Ayudha Puja
Ayudha Puja means ‘Worship of tools or instruments’ and is a very important part of the Navaratri festival. It is celebrated on the 9th day or navami tithi of Navaratri festival. Demon King Mahishasur was killed by Goddess Durga Devi after 8 days of fierce battle between the two. After killing the Demon king, weapons of the Goddess were kept for worship. To commemorate this, people keep aside one day to pray for the tools and instruments that are used for their daily living.
Ayudha Puja is celebrated on the last day of Navratri and before Dussehra. In many places, especially in South Indian, Ayudha Pooja is also celebrated as Saraswati Pooja.
Ayudha Puja 2020 is on October 25 Sunday
Significance of Ayudha Puja
As per mythology, the demon Mahishasura and his group of other demonswere believed to be slain by Chamundaswari. So, this victory is celebrated on Ayudha Puja.
Another mythological belief is that Arjuna his tools in a tree while he was in exile. Then later on a day before Vijayadashmi, he collected his tools and went for the war at Kurukshetra. History shows that he had won the war and from then on, people keep one day aside to bless all items that are used for daily living.
Then the day after that it is taken to start new work and that day is named as Vijayadashami.
Rituals of Ayudha Puja
After the eighth day of Navaratri, all the weapons and tools are placed in front of the Goddess to gain her blessings and favour. Whatever tool or equipment needs to be blessed, will have to be cleaned, polished before presenting to the Goddess.
Then a mix of fresh turmeric and sandalwood paste is prepared and a tilak is placed in the centre of the tool. Prior to the celebration, they are arranged on a platform and decorated with flowers.
For students, this is a time, when they can keep books and all their study material for receving blessings to perform well. Devotees should take care that these items should not be disturbed and bhajans and pujas should be conducted during the whole time.
Which Goddesses are given importance on Ayudha Puja?
For the Ayudha Puja, Saraswati (The Goddess of Wisdom), Parvati( The Divine Mother) and last Lakshmi Devi (The Goddess of Wealth) is given importance on this day.
