Mandala Puja, a long period of
41 days with all the austerities and routines prescribed in the scriptures, is followed with strict rituals.
The devotee observes a fast during Mandal Puja, it helps to purify his soul and enhances the clarity of vision. Through Mandala Puja the devotee gets an incredible holy boon. Generally Mandala Puja is performed to please the devotee deity, whatever the form of the Bhagwan may be. The term Mandala in Hinduism corresponds to a long period of 41 days. Often in many fields, the mandala period is prescribed for worship, rituals.
Rules of Mandala Puja:
A devotee performing Mandala Puja needs to follow procedures, routines and discipline during the 41 days. Mandala worship usually begins with receiving initiation from a skilled guru, who is very virtuous in the Vedas and Shastras.
How to observe Mandala Puja
❀ The devotee should take a bath early in the morning every day, wear a special type of cloth and a Tulsi garland with the deity whom the devotee wishes to please. Usually, this mala is blessed by the Guru and given to the candidate at the beginning of the Mandala Puja.
❀ After taking a vow to worship the Mandala, the devotee performs the puja at home twice a day in the morning and evening and also visits the temple.
❀ After the conclusion of Mandala Puja, the devotee makes a pilgrimage to the temple of his favorite deity.
❀ Non-vegetarian food, indulgences of any kind, entertainment, spicy food, lies, immoral acts, bad company, bad thoughts and inappropriate behavior are all prohibited during the Mandala Puja period.
Mandala Puja concludes
❀ During the Mandala Puja period, special ceremonies and regular ceremonies are held at Guruvayur's temple at almost the same time as
Sabarimala. On a daily basis, the deity is given a holy bath with Panchagavya.
❀ After 41 days the devotee goes to the temple to finish his Mandala Puja Vidhi and ends his worship by bowing down.
Throughout the period, the temple festivities are marked with devotees visiting the shrine.
This method of worship is mostly prevalent in South India, which is now becoming prevalent in the whole of India.