Know the details about the Masik Karthigai Pooja Vidhanam Items List Prasadam Recipe, Masik Karthigai Pooja Vidhanam Step By Step Process
Masik Karthigai Pooja Vidhanam: A Complete Guide
Masik Karthigai, observed every month when the star Krittika (Karthigai) coincides with the Purnima (full moon) or the Amavasya (new moon), is a significant day for devotees of Lord Murugan (also known as Kartikeya). This guide provides detailed information on the pooja vidhanam (procedure), required items, prasadam recipe, and other essential details.
Masik Karthigai Pooja Vidhanam Items List Prasadam Recipe
About Masik Karthigai
Masik Karthigai is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati. It is believed that performing this pooja brings prosperity, protects against negative energies, and fulfills the devotee’s desires. The festival is especially important in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India.
Required Items for Pooja
Before starting the pooja, gather the following items:
- Idol or Picture of Lord Murugan: For worship.
- Kumkum (Vermilion): For tilak.
- Turmeric Powder: For offerings.
- Flowers: Preferably red flowers like hibiscus.
- Incense sticks and Dhoop: For fragrance.
- Lamp (Diya): Filled with ghee or oil.
- Camphor (Kapoor): For aarti.
- Coconut: For breaking during the pooja.
- Bananas and other fruits: As naivedyam or offering.
- Betel Leaves and Nuts: For offering.
- Rice and Sandalwood Paste: For tilak and offerings.
- Milk, Honey, and Panchamrit: For abhishekam.
- Red Cloth: To place the idol or picture.
Step-by-Step Pooja Procedure
- Purification: Clean the pooja area and take a bath to purify yourself.
- Setup: Place the idol or picture of Lord Murugan on a clean red cloth.
- Invocation: Light the lamp and incense sticks. Offer flowers to Lord Murugan while chanting mantras.
- Abhishekam: Perform Abhishekam by bathing the idol with milk, honey, and Panchamrit. Wash again with water.
- Decoration: Adorn the idol with fresh flowers, sandalwood paste, and kumkum.
- Offerings: Offer coconut, bananas, other fruits, betel leaves, and nuts to Lord Murugan.
- Chanting: Recite Kanda Sashti Kavacham, Subramanya Bhujangam, or any favorite Murugan mantra.
- Prayers: Pray with sincerity, seeking blessings and protection.
- Aarti: Perform aarti with camphor while ringing the bell.
- Prasadam: Conclude the pooja by distributing the prasadam among family members.
Prasadam Recipe: Neivedyam Payasam
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup jaggery
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 tablespoon cashews
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
Preparation
- Wash the rice thoroughly and drain the water.
- In a pot, heat ghee and roast the cashews and raisins until golden brown. Set aside.
- Add the rice to the same pot and roast lightly in the remaining ghee.
- Pour in the milk and cook the rice until it becomes soft.
- Add jaggery to the cooked rice and stir well until it dissolves completely.
- Mix in the cardamom powder and the roasted cashews and raisins.
- Offer the payasam as prasadam to Lord Murugan during the pooja.
- Distribute the prasadam among family members after the pooja.
Things to Know
- Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast on Masik Karthigai, consuming only fruits and milk.
- Mantras: Reciting “Om Saravanabhava” and other Murugan mantras throughout the day is considered auspicious.
- Timings: Perform the pooja during the Nakshatra Krittika for maximum benefits.
- Homam: Some devotees perform a homam (fire ritual) as part of the Karthigai festivities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the significance of Masik Karthigai? A: Masik Karthigai is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is believed to bring prosperity, protect against negative energies, and fulfill the devotee’s desires.
Q: Can women participate in Masik Karthigai pooja? A: Yes, women can participate and observe the pooja with devotion.
Q: What should I eat during the fast? A: Devotees usually consume fruits, milk, and water. Some also have one meal of satvik food.
Q: Is it necessary to perform homam on Masik Karthigai? A: While performing a homam is beneficial, it is not compulsory. Devotees can perform the pooja at home with devotion.
Q: Can I perform the pooja at home? A: Yes, you can perform the pooja at home by following the proper procedure and maintaining cleanliness and sanctity.
Observing Masik Karthigai with devotion and sincerity brings immense spiritual benefits. This guide aims to help you perform the pooja correctly and seek the blessings of Lord Murugan for a prosperous life.