SARASWATI PUJA - Bagnonline
SARASWATI PUJASARASWATI PUJAPublication #1Cyber GrandpaIn collaboration with Bengali Association of Greater Nashville(BAGN), TN, USAPublisherAssociation of Grandparents of Indian Immigrants (AGII)Nashville, TN 37205agii2000@aol.com12/16/2012 7:56 AM
SARASWATI PUJAOthers publications in the makingIntroduction to Hindu Puja ritualsBengali Puja Rituals1.2.3.4.5.6.7.Our daily prayersBasic puja for all occasionsSaraswati Puja (In collaboration with BAGN, Nashville, TN)Satyanarayana (In collaboration with Sanskriti, Washington, DC)Lakshmi Puja (In collaboration with New Jersey Bengali Association)Kali Puja (In collaboration with Prantik, Baltimore)Durga Puja (In collaboration with Birmingham Bengali Association)Dashakarma8. Marriage (Probassee, Bengalee Association of New Zealand)9. Grihaprabesh (Atlanta?)10. Annaprasan (Cincinnati?)11. Upanayana (In collaboration with Sanskriti, Washington, DC)Last rites12. Last rites (In collaboration with Bengali Association of Allentown, PA)13. Shraddha (In collaboration with Bengali Association of Allentown, PA)14. Tarpan (In collaboration with BAGN, Nashville, TN)Addendum15. Frequently asked questions about Hindu Puja rituals* PublishedThis book does not have a copyrightIt is available free on the Internet: agiivideo.com22/16/2012 7:56 AM
SARASWATI PUJAPREFACEThis book is compiled with the goal of explaining to children (and their parents) of Bengaliorigin, who have immigrated to the United States, the hidden history, significance andmeaning of the mantras used in common Bengali Hindu puja rituals. A book like this isdesperately needed as both the language used in the rituals, Sanskrit, and the script in whichthe rituals are transcribed, Bengali, are both foreign to these children and their parents.Unlike the children growing up in India, children in the west are constantly challenged by theirneighbors, peers, friends and teachers to explain the basis of Hindu faith and belief. This Inever faced when I was growing up in India (1920s). “We were born as a Hindu and died as aHindu”. No questions were asked. Thus, I felt strongly as “Cyber Grandpa” to share mythoughts with my beloved grandchildren, growing up outside India, before it is too late.I was born in a priest family. I started to perform puja rituals soon after receiving my sacredthread at the age of twelve. Now I am 86 years old. Priesthood was our family trade. But, likeall other professional priests, I had no knowledge of Sanskrit, the language of Hindu Pujarituals. We were trained to hear and remember (sruti and smriti) and stay away fromexplaining. In addition, in my childhood days under the British rule, learning of Sanskrit waslooked down upon and Sanskrit scholars remained obscure. So I moved to science andtechnology for a better future. Yet, the soul of my ancestors never left me and I had to performpujas upon request from time to time. The community was satisfied with the ignorantprofessional priests as they devotedly watched Hindu rituals while praying in their own ways.God listened.The problem came with my grandchildren, the budding new generation of the twenty-firstcentury. Hindu students at universities were disappointed with the local temple priests whocould not speak their language (English) or explain the meaning and significance of the rituals.They were eager to reestablish India’s pride as the spiritual leader of world civilization. Here,“Faith” is not the key word; instead it is “Human Reality”. I was overwhelmed by theirenthusiasm. This book is the outcome of that call.Spirituality has many facets that accept the natural diversity of the human mind. I am notworried whether my grandchildren are believers, nonbelievers, agnostics or athiests. But I feelimmensely satisfied to tell them my own story of how I came to depend on my Invisible CareTaker who was always beside me when I needed Him.Fifteen such booklets will be published during the next three years. They will then compileinto one final book after we receive the feedbacks. I am grateful to the World community ofopen minded spiritual seekers, Hindus and non-Hindus, to provide support for this humbleendeavor of mutual understanding.Cyber Grandpa32/16/2012 7:56 AM
