram is called 'Chamakam', and in its eleven chapters the creation, in all its diversity, is seen as a part of us . It is seeing the divinity, the consciousness inside ourselves. The Rudram is thus a journey that allows the mind to expand, move inward, and finally reach the Self.

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Rudra Homa
The Rudra Homa is performed to invoke the energy signified by Rudra. Rudra symbolizes the energy of the consciousness. This Homa enhances all the elements of creation in our body and the environment. It also removes negative impressions from the mind. Rudra is another name of Shiva, meaning 'he who destroys the sorrow'. Rudra is praised in the famous body of Sanskrit mantras called Rudram, and during the Rudra Homa, offerings are made into the sacred fire (Agni) accompanied by the chanting of mantras from the Rudram. Rudram consists of two parts. The first is called 'Namakam', and in its eleven chapters the creation is honored (namah) in all its diversity, both the good and bad, beautiful and terrible being honored as part of the divine. It is seeing the divinity, the consciousness in everything around us. The second part of the Rudram is called 'Chamakam', and in its eleven chapters the creation, in all its diversity, is seen as a part of us . It is seeing the divinity, the consciousness inside ourselves. The Rudram is thus a journey that allows the mind to expand, move inward, and finally reach the Self.

Shanti Homa
The word Shanti literally means 'peace', and refers to all various types of peace (peace in the environment (bhautic shanti), peace in the body (deha shanti) and inner peace (atma shanti)). The Shanti Homa is performed mainly for personal peace and harmony, and to ensure good health.

Shastyapta Purti
Shastyapta Purti, also known as Shasti Puri, literally means 'having obtained (apta) sixty (shasti) years of age' and it is performed when a person celebrates his 60th anniversary. This special celebration is done for peace and longevity for the respective person. The celebration includes various homas, such as Ayushya Homa, Mahamrityunjaya Homa and Navagraha Homa. It is mainly done as a thanks giving for having reached this age and a wishing for a long and healthy life after this as well. The number 60 was chosen in the vedic tradition, because time is counted in cycles of 60 years, each year having a specific name and quality. Having completed 60 years, one has thus successfully completed one cycle. This ceremony celebrates this occasion and bestows manifold blessings on the person for the new cycle of years that begins. Because the cycle of years starts anew, it also includes renewing the wedding vows, and the wedding is actually performed once again, be it in a slightly more modest way than the first time.

Special Birthday Celebration

This special celebration offers a festive yet profound way of celebrating one's birthday. As a part of the celebration some homas, such as the gift of Ayushya Homa are also performed, bestowing blessings of a long, prosperous and healthy life on the person. Our Bangalore Ashram offers a range of beautiful venues where this celebration can be organized. To inquire about the details for a custom-made birthday celebration, please contact us. The Homas of this celebration can also be done in someone else's name, as a birthday gift to the person, without the need for that person to be physically present (the pandits would just need a few details of the person).

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Subrahmanya Homa
The Subrahmanya Homa is performed to invoke the energy signified by Subrahmanya, the general of the Gods. This Homa promotes Universal peace and harmony, bestows energy, valor and victory, and instills in us the warrior spirit. It also removes negative astrological influences such as Rahu Dosha and Naga Dosha. The word Subrahmanya means 'the benevolent (su) one who originated from Brahman (brahmanya)' and thus symbolizes the aspect of the consciousness (Brahman) that protects us.

Sudarshana Homa
The word Sudarshana literally means 'a proper vision'. The Sudarshana Homa is performed for the attainment of health and prosperity. It can also bestow spiritual benefits, if it is performed with this purpose in mind. It is also performed for an auspicious beginning of any venture, bringing in positive vibrations, and keeping any negativity at a distance.

Vastu Homa
'Vastu' is the ancient vedic science of spatial arrangement, like Feng Shui which was developed later in China, and 'Shanti' litterally means 'peace'. The Vastu Shanti Homa is performed in a building or place, to balance and remove any negative influences that might be present there, and invoke peace and harmony. The word 'vastu' refers to the science of influences that different aspects of an environment have on us. Some aspects in the environment might not be optimal, but cannot be changed to balance and harmonize these, a Vastu Shanti Homa can be performed. This homa is usually performed as part of the Griha Pravesha Homa

Vidyarambha Sanskara
Vidyarambha or 'starting of studies' is one of the traditional samskaras, or purificatory rites, that are prescribed in the vedic way of life. These samskaras, sixteen of which are considered as the main ones, mark the turning points, where we enter a new stage of our life. The samskaras are said to make us eligible for attaining the highest good, in two ways: they remove the impurities we have acquired, and they bestow on us beneficial qualities. Other samskaras, such as Mundana (shaving of the head), Vivaha (marriage), Anna Prashana (eating the first solid food) and Upanayana (the sacred thread ceremony) can also be arranged. Vidyarambha literally means 'the beginning of knowledge'. It is initiating the development of the mind, and installing intellectual competence in the child. It is usually performed at the age when a child starts the initial schooling generally between four to six years of age. This Vidya, or knowledge that is kindled in the consciousness of the child, is not just the general school and college teaching available in today's world, but also the righteous orientation of thoughts and aspiration of the higher purpose of life. This ceremony is traditionally preceded by a Ganapati Homa.

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Vishnu Sahasranama Chanting

The Vishnu Sahasranama is an ancient Sanskrit text praising the qualities of the consciousness in the form of Vishnu (the energy that sustains things and keeps them together), singing his thousand (sahasra) names (nama). The chanting of these mantras in the proper manner bestows purity of body and mind and increases awareness. It also brings unwavering calm of mind, freedom from stress, and knowledge of reality.

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