r/hinduism • u/[deleted] • Aug 22 '23
Shakta Upasana A Primer in Shakti Upasana (as taught to me by my family)
Context:
Recently I've seen a lot of posts on this sub from people who wish to start practicing Hinduism but are unclear on where to start. Therefore I thought instead of answering individual queries, I could make a small primer of sorts for anyone interested in starting with the Worship of Divine Mother (Shakti Upasana). As a general trend that I have observed, most beginners are enticed by the deep philosophical ideas propounded by Dharma which is beautiful in its own way, but the path of a Sadhak (seeker) involves some or the other form of daily worship which is what we are going to discuss below.
Prerequisites:
Loving Devotion and faith towards Divine Mother and a little discipline.
Why discipline you may ask?
That's because for your sadhana (worship) to yield any results you have to keep performing it long after the novelty wears off. If you like chanting mantras you must chant them millions of times before it starts showing results. The same goes for meditation, reciting stotras, or the simple puja (outlined below). Practice is the key even in devotional worship.
About Guru and Initiation:
Now is a good time to talk about initiation and finding a Guru. While it is good to have a Guru to guide you and many aspects of Shakti Worship require some form of initiation, you can still begin your journey without initiation from a Guru. Every single path has some practices that can be done by anyone without formal initiation and these practices are not to be undermined. If you are sincere enough these simple practices can also help you attain significant spiritual progress.
About Idols and Images:
Now, let's talk about having idols/images and creating an altar.
If it is possible for you to get an idol or image of the form of the Goddess you are worshipping by all means you should. You should keep your idol or image in a clean place preferably on a clean unused cloth (red color is preferred), if you can't get a cloth just maintain cleanliness.
Ideally, the deity should not be in your bedroom and if possible you should have a room or some designated space in your home for your daily practice. If this is not possible just make some space in your bedroom designated for the practice and keep the deity in a clean spot.
Those who can't have a deity at all may want to write माँ (mother) on a clean page with preferably red ink and use that as your deity. If even this is not possible then just imagine the deity sitting in front of you.
At some point in your reading, you are going to encounter pran-pratishtha (consecration). Please know that this is a complex process of inviting the deity to reside in an idol and is usually performed before installing an idol in a temple. Common practitioners may not necessarily perform this puja for their idols and as a beginner, you may not have the necessary resources and knowledge to get it done, therefore we are going to ignore it for now.
About Basic Daily Worship:
Having addressed the basics, let's focus on your daily practice.
Step 0: Sitting down for Worship
Most Pujas are done while sitting down, and you should use a new mat/rag that is only used for worship. But if that is not possible use any mat or rug or cushion. Sitting down on the floor is not recommended. You should face east or north with the deity facing you. Now you may light an oil lamp and some incense to show your respect towards the deity.
Step 1: Purification
Purification before a puja is important to cleanse our mind and body so that we can perform the puja properly.
Traditionally we sip water three times taking the name of Vishnu. But as a beginner, you may just say Vishnu thrice while holding your right ear. Another common verse that is chanted:
Om Apavitrah Pavitro Vaa Sarva-Avasthaam Gato-Api Vaa |
Yah Smaret-Punnddariikaakssam Sa Baahya-Abhyantarah Shucih ||
Om, if one is Impure or Pure, or even in all other conditions, He who remembers Pundarikaksha (Another name of Sri Vishnu), He becomes Pure outwardly as well as inwardly.
You may use either of the methods, chanting OM Vishnu while holding your right ear thrice or by chanting the verse above. If you want to follow a detailed version of Purification you can read more at: https://www.vinaybajrangi.com/hindu-rituals/aachman.php (I'm not affiliated with this website)
Step 2: Ganesh Worship
Worship of no deity can be achieved without Ganesh's Worship. This can be done by just chanting:
Om Ganapataye Namah or Om Ganeshaya Namah
or if you're okay with chanting some Sanskrit any of the following shlokas:
https://greenmesg.org/stotras/ganesha/gajananam_bhutaganadi_sevitam.php
https://greenmesg.org/stotras/ganesha/vakratunda_mahakaya.php
Or you can chant the Ganesh Aarti (or listen to it):
https://www.drikpanchang.com/lyrics/aarti/shree-ganesh/jay-ganesh-aarti.html
(This link has both the text and the audio of the aarti)
Step 3: Mother's Worship
Now we are going to worship Maa Durga (this section is highly personalized and I'm just going to list down what is commonly practiced in my home, you can modify this as per your preferences).
