Puja is a sacred practice that Hindu people perform on different occasions to worship, pray or show respect to their deities. Puja is considered as an act of showing reverence to the almighty through invocations, prayers (mantra, slokas), songs (bhajans), and rituals. According to Hinduism, Pooja makes a spiritual connection between the deity and the devotee.

Usually Hindus pray once or twice in a day. There are many different types of pujas for inaugurations, marriages, birthdays etc. in the Hindu religion. Puja is generally observed after a shower. And it is recommended that rituals should be performed before eating to make sure sattvic (holy) qualities and concentration (dhyana) of the devotee.

The Idol Worship - Murti Puja
The image, icon or any other symbol of the god during puja becomes the means of gaining access to the almighty. Although, the idol is not the god itself but it is considered to be filled with the god's celestial powers. The idols are created as containers for spiritual power that make the devotee to experience the direct communication with the god.

The idol acts as a medium to respect and honour, the god. Idol Worship doesn't stand for blind faith but it shows the feelings of a devotee towards the god. The beautiful images of the divine which are always observed show that people consider God in the ultimate manner. The images serve as visual metaphors to express the invisible divine reality. This section covers the following puja:

How to do Puja

Puja is a sacred practice of reverence, honor, adoration or worship from the devotee towards the Almighty. Puja could mean different things to different people. For Puja, all you need to have is a devoted heart full of love for the divine. The merciful God overlooks the shortcomings of men if they follow the path of spirituality with devotion. So, minor faults don't really matter, if the devotion is sincere. God is kind and grants blessings to the devotees with sincere heart.

How is Puja Celebrated?
According to Hinduism, a formal puja consists of meditation (dhyana), austerity (tapa), chanting (mantra), scripture reading (svadhyaya), offering food (thaal) and prostrations (panchanga or ashtanga pranama, dandavat). People apply tilaka on their forehead with sandalwood paste, and a vermillion dot (kumkum Chand) in its centre. The centre of the forehead is considered as the crucial point suggesting the omnipresence of the Divine. Puja is generally concluded with aarti to the lord.

Puja can be celebrated by an individual person or in gatherings. The ceremony may be done in silence or accompanied by prayers. Sometimes a puja is done for the benefit of certain people, for whom people ask blessings.

Steps of a Puja
Each and every sect, family or an individual have their own way of doing Puja. Every time when you say ''samarpayami'' (I m offering), offer two akshatha with love and devotion to the lord.
(Akshatha is uncooked rice; if possible color it with kumkum, saffron powder, turmeric and a little bit of water. This can be made for a week in advance and can be kept near the Alter)
A typical Puja involves the following 27 steps:

Dhyaanam Samarpayami (Think or meditate on the Lord)
Aawaahanam Samarpayami (Offering invitation the Lord)
Aasanam Samarpayami (Offer a seat to the Lord)
Paadyam Samarpayami (Offer water to wash the feet)
Arghyam Samarpayami (Offer water to wash the hands)
Aachamaneeyam Samarpayami (Offer water to drink)
Snaanam Samarpayami (Give bath to the Lord)
Maha Abhishekam Samarpayami (Give main head bath to the Lord)
Pratishtaapayaami (Make him seated)
Vasthram Samarpayami (Offer clothes to the Lord)
Yajnopaveetham Samarpayami (Offer the Holy Thread)
Gandham Samarpayami (Offer sandalwood paste/powder)
Akshatham Samarpayami (Offer Akshatha/ Rice)
Pushpam Samarpayami (Offer Flowers to the Lord)
Ashthothtra Poojam Samarpayami (Offer the holy 108 names)
Dhoopam Aaghraapayaami (Offer Fragrance / Agarbatti)
Deepam Darshayaami (Offer light to the lord)
Neivedyam Samarpayami (Offer Food to the Lord)
Phalam Samarpayami (Offer Fruits to the Lord)
Taamboolam Samarpayami (Offer betel nut and leaves)
Dakshinam Samarpayami (Offer money to the Lord)
Maha Nirajanam Samarpayami (Offer aarti to the Lord)
Pradakshinam Samarpayami (Taking clockwise rounds of arti)
Namaskaram Samarpayami (Offer Prostrations)
Mantra Pushpam Samarpayami (Offer incantations and flowers)
Praarthanaam Samarpayami (Offer prayers, request your desires)
Kshamaapanam Samarpayami (Offer apologies & ask for forgiveness)

Guru Puja

Guru or Brihaspati Puja is dedicated to planet Jupiter. Grah Shanti Guru Pooja (Worship of Jupiter) is recommended to those, having malefic guru or wrongly placed Jupiter as per the horoscope. Here is list comprising a couple of things associated with Guru / Brihaspati.

