Guide to Pujas, Festivals and Homas

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Sudarshana Homam – Cost, Benefits, and Procedure

July 9, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 171 Comments Filed Under: Homa

Sudarshana Homam is a Hindu ritual involving fire. Participating in Sudarshana Homam helps a person destroy negativity, gives him victory over the enemies, and protects against the evil eye.

The homam grants purification and helps in restoring energies and health. It also promotes success and provides deep levels of purification.

Sudarshana Homam owes it’s origin to the Sudharshana Chakra which is among the major psychic weapons of Lord Vishnu who is the preserver as well as the sustainer of the Universe. Lord Vishnu has always been portrayed as holding the mighty Sudharshana Chakra which is a kind of a wheel, in one of his hands. This is his weapon and he always triumphantly flings it at the negative forces to forcefully slice them with a spinning motion.

Lord Vishnu Sudarshana Chakra — Lord Vishnu holding Sudarshana Chakra

According to Hindu scriptures, the Sudharshana Chakra originated from the extra shavings from the Sun God, Surya. Saint Vishwakarma created a few powerful golden objects from the Surya Deva including the Sudharshana Chakra. Devotees also believe that the weapon had 108 serrated edges. The Sudharshana Chakra is a mighty weapon that had the power of a million suns.

Who should perform Sudarshana Homam?

A person should perform Sudarshana Homam if he/she:

needs relief from the evil eye
needs relief from the intense problems due to powerful enemies
requires protection from any strong and negative interference which could be in the waking state, sleep state or dream state
wants a lot of wealth
wants a strong victory or highly successful results
wishes to get rid of health issues
wants to pursue deeper experiences of purification
wants to work for the people and community

Sudarshana Homam Benefits

Here’re the benefits of participating in Sudarshana Homam:

Sudarshana Homam helps gain prosperity
It helps in healing the body and provides rejuvenation of health
Moreover, it helps in the purification from the harmful and toxic energies
Sudarshana Homam helps to achieve sincere desires
It provides also huge victory and immense success with manifestations
Further, it provides immediate relief from the unexplained sufferings or worries
The Homam also helps in providing protection from the powerful enemies and evil eye

When should I perform Sudarshana Homam?

One can also perform the homam on Ekadashi, Dwadashi, and Poornima. Also on the dates that fall on a Wednesday and Saturday or during Buddha Horas are also favorable for performing the Sudarshana Homa.

What is the procedure for performing Sudarshana Homam?

The Sudarshana Homam is the best protection from all the evils, dosha nivaran and to get relief from the troubles from enemies, evil eye, black magic, and fear. It also helps in persecution by evil spirits and health problems.

Here’s how to perform Sudarshana Homam:

The Homam starts with the recitation of the Sudarsana Manthra Japam.
Recitation of the Sudarshana Ashtottharam which starts with the Sudarsanaya Nama and concludes with the Naarayaanakrupavyuha Tejaschakraya Nama, takes place.
After that, the priest makes you take the Sri Sudarsana Homa Maha Sankalpa where you invoke the deities to bless you.
After that the priest invokes all the deities including Lord Kumbam, Lord Varuna, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Narayana and Lord Sudarsana and performs the Shodasopachara Aaradhanam.
Agni Prathishtai follows this.
Then the homam starts with the Sri Sudarsana Shadakshari performed 108 times with aahuthi
After all the Aahutis, the Poornahuthi takes place which is the conclusion of the Homam
After the Poornahuthi, all the spectators go around the Agni Kuntam and recite Sri Sudarsan Ashtakam.
The Bhasmam from the homam is then worn on the forehead protection this the homam concludes here.

What are the materials required for Sudarshana Homam?

The major requirements for the Homam are the Sudarshana Yantra, which is worshiped with Sudarshana Mantra Japa. The Homam requires the Homa samagri including molten butter, herbs, and sticks of certain trees that one needs to offer into the sacrificial fire along with the powerful chanting of mantras.

Apart from this the offerings to Lord Sudarshan also include fruits, flowers, incense sticks, and the Naivedhyam Prasad. Pooja of the owner of Sudarshan, Lord Vishnu has to be performed with Tulsi leaves.

Where to Perform Sudarshana Homam?

This Homam should take place at a Mahavishnu temple by a professional priest. If you want it to take place at your home, then you need to consult a learned Brahman.

Can I perform Sudarshana Homam at home?

Yes, you certainly can perform the Homam at home. However, please take the help of a learned pandit and perform at home.

What is the cost of Sudarshana Homam?

Major costs of the Homam are that of the ingredients and dakshina for priests. The ingredients cost somewhere between Rs. 2000/- to Rs. 3500/-. Thus the total cost of the Homam is less than Rs. 10,000/-. If the homam takes place at the temple, then there could be additional fees.