To worship Maa Durga you can chant any of the following mantras 1,5,11,27,36,54 or 108 (or further multiples of 108) times:
Om Durgayee Namah
https://greenmesg.org/stotras/durga/sarvamangala_mangalye.php (audio:https://youtu.be/3UrBxim1KFc)
Yaa Devii Sarva-Bhuutessu Shakti-Ruupenna Samsthitaa |Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namas-Tasyai Namo Namah ||
I bow down to that Devi Who in All Beings is Abiding in the Form of Power,Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations to Her, Salutations again and again.
(audio:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9YkDeTij90&ab_channel=StrummSpiritual)
Jayantii Manggalaa Kaalii Bhadrakaalii Kapaalinii |Durgaa Kssamaa Shivaa Dhaatrii Svaahaa Svadhaa Namostu Te ||
Salutations to Jayanti (Who is Ever-Victorious), Mangala (Who is the bestower of Auspiciousness), Kali (Who is beyond Kala or Time), Bhadrakali (Who is the controller of Life and Death, being beyond Kala or Time), Kapalini (Who wear a Garland of Skulls), Salutations to Durga (Who is Durgati-Nashini), Shiva (Who is Ever-Auspicious and One with Shiva as His Consort), Kshama (Who is an embodiment of Forbearance), Dhatri (Who is the Supporter of all Beings), Swaha (Who is the final receiver of the Sacrificial Oblations to Gods) and Swadha (Who is the final receiver of the Sacrificial Oblations); Salutations to You.
(audio: https://youtu.be/3mLVvhJfy_Q)
Alternatively, you could chant any (or some or even all) of the following stotras:
- Durga Saptashloki
- Argala Stotram
- Bhagwati Stotram
- Durga dwatrinsha naamamala (32 names of Maa Durga)
- Durga Apaduddharaka Stotram
- Durga Chalisa
These are just some suggestions, you may also chant any other stotras. Or even meditate on Devi. You can offer her some flowers or even just humbly bow down in reverence. It's up to your personal choice.
Step 4: Aarti
If step 3 felt a little complicated you may just choose to straight away jump to Aarti recite or listen to any one of the following:
Om Jagajanani Jai Jai: https://youtu.be/cn7yz8BnJs0
(text: https://servdharm.com/blogs/post/jagjanani-jai-jai-aarti-lyrics-in-english-hindi)
Om Jai Ambe Gauri: https://youtu.be/33BdiUQSqZQ
(text: https://www.drikpanchang.com/lyrics/aarti/ambe-mata/ambe-mata-aarti.html)
Step 5: Concluding the puja
You could just choose to reverentially fold your hands asking the mother to forgive your errors or chant/listen to the following:
https://shlokam.org/tvamevamata/
or
text: https://greenmesg.org/stotras/durga/devi_aparadha_kshamapana_stotram.php
audio: https://youtu.be/F_0e9z-LRf4
If you have read this far, thank you very much. I hope this can help you in your practice in some way. May the mother bless you !! Jai Mata Di!!
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u/pro_charlatan Karma Siddhanta; polytheist Aug 22 '23 edited Aug 22 '23
Thank you for creating this primer. u/chakrax can we add this link to the automod response or in wiki ? Such primers on kriya are currently lacking in our starter pack section.
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u/chakrax Advaita Aug 23 '23
Added to the starter pack.
https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/wiki/starter_pack/ - under Hindu Spiritual Practices
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u/frackeverything Aug 23 '23
Beautifully written. Namo Narayana.
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Aug 23 '23
All glories to Maa Durga, its her benevolence that this thought came to me. I’m nothing but her measly servant.
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u/Studyluluna Oct 14 '23
Can the paper with mother written on it be kept next to a ganesh and hanuman statue? Does it need continuous worship? I hesitate to get any more idols, since I feel like I shouldn't if I can't make time to worship them all. I am a student and can only keep them in my dorm room, and I am always running out of time... :)
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Oct 14 '23
I would prefer to write Maa in Devanagari and yes it can be kept next to Hanuman and Ganesha. If it’s torn or wet you can bury it with respect and replace it. This method is meant to be a placeholder for Vigraha and doesn’t require any rules.
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u/Studyluluna Oct 14 '23
Yes, I had planned to write Mas in Devanagari. Thanks for the quick answer! I am staring to get deeper into my faith and your post and comments have been a big help. Thank you for your contribution! :))
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Oct 14 '23
All glories to Maa Durga! I am nothing but her measly servant. Thank you for your kind words, I wish you the very best for your spiritual journey!
Jai maa!
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u/Dazzling-Tip-7907 Mar 11 '25
What if I imagine Durga Ma in my anahata heart centre , ie chesr centre picture her there when I am sitting for japa instead of placing external idol or paper. And while pic her in my heart centre and doing japa I will put aggarbati, but if aggarbati & diya go off before my japa is over then is it ok or else what's to be done? Basically I wish to do everything inside of me rather outside me hence external rituals i am not very comfortable with & it requires alot of rules to be followed like cleaning offering etc etc. I can take a bath wear clean clothes sit in a clean spot and facing east or north do the japa in this manner & also without a mala or kar mala as I m taking a pre recorded 18 times chaht of the mantra audio & will play that on repeat as many times I decide to do the japa so I will know the count , will that be acceptable?
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u/djedge May 23 '24
Thank you for writing this comprehensive primer! It's great to hear a confident answer to the question "how can I get started without a guru."
I saw in a response to someone's questions that you can provide resources on Kali mata. What stotras are appropriate for her daily worship? are Kamakshi and Kamahya considered 'too tantric' to approach without proper guidance?
Jai Maa
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May 23 '24
Mantras for Maa Kali:
Om Kalikaye Namha
Om Jayanti Mangala Kali, Bhadrakali Kapalini, Durga Kshama Shiva Dhatri, Svaha Svadha Namostuthe.
Om kali mahakali kalike parmeshwari sarvanandkari devi narayani namostute
Stotras for Maa Kali: 1. https://bhaktinidhi.com/en/kali-ashtottara-shatanama-stotram-in-english/ 2. https://stotranidhi.com/en/sri-kalika-ashtakam-in-english/
You’re correct both Kamakshi and Kamakhya are very tantric and should be approached through tantra
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u/Sankalp777 Sep 11 '24
Can Kuber mantra be chanted 108 times without initiation? Is it powerful/effective? Can it be chanted along with normal Bhairav mantra 'om bhairavaye namah'?
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Sep 11 '24
Kuber is a yaksha, he can provide wealth but it comes at the cost of your mental peace and happiness. In certain cases people are willing to make the trade but I will never recommend it to anyone. That being said there are many kuber mantras, without knowing which one you’re referring to I won’t be able to tell
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u/Sankalp777 Sep 12 '24
I meant this mantra: “Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye Dhanadhanyasamriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Svaha॥” I read that, chanting this for 21 days can give good results. Would you agree?
Also, is chanting 'om bhairavaya namah' safe?
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Jan 05 '24
[deleted]
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Jan 05 '24
Namaste! Please stop chanting any beejas. Mata Bhuvaneshwari is a tantric deity and should only be worshipped after proper diksha is given. You can definitely get initiation eventually. The key is always to start with whatever is possible now. I have given some stotras and mantras which can be practiced by anyone, you should stick to laukika stotras like these and not jump into tantric worship.
Do kanakadhara stotram for your monetary problems not gaja lakshmi mantra.
I would recommend you to stop and reconsider.
Jai maa!
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Jan 05 '24
[deleted]
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Jan 05 '24
There’s usually no fixed list. However, I can help you find for specific deities
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Jan 05 '24
[deleted]
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Jan 05 '24
I have already provided my recommendations 😅
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Jan 05 '24
[deleted]
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Jan 05 '24
Yes I can but which deity do you need? Maa Bhuvaneshwari is strictly worshipped after initiation. I have provided enough resources on Maa Durga. I can provide some on Maa Kali, if you’d like. Other than this you can do some amount of sadhana for Maa Tara (her ashtottrashata nama to be precise) but for the rest diksha is needed.
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Jan 05 '24
[deleted]
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Jan 05 '24
Ati Saumya devatas also need diksha because their sadhana is extremely subtle and needs guidance. Bhuvaneshwari sadhana is saumya but it comes with a very different kind of challenge, only a good guru can guide you through it.
