Hindu Rituals & Pujas
Explore Hindu rituals and pujas for every occasion. From daily prayers to festival celebrations, learn the what, why, and how.
Daily Aarti
A simple daily prayer performed with a lit lamp to honor the divine. This is the most common Hindu prayer and can be done morning or evening in just 10-15 minutes.
Durga Puja
A prayer to Goddess Durga, the divine mother and protector. She represents the triumph of good over evil. Durga Puja is central to Navratri celebrations and is especially popular during the nine nights of Navratri.
Ekadashi Vrat
A sacred fasting observance on the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Ekadashi is considered the most important of all vrats in the Vaishnava tradition. There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, each with its own name and story. Fasting on Ekadashi purifies the body, mind, and soul, and is said to grant the merit of great spiritual austerities.
Friday Lakshmi Vrat (Shukravar Vrat)
A weekly fasting observance on Fridays dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Santoshi Mata. Friday (Shukravar) is the sacred day for worshipping the Goddess of wealth, abundance, and marital harmony. The Shukravar Vrat is especially popular among married women seeking prosperity and family well-being. Sixteen consecutive Fridays (Solah Shukravar) is the traditional observance.
Ganesh Puja
A prayer to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles. Traditionally performed before starting any new venture, journey, or important event. Ganesh is the most widely worshipped deity across all Hindu traditions.
Gayatri Mantra Japa
A guided practice for chanting the Gayatri Mantra, the most revered and powerful mantra of the Vedas. Addressed to Savitri (the solar deity), the Gayatri Mantra is a prayer for the illumination of the intellect and is chanted during the three sandhya (transitional) times of the day — sunrise, noon, and sunset. This guide covers the complete japa practice including pranayama preparation, sankalpa, 108 recitations, and closing meditation.
Hanuman Chalisa
The Hanuman Chalisa is a 40-verse devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the symbol of strength, courage, and devotion. Reciting it on Tuesdays and Saturdays is considered especially powerful for removing fear and obstacles.
Hanuman Chalisa Path
A guided practice for reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, the beloved forty-verse devotional hymn composed by the great saint-poet Tulsidas in the 16th century. The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most widely recited prayers in Hinduism, known for its power to invoke Hanuman's protection, remove fear, and bestow courage and devotion. It is traditionally recited on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and is considered a complete prayer in itself.
Hanuman Puja
A devotional worship of Lord Hanuman, the mighty devotee of Lord Rama, embodiment of strength, courage, and selfless service. Hanuman Puja is traditionally performed on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This guide includes the essential Sindoor Chola offering and Hanuman Chalisa recitation that form the core of Hanuman worship.
Krishna Puja
A loving devotional worship of Lord Krishna, the divine cowherd and Supreme Personality of Godhead. This puja emphasizes shringar (adornment), bhog (food offering), and the devotional relationship between the bhakta and the Lord. Perfect for Janmashtami, daily worship, or whenever the heart yearns for Krishna's grace.
Lakshmi Puja
A prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. Especially important during Diwali, on Fridays, and when seeking blessings for financial well-being and abundance.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra Japa
A guided practice for chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, the great death-conquering mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva as Mrityunjaya (conqueror of death). This is one of the most ancient and powerful healing mantras from the Rig Veda. It is chanted for health, protection, longevity, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The mantra was revealed by Rishi Markandeya, who conquered death itself through its power.
Monday Shiva Vrat (Somvar Vrat)
A weekly fasting observance on Mondays dedicated to Lord Shiva. Monday (Somvar) is Shiva's sacred day. The Somvar Vrat is especially popular during the month of Shravan (July-August) when it is called Shravan Somvar Vrat and is considered most powerful. Sixteen consecutive Mondays (Solah Somvar) is another popular vrat observed for fulfilling specific prayers.
Navagraha Puja
A prayer to the nine celestial bodies (planets) in Hindu astrology. Navagraha Puja helps balance planetary influences in your life and is recommended when facing challenges related to career, health, or relationships.
Pradosh Vrat
A sacred fasting observance on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of each lunar fortnight, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pradosh Kaal — the auspicious twilight period between sunset and nightfall — is when Lord Shiva performs his cosmic Tandava dance. Worshipping Shiva during this time is said to grant immense spiritual merit and fulfil sincere prayers. Maha Pradosh (falling on Saturday) is considered especially powerful.
Rudrabhishek
A powerful sacred bathing ceremony (abhishek) of the Shiva Linga accompanied by chanting of the Rudram hymn. Rudrabhishek is one of the most potent Shiva worship rituals, performed for spiritual purification, healing, and inner peace.
Saraswati Puja
A prayer to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, art, and learning. Students and artists especially worship Saraswati for blessings in education and creative pursuits. Celebrated during Vasant Panchami.
Satyanarayan Puja
A popular prayer to Lord Vishnu (as Satyanarayan) for prosperity, good fortune, and fulfillment of wishes. Commonly performed on Purnima (full moon day), after achievements, or during housewarming celebrations.
Shiva Abhishekam
A sacred bathing ceremony for Lord Shiva performed on the Shiva Lingam. Abhishekam is one of the most powerful forms of Shiva worship, involving the ritual pouring of sacred substances over the Lingam. Traditionally performed on Mondays and during Pradosh kaal, this guide covers the Panchamrit and Jal Abhishekam with Bilva Patra offering.
Shiva Puja
A prayer to Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer. Shiva Puja involves the sacred ritual of Abhishek (pouring offerings over the Shiva Linga). Especially powerful on Mondays and during Shravan month.
Surya Namaskar Puja
A morning worship of Surya Dev (the Sun God), combining physical prostration with sacred water offering and mantra chanting. Surya Puja is best performed at sunrise facing the east. This ancient practice harmonizes body, mind, and spirit, invoking the life-giving energy of the sun for health, vitality, and spiritual illumination.
Surya Prayer
An ancient prayer to Surya, the Sun God, performed at sunrise. This practice combines mantras with the offering of water and is believed to boost health, vitality, and spiritual energy. The Gayatri Mantra is the most sacred Vedic chant.
Tulsi Puja
A daily worship of the sacred Tulsi (Holy Basil) plant, revered as a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi and considered the most beloved plant of Lord Vishnu. Tulsi Puja is an integral part of Vaishnava daily devotion and is performed every evening at dusk. The worship is simple yet profoundly significant — lighting a lamp at the Tulsi plant brings auspiciousness to the entire household.
Vishnu Puja
A devotional worship of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. This puja follows the traditional Vaishnava format with emphasis on Tulsi (holy basil) offering and Panchamrit snan. Ideal for daily home worship or special occasions like Ekadashi and Vishnu Jayanti.
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