Aayudha Pooja – A Celebration of Tool worship
Aayudha Pooja is an important Hindu festival celebrated in India. It is celebrated on the ninth day of the Navratri festival. It is a day of worship and veneration of tools and weapons and is celebrated in honor of Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
History of Ayudha Pooja
Aayudha Pooja is believed to have originated during the Mahabharata period. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas had to spend 12 years in exile, during which they had to live like hermits and use weapons made of wood. On the ninth day of the Navratri festival, the Pandavas decided to worship their weapons and tools. This is believed to be the origin of Aayudha Pooja.
When to Celebrate Aayudha Pooja
Aayudha Pooja is celebrated on the ninth day of the Navratri festival. The festival usually falls in the month of October or November, depending on the Hindu calendar. In 2023, it will be celebrated on 23rd October.
Significance of Aayudha Pooja
Aayudha Pooja is a day of reverence and worship of tools and weapons. It is a day to honor and thank the tools and weapons that are used in our daily lives. It is also a day to thank the gods and goddesses for the knowledge and skills that are used to make the tools and weapons. It is said that Goddess Chamundeshwari slayed the demon king Mahishasur on this day.
How to Celebrate Aayudha Pooja
Aayudha Pooja is celebrated by worshipping tools, weapons, books, vehicles, machines, and other objects. People worship these items and offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings. On this day, people also clean and decorate their homes and workplaces.
On the day of the festival, people also perform rituals such as reading the scriptures, chanting mantras, and performing aarti. After the rituals, people exchange gifts and sweets with their family and friends.
Summary
Aayudha Pooja is an important Hindu festival celebrated in India. It is celebrated on the ninth day of the Navratri festival and is a day of worship and veneration of tools and weapons. The festival is believed to have originated during the Mahabharata period and is celebrated in honor of Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom. On this day, people worship tools, weapons, books, vehicles, machines, and other objects and offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings. People also clean and decorate their homes and workplaces and exchange gifts and sweets with their family and friends.
You can explore other festivals such as Aayudha Pooja and Chhath Puja.