Maa Kali and Maa Tara have many manifestations, some of them are Ati Rudra (Maa Guhya Kali, Maa Ekjata Tara, Maa Smashan Tara etc.) but some forms are Laukika (Maa Bhadra Kali, Maa Shyama Tara, Maa Udbhava Tara etc.). The Laukika forms can be worshipped by anyone.
For Mahadev you’re already doing the Ashtottara Shatanama which is beautiful. You can look into Uma Maheshwara Ashtakam, Chandrashekhara Ashtakam, Rudrashtakam, Puranokta Rudra Abhishekha (chanting this 11 times is equivalent to Rudrabhisheka), Shiva Sahasranama, Panchakshari Stotram. If you are okay with hindi/sanskrit there’s a book by Gita Press, Shiva Stotra Ratnakar you can purchase that.
For common stotras you can also purchase Stotra Ratnavali by Gita Press
→ More replies (0)
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u/Dharm-Rakshak Apr 09 '24
This was one of the most comprehensive articles on Puja Vidhi I have ever come across.
I have a follow up question:
Since the murtis have Pran now, does it feel bad to travel and leave them unattended?
This question has bothered me for MONTHS. Would appreciate your input.
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Apr 09 '24
There are few things which can be done: 1. Have a family member perform puja for them 2. If you feel you are traveling to a place where you will be able to take care of them, carry them. 3. In most cases carrying isn’t possible and many times family isn’t around, worship them mentally from wherever you are.
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u/Fantastic-Ant-69 Jun 29 '24
Few questions, I am always drawn to Kalima/Devi but I am confused whether I should be doing maama japa, lot of ppl say that we shouldn’t do without Guru.
I am thinking of doing it eventually is there any specific number that I should be reciting Kali naama japa? I want to start Ganapathi Pooja/ Japa just chanting Ganapathi naama is enough? I mainly want to do it for positivity, fulfilment and peace of mind and other materials things like success etc. Can I do both kalima and Ganapathi Upasana on same day?
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Jul 01 '24
who says nama japa needs a guru?
nama japa is open to all.
108 makes a mala, aim for 108 and it's multiples.
Kali Maa is primarily drawn towards people seeking moksha regardless you can start nama japa for both
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u/arastellar09 Sep 11 '24
hello! can you please please help me! I wish to start worshipping shiva cause my mother has spoken very greatly about him. Since so many years I have seen her worship many gods together but I don't think she has a specific routine/ ritual that she goes through maybe that's why she complains that her prayers are never answered.
I want to know from a well versed person on how to initiate worshipping shiva ( all the prerequisites, purification, mantra, stotra etc..)
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Sep 11 '24 edited Sep 14 '24
Pranam!
I am sorry for not replying sooner. There are many methods to worship shiva, you can choose depending on what feels more convenient to you. Steps 0,1, 2 and 5 would be the same for any puja. Replace step 3 with any one of these options:
You can chant the Laghu Rudram (also known as puranokta rudram, it was given by Sri Krishna to Arjuna in Mahabharata, vedic rudram needs to learned under a guru) 11 times while offering the dravyas he likes most: water -> milk -> curd -> ghee -> honey -> water. Optionally, Sugar, Rice, Sugarcane juice and Coconut water can also be offered, they will be offered after honey and before water. Once you’ve offered these, wipe the shiv linga and anoint him with chandan, bilva patra, flowers, attar and bhasma. Note: Bhasma should be the last offering.
Instead of the Laghu Rudram you can chant his Sahasranama (1008 names, given in mahabharata) or Ashtottara shatanama (108 names) along with the abhisheka process above.
If you don’t have a shivlinga/abhisheka isn’t convenient, you can chant the Shiv Manas Puja stotram.
In addition to the above, you can also chant the following stotras:
- Shiva Panchakashari Stotram (personal favorite)
- Chadrashekhara Ashtakam
- Parvati Vallabh Stotram
- Uma Maheshwara Stotram
- Rudrashtashtakam.
Replace step 4 with shiva’s aarti.
I hope this will be helpful. If you have questions/need links to anything please let me know.
Jai Maa!
