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Pujas and Homas

What is puja?

As exercises keep our bodies healthy and free from disease, as yoga keeps the flow of our vital energy in good condition, puja is a ritual performed to keep us in harmony with the cosmic forces, thereby removing and overcoming the sorrows of life and bringing spiritual advancement.

Can everyone perform puja?

Pujas can be broadly classified into three groups; Vedic, Tantric and general. The general form of puja can be performed by anyone as part of one's daily routine. In fact, in olden days, it was the duty of all householders to perform daily puja. The Vedic and Tantric forms of puja can be studied and practised only under the guidance of a competent acharya (teacher).

Playing with electricity can be a shocking experience to a person who is not familiar with its laws. Likewise, mistakes in Vedic and tantric pujas can have disastrous results especially when it is performed for the fulfilment of worldly desires. Traditionally, women during their monthly periods do not perform puja by themselves.

Which pujas are done in Amma's ashrams?

Some of the pujas and homas performed on either a regular basis or on request are the Ganapathi Homa, Sudarshana Homa, Mritunjaya Homa, Navagraha Homa, Kali Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Saraswati Puja, Durga Puja, Bhagawati Seva, Sani Puja, Rahu Puja, Mangal Puja etc.

Where can I do these pujas ?

The Sani Puja, Rahu Puja and Mangal Puja are mass pujas done only at the Brahmasthanam temples in the various ashram branches. All other pujas are done at both Amritapuri and the Brahmasthanam temples.

How can I do puja ?

The Sani Puja, Rahu Puja and Mangal Puja require your physical presence and participation. In the event of your not being able to attend physically you should depute someone who will perform the puja on your behalf. For all the other pujas your presence is required for maximum benefit, but not mandatory.