Nakshatra Pujas

It is often mentioned in Skandapurana that the Lord favours devotees who undertake pradakshina, tapas and austerities at Arunachala and that wheresoever the Arunachaleswarar Linga is worshipped; physical or mental ailments will not be experienced.

 

Offerings during 27 Nakshatras

Depending upon the ruling star, it is appropriate to make different offerings to Arunachaleswarar; and this precise specification of offerings, has a scientific basis. For example, on the day ruled by Krittika (i.e. Moon in Krittika), which is an incendiary or fiery constellation in consonance with the Yajur Vedic hymn, “Agnirnahpaatu Krittikaaha . . . “ evocative of light and fire, an offering of lamps (deepams) is suggested.

It is therefore in the fitness of things that we offer exactly what is ordained as it greatly increases the significance of the worship as Nakshatras function as sensory organs of the Lord.

The below table, based on the Skandapurana, is a guide to these specific and appropriate offerings:-

 

 Day ruled by Nakshatra                               Nature of Offering

1.  Aswini                                                       Vastram (Cloth)

2.  Bharani                                                     Abharanam (Jewels)

3.  Krittika                                                      Deepam (Lights)

4.  Rohini                                                       Thaapyam (Hot Offerings)

5.  Mrigasira                                                   Srigandham (Sandalpaste)

6.  Aridra                                                        Harichandanam (Red Sandalpaste)

7.  Punarvasu                                                Kasturi

8.  Pushyami                                                  Karpuram (Camphor)

9.  Asiesha                                                     Kesari (Saffron)

10. Makha                                                      Pachakarpuram in water

11.Pubba                                                        Thambulam

12.Uttara                                                         Dhoopam (Incense)

13.Hastha                                                       Kaalaaguru (A Scent)

14.Chitta                                                          Anulepanam

15.Swati                                                          Scents

16.Vishaka                                                      Chaamaram (Traditional Fans)

17.Anuradha                                                   Swetachatram (White Umbrella)

18.Jyeshta                                                      Go-ghritam (Cow’s Ghee)

19.Moola                                                         Pearl Necklace

20.Purvashada                                                Kireetam (Crown)

21.Uttarashada                                               Nava-ratnams (9 Precious Stones)

22.Sravana                                                     Bhadraasanam (as Peeta)

23.Dhanishta                                                  Gold

24.Satabhisha                                                Fine Articles

25.Purvabhadra                                             Enjoyable (Bhogya) ones

26.Uttarabhadra                                             Horse

27.Revati                                                        Golden Chariot

 

The Seva-Kartas (devotees who offer) receive special grace from Arunachaleswarar by devoutly adhering to specified offerings.

For heavenly enjoyments and eventual satisfaction, according to Nandikeswara, there is no greater place of sanctity than Arunachala. The remembrance of Arunachala purifies the mind—learning about its greatness perfects the ears—and, extolling its greatness sanctifies the tongue.

Arunachala excels the celebrated 7 kshetras: Ayodhya, Mathura, Maaya, Kashi, Kanchi, Avantika and Dwaraka. Those born at Arunachala are assured of material comforts and final liberation. Ceremonies (like Shraddha) performed at Arunachala [even for sinners who die outside] will receive blessings.