Celebrations for Ayudha Pooja and the history behind
Posted on: 29/Sep/2017 10:04:45 AM
The 9th day of Navarathri festival is celebrated as Ayuda Pooja. It involves worshiping all the tools that help us in our living. It is widely believed that worshiping all the tools on this day will purity them.
In south India, this day is also referred as Saraswathi Pooja. On this day, children keep all their text books and study materials in front of goddess Saraswathi – the god of education. Further, the day is also referred as the day of victory for Goddess Durga for having won over the demon Mahisasura.
History behind Ayudha Pooja
History believes this day as the celebration of victory over evil, as this was the day Goddess Durga took up the form of Chamudeshwari and killed Mahishasura, the demon king. After defeating him, none of his weapons were put to use by Chamundeshwari. They were rather kept aside and worshiped. And there is one more story for the eve. It is said that on Vijaya Dasami, lord Arjuna took away weapons out of Shanmi Tree. These weapons were kept hidden during his 14 years period of exile. Upon returning from the exile period, he is said to have retrieved all his weapons and entered warfront to battle with Karakas, and then in Kurukshetra war which was then a great success. So the story ends stating that this day is very auspicious and ideal for kick-starting new business or to embark on new activities in life.
Legends also state that Ayuda Pooja refers to sacrifice offered before and after the battle. Though it is not widely in practice, a few people still follow the practice of sacrificing buffalo or sheep on this day. This practice is even evident in Mahabharatha story. It is called the Kalapalli, meaning sacrifice made for success.
Customs and traditions followed
On this day, the very first work is to clean all the tools that help us in our living. All these are made bright and clean. This is followed by applying sandalwood paste and kumkum. In the evening, on alter, we place Saraswathi’s picture and decorate it with flowers and petals. In front of this, all children study books, office account books, important tools and others are kept for worship.
Cleaning things also includes washing the car and bikes we use at home, the home appliances and other tools. On the day of Pooja, we do not take out any of the book or other things placed on the altar. On the following day, a small Pooja should be performed and then the items are taken out and used for sure.
The festival usually falls in September or October. We can observe sale of flowers and color papers and Thoran all along the road sides. Several rituals are performed on this day all over.
Special offerings
There is nothing in specific prepared for the occasion. Rather, puffed rice with jaggery is the prominent offering done at households, business places, etc. It will then be distributed to all co-workers and family members. Most people do not eat non-vegetarian dishes on this day.
Live Chennai wishes you all a very Happy Ayudha Pooja.