What is Sudarshana Homam Mantra?

To get blessings of Lord Sudarshana, it is advised to chant this mantra daily. Here are the Sudarshana Homam Mantra Lyrics.

Om Namo Bhagavathe Mahasudarshanaya Deepthre,

Jwalapareethaya Sarvadigshobhanakaraya Brahmane Para Jyothishe,

Hum Paht Swaha

Sudarshana Homam in Tamil

This Homam takes place in all major Indian languages and Tamil is one of them. Please consult a Tamil Pandit.

Sahasra Kalasabhishekam Tirumala – Procedure, Timings, and Booking

June 29, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 17 Comments Filed Under: Pujas, Tirumala

Here is everything you want to know about Sahasra Kalasabhishekam in Tirumala.

What is Sahasra Kalasabhishekam?

Sahasra Kalasabhishekam seva is offered at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam to Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthi – the silver replica deity of Mula Virat, the processional deities of Sri Malayappa Swamy varu along with his two consorts, Sri Viswaksena – the chief commander of Lord. This seva is performed to the deities after the second bell in the morning at the Bangaru Vakili.

Who should perform Sahasra Kalasabhishekam?

Here’s who should do Sahasra Kalasabhishekam:

Any person seeking the divine blessings of Lord Balaji should perform this seva.

What are the best days to do Sahasra Kalasabhishekam?

The best days to perform Sahasra Kalasabhishekam are:

This pooja is performed only on Wednesday.
One should make prior booking to get the dates to perform this pooja.
It should be performed early in the morning, the best time to do this pooja is 5.30 a.m.

What is the procedure for performing Sahasra Kalasabhishekam?

Here’s how to do Sahasra Kalasabhishekam:

The Bhoga Srinivas Murthy who was the main deity was connected by using the thin silk rope with the Mula Virat in the sanctum (Garbhalayam)
One end of the thin silk rope is kept near Kathithasta of the Mula Virat and the other end is attached to the Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy feet, symbolically is represents “Establish a new relationship in between the Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy and the main deity to achieve 2 purposes”.
First one, it is very clear that Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy represents the Mula Virat
And the other one, it becomes clear that the Sahasra Kalsabhishekam puja is offered to the main deity who is also known as the Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy.
The Viswaksena idol is kept at the life side of Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy outside the Bangura Vakili.
Sri Malayappa Swamy varu along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi is kept at the right side of the main deity Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy outside the Bangura Vakili.
During the seva the archakas arranged 1008 silver vessels that are filled with pure water (Known as Abhisheka Tirtha or Parimala Teertham) that includes sandal paste and there will be 8 Parivara Vessels & 1 Gold vessel that are filled with water are kept in the Mantapam before the Bangura Vakili.
In this seva the Pancha Suktas and the Pancha Shanthi Mantras are enumerating by the archakas. After that the Thirumanjana Abhishekam is presented to the main deity Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy, Viswaksena and Sri Malayappa Swamy and his consorts.
Mainly this seva is offered to the main deity Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy and the content from kumbham is sprinkled on the feet of Sri Bhoga Srinivasa Murthy.

Where to perform Sahasra Kalasabhishekam?

A devotee can perform this pooja in the tirumala temple premises. It is performed only on Wednesday.

What is the cost of Sahasra Kalasabhishekam?

The pilgrims who wish to be a part of Sahasra Kalasabhishekam seva, they need to book tickets either online through tirumala website or offline. Ticket cost is approximately Rs. 850/- per person. The pilgrim can book for 6 persons at a time.

Bhoomi Pooja Guide – Procedure, Cost and Benefits

June 29, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 6 Comments Filed Under: Pujas

What is Bhoomi Pooja?

Bhoomi pooja is a ritual performed in honour of Goddess Bhoomi and Vastu Purush (deity of directions). Bhoomi means Mother Earth. Hence, this pooja eradicates the ill effects and Vats Doshas in the land. Beginning prior to the construction of any structure, this smoothes out the process of construction.

Where does the Bhoomi Pooja take place?

Bhoomi Pooja always takes place in the north-east corner of the construction site or for good agricultural yield.

Which Deity is worshipped in Bhoomi Pooja?

This ritual is dedicated to Vastu Purusha, Goddess Bhoomi, Pancha boothas (the five elements of nature).
This pooja takes place in accordance with Vastu Shastra.
Also, the deity of directions is also honoured so as to eradicate all the ill effects and Vaastu doshas in the land.

Deity worshipped in Bhoomi Pooja — Vaastu Purusha is one of the major deities invoked in this pooja.

