Pujas and Sevas Performed in the Devasthan
1. Kaankadd Aarti
- The day begins with the sacred Kaankadd Aarti, performed early in the morning.
- This aarti is a wake-up call for Lord Yalguresh, symbolizing the start of the daily worship.
- The ritual involves lighting lamps, ringing bells, and chanting hymns or mantras in praise of the deity, creating an auspicious and divine atmosphere.
2. Mahapuja
- Timing: Conducted before noon.
- Preparation:
- The temple priest takes a holy bath in the Krishna River and fills a Kalasha Kumbha (sacred pot) with holy water from the river.
- The priest carries this sacred water back to the temple for the puja rituals.
- Ritual:
- All ornaments of the idol of Shri Yalguresh are carefully removed.
- The deity is given a ceremonial bath with the holy water from the Kalasha Kumbha. This symbolizes purification and devotion.
3. Kumkum Seva
- Post-Mahapuja Ritual: After the Mahapuja, the Kumkum Seva is performed.
- Details of the Ritual:
- The idol is sprinkled with kumkum (vermilion powder), symbolizing prosperity, devotion, and divine blessings.
- The deity is then adorned with his ornaments, floral garlands, and an abundance of fresh flowers.
- This seva emphasizes beautifying and honoring Lord Yalguresh, presenting him in a majestic and divine form.
4. Dharpa Seva
- What It Includes:
- Following the Kumkum Seva, the Dharpa Seva is conducted, which is centered on offering dhoop (incense) to the deity.
- The incense smoke is considered a symbol of devotion, and its fragrance is believed to purify the environment.
- Mangala Aarti:
- After the Dharpa Seva, Mangala Aarti is performed. This involves waving lit lamps in front of the deity while devotional hymns are sung, signifying the auspicious conclusion of the seva.
5. Panchamruta Abhisheka
- Timing: Conducted before the Mahapuja, after removing all ornaments of the idol.
- Details of the Ritual:
- The deity is bathed with the Panchamruta (a sacred mixture of five ingredients: milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar). This represents the offering of purity and abundance to the Lord.
- After the Panchamruta Abhisheka, two additional abhishekas are performed:
- Benni Pooja: Bathing the idol with butter.
- Ksheerabhisheka: Bathing the idol with milk.
- These abhishekas are significant acts of devotion, purifying and sanctifying the deity with sacred substances.
6. Dhoop Aarti
- Timing: Conducted every evening around 8:00 PM.
- Details of the Ritual:
- This aarti involves offering dhoop (incense) to the deity in a ceremonious manner.
- The temple resonates with devotional chants and the fragrance of incense, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
- Dhoop Aarti is an essential part of the daily worship schedule and is performed with great reverence.
7. Pallakhi Seva (Saturday Special)
- Timing: Conducted every Saturday evening.
- Details of the Ritual:
- The Utsava idol (the ceremonial idol of Lord Yalguresh) is carried to the Krishna River.
- The idol is given a holy bath in the river, symbolizing purification and divine blessings.
- After the holy bath, the Utsava idol is brought back to the temple in a grand procession. Devotees often accompany the idol with chants and music.
- Once the procession reaches the temple, the Dhoop Aarti Seva is performed to conclude the Pallakhi Seva.
8. Naivedya
- Significance: Naivedya refers to the offering of food to the deity as a mark of devotion.
- How It’s Arranged:
- Devotees or temple authorities coordinate with the local villagers or temple Acharyas to arrange the Naivedya offerings on specific days.
- Devotees have the flexibility to choose the items or Pakwaans (delicacies) for the Naivedya based on their preferences or the deity’s traditional offerings.
- The offerings typically include sweets, fruits, rice dishes, or other special items prepared with purity and devotion.
This detailed breakdown provides an in-depth view of the daily, weekly, and special rituals performed at the Devasthan. Each seva and puja reflects profound devotion and carries unique spiritual significance.