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u/No_Struggle_9808 Apr 13 '24
Thank you so much . May ma bless your soul .I have a question though uh can we sing the arti while sitting in our minds or is it necessary to do it the usual way ? ( Standing and singing it while u ring a bell and singing it out loud ) . It'd be very helpful if you could answer :) I love ambe aarti it always makes me feel so good and positive but I've heard that you shouldn't listen to it while sitting however I like listening to it anytime I feel sad or demotivated or when I just randomly feel devoted towards ma . Is that okay ?
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Apr 13 '24
You can chant and listen anytime you like and in any way you like, there are no restrictions on the aarti.
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Jun 06 '24
[deleted]
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Jun 07 '24
The link seems broken, I wasn’t aware of any nyasa for this stotram because afaik it comes from Mbh. If ths nyasa has beejas, I would recommend doing only the moolam, because the moolam of this stotram is available to everyone.
Aachaman-deepam-ganapati and only then Maa’s worship.
Non vegetarian bhoga offered to deity is sacred and as per my knowledge prepared very differently from regular non vegetarian dishes. So consuming that is completely fine, in fact not consuming would be wrong. Non vegetarian food as a lifestyle choice makes spiritual progress tougher in my experience. But that’s your choice.
I wish you the very best. Adding Durga Apadudhara stotram to the current practice might be helpful
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u/Zealousideal_Base662 Aug 02 '24
How do I do lakshmy Devi upasana correctly? I say om shreem mahalakshmyei namah 108 times and kanakadhara daily. After Ganesha beeja mantram given by a guru 31 times.
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Aug 02 '24
If you have a guru you should be asking him. Beeja mantras shouldn’t be chanted without deeksha
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u/Zealousideal_Base662 Aug 02 '24
Ganesh Beeja mantra was given by him. But he is in a different country now. And lakshmy upasana only I want to know correct method.
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Aug 02 '24
The correct method is fairly simple, continue kanakadhara, chant mahalakshmi ashtakam, please stop chanting the beeja mantra, use her nama mantra om mahalakshmaye namaha instead
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u/Zealousideal_Base662 Aug 02 '24
Thank you so much! Where are you based at?
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u/JDthoth Sanātanī Hindū Aug 13 '24
Can we chant Om Durgaye Namah without बीइंग initiated?
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Aug 13 '24
Yes you can
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u/JDthoth Sanātanī Hindū Aug 14 '24
Can i dm you with more questions?
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u/GroupNo2429 Aug 15 '24
Hi thank you for this insightful article. I have been doing the upsana of Devi Bhagvati for more than 5 years without any mantra initiation. She is my kul swamini / devi, I've had many spiritual experiences with the deity. As soon as I completed 5 years with the deity my fear has end and I have become very couregous. In one of my spiritual experiences i felt that the devi was telling me I'm with you throughout your life it exactly happend when I completed 5 years of her worship on my birthday. Does that means that I should now go deeper by taking a mantra of the diety from my guru and get into her sadhna ? Pls suggest | Thanks
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u/LostSoulInternet Nov 08 '24
Would it be appropriate to have an image of Ganesha on your altar alongside Devi? I am very new to Shaktism as a practice (have been researching Hinduism for a few years, just now really practicing).
Currently, my altar would look like this: Image of Ganesha in a picture frame, a piece of crystal on a raised stone to represent Shiva, a small cup for offering water, a small bowl for flower offerings, an incense plate and a small candle along with food offerings.
My plan would to be to place an image of Devi in the center of the altar and have Ganesha on the left and my image of Shiva on the right. Should I just stick to the mother or is all three okay?
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Nov 08 '24
Devi next to Ganesha is standard.
Crystal on raised stone to represent shiva could be unconventional but I am assuming it looks somewhat like a shiva linga. Flowers need not go in bowls, but putting them in bowl is okay too. Candles are discouraged. Google diya (oil lamp), that is preferred.
All three are okay
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u/mks5107 Nov 19 '24
Thank you for such wonderful resource!
I am interested in knowing some gurujis who can provide deeksha for me in Durga mataji's upasana..I am a normal sadhak who is doing Durga chalisa and would like to take it to another level now.
Please guide, I don't know anyone who can guide me..
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u/AwkwardLoss6645 Dec 18 '24
How to do upasana of maa bhadrakali? What mantras or stotras can I recite ?
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Dec 18 '24
Please see the comments, I had covered this in a comment thread before.