SARASWATI PUJACONTRIBUTORSPriestsKanai L. Mukherjee, Bengali Association of Greater Nashville (BAGN), TNBibhas Bandyopadhyay, Sanaskriti, Washington, DC,Pijush Bhattacharya, BAGN, Nashville, TNTranslatorRatna De, BAGN, NashvilleTransliteratorDilip Das, Probasee, Bengalee Association of New ZealandBengali Script WriterSujit Das, BAGN, NashvilleTechnical AssistantsAmitabha Chakrabarti, BAGN, Nashville, TNShuvajit Das, BAGN, Nashville, TNEditorsArundhati Khanwalkar (Allentown, PA)Henry Arthur Pallerin III (Durham, NC)Monisha Chakravarthy, Rohini Chakravarthy (BAGN, Nashville, TN)Tara Chattoraj, Maya Chattoraj (Chicago, IL)ReviewersRaktima Datta (BAGN, Nashville, TN), Arnav Ghosh (Mumbai),Aurin Chakravarthy (Washington DC), Saoni Ghosh (BAGN, Nashville, TN)Smriti Bardhan (BAGN, Nashville, TN)Global CommunicationDilip Som (Washington, DC)Amitabha Chakrabarti (BAGN, Nashville, TN)Volkmar Dierolf (Allentown, PA)42/16/2012 7:56 AM
SARASWATI PUJACONTENTSIntroductionArrangementFrequently asked questionsInvocation prayersGayatri prayerNarayana pujaPreliminary puja proceduresPrayer of Holy GangesPrayer of Sun and othersAuspicious beginningDivine WitnessSanctificationRemoval of obstaclesKnot of securityGods at the EntranceKalasasthapanSanctification of daisCalling for sacred waterSanctification of environment/bodySanctification of flowersWorship of GuruWorship of GaneshWorship of LakshmiPrimary PujaResolutionMeditation and infusion of lifeOfferingsPushpanjaliBenedictory prayersAratiImmersionMoving Holy PitcherPeace chantRewarding PriestAddendumPuja for individual familiesInitiation of studyThings requiredCultural Symbols of HindusCyber Grandparents, project 9525668727273747577808082878893Next Publication (#2): SATYANARAYANA BRATO52/16/2012 7:56 AM
SARASWATI PUJASARASWATI PUJAnË nË plüa f§S¡ fÜ aSaraswati is the Hindu goddess of learning, eloquence (Bagdevi) and wisdom. In Bengal, thedeity of Saraswati is depicted as a beautiful woman, with two hands, who sits on a lotusholding veena (a musical string instrument) playing music of love and ever expandingknowledge. In some parts of India the Saraswati deity has four hands. The other two handshold a book (representing the Vedas or knowledge) and a lotus, the icon of peace. She isdressed in a beautiful white outfit and she is accompanied by a white swan, symbolizingpurity, wisdom and tranquility. Worship of Saraswati by the Hindus is symbolic of ourconstant search for knowledge and respect for creativity in art, music and speech. k o dm sn - ei s Shakti o budhir sammelaney sundarer shrishthi – etai holo SaraswatiGoddess Saraswati represents the union of power and intelligencefrom which arise all beautiful creations.Saraswati puja is most popular among students, the seekers of knowledge. Many families bringtheir five-year-old children to the goddess to seek Her blessing before the child commences hisor her education.Saraswati Puja comes during the month of January-February, heralding the coming of springseason (basant). It is a colorful season of blooming flowers. Hence, on the day of SaraswatiPuja, people traditionally wear clothes of basanti, a yellowish color like that of marigold.The four components of Saraswati Puja are listed here. In the following pages we willelaborate on the process and thought that goes with it.1.2.3.4.Invocation prayersMain puja of Goddess SaraswatiOfferings from devoteesConcluding prayers (Benediction)62/16/2012 7:56 AM
SARASWATI PUJAARRANGEMENTPuja listRaised platform: Saraswati deity, a raised platform, book, inkpot, pen,Pushpapatra (flower plate): flower, sandalwood paste, durba, wet rice, haritaki, durba,til, mashkalai, Supari,Red thread.Lamp plate: Lamp stand, lamp stand and dhup stand and dhupbati.Puja accessories for priest: Water conch, kosha-kushi (pot to hold water for the priest duringthe puja), bell, asan (for priest to sit).Ghat and tekathi: Pitcher filled with water placed on a bit of soil, five grains scattered ontop of the earth (panchsashya) if not available, use rice, five colored powder sprinkledoverthe earth (yantra or pattern is recommended), vermilion powder pasted in oil (put themark on the pitcher) – the design can be the Swastika or the Vastupurush (king of earth).Two small bowls:(a) Yogurt with a few grains of mashkali (called Mashabhaktabali).