On the ninth day of the Navratri festival in southern India, people celebrate Ayudha Puja, or festival of tools and instruments. These can be of all kinds, from small ones like pins or knives to large devices like computers, industrial machines, scooters, cars, and buses. Ayudha Puja It is celebrated in the Southern States and Territories, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu, but also in Odisha in the east and in Maharashtra. Ayudha Puja especially family and professional celebrations, prayers are performed in homes, shops and workplaces.

In 2022, Ayudha Puja falls on October 4th.

In 2019, the Minister of Defense of the Government of India carried out Ayudha Puja in Paris when the first Rafale fighters were received.

Ayudha Puja celebrating the 3 goddesses Lakshmi, Parvati and Saraswati

Condition “Ayudha” refers to weapons/tools, and the word “pooja Where puja” refers to worship. This ceremony is an integral part of the celebration of Navratri, Dussehra or Golu depending on the region of India. The event, which takes place on the ninth day of Navratri, commemorates the goddesses. Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), Parvati (divine mother) and Saraswati (goddess of wisdom, art and literature) in her many manifestations as well as professional tools and instruments.

how do we celebrate? Ayudha Puja ?

The day beforeAyudha Puja, equipment and all instruments are professionally cleaned and beautified. They are then smeared with turmeric paste, sandalwood paste (in the form of Tilak (badge or mark)) and Kumkum (vermilion). Then, in the evening, before the day of the puja, they are placed on the platform provided for this purpose and decorated with flowers. In the morning, all these tools and equipment are worshiped with images of Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati. Books and musical instruments are also placed on the pedestal. The day is devoted to worship and contemplation and instruments are not to be disturbed.

That day also includes vahana (vehicle) pooja, where everyone’s vehicle, which can be a bicycle, car or truck, is thoroughly cleaned, painted or polished, and decorated in the same way as equipment. After the ceremony, large white pumpkin, coconut and lime are pounded in front of the office/shop/house/vehicle. It is believed to protect you from evil forces that may surround you.

The story of Ayudha Puja refers to the battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura. Equipped with all the weapons the gods had given him, he managed to defeat the demons and then put down his weapons, which had become useless, to pay their respects to them.

According to teachers and spiritual experts, instruments of worship and weapons provide a sense of satisfaction. When a person shows respect for the things he has, it brings him into harmony with the universe. “Honor in property frees you from greed and jealousy,” says Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar.