Pujas and homas are forms of ritual worship that go back over 5,000 years. They are the result of research and development done by Vedic sages in over 10 million spiritual laboratories, with the aim of developing human potential and achieving ultimate flowering. These rituals benefit every dimension of life physiological, psychological, sociological, and ecological.
People from all walks of life can benefit from these energizing rituals. They can be used to decrease stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress syndrome, and to infuse bliss and peace for increased self-transformation. Scientific research and studies around the globe have shown that pujas and homas create harmony in individuals and the environment.
The law of karma holds that sorrow is the consequence of sins or trespasses against the universal law committed either in this life or in previous lives. These consequences manifest during certain periods in life. Vedic Astrology can predict many of these events and influences. The malefic effects we are destined to experience can be averted or mitigated through pujas and/or homas.
For purification of our actions, three factors are required:
(a) effort,
(b) time for results to materialize, and
(c) conducive circumstances.
The third factor, not under human control, is called Providence or divine grace. Grace plays a vital role in the materialization of results. The aim of pujas and homas is to invoke this grace so that circumstances become conducive for reaping the benefits of our efforts.
Puja
A true communion with the divine. It is a sacred ritual performed to keep us in harmony with cosmic forces, thereby removing and overcoming the sorrows of life and bringing spiritual advancement. By performing pujas or homas, we create thoughts and vibrations of spiritual forces around us, which eliminate negative forces and surround us with positive energy.
Homa
A sacrificial ceremony and an important devotional practice. Homa refers to any ritual in which offerings are made into a consecrated fire. During the homa, the priest offers various materials into the fire, symbolizing the offering of our thoughts and emotions.
Birth Star (Nakshatra)
According to Vedic Astrology, the moon takes 27 days to complete one circumambulation of the earth. Hence, the zodiac is divided into 27 regions, each containing recognizable constellations of stars. Vedic astrologers can help determine your birth star based on date, place, and time of birth.
Do I need to know my birth star/chart?
Not necessarily, but it helps. Like a zip code for an address, the birth chart/star gives a clearer picture of which pujas or homas are needed, when, and for how long.
What if I don’t know when I was born?
Participation in pujas or homas is always beneficial, even without birth details. The merit earned will fructify at appropriate times, either now or in the future.
How do I select a puja/homa?
You may refer to the puja/homa brochure or consult a Vedic astrologer.
List of Pujas & Homas
Maha Lakshmi
For favorable situations in all endeavors and undertakings. For auspicious beginnings, marriage, positive vibrations in the house, recovery from losses, removal of obstacles, and success in one’s mission.
Planetary / Navagraha
According to Vedic Astrology, the nine planets influence our lives. Navagraha puja strengthens weakened planets, increases their positive influence, pacifies malefic planets, and neutralizes negative effects.
Karuka / Ayush
For the welfare and health of children. Performed soon after birth to ward off evil influences and ensure longevity. Also performed on birthdays to create positive influences for the coming year.
Swayamvara
Suitable for overcoming marriage obstacles, finding a suitable partner, or beginning a new relationship.
Tila
For peace and harmony of departed souls. Performed 41 days after death or later. Through this homa, the souls of seven generations attain salvation and the family receives blessings.
Maha Lakshmi
Invokes the Goddess of both material and spiritual wealth. Brings fortune, joy, fulfillment of desires, business growth, relief from debts and poverty, and hope even in dark times.
Saraswathy
For students. Facilitates learning, emotional stability, comprehension, focus, creativity, intelligence, increased IQ, moral reasoning, and emotional maturity.
Umamahesvara
For unity and harmony between spouses or partners. Ideal for matrimonial happiness and removing hindrances in married life. Often performed on the day of marriage.
Maha Mrityunjaya
Safeguards against dangers, ensures longevity, promotes robust health, wards off life-threatening diseases, instills courage to fight illness, and prevents unnatural death.
Siva
Promotes energetic physique, boosts brain functioning, minimizes disease, ensures overall health of body and mind, quick recovery from surgery or illness, and relief from sudden problems.
Maha Sudarsana
Protects against dangers and evil forces. Beneficial for those affected by black magic. Nullifies negative energies, prevents future dangers, and reduces addictions.
Vishnu
Promotes harmony among family members, longevity, inner tranquility, and relief from relationship problems. Traditionally performed to honor and bring peace to departed souls.
Subrahmanya
Boosts leadership skills, courage, vitality, excellence in martial arts, and positive energy. Helps face difficult situations with confidence.
Kali
Reduces depression, keeps negativity at bay, brings divine energy, cleanses negative emotions, diminishes ego, and provides protection, purification, and spiritual elevation.
Durga
For those suffering from negative impacts in life. Helps overcome fears, blesses women with strength, and improves the relationship between oneself and one’s mother.
Bhagavathi / Santhoshima
Promotes energetic physique, boosts brain functioning, minimizes disease, ensures overall health of body and mind, quick recovery from surgery or illness, and relief from sudden problems.
Siva-Sakthi / Lakshmi Narayana
For harmony, happiness, and spiritual advancement in married life. Resolves discord, balances masculine and feminine energies, and removes obstacles in spiritual or business paths.
Karthika
Performed elaborately every month on Amma’s birth-star date. Combines the powers of both Kali and Durga.