(b) Madhuparka –honey, ghee, sugar, milk and yogurt.Two glasses of water, sweet candy (misri), raisin, spring water, fruit on pitcher (coconutrecommended), five leaves from fruit bearing tree (mango recommened).Keep in stock a few drinkinbg water bottles, a small bottle of oil to feed the lamp, few extraincense sticks and a match box.LayoutBefore starting the puja, arrange the puja materials in the puja place. Following diagram mayhelp. Searching for the materials you need disturbs the puja process. In this distraction, thepurpose of the puja gets lost. Hence, go over the entire script and check whether all materialswill be available when called for.1.Deity2. Ink pot and pen3. Books4. Ghat5. Lamp and incense6. Offerings7. Priest’s asan8. Bell – water conch9. Host’s water vessel with spoon10. Host’s asan11. Priest’s water vessel12. Tamrapatra13. Offerings14. Mashabhaktabali15. Madhuparka16. Pushpa patra (flower)17 and 18. Two designsmade on pitcher19. Folded paper towel for priest.1231714,1545131668971012191811(Note: This elaborate list is modified according to your ability. Your thought is more importantthat your materials. If nothing else, do the puja with a glass of water and imagine the rest ofthe offerings.)72/16/2012 7:56 AM
SARASWATI PUJA1, 2, 3 – The deity, inkpot, pen, and books (icons of knowledge) all rest on a raised platform.4 – Ghat is a pitcher filled with water placed on a bit of soil that symbolizes elements of life.Five types of grains (rice, wheat, barley, mashkalai or black lentils, black sesame) arescattered on the top of the earth (panchsashya). If five grains are not available, use rice.Five colored powders are sprinkled over the earth (yantra or pattern is recommended).Vermilion powder is mixed with a little oil to create a paste that is used to create thedesign on the pot—the swastika (17) or Vastupurush (King of Earth, 18). Five leavesof a fruit bearing tree (mango recommended) are inserted around the neck of the pot,and a fruit (usually a coconut) is placed on the opening of the pot (see picture on page28). Put a garland over the pitcher. Use four sticks to mark the corners of a rectanglearound the pitcher (you can use clay or Play-doh to keep the sticks upright). Wrap a redthread around the tops of the sticks to create a rectangle.5 – Lamp, lamp stand, incense (dhupbati) and incense stand. In ancient times, the lamp wasneeded to see the diety. Literally, the incense provided a sweet-smelling fragrance.6, 13 – Offerings- two small glasses of water, plus a variety of fruits, nuts, sweets, misri (sweetcandy), raisins, etc.7 – Priest’s asan (seat)- a small patterned rug8 – The bell and conch heralds the puja.9 – The host’s water vessel and spoon are used for offering.10 – Host’s asan (seat)- a small patterned rug11 – Priest’s water vessel (kosha-kushi) – the water in this vessel is used for offering.12 – Tamrapatra – a plate to hold the offered water14 – Mashabhaktabali (yogurt) with a few grains of mashkalai (black lentil) is given as anoffering to the spirits of all ancestors.15 – Madhuparka- (honey, ghee, sugar, milk and yogurt) a sweet offering16 – Pushpa patra – plate for holding flowers. Also contains: sandalwood paste (forfragrance), durba (a special grass with three leaves that represents nature), haritaki(seed) or supari (betel nut) (represents the growth of success), red thread (tied aroundwrists after puja for protection), mashkalai (black lentil, offering to spirits), wet riceand til (oily seed) (food offerings)19 – Paper towels for hand drying and spills82/16/2012 7:56 AM