Direction :	North - East
Ruling Day :	Thursday
Color :	Yellow
Associated No. :	5 (Five)
Metal :	Gold
Gemstone :	Yellow Sapphire (Pukharaj)
Grain :	Kadalai
Flower :	White Mullai
Food :	Rice mixed with Bengal Gram Daal
Mula Mantra :	Aum Brim Brishaspataye Namah
Dhyan Mantra :	Devanamch Rsinamch Gurum Kanchan Sannibham, Buddhi Bhutam Trilokesham Tam Namami Brihaspatim
Guru Gayatri Mantra:	Aum Guru Devaya Vidmahe Parabrahmane Dheemahi Tanno Guruh Prachodayat

In Vedic astrology, the planet Jupiter is known as Guru, Brihaspati and Devagura. Jupiter is a benefice planet and considered to be the most auspicious, helpful, generous and beneficent of the planets. Guru represents sacred scripture, wisdom, benevolence and philosophy. Nature of Brihaspati is watery.

Guru Puja / Brihaspati Puja / Worship of Jupiter
Worship of Jupiter results in progeny, good education, valour, longevity of life and recovery from physical illness. Brihaspati Puja can be started from any Thursday. It is advisable to wear yellow clothes on such day. Chant the following Guru mantra facing north-east, to reduce the ill effects of the afflicted Jupiter in one's birth chart.

Aum Hreem Kleem Hoom Brihaspataye Namah
One can observe fast on Thursdays and worship Lord Vishnu. Avoid salt and banana on these days.

Position of the Jupiter
Jupiter or Brihaspati rules over the sidereal signs of Sagittarius and Pisces. Guru exalts in the sign of Cancer and falls in the sign of Capricorn. Jupiter or Brihaspati is most comfortable in the first house.

Brihaspati / Guru - Its Significance
Jupiter is a good indicator of fortune, wealth, fame, luck, devotion, spirituality, morality, meditation, children, magistrates, ministers, lawyers and leaders in government and religion. Afflictions to Guru or Brihaspati can cause frail nerves, skin problems, arthritis, heart troubles, impurity of the blood and increase of sexual urges, worrying and uneasiness of mind. Guru is the grah of luck, favor and fortune.

Budha Puja

Budha Puja or Mercury Puja is dedicated to planet Mercury. Budha Puja on Wednesdays brings in manifold benefits like eliminating difficulties, healthy progeny, possession of fertile lands etc. Following things are associated with Buddha- the Mercury:

Mercury is known as Budha in Vedic astrology. Budha is known as ''Grahapati'', or lord of the planets. Budha is considered wisest among the planets. Nature of mercury is Airy. Mercury refers to the intellect and intellect comes from mind.

Budha Puja - Worship of Mercury
Worship of Mercury is recommended to those who are weak at studies, find lack of concentration and suffer from blood pressure and sugar problem etc. Reciting this mantra will help to minimize the evil influence of afflicted Mercury.

Aum hram krom aim grahanathaya budhay savaha
One can recite the following mantra on Wednesdays, facing the northeast direction. It is advisable to wear green clothes on such day.

Position of Budha
Mercury rules over two signs of the sidereal zodiac, Gemini and Virgo. Budha exalts in Virgo and falls in the sign of Pisces. Mercury is most comfortable in the 1st house.

Mercury - Its Significance
The planet Mercury or Budha rules nerves, air, cells, tongue, breath and the nervous system. Afflictions to Budha can cause problems like nasal disorders, impediments in speech, stammering, bronchitis, asthma, brain fever, delirium, breathing difficulties, paralysis, and nervous disorders. Budha represents speech, communication and commerce on all levels. In the other function, Budha manages material resources.

Chandra Puja

Chandra Puja is dedicated to Lord Chandra, the Moon God. Grah Shanti Chandra Puja (Moon Worship) is recommended to those, having malefic Chandra or wrongly placed moon as per the horoscope. The following list includes couple of things associated with Chandra.

Chandra is the name for moon in Vedic astrology. In Sanskrit, Chandra means "bright and shining". The Moon is also known as Soma, named after the intoxicating sacred drink used in Vedic sacrifice. Chandra gives a calm and soothing affect to our life.

