Worship of Lord Subramaniya

Worship of Lord Subramaniya
Introduction to Lord Subramaniya
Lord Subramaniya, also known as Kartikeya, Murugan, or Skanda, is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is revered as the God of War, victory, and wisdom in Hinduism. Lord Subramaniya is depicted as a youthful warrior with a spear (vel) in his hand, often accompanied by a peacock, symbolizing beauty and grace. He embodies bravery, strength, and the power to overcome challenges, making him a beloved deity among devotees.

Significance of Worshiping Lord Subramaniya
God of Victory: Lord Subramaniya is invoked for success in battles and challenges, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. His blessings are sought for overcoming obstacles and achieving victory in various endeavors.

Spiritual Enlightenment: He is considered a symbol of knowledge and wisdom, guiding devotees toward spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Protection from Negativity: Worshiping Lord Subramaniya helps to ward off evil influences and negative energies, providing safety and protection to devotees.

Patron of the Arts: Lord Subramaniya is also associated with music and arts, inspiring creativity and artistic expression among his followers.

Rituals of Worshiping Lord Subramaniya
1. Preparation for Worship
Choose an Auspicious Day: The most favorable days for worshiping Lord Subramaniya include Skanda Shashti, Thai Poosam, and Aadi Krittika. However, he can be worshipped anytime with devotion.

Gather Puja Materials: Collect the necessary items, including:

An idol or image of Lord Subramaniya
Fresh flowers (especially red and yellow)
Fruits, sweets, and other food offerings
Incense sticks and a diya (lamp)
A peacock feather (optional, symbolizing Lord Subramaniya)
2. Puja Procedure
A. Invocation
Clean the Puja Space: Begin by cleaning the altar and surrounding area to create a sacred environment for worship.

Prepare the Idol: Place the idol or image of Lord Subramaniya on the altar. Decorate it with flowers, particularly red hibiscus and yellow flowers, which are auspicious for his worship.

B. Offerings
Purification (Achaman): Start with Achaman, sipping water three times and reciting the mantra “Om Saravanabhavaya Namah” to purify yourself.

Prayers and Mantras: Recite prayers and mantras dedicated to Lord Subramaniya, such as:

Kartikeya Stotra
Murugan Mantra (“Om Saravanabhavaya Namah”).
Offer Flowers and Fruits: Present fresh flowers, fruits, sweets, and other offerings while chanting your chosen prayers. Lighting incense sticks enhances the sacred atmosphere.

C. Aarti and Concluding Prayers
Perform Aarti: Offer Aarti to Lord Subramaniya while singing devotional songs, moving the lighted lamp in a circular motion in front of the deity.

Concluding Prayers: Thank Lord Subramaniya for his blessings and guidance, seeking his help in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

3. Post-Puja Rituals
Prasad Distribution: Share the prasad (blessed food) with family and friends, ensuring everyone receives the divine blessings from the worship.

Reflect and Meditate: Spend some time in meditation, focusing on the qualities of Lord Subramaniya, inviting his strength, wisdom, and protection into your life.

Benefits of Worshiping Lord Subramaniya
Victory over Obstacles: Regular worship of Lord Subramaniya is believed to provide devotees with the strength to overcome challenges and achieve success in various aspects of life.

Spiritual Growth: The worship promotes spiritual awakening, guiding devotees toward a deeper understanding of themselves and their purpose.

Protection from Negativity: Worship helps to shield devotees from negative energies, ensuring a safe and secure environment.

Enhanced Creativity: Lord Subramaniya inspires creativity and artistic expression, benefiting those involved in the arts and other creative fields.

Conclusion
Worship of Lord Subramaniya is a profound and empowering ritual that emphasizes the qualities of bravery, wisdom, and victory. By performing this worship with devotion and sincerity, devotees can seek his blessings for protection, strength, and success in their endeavors. Incorporating the worship of Lord Subramaniya into your spiritual practice can lead to significant empowerment and liberation from obstacles.