SARASWATI PUJAFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSTo which direction the devotee/priest should face, while performingthe puja?By tradition, the priest faces east for all deities. In case of a Goddess, facing north isrecommended. The author, however, believes that the above tradition may be not beemphasized on a global scale in the new age. A convenient location and a sincere heart is allthat is needed to serve the Lord.Use of “Om”Om or Aum is the basis of all sounds, the universal symbolic word for divinity. Hence everymantra begins with Om, connecting our thoughts with divinity.Aum became the sacred word in Vedas, Hum of the Tibetans, Amin of the Muslims, andAmen of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Jews and Christians. Amen in Hebrew means “Sure”and “Faithful”. Aum is the all-pervading sound emanating from the Invisible Cosmic Vibration(Holy Ghost of Christians), God in His aspect of Creator; the “Word” of the Bible, the voice ofthe creation, testifying the divine presence in every atom. Aum can be heard within you(Anahata) as you plug your ears, close your eyes, and focus on the sound that is vibratingwithin your body. In biological terms, it is the sound of the inner function of the body thatincludes the heartbeat.In the imagination of the prehistoric sages, Om originated as the primordial sound, the soundthat took place at the time of the Creation of the Universe, which the scientists of the modernera call “Big Bang” in the theory of creation by Sir James Jeans.Mulamantram§lm¿While performing Saraswati Puja, you will come across the word “\Q”. Like Om, which is ofgeneral use, the primordial sound “\Q”, is designated to Goddess Saraswati. It is called as hermulamantra (m§lm¿). Likewise, each God and Goddesses is associated with similar primordialsound; for Lord Ganesha, it is gAQ and for Lakshmi it is SÊIQ.92/16/2012 7:56 AM
SARASWATI PUJAINVOCATION PRAYERSObeisance to Lord Vishnu ho· ØjlZVishnu smaranThe goal of this ritual is to purify the inside of the body with the sanctified water, the basicelement of life, with the name of Lord Vishnu, Our Preserver. All auspicious work starts withreverence to Lord Vishnu, our preserver.Sip water in the name of VishnuBQjeAchmanSipping water in the name of Vishnu: Take a spoonful of water in the palm of the right handforming a dip like a boat. The amount of water is said to be sufficient to immerse a mustardseed. Sip the water three times and each time take the name of Vishnu and say this mantra.Jy ho· :, Jy ho· :, Jy ho· Om Vishnu! Om Vishnu! Om Vishnu!Glory to Lord VishnuAfter the last sip, wipe your lips – right to left, with your right thumb. Wash the fingers withlittle water allowing the washed water to get soaked into the padded paper kept on the right forthis purpose. Then offer your sensory organs in His prayers. Join the four fingers of the righthand (exclude thumb) and touch the various organs with the fingertips in the followingmanner. First the right nostril and then the left (smell), right eye and then left eye (sight), rightear and then left ear (hearing). Finally touch the naval button (the starting point of yourphysical body) and wash the fingers again in the same way as described above. Wipe yourright hand with a dry paper towel. Join the fingers again and touch your heart and rightshoulder and then left shoulder.Jy a à o·¡ fljw fcjÚ, pc¡ fnÉ ¿¹ p§lux, ch h Qr l¡aajÚ zJy ho· x, Jy ho· x, Jy ho· x zOm Tad-Vishnoh paramam padamSada pashyanti soorayah dibi-iba cakshur-aatatamOm Vishnu - Om Vishnu - Om VishnuAs the widely open eyes can see the sky clearly without any obstruction,so the wise always see Lord Vishnu with their divine vision.Hail to Lord Vishnu.With folded hands in front of your chest say102/16/2012 7:56 AM
SARASWATI PUJAo apibœ pibEœA bA sîÑAbÙÛAQ gEtAip bA J: ØmErq pu&rIkAxQ s bAhYAvYÁ¹r: Suic nm: sîÑm‰l m‰lYQ bErNYQ brdQ övmÚ nArAyNQ nmúªtY sîÑ kÇmÑAiN kArEyq Namha apabitra pabitro ba sarbabashan gatopibajahsmaret pundarikaksha sa bajya antarasuchi.Namaha sarva mangala mangalyam varayenam baradam shubhamNarayanam namaskritya sorvakarmani kaarayet.He who, impure or pure, remembers lotus-eyed lord Pundarikaksha, Vishnu,in all situations, becomes purified inside and out.We bow to Lord Nararayana who is all auspicious, most adorable, beneficial and kind.Remembering His name we should begin all our work.PRAYER OF GAYATRIsåYASandhyaThis is a personal prayer of the priest. For others, this can