India celebrating Ayudha Pooja today
On this auspicious occasion of Ayudha Pooja, let us guide you through the significance and the science behind this specific ritual being practiced in India, for ages. The Hindu customs and traditions followed by the people of India are an integral part of their rich culture. Hinduism was never meant to be a religion, rather it is an ancient science, a way of living, a gift for the betterment of humanity as a whole and not just for a specific sect of people. It is a result of tens of thousands of years, of hard core dedicated research by the Rishis [holy men] or better call them the ancient scientists. All the Hindu customs introduced and practiced since the Vedic period has certain scientific theory behind it, which are meant to enrich one’s life.
Ayudha Pooja or Shastra Pooja is held on the ninth day of the 10-day long Navrathri Festival in India. On the day of Ayudha Pooja, people clean their home, their surroundings and bow down to their Ayudhas as a form of respect to the nature of everything we call “Life”. There is a common misconception about Ayudha being referred to weapons, however considering the concept of Ayudha Pooja as per the Vedic texts, “Ayudha” refers to the everyday tool which we use to earn our livelihood and fulfil our duties to our family and society. Let it be a computer used by a software engineer or a pen used by a writer, it is considered as an Ayudha. That is not it, one’s body and mind is considered as Ayudha as well, both of which form the basis of one’s life or are the basic essence of life. The whole intention behind this customary act is to practice cleanliness and maintain the same in whatever work one gets engaged in, without which any action is fruitless. One need not seek the divine elsewhere, for the god resides within oneself. Work is considered equal to worshipping the divine, and giving respect to the divine helps one to enjoy the fruits of his/her work. Keeping oneself clean from inside [mind] as well as outside [surroundings] is necessary to surround oneself with positive energy which in turn leads to positive outcomes in your work and life as a whole. This is the science behind Ayudha Pooja.
Remember the old saying? “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. Yes! Indeed it is. The Vedic civilization in India were very much aware and particular about “Swachata” [cleanliness in Sanskrit], for they knew, one’s purity of mind, body and action plays a significant role in their day today life. It leads to spiritual growth, self-realization and success in life. Everything starts from oneself and when everybody practice cleanliness of mind, body and one’s actions, it leads to the collective development and wellness of humanity.