It was a silent evening at home while I prepared for the Mahashivratri Puja. An ancient bag, almost belonging to the previous century came back home from the bank with all silver items in it. Part of the booty was a silver pot, lamps and other items like diyas, Kalash and different things required for the puja. I cleaned all the brass and copper articles for the puja.The following morning, I was draped in my crisp cotton Salwar Kameez reciting mantra and meticulously doing the puja.I was complete with gold jewellery like the earrings, bangels and a bindi on my forehead. They say these jewellery keep away all evil spirits and black magic, while the woman is free to tread on any ground, her purity being her only guard.
I was all set to perform the puja when Purohit (Brahmin who conducts the puja) arrived as per the scheduled time and the puja started. The first thing the Brahmin asked me was to tie my undone wet hair. After tying them she asked me to put some scented flowers in them. They say when a woman wears the flowers it distracts people from doing evil deeds to her and if any one is mad at her they shall calm down after smelling her flowers. So as per her instructions I tied my wet hair and put the flowers in it. So now that my Lord is calm with my adorned flowers.
The puja started with process of purification. Purifying the body, soul, mind and the place and upkaran for the puja. Every puja starts with Ganesh puja so we prayed to the Lord Ganesha and requested him to complete our puja without any hindrance and problems. And bless me with the true fruits of this puja. Then the real puja started with chants of shiva. They did twelve avartans of the sholka. It was the most blissful moment to hear eleven brahmins recite the sholkas. It was simply divine and calmly. I was completely absorbed in the most serene moment.
The whole place was touched by the purity and essence of the puja. It smelled of pure ghee, flowers, candan, milk, panchamurt and essencestick. It was a completely engrossing panorama. I was completely involved in the puja. I was touched by the supreme.
Rudraabhishka lasted for long three hours. It was invigorating to see the milk on the stark black body of the shiva idol. It shined and glowed. Mesmerising was the complete experience. After the puja it was impossible for me to interact. I was completely soaked.Just thanked my dad for giving me the opportunity to perform the puja. Now I look forward to the next festivity where I would get the similar opportunity to be the true brahmin. I am blessed! I am thankful to my dad and Lord to bestow me with this opportunity. Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment