Monthly (masik/maasik) pujas observed
Many
pujas (worship rituals) are observed throughout the year, each pulsating with
deity significance and practices. These pujas offer devotees opportunities to
connect with the divine and seek blessings for various aspects of life. Let’s
explore some prominent monthly (masik/maasik) pujas observed in Hindu homes:
Monthly Hindu Pujas:
Monthly Regular Puja |
Day (Panchang) |
Puja Significance |
Deity Worshiped |
|
1. |
Masik Durgashtami |
Shukla
Ashtami |
Divine
Protection, Inner Strength, Well-being |
Ma
Durga (Shakti) |
2. |
Masik Kalashtami |
Krishna
Ashtami |
Protection
from Negativity, Vanquishing Inner Demons |
Bhairava
(Shiva) |
3. |
Masik Purnima |
Full
Moon |
Auspicious
Observances (varies by region) |
Vishnu
(South India), Peace & Prosperity (North India) |
4. |
Masik Sankranti |
Sun’s
Transition to New Zodiac Sign |
Good
Harvest, Health, Prosperity |
Surya
(Sun God) |
5. |
Masik Ekadashi |
Shukla
& Krishna Ekadashi |
Spiritual
Growth, Liberation |
Vishnu |
6. |
Masik Shivaratri |
Krishna
Chaturdashi |
Peace,
Knowledge, Liberation |
Shiva |
7. |
Masik Ganesh Chaturthi |
Shukla
Chaturthi |
Removing
Obstacles, Success |
Ganesha |
1. Masik Durgashtami (Shukla Ashtami): Celebrating Divine
Protection: Every month, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the waxing moon (Shukla
Paksha), devotees invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga during Masik
Durgashtami. They seek her divine protection, inner strength, and overall
well-being.
2. Masik Kalashtami (Krishna Ashtami): Seeking Refuge
from Negativity: Observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the waning moon
(Krishna Paksha) each month, Masik Kalashtami honors Lord Bhairava, a fierce
aspect of Shiva. Devotees perform pujas seeking his protection from negativity
and the vanquishing of inner demons.
3. Masik Purnima (Full Moon): A Day of Auspicious
Observances: The full moon day (Purnima) of every month holds special
significance. Regional variations exist in puja practices. In South India, it’s
associated with worshipping Lord Vishnu and chanting sacred hymns. North Indian
devotees might perform pujas seeking peace and prosperity.
4. Masik Sankranti: Aligning with the Sun’s Journey: Marking
the Sun’s transition into a new zodiac sign every month, Sankranti is celebrated
with pujas and prayers offered to Surya, the Sun God. Devotees seek his
blessings for a bountiful harvest, good health, and overall prosperity.
5. Masik Ekadashi: Embracing Spiritual Growth: This puja
falls on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of both waxing and waning moon phases.
Devotees observe fasting and perform pujas dedicated to Lord Vishnu, seeking
his blessings for spiritual growth and liberation.
6. Masik Shivaratri: Honoring the Destroyer and Transformer: Observed
on the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) each
month, this puja honors Lord Shiva. Devotees worship him through fasting,
prayers, and offerings, seeking blessings for peace, knowledge, and liberation.
7. Masik Ganesh Chaturthi: Removing Obstacles for Success:
While primarily a ten-day festival, some communities observe a monthly Ganesh
Chaturthi on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha).
Devotees worship Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles,
seeking his blessings for success in their endeavors.
Exploring
Specific Day wise Deity Pujas: Certain days throughout the week are dedicated
to
specific deities:
Weekly Day, Deities and Blessings:
Week-Day |
Deity |
Blessings |
Sunday |
Surya (Sun God) |
Good health,
prosperity, success |
Monday |
Lord Shiva |
Peace, removal
of obstacles, spiritual progress |
Tuesday |
Hanuman |
Strength,
courage, overcoming challenges |
Wednesday |
Ganesha |
Removing
obstacles, wisdom, success in undertakings |
Thursday |
Lord Vishnu |
Wealth,
prosperity, overall well-being |
Friday |
Goddess Lakshmi |
Wealth,
abundance, good fortune |
Saturday |
Shani (Saturn
God) |
Overcoming
difficulties, patience, justice |
Weekly Pujas are performed on specific
days dedicated to specific deities.