Know the details about the Sri Lalitha Devi Vratham Shodashopachara Pooja Vidhanam Story, Sri Lalitha Devi Vratham Shodashopachara Pooja
Sri Lalitha Devi Vratham: A Comprehensive Guide to Shodashopachara Pooja
Sri Lalitha Devi Vratham is a revered ritual dedicated to Goddess Lalitha Devi, an incarnation of Parvati. This vratham involves the Shodashopachara Pooja, which means the worship of the deity with sixteen offerings. This article provides detailed information on the items required, pooja procedure, cost range, timings, mantras, prasadam recipe, and other essential aspects.
About Sri Lalitha Devi Vratham
Sri Lalitha Devi Vratham is performed to seek blessings from the goddess for prosperity, health, and happiness. It is believed to remove obstacles, grant desires, and bring peace to the household. Devotees perform this vratham with utmost devotion, following traditional rituals meticulously.
Complete Story
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Lalitha Devi is a form of Goddess Parvati who emerged to vanquish the demon Bhandasura. The story symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the divine power that protects devotees from negativity.
Shodashopachara Pooja: Items List
To perform the Shodashopachara Pooja, you need the following items:
- Kalasham (sacred pot)
- Coconut
- Mango Leaves
- Sandalwood Paste
- Kumkum (vermilion)
- Turmeric
- Flowers and Garlands
- Incense Sticks
- Camphor
- Betel Leaves and Nuts
- Fruits
- Prasadam (offering)
- Rice
- Lamp and Oil
- Milk, Honey, Ghee, Curd, and Sugar (Panchamrit)
- Holy Water
Pooja Procedure
Preparation
- Place the Kalasham: Fill the Kalasham with holy water, place mango leaves around the neck, and a coconut on top.
- Decorate the Area: Arrange flowers, light the lamp, and place all the required items neatly.
Shodashopachara Pooja Steps
- Dhyanam (Meditation): Meditate and invoke Goddess Lalitha Devi.
- Avahanam (Invocation): Invite the goddess to reside in the Kalasham.
- Asanam (Offering Seat): Offer a seat to the goddess with flowers.
- Padya (Washing Feet): Wash the feet of the goddess symbolically with water.
- Arghya (Offering Water): Offer water mixed with sandalwood paste.
- Achamaniyam (Sipping Water): Offer water for sipping.
- Snanam (Bathing): Bathe the deity with Panchamrit (milk, honey, ghee, curd, and sugar).
- Vastram (Clothing): Offer new clothes or a symbolic piece of cloth.
- Yajnopavita (Sacred Thread): Offer a sacred thread.
- Gandham (Sandalwood Paste): Apply sandalwood paste.
- Pushpam (Flowers): Offer flowers and garlands.
- Dhoopam (Incense): Light incense sticks.
- Deepam (Lamp): Light the lamp and offer.
- Naivedyam (Food Offering): Offer fruits and prepared prasadam.
- Tambulam (Betel Leaves and Nuts): Offer betel leaves and nuts.
- Neerajanam (Aarti): Perform aarti with camphor and sing hymns.
Cost Range
The cost of performing Sri Lalitha Devi Vratham can vary based on the scale of the ritual and items used:
- Basic Setup: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000
- Elaborate Setup: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
- Professional Puja Services: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
Timings
The best time to perform Sri Lalitha Devi Vratham is during the early morning hours, ideally between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. However, it can also be conducted in the evening before sunset.
Mantra
Chanting the Lalitha Sahasranamam (a thousand names of Goddess Lalitha) is integral to the vratham. Here is a simple mantra for beginners:
Om Aim Hreem Shreem Lalithambikayei Namaha
Prasadam Recipe
Sweet Pongal Recipe
- Ingredients
- Rice: 1 cup
- Moong Dal: 1/4 cup
- Jaggery: 1 cup (grated)
- Ghee: 4 tablespoons
- Cashews: 10
- Raisins: 10
- Cardamom Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Water: 4 cups
- Milk: 1 cup
- Procedure
- Dry roast moong dal until golden brown.
- Cook rice and roasted moong dal with water and milk in a pressure cooker.
- Melt jaggery in a pan with a little water and strain to remove impurities.
- Mix the jaggery syrup with the cooked rice and dal mixture.
- Heat ghee in a pan, fry cashews and raisins, and add to the pongal.
- Add cardamom powder and mix well.
- Offer the sweet pongal as prasadam.
Things to Know Before Performing
- Cleanliness: Ensure the area and items used are clean and pure.
- Traditional Attire: Wear traditional clothes while performing the vratham.
- Devotion: Perform the rituals with utmost devotion and concentration.
- Preparation: Gather all items beforehand to avoid interruptions during the pooja.
FAQ
What is Sri Lalitha Devi Vratham?
Sri Lalitha Devi Vratham is a sacred ritual dedicated to Goddess Lalitha Devi, involving the Shodashopachara Pooja, which means worship with sixteen offerings.
What items are needed for Shodashopachara Pooja?
Items include Kalasham, coconut, mango leaves, sandalwood paste, kumkum, turmeric, flowers, incense sticks, camphor, betel leaves, fruits, prasadam, rice, lamp, Panchamrit, and holy water.
How much does it cost to perform the vratham?
The cost ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 depending on the scale of the ritual and items used.
When is the best time to perform Sri Lalitha Devi Vratham?
The best time is early morning between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, but it can also be done in the evening before sunset.
What mantra should I chant during the vratham?
Chant the Lalitha Sahasranamam or the simple mantra: “Om Aim Hreem Shreem Lalithambikayei Namaha.”
How do I prepare prasadam for the vratham?
Sweet Pongal is a common prasadam. Follow the recipe provided to prepare it.
Performing Sri Lalitha Devi Vratham with devotion and adherence to traditions brings immense blessings and spiritual fulfillment. By understanding the procedure, items needed, and significance, devotees can conduct the vratham with greater confidence and reverence.