Chandra Puja - Moon Worship
The crucial importance of Chandra Grah (Moon Planet) lies in the fact that it controls five senses of human life. Moon is the ruler of mind and all the senses are controlled by the mind. The worship of Chandra can be started from any Monday of the bright fortnight. One should sit facing the northwest direction and chant the following mantra of Chandra.

Aum Shraam Shreem Shroum Sah Chandraay Namah
The jaap of 18 Malas is usually recommended. People can observe fast on Mondays which would be beneficial. They can take meal for one time avoiding salt and grains, if possible. One should offer milk mixed with sugar on Shiva lingam on Mondays.

Position of the Moon
The bright Moon is regarded as benefic of the highest order and the dark Moon is regarded as malefic. The Moon rules over the sidereal zodiac of Cancer. The Moon exalts in Taurus and falls in the sign of Scorpio. Chandra is most comfortable in the 4th house. The Moon is particularly favorable for the water sign ascendants of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Nature of Chandra is watery.

The Moon - Its Significance
Moon is an indicator of the females, the public, general well-being and happiness, femininity and beauty, the eyesight, memory and the mind. The moon or Chandra as the mind shows all the senses and their ability to take life in all its splendors. Due to malefic Chandra, problems like mental retardation, skin and nerve problems, jaundice, fluid accumulation are observed. The above problems can be overcome by praying to Lord Chandra.

Hanuman Puja

Hanuman Pooja is really beneficial for all those who want to attain strength, wisdom and knowledge. The worship of Shri Hanuman ji, the monkey God cures all illness and gives courage to fight the illness. Hanuman Puja provides peace of mind as well. Following things are required for Hanuman Puja.

Requirements:	Hanuman Murti, Hanuman Yantra, Red Cloth, Kumkum, Supari, Gur, Flower, Rice, Water, Panchamrit
Day :	Any Tuesday
Time :	Early Morning

It is very important during the puja to have chaste mind and good thoughts. Trust the lord and keep faith that your wish would be fulfilled. Again put kumkum on Lord Hanuman Murti and Hanuman Yantra. Keep some water near the place of worship. Put rice, flowers, supari and gur (jaggery) in front of the Yantra, fold your hand and recite the following mantras.

While chanting each mantra place a supari with vermillon on it, in front of the yantra. After this, chant the following mantra (at least 5 mala):

Manojavam Maarutatulyavegam
Jitendriyam Buddhimataam Varistham,
Vaataatmajam Vaanarayoothmukhyam
Sriramdootam Saranam Prapadhye.

Kali Puja

Kali Puja is a passionate prayer to the fearsome, ferocious goddess. The aim of Kali Puja is to seek the help of Maa Kali in destroying evil, both in the outside world and within us. It is believed that Kali Puja is performed to diminish ego and all negative tendencies that hamper spiritual growth. Kali Pooja is also observed on the night of Kartik Amavasya, which falls in October / November. Read more to know about the origin and legend of Maha Kali Puja.

Kali Puja - In Bengal
Kali Puja is always associated with the state of Bengal. Durga Puja, the National festival of the Bengalis ends on a sad note. However, this melancholy gradually disappears with the arrival of Lakshmi Puja (Diwali) in North India and Diwali Kali Puja in Bengal. The occasion of Kali Puja brings the aura of festive zeal amongst the various cross sections of society.

Goddess Kali is one of the fiercest forms of the Shakti, the eternal energy and the cosmic power. Kali has the strength to destroy the whole existence. Kali symbolizes the basic powers to fight the evil and the strengths essential to fight the rivals. According to Hinduism, we are living in the Kali Yuga (age) or the Dark Age; the time of revival of the divine female spirit. Kali Puja explores and illuminates the rich meaning of feminine divinity.

Legend of Kali Puja
As per the legend behind the celebration of Kali Puja, long ago the two demons, Shambhu and Nishambhu, bothered the world of Indra, the king of gods. The gods lost all their hopes with numerous and endless battles. The demons became stronger. The gods took shelter in the Himalayas, the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The disturbed gods asked for protection from Maa Durga.

Kali took birth from Durga's forehead as Kal Bhoi Nashini. Kali was created to save the heaven and the earth from the rising brutality of the demons. She went on her way to end the war and kill the demons, along with her two escorts Dakini and Jogini. The whole environment was full of chaos. After killing the demons, Kali made a garland of their hands and wore it around her neck. In the massacre, she lost control and started killing everyone who came in her way.

The troubled gods asked Shiva for his help. And Shiva made a plan to save the world. Lord Shiva lay down in the path of the rampaging Kali. When the goddess stepped on Shiva