Do’s and Dont’s after the purchase of Bhoomi or land

It is of utmost importance to build the compound wall before constructing the house.
The height of the southwest part of the wall should be higher in comparison to the other walls of the house.
The east and north sides walls should be 21 inches shorter than the south and west sides walls.
After the selection of the construction site, one must grow plants on the land.
However, keeping a calf or cow in the land makes it all the more auspicious.
Consulting a priest with experience to perform Bhoomi Pooja is very fruitful. Moreover, it adds happiness and prosperity to an individual’s life.

Who should perform Bhoomi Pooja?

Here’s who should perform Bhoomi Pooja:

This pooja should be done by the head of the family alongside his wife.
Also, this ritual of honouring the Mother Earth must take place in the presence of a proficient priest.
A proficient priest will provide you with all the details for a Shubh Muhurat for the pooja. He can also help to carry out the task in a rightful manner.

Who does the Bhoomi Pooja — Bhoomi Pooja is performed by the head of the family alongside his wife in the guidance of an experienced priest.

What are the benefits of doing Bhoomi Pooja?

Here is a list of benefits of doing Bhoomi Pooja:

It is a priority to seek the blessings of Mother Earth prior to the construction of a building or use of land for the cultivation purpose.
This ritualistic pooja ensures that the land gets rid of all the evils and all the negativities from the land are reduced.
Moreover, the Bhoomi Pooja helps in the smooth completion of work without any hurdles.
It also guarantees the well being and happiness of the people ready to reside in the property. In the case of land use for the agricultural purpose then it helps to have better yields.
Bhoomi Pooja invokes the Vaastu Purusha who grants his blessings to the worshipper.
This pooja purifies the site of construction getting rid of any sort of negativity. It helps to pacify all the corners of the house to be built.

When should one perform Bhoomi Pooja?

Months of Shravan, Margshirsh, Paush, and Kartik are ideal for Bhoomi pooja.
Vastu time dictates the date for Bhoomi puja. Many times it falls twice in a month.
The suitable weekdays for this pooja are Monday and Thursday. These two days are very auspicious for this pooja.
Also, one must avoid performing this pooja on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays.
It is better to avoid, Divaskarma, Hadpaksha and Shraadh paksha for such auspicious activity.

What to avoid in Bhoomi Pooja?

One must avoid performing this pooja on Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays. These days aren’t very auspicious for this pooja.
It is better to avoid, Divaskarma, hadpaksha and shraadh paksha for such auspicious activity.
Fourth, Ninth and Fourteenth teethis are not ideal for this pooja.
Avoid beginning the construction work in case a female in the household is more than seven months pregnant.

How does Lunar Constellations impact Bhoomi Pooja?

On the very first day of construction work, one must calculate the number of lunar constellation.
If the number is between 1 to 7 or 19 to 28 than at that time the day for performing the pooja is inauspicious.
However, if the resulting number is from 8 to 18 than that particular day is very auspicious.

How to perform Bhoomi Pooja?

Here’s how to do Bhoomi Pooja:

The first step for performing the pooja is to clean the site. Also, one must clean the dirt and get rid of all trash holes from the area.
Secondly, one must dig a hole in the northeast direction on the construction site.
Thirdly, the worshipper should sit facing east at the time of After the puja, the lady of the house boils the milk and it is necessary that the milk should spill over this pooja.
One should place the idols of Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and other deities that one worships on a clean platform.
It is the Ganesh pooja that marks the beginning of any auspicious work in Hinduism. Then a havan takes place.
Then one places the coconut used in the pooja covered with red cloth in the ground. Also, silver idols of Naag and Naagin are placed inside the ground.
The other major rituals include Devi pooja, taking a Sankalpa, shatkarma, pran pratishtha and Manglik dravya sthapana.

What are the requirements for Bhoomi Pooja?

Here’s a list of articles required for Bhoomi Pooja –

Samagri/ Things required	Quantity
Kumkum (red sindoor)	100 grams
Turmeric powder	100 grams
Camphor /Karpuram	1 packet
Sandalwood powder	1 box
Incense (agarbatti) sticks	1 packet
Fruits	5 types 2 each
Beetle nuts	100 grams
Beetle leafs	30
Coconuts	5
Rice	4 lb
Flowers	3 bunches

Other requirements for this pooja are –

1 set of Navaratnas (9 types of gems), a packet of dry dates, 5 Lemon (green limes), a set of Pancha Lohas (5 metals), 2 packets of Nava Dhanyam (9 types of seeds).
Moreover, one also needs coins- Quarters 40, a 1/2 meter long white cloth, a matcbox, lamp, cotton wicks, oil, 10 panchpatras, udharini.
A plate, a kalash ( kalasam), 5 bricks, a bell, a bedsheet, 4 plastic plates, a gods picture and 5 foam cups etc.