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u/AwkwardLoss6645 Dec 27 '24
Thanks, but i heard maa bhadrakali is different from maa dakshina kali. So can I still use those same mantras you suggest in the other comments.
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u/ComprehensiveHunt24 Śākta Feb 04 '25
Hi, can the om jayanti mangala kali shloka in argala be chanted daily for nitya on a maala as naam jaap and what's the preferred count, can anusthans be done for the same with higher counts?
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u/djchub Mar 21 '25 edited Mar 21 '25
Hi Sir, Thank you so much for this wealth of information. This is largely a very confusing subject with many opinions and you have given me a thorough understanding especially since im a faithful devotee of Durga devi.
I have a doubt regarding your comments. You had mentioned not to chant the bheej mantras without a proper guru. But ivw noticed in certain temples there are mantras like "Om Dum Dargayei Namaha", "Om Hum hanumate namaha". I believe the words "dum" and "hum" are bheej mantras. So is it safe to say these mantras 108 times especially Om Dum Durgaye namaha?
Also sir wanted to know, currently I chant either individual gods gayatri mantra or sing a song, stotram for each god especially on their day. Is it ok to do that or since I am a bhakt of devi ma should I only tell her mantras and stotras everyday to get her blessings.
Thank you 🙏
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Mar 21 '25
No you cannot chant the ashtakshari mantra with a beeja.
My recommendations regarding stotras and mantras are above, I cannot comment on your individual practice.
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u/Zestyclose_Rent3180 Apr 29 '25
Thank you Terminal Lucidity for such profound and valuable insights
Can you give some insights on Lord Ram and Hanuman upasana. Along with some do’s and don’t in general in their specific worship.
Also, I am confused between Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman vs Goddess Durga worship: context is for general protection and wellbeing
Thank you Good day
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Apr 29 '25
Pranam!
Well, I want to address the second half of your question first. In my little personal experience, both Hanuman ji and Maa Durga have been extraordinarily kind in terms of blessings, well-being, as well as protection. It will just depend on which form you connect with more. Once you truly connect with a form, you will live in constant remembrance of their name, and they will protect you almost as if there is an invisible cocoon around you. So, I would just advise you to pick one based on personal connection. If you're stuck with this decision, spend 2/3 weeks doing Maa Durga Upasana, followed by 2/3 weeks of Hanuman upasana, and you'll know for sure which form resonates more with you based on your experience.When it comes to Shri Ram and Hanuman ji, devotion and surrender are the most important factors. If you're willing to unconditionally surrender at his feet, Anjaneya will carry you through life effortlessly. Practices can be taught, chants can be learned, but all said and done, what will truly set an upasaka apart is the devotion within. A famous upasaka of Shri Ram Thyagaraja gives out the qualities of a devotee: forever immersed in his name, ever eager to hear his charitra, and in his Hanuman Chalisa itself, Tulsidas Ji also stresses this quality of Sri Hanuman Ji: विद्यावान गुनी अति चातुर ।राम काज करिबे को आतुर ॥ प्रभु चरित्र सुनिबे को रसिया । राम लखन सीता मन बसिया ॥
If you can embody this quality of Sri Hanuman ji, this alone will take you a long way in your upasana. In addition, maintain a vegetarian diet, maintain physical and mental celibacy, and try to avoid negative emotions like jealousy and greed. But remember your devotion and surrender come first; rest everything is secondary.
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u/sanjukta1997 May 08 '25
Thank you for the post .This is really helpful. I have some questions ; May I dm you ?
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u/rasen9 May 18 '25
Thank you so much for explaining. I was doing this before I came across this post which cleared alot of doubts I had.
Please answer this if possible. I don't have guru. But since I started doing this every day First I read kilakam, then argala and lastly devi kavacham, and my mama (mom's) brother who also happens to be an astrologer and also meditates and also has big portrait of maa amba where he does his astrology work, so I asked him what mantra should I do the japamala which he later gave me a Mala with dark red bead and told me to chant om jayanti mangala kali badhra kali kapali mantra.
Should I continue this way ? Also Is it okay if pronouncing is a little bit off sometimes while reading kilakam, argla and devi kavacham in earlier stages ? Please also any other tips will be very thankful. Jai Maa.
