Guide to Pujas, Festivals and Homas

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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.

Chandi Homam Benefits, Cost, Procedure, Online Booking

June 29, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 191 Comments Filed Under: Homa

Chandi Homam is a powerful homam performed to enjoy good health and happy family life. Chandi Homam is done to appease and seek blessings of Goddess Durga. The name Chandi is the other name of Goddess Durga as mentioned in Devi Mahatyam.

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The Homam is considered as the supreme form of worship among the followers of Shaktism (devotees who consider Devi or Adi Parashakti as the supreme God) sect in Hinduism.

The Goddess Chandi is represented as the fierce and passionate form of Goddess Durga. As per the Devi Mahatmayam, the Goddess is depicted as eighteen armed, each possessing a different weapon.

The Goddess is considered as the Mother of the Universe and an embodiment of feminine power and energy. She is also believed to be the creator of the Holy Trinity of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.

Who should perform Chandi Homam?

Here’s the list of people who should perform chandi homam:

A person suffering from severe Doshas or ill-effects of planetary placements in their horoscope should perform Chandi Homam.
Any person suspected to suffer from black magic, curses and negative energy are advised to perform the Homam to rid them of the evil influence.
According to ancient scriptures, the Homam should be performed to overpower fear in general and especially fear of death.
The Homam is also recommended for people who want atonement or forgiveness from the Goddess for any misdeed they might have committed in their life.

Chandika Homam — Chandika is the fierce form of Goddess Durga

What are the benefits of Chandi Homam?

Here’s a list of benefits of chandi homam:

It is believed that one can resolve issues related to health and family disputes by performing Chandi Homam.
The effects of curses and obstacles are removed from a person’s horoscope.
The Homam is performed to attain name, fame and success in the devotee’s life.
Performing the Homam grants success and a win over enemies or antagonistic elements in life.

When should I perform Chandi Homam?

The 9 days of Navratri are auspicious for performing Chandi Homam. Also, auspicious days like Ashtami, Navami, Chaturdasi, Magha Amavasya, Jyeshta Amavasya, Chaithra and Karthik Pournami are good for performing the Homam. It is preferred to perform the Homam during daytime and finish the rituals before sunset.

What is the procedure to perform Chandi Homam?

Here’s how to perform chandi homam:

The first few rituals are common for all rituals dedicated to God. Chandi Homam begins with Anujnaa (Permission from the Goddess), Acamanah (self-purification), Pranayama (to increase the spirituality inside the body), and Sankalp (take a vow to complete the ritual).
The Ganapathi Pooja or Homam is conducted first to appease Lord Ganapathi without whose blessings, nothing is accomplished.
The Kalasa Shuddhi process occurs next followed by the Agni Prathishthapana. This procedure involves the starting up of the fire inside the Homa Kundam with Camphor, dried coconut, and the Darbha grass. The Digpalaka Pooja is performed next to honour the rulers of the four directions.
In an elaborate form of this Havan, the Panchopachara Pooja or the Shodasopachara Pooja are also performed.
The Go-Pooja, Parivaara Pooja, Suhasini Pooja, Dampathi Pooja, and Brahmachari Pooja are performed before the Yagna.
The Saptashati Parayanam is the main part of the Pooja. The thirteen chapters of the Saptashati have 3 parts dedicated to Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. These 13 chapters collectively contain 700 Shlokas that must be recited to complete the Homam.
The last section of the Homam involves Uttarangam (Vote of Thanks) and the Poornahuti (Last offering).

What are the materials required for Chandi Homam?

The basic materials required for Chandi Homam are a Homa Kundam (a square shaped copper container), dry Coconut, Ghee, ladle, raw rice, kumkum, turmeric, Agarbattis (Incense sticks), lamps, Theertha vessels, flowers, and water.

Special food must be prepared that can be offered to the Goddess like fruits, jaggery or Panchamritham. The Darbha grass is optional along with Sesame seeds and Camphor.

Where to perform Chandi Homam?

Chandi Homam is an extremely elaborate Homam and is usually performed by several priests together in front of a large Homa Kunda. The Homam can be performed in all major Temples dedicated to Goddess Durga or Parvati like Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple in Mangalore, Sri Mookambika Temple at Mookambika, Chamundeshwari Temple at Mysuru, and the Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai.

However, booking for Chandi Homam must be made months in advance as the dates are usually unavailable for last minute plans.

What is the cost of Chandi Homam?

Since Chandi Homam is an extremely elaborate procedure, the cost of the Homam can range from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 in some temples.

