Significance of Ayudha puja

In this universe, nothing is significant or everything is significant. Something as small as a needle also has a purpose. Without a needle you can’t stitch and wear the clothes you are wearing. So, tiny things also add meaning to our lives. Ayudha Puja is the day to honor and feel grateful for all the instruments that add meaning to our life. From small things like pins, knives, scissors, and spanners to large machinery, cars and buses, etc., are all honored as part of one Divinity.

In a way, everything in this world is important.

Ayudha Puja is a day to honor and feel gratitude for the non living things that add meaning to our lives.

“If you are filled with reverence for everything, life is so full.” - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

When we feel reverence for things that help us live life in an easier way, we find contentment in all that we have. Our mind no longer gets ensnared with desires to have more and more. But, how does the simple act of worshipping an object bring fulfillment?

Gurudev says often you do not have reverence for that which you own. Whatever you revere becomes bigger than you. When you have reverence for the whole universe, you come into harmony with it. Then, you do not need to reject or renounce anything of this universe. Reverence in ownership frees you from greed, and jealousy automatically.

In addition, when we revere things, we indirectly worship our mind that conceived them. And our mind is nothing but divinity. All the thoughts that come to the mind to create an airplane, a camera, a mic, etc. have all come from the same source, i.e., the Devi.

This is what we chant in the Chandi Homa performed on the eighth day of Navratri, 'Ya devi sarva bhuteshu buddhi rupena samsthita' (the Divine Goddess who resides in all beings in the form of intelligence, I bow down to You). It succinctly describes that it is one divinity which manifests itself as the intellect in all beings.

When we realize everything is a part of divinity, deep rest comes to the mind.

This Navratri, bring your mind to deep fulfillment and rest by worshipping all that you have. Even the little things in your life hold the power to spiritually elevate you.

Ayudha Puja 2017

This year, it falls on September 29.

Ayudha Puja rituals

On this day all instruments - big and small - are cleaned and worshipped. The small and medium-sized things are placed on a pedestal and decorated with flowers. Vermillion is also applied to them as a part of the worship ritual.

With inputs from Prajakti Deshmukh, Faculty, The Art of Living.