What is the cost of performing Bhoomi Pooja?

This pooja cost depends on various factors. Contact us for the pricing.
To seek the blessings of vaastu devta one must perform this pooja under the guidance of an experienced priest.
Moreover, forth performing this pooja well being for the family and safety is ensured.

As per the ancient scriptures, home-related muhuratas are divided into the following stages –

Bhoomi Pooja which is the offering of honour to the mother earth.
Balidaana which is the offertory ritual in Hinduism.
Hala Karshaana is next in line where the levelling os the site takes place.
Then takes place the sowing of the seeds which is called Ankuraa- Roopana.
Then it is time for Shilaanyaasa which is the laying of the foundation stone
After this, the digging of a well or water source is done.
Then fixation of door frames takes place.
Last is the entry in the new house i.e. Griha Pravesh.

Poolangi Seva Tirumala – Timings, Cost, Booking

July 29, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 3 Comments Filed Under: Pujas, Tirumala

Here is everything you want to know about Poolangi Seva of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala.

What is Poolangi Seva?

The Tiruppavada seva and Poolangi Seva are offered at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam every Thursday.

Tiruppavada Seva

Every Thursday, after the morning pooja, the Mula Virat is divested of all ornaments, flowers, etc. The deity will be draped only in Dhoti and Uttareeyam. The Thirunamam Kaappu and Kasturi on the forehead of the main deity are also reduced in size. This results in the unique posture of the Lord where one can witness the peculiar Netra Darshan (where the divine eyes of the Lord can be seen) of the main deity.

Poolangi Seva

After the Tiruppavada Seva, the temple observes some rituals like suddhi (cleaning of the temple), etc., and the Moola Virat is adorned with Velvet Gown from Crown to the Feet and then the main deity is decorated with flower garlands.

Who should perform Poolangi Seva?

Here’s who should do Poolangi Seva:

Anyone who wants to offer their prayers to Lord Venkateswara should perform this seva.

What are the best days to do Tiruppavada and Poolangi Seva?

The best days to perform this sevas are:

These poojas are performed only on Thursday.
One should make prior bookings to get the dates to perform this pooja.
It should be performed early in the morning, the best time to do this pooja is 5 a.m.

What is the procedure for performing Poolangi and Tiruppavada Seva?

Here’s how to do Tiruppavada Seva:

On Thursdays, Tiruppavada Seva is performed as arjitha Seva in the Mandapam in front of the Bangura Vakili and Annakutotsavam (where heaps of tamarind rice are poured) is performed.
A large rectangular tub – like golden vessel is placed in the mandapam and a huge quantity of “Pulihora”-tamarind rice, along with other sweet preparations such as payasam, laddu, jilebi, thenthola, appam etc and other delicacies are deposited thereon with coconuts, flowers, sandal paste, Kumkum, deepam and is placed in that trapezoid receptacle to be offered as naivedya to the Lord.
Amidst chanting of Mantras, the previous wide Naamam is peeled off and a thin Naamam is adorned on the forehead of Mula Virat just to cover the space between His eyebrows.
When this happens, it is believed that the Lord’s first gaze after “opening” His Eyes (because they were covered by the Naamam earlier) should not fall on mortals, because it has huge power that could not be withstood by humans.
Instead, it is made to fall on the mound of “Pulihora” directly in front of Him, thereby sanctifying it and reducing the intensity of His Gaze. The “Pulihora” therefore acts like a Veil (“Paavada” in Telugu/Tamil) protecting devotees from His Powerful Gaze.

Here’s how to do Poolangi Seva:

Poolangi Seva is a ritual in which the Moola Virat of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Temple, is dressed in rich velvety attire, covering the Moola Virat from head to toe.
Garlands made of flowers are then put on the deity. Every Thursday after the Tiruppavada Seva the Poolangi Seva is performed. It is an ancient ritual and a reference to the ritual is even made in the Tamil classic, Silappadikaram, in sometime around 756 AD.

Where to perform Tiruppavada and Poolangi Seva?

A devotee can perform these poojas in the Tirumala temple premises. It is performed only on Thursday.

What is the cost of Poolangi Seva?

The pilgrims who wish to be a part of Tiruppavada and Poolangi seva, they need to book tickets either online through ttd website or offline. Ticket cost is approximately Rs. 850/- per person. The pilgrim can book for 6 persons at a time.
They will also get Prasadam after conducting the seva as 1 Big Laddu, 1 Vada, 1 Jalebi, 1 Tentola, Pulihora, and 1 Uttariyam or 1 Blouse piece.