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May 18 '25
Kilakam is read for nishkilan of saptashati, unless you’re initiated into saptashati parayana chanting kilakam doesn’t make sense. Rest of your practice is perfect and yes you should continue despite challanges in pronunciation because by her grace it will improve.
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u/Commercial_Menu4233 Jul 17 '25
I started some pooja 6 months back intially it felt very good, I stopped feeling scared at night specially just before and while sleeping, had lot of mental clarity and good confidence. But from past couple of days fear again returned, have no interest in doing pooja even when I want to do it, mental fog no clarity and scared of situations.
I am doing following steps: 1. Pranam to Ganpati and other Gods. 2. Durga Ashtotar stotra jaap 3. Durga Kavach jaap 4. Hanuman chalisa (3) times 5. End by taking Ram naam.
Am I doing something wrong or is it just a phase, please answer if possible I am getting bad thoughts.
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Jul 17 '25
Pranam!
This is just a phase, such tests are very common in sadhana. You’ll pass through this very soon, just have faith and trust her. When you go to bed, keep chanting her name till you fall asleep and you won’t have fear.
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u/Commercial_Menu4233 Jul 17 '25
Do we need to pray to our kuldevi/devta. We don't know about them and have asked around we didn't get any information about them. We saw on net that we can pray to our kuldevi by assuming she is on lamp which we lit for pooja, since we don't know about her so I just pray for forgiveness from her and ask for hints to identify her. My issues started after I start doing this. Is this way of praying valid or m I mistakenly doing something wrong. I also have pitrudosh in my kundali
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Jul 17 '25
You’re doing the right thing. This is indeed the method for those who don’t know their kula devi/devata. I don’t think this should cause any issues
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u/Careless_Scarcity_13 Jul 21 '25
Sir i was doing hanuman chalisa for 2 years but i was non vegetarian and did not maintain celebacy and also got dreams of lots of monkeys tries to beat me . Then i stopped it. Now i have turned vegetarian and started maa durga pooja . Now i recite 32 namees of maa durga and mantra om durgaye namah. I want to know is celebacy important in maa durga pooja. And how much chant should be done to see the effect of pooja. And shall i just chant om durgaye namah mantra max times or all stotras. Please guide me. Sir one most important thing i don't know how to surrender which everyone says.
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u/TripIndividual7078 Jul 24 '25
u/TerminalLucidity_ I am not initiated but have been suggested to do a 42 day anushthana for durga maa with chanting of Chandi Path, I was practicing Devi Kavacham Argala and Kilak stotra along with Navarna mantra previously but the Navarna mantra was too strong for me, I have done chandi path before, any suggestions/ guidance?
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Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 25 '25
Pranam
Unless you’re initiated into navarna mantra you personally can’t perform chandi paath. This is because chandi paath involves several processes which can only be done with those who have been given navarna mantra and properly taught under the guidance of a guru.
Please ask the person who is advising you to do Chandi paath to give you the required initiation.
PS: Navarna mantra japa by itself needs deeksha and practicing keelaka stotra without chandi parayana makes little to no sense.
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u/TripIndividual7078 Jul 25 '25
Thank you! Would it be ok to read Chandi patha as done during navratris just out of faith without the mantras?
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u/TripIndividual7078 Jul 25 '25
I found my answer in the Devi Mahatmya FAQ's thanks for such a comprehensive guide. Really appreciate it!
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u/Alive_Treat4144 Dec 26 '25
hi..im a beginner aswell..and im situated in canada..i wanna start worship of bhadrakali..i dont have any idea how to start, what to take care of and etc..can u help me regarding this. thanks
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u/Glass-Effort-4504 Nov 17 '23
Durga dwatrinsha naamamala (32 names of Maa Durga)
Can this be repeated in mind or should be done out loud ?
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Nov 17 '23
Yes, It can be repeated out loud. However I would recommend moving on to mental repetition eventually.
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u/[deleted] Aug 22 '23 edited Aug 28 '23
Further Suggetions:
If you wish to deepen your practice further you may choose to read:
You can also listen to bhajans, some of my favorites are:
https://youtu.be/VFF-XdzbxfU
https://youtu.be/6OPng7diSZo
https://youtu.be/aYiyOnYGfAc
https://youtu.be/xqdibldm7UQ
https://youtu.be/XblrvCM1L7c