Today we are celebrating Birth of Lord Krishna. He is the most loving and forgiving deity. In the ninth chapter of Bhagavad Gita, he has already told us how easy it is to worship him.
पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति |
तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मन: || 26||
patraṁ puṣhpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁ yo me bhaktyā prayachchhati
tadahaṁ bhaktyupahṛitam aśhnāmi prayatātmanaḥ
“If one offers to Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or even water, I delightfully partake of that item offered with love by My devotee in pure consciousness.”
Many of us are very busy with day to day life and do not get time to perform an elaborate ritualistic puja. Therefore in today’s worship we are going to demonstrate a simple form of Puja or worshiping practice that anyone can follow at home or at any place. This Puja is called Pachopchar Puja – पन्चोपचार पुजा or Puja with five elements.
Pooja Process
Dhyan
We will start the Puja by sitting comfortably, close eye and then think of Lord Krishna. In my mind I chant the following Dyan Mantra known as Mukti Mantra from the Vishnu Puran. Let us chant it 11 times.
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevay (Sanskrit: ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय)
Five Elements Puja (Pachopchar Puja – पन्चोपचार पुजा)
Gandha
We will worship Lord Krishna with Vermilion (कुम्कुम् ), Sandalwood Paste (चंदन) and Akshata (अक्षता).
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha Shri Krishnay Namaha Gandham Dharayami(I am offering You Gandham)
Dhoop
Lighted Incense Sticks. Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha Shri Krishnay Namaha, Deepam Darsayami(I am waving/showing/offering lighted lamps).
Puspa / Tulasi
Offer Flowers and Tulasi leaves
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha Shri Krishnay Namaha, Pushpam Ev Tulasi Patram samarpayami.
Naivedya
Offer Flowers and Tulasi leaves
Offer Food offerings(like fruits,milk,sweets or cooked permissible foods).
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha Shri Krishnay Namaha, Naivedyam samarpayami.
Dakshina / Offering
When a Priest is performing Puja, we offer Dakshna as our gratitude. This is our transition to support the ones who devote a lifetime to study and propagate our tradition. If you do the Panchopkar Puja yourself, please make a point to donate a small amount of Dakshina to a deserving person or Charity.
The Dhyan (Meditation) and Dakshina(Charity) are two most important aspects of a worship, rest offerings are from our heart to express our love for the almighty.
Gayatri Mantra Jap
Following the Puja we will be chanting Gayatri Mantra 108 times. The mantra is simple to pronounce and we will play an audio track by Pt Jasraj for you to follow. You may find it helpful to listen to this Gayatri mantra video to learn the proper pronunciation, cadence, and melody of this powerful mantra
Here are the seven steps to chanting the Gayatri mantra:
- Sit comfortably
- Close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths.
- Focus on your breath as it enters and leaves your nostrils.
- If you choose, you may say the Mantra loudly, Whisper or silently in your head. Or you can follow these three steps:
- Say the mantra out loud while focusing on your breathing.
- Repeat it the second time with a whisper while continuing to focus on your breathing.
- Repeat it for the third time silently in your head.
- We will be reciting the Mantra for 108 times. (About 45 minutes)
- After we have finished reciting the mantra, take a few deep breaths to feel the effects of the mantra on your body, mind, and heart.
- Continue to repeat the mantra daily or weekly.