be optional.Sandhya means “at the junction (sandhi, siå).” It focuses on the prayer for the GoddessGayatri.According to ancient tradition, Sandhya is done three times a day – at the junction ofnight/morning, high noon/afternoon, and at sunset (day/night). Sandhya is taught at the time ofsacred thread. The new Brahmin usually follows it for a year. Hence, it is desirable for thenew-age Brahmin to start any puja ritual by performing the Sandhya in order to fill in hisundone commitment.Introduction to GayatriGayatri mantra is a highly revered mantra based on a Vedic Sanskrit verse from a hymn of theRigveda, attributed to Visvamitra. Gayatri mantra is named for its Vedic gayatri meter. Themain principle of Vedic meter is measurement by the number of syllables. The metric unit ofverse is the pada (foot), generally of eight, eleven, or twelve syllables. Others Vedic meters areJagati, Tristubh, Viraj, and Anustup. Each has its specific number of padas and syllables.Gayatri has 3 padas and 8 syllables. Chandas (Cå:) is the systematic study of Vedic meter.112/16/2012 7:56 AM
SARASWATI PUJAGayatri verse is interpreted to invoke the deva Savitr (sun). Hence it is often called Savitri.Gayatri, however, has been referred in its meditation ( }YAn) as a goddess. Thus some believethat the radiation energy of the sun is considered as goddess Gayatri. From a more scientificpoint of view, the energy is the basis of all creations and thus Gayatri is held on a high positionin Hindu pantheon. Gayatri Mantra is repeated and cited very widely in Vedic literature, andpraised in several well-known classical Hindu texts. The mantra is an important part of theupanayana ceremony for young Hindu Brahmin males as part of their daily rituals. ModernHindu reform movements spread the practice of the mantra to include women and all castesand its use is now very widespread.General PreparationWash your hands and feet before sitting on the asan (puja seat) to do the sandhya.Marjana (purifying with water)Sprinkle water on the head (purification process) and chant:o Sæ aAEpA }nBnYA:, Smn: sع-B nUpYA: Sæ: smuidRyA aAp:, Smn: sÁ¹u kUpYA Om Sanno apo danyanya samanah santu nupya Sanna samudria apah, samana santu kupya Oh the waters! that comes out from the desert, from the land with plentiful water, fromthe sea, and from the well, shower your bliss on us.o dR pdAidb mumUcAn:, iüæ: AEtA mlAidb pUtQ pibEœNbAjY, mAp: öÜÁº mns: mns: Om! Drupadadiba mamuchanam swinaha snato malatiba Putang pabitrenabajya, mapah sudhantu mainashaha Om! As a sweated person feels soothed under he tree, as he feels clean after a bath,as ghee always stays pure, so Oh water, wash away my sins and purify me.o aAEpAihùA mEyAvub, عAnwE‹Ñ d}Atn mEh rNAy cxEs o EJA b: iSbtEmA rs عsY vAjyEth n: wStIirb mAtr o tØmA arQ gmAy EbA, JsY xyAy ijnBF aEpA jnyFA c n: Om apo hi stha mayobhuba, sta na urjhey dadhatana Mahe ranaya chakshashey Om jobah shivatamo rasastasya bhajayatehanah Ushatiraba matarah Om tasma arangamam boh, jashya khaya jinwatha Apojanayatthah chanah Oh waters, you are the source of happiness; strengthen us with your divine energyso that we feel your greatness and enjoy your bounty122/16/2012 7:56 AM
SARASWATI PUJAShare your nourishing energy with us, Oh waters, like an affectionate mothernourishes her children with her auspicious ene
Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of learning, eloquence (Bagdevi) and wisdom. In Bengal, the deity of Saraswati is depicted as a beautiful woman, with two hands, who sits on a lotus holding veena (a musical string instrument) playing music of love and ever expanding knowledge. In some parts of India the Saraswati deity has four hands. .File Size: 1MB
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Within this programme, courses in Academic Writing and Communication Skills are available. There are also more intensive courses available, including the Pre-Sessional Course in English for Academic Purposes. This is a six-week course open to students embarking on a degree course at Oxford University or another English-speaking university. There are resources for independent study in the .