Chandi Homam in Telugu Guide

Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva Tirumala

June 28, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 7 Comments Filed Under: Pujas, Tirumala

Here is everything you want to know about Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala Tirupati.

What is Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva?

Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva is conducted after the second bell in Tirumala Temple. This ritual was initially introduced in Srivari Temple in 1984 when a Muslim devotee presented Lord Srinivasa with 108 gold lotuses. The Archana begins by offering dhupa to the key deity followed by reciting Devadasa (108) names of the Lord.

Each chant is followed by one golden lotus offered at the holy feet of the lord Srinivasa.

Ashtadala Seva — Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana

Who should perform Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva?

Here’s who should do the Seva:

A single person or a couple can perform this pooja for their successful life.

What are the benefits of performing Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva?

Here are the benefits of the Seva:

The Devotee can financial stability and get the divine blessings of the Lord.
People also believe that by doing this pooja they can get good health, harmony success, and fulfillment of desires.

What are the best days to do Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva?

The best days to perform the seva are:

This pooja is performed on every Tuesday in the Tirumala temple.
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 5.30 a.m.

What is the procedure for performing Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva?

Here’s how to do the Seva:

The Archana begins with the puja by offering dhupa and diva to the key deity.
Then the pujaris enumerate the Devadasa names of the Lord.
While reciting each name of the Lord, one golden lotus is offered at the feet of Lord Srinivasa.
On completion of the Archana for the main deity Archana is then offered for Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Padmavati.
After that Ratha aarti is offered first, followed by usual aarti.
During this special puja, the arjitha ticket holders are seated in the Antalya corridor that is located between the Kulasekhara padi and Bangaru Vakili.

What are the materials required for Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva?

The basic materials required for Ashtadala Seva are turmeric powder, sandalwood powder, Kumkum, betel leaves, supari, rice, camphor, mango leaves, and the most important golden lotus. Apart from these if any other materials are required, they are provided after booking the ticket for this pooja.

Where to perform Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana Seva?

A devotee can perform this pooja in the Tirumala temple premises. It is performed only on Tuesday. Devotees can take a seat inside Garbha Griha, once they are seated in the garbha griha the curtains will be closed at the Jaya Vijaya statues which is the last door.

What is the cost of Ashtadala Seva?

The cost of performing this pooja is Rs.1,250 per person. They can get the tickets from the Tirumala temple website.

Navratri Puja 2019 – Procedure and Benefits | Online Booking

September 27, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 3 Comments Filed Under: Pujas

Navratri Puja Dates: 29 Sep 2019 to 7 Oct 2019 (9 Days)

Navratri Puja is performed to worship the nine different forms of Goddess Durga for nine continuous days. This year in 2019, Navratri is beginning from Sunday, September 29 and ending on Monday, October 7. Navratri means 9 sacred days. A distinct avatar of Goddess Durga is worshipped on each of the nine days. Read how to do the Navratri Puja, Step by Step Procedure, Significance and Benefits.

Navratri Puja 2019 – Everything You Need To Know

Navratri Dates 2019	29 September 2019 – 7 October 2019
Type of Navratri	Sharadiya Navratri or Maha Navratri (Celebrated in Sep-Oct)
No. of Days Celebrated	9
Goddess Worshipped	Nine Forms of Goddess Durga
Important Day	Maha Navami (9th Day)
Pooja	Kanya Laangura Bhoj
Fasting Days (Vrat)	1st, 8th and 9th Day of Navratri
Related Festivals	Dussehra and Diwali
Celebration in India	Garba Dance in Gujarat & Mumbai

Who should perform Navratri Puja?

People who want to get success in life with the blessings of Goddess Durga can perform this puja.
If someone is facing any financial issues or any family problems, then performing this puja will help them to get rid of this issue.
This puja is also very beneficial for getting the peace of mind.

Why is Navratri celebrated?

Navratri or Durga Puja is celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and restore Dharma. In South India, Navratri is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. In North India, it is celebrated on the day of Dussehra, commonly known as Vijaya Dashami.

What are the benefits of doing Navratri Puja?

Worshipping the Goddess during the auspicious time period can bring a lot of benefits. One can receive wealth, prosperity in business and success in life after doing the puja.
One receives the divine blessings of Maa Durga after performing the Navratri puja.
People can also get rid of the sins performed during the previous births or the present life after performing this pooja.
Navratri pooja also helps to protect ourselves from bad spirits and to remove obstacles in life.
This pooja fulfils the wishes and desires of devotees performing it and relieved them from any diseases.

When should I perform Navratri Puja?

