Being a Hindu, I grew up learning the importance of both Karma and Dharma in life and how establishing its balance can lead us to ultimate salvation. What I also learned was that there was a divine power, which controlled the fruit of our actions.
In Hinduism, ‘puja’ is an act of reverence offered to God or the divine power, whichever one believes. It is done through invocations, singing bhajans, chanting mantras and performing sacred rituals. It is a way through which a Hindu makes a divine connection with his/her deity.
Pujas are important events in the lives of Hindu devotees. Even with our fast-paced lives and strict schedules, we try to make time to offer pujas in order to seek God’s blessings and ensure a prosperous life.
According to sacred scriptures, the following pujas are believed to carry powerful blessings of Gods and Goddess; whosoever performs these pujas with pure intention and devotion is believed to have all their desires fulfilled.
#1. Ganesh Puja
Lord Ganesh is one of the most important deities in Hinduism and no other pooja can be performed without worshipping him first. However, even an exclusive pooja of Lord Ganesh has many amazing benefits for a devotee’s life. Ganesh Pooja ushers in good health, wealth, prosperity, and success.
#2. Lakshmi Puja
Maa Lakshmi is one of the key forms of Shakti and is widely revered by her devotees. She is one of the Trimurti goddesses of Hinduism, along with Durga and Saraswati. No wonder, Lakshmi Pooja offers many key benefits for a person’s life.
#3. Shanidev Puja
The offering of oil to Swayambhu Shanidev at the holy shrine of Shingnapur is the most powerful remedy for Shani Dosha. Devotees from across the nation visit Shanidev’s temple at Shingnapur to perform tel-abhishekam, which also gets rid of bad karmic influences, marital and personal problems, besides eliminating Shani Dosh completely.
#4. Parthiv Shivling Puja
Parthiv Shivling Pooja is a special pooja dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Parthiv Shivling is a Shivling made of mud/sand. As many as 108 Parthi Shivlings are made on the banks of the holy Ganga river, with abhishek being performed on your behalf. This pooja can be done at the Omkareshwar and Kashi Jyotirlinga temples and has several benefits. It is an effective cure for Grah Dosh, diseases, misfortune, accidents and reduces stress as well.
#5. Kaalsarp Dosh Nivarana Puja
Kaalsarp Yog exists when all seven planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury) are aligned between Rahu and Ketu. People born during this period are said to be suffering from misfortune and death-like painful experiences throughout their lives. The Kaalsarp Dosh Nivaran Pooja is quite effective in removing the negative effects of Kaalsarp Dosh, which immensely improves the lives of devotees.
#6. Mangal Dosh Nivarana Puja
Mars or Mangal is a fiery planet and one of the main Navagrahas that hugely influence life on earth. Mangal Dosh Nivarana Pooja removes obstacles in personal and professional life, gets rid of Manglik Dosh, and encourages positive thoughts and actions.