The date and time for performing the Navratri Puja are based on the Hindu Calendar. The dates are determined on the basis of Tithi and Nakshatras. Navratri Puja begins on the sixth day of Devi Paksha which is the beginning of the autumn season. This puja falls in the lunar month of Ashwin.

According to Hindu tithis, Navratri begins with Pratipada and ends with Navami. It is considered as the longest Hindu festival which is celebrated for nine days. Devotees worship Goddess Siddhidatri on the ninth day of Navratri which is the last and the most important day of Navratri. People celebrate the tenth day of Navratri as Vijayadashami to mark the victory of Lord Rama over demon Ravana.

See Panchang, Muhurat & Fast Timings for Navratri Puja & Maha Navami 2019 here

Which Goddesses are Worshipped during Navratri? (Navratri 9 Devi Names)

Navratri Day	Tithi	Goddess Worshipped	Poojas	Offerings	Colors of Navratri
29 September	Day 1 Pratipada	Shailaputri	Ghatsthapana, Chandra Darshan, Shailaputri Puja	Ghee	Orange
30 September	Day 2 Dwitiya	Brahmacharini	Brahmacharini Puja	Sugar	White
1 October	Day 3 Tritiya	Chandraghanta	Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja, Varad Vinayak Chauth	Ghee	Red
2 October	Day 4 Chaturthi	Kushmanda	Kushmanda Puja, Upang Lalita Vrat	Malupa	Royal Blue
3 October	Day 5 Panchami	Skandamata	Skandamata Puja	Bananas	Yellow
4 October	Day 6 Shashthi	Katyayini	Katyayini Puja	Honey	Green
5 October	Day 7 Saptami	Kaalratri	Kaalratri Puja, Saraswati Awahan	Jaggery	Grey
6 October	Day 8 Ashtami	Mahagauri	Mahagauri Puja, Saraswati Puja, Durga Ashtami, Sandhi Puja	Coconut	Purple
7 October	Day 9 Navami	Siddhidatri	Siddhidatri Puja, Maha Navami, Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa	Grains	Peacock Green
8 October	Day 10 Dashami	—	Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan, Vijaya Dashami	—

What are the Navratri Colors?

On Navratri, there is a tradition to wear dresses that represent the colours of Navratri on each of the 9 days. There are 9 different Navratri colours in 2019. Use these colours given below as a guide and make this Navratri more colourful. Navratri Color Sequence for 2019 below:

How to perform Navratri Puja in 2019?

Step by step guide and procedure to perform Navratri Pooja is:

The first day of Navratri starts with the installation of Goddess Durga idol or picture in a clean upper place at home.
Devotees should do early morning pooja of Goddess Durga at home.
Goddess is decorated with kumkum, akshat, garlands, dresses and an aarti is sung in praise of Goddess Durga.
Devotees can also observe fast on the first day of Navratri.
The same pooja procedure is done for the next 8 days till the last day of Navratri.
When the last day came, a big pooja is held for the Goddess. Various food items are made at home.
On the last day, a Kanya Bhoj is done where small children, especially girls, are first worshipped and later served with food.
After that, devotees should also have the Prasadam of Goddess Durga.

What are the requirements for Navratri Puja?

The materials required for the Navratri pooja are: idol of goddess, deepak, agarbatti, kapoor, sari for offering to the goddess, pooja book containing all the aartis, Ganga water, flowers, sandalwood, kumkum, rice, banana, coconut, cloves, cardamom,supari, gulal, decorated kalash.

What is the cost of performing Navratri Puja?

The cost of the puja varies depending upon the samagri. The cost of this puja ranges from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 depending upon the materials and consultation from the expert.

Garba Dance on Navratri

Garba dance is the most famous activity during Navratri and especially popular in Gujarat and Mumbai. Singing and dancing during Navratri is a part of festivity and fun and also a reason to dress up and catch up with your friends. It is also believed that singing and dancing in front of the Goddess is auspicious and brings good luck.

What are the other types of Navratri in a year?

Navratri Puja is also popularly known as ‘Durga Pooja.’ Very few people know that it is celebrated four times throughout the year. The name of four Navratri in a year are:

Paush/Magh Navratri (Jan-Feb)
Chaitra/Basanti Navratri (Mar-Apr)
Ashadh Navratri (Jun-Jul)
Shardiya Navratri (Sep-Oct) **Maha Navratri – Most Popular**

Only Shardiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri are celebrated all over India. While the Paush and Ashad Navratri are not celebrated by common people.

If you have any questions about Navratri, please leave your comment below and we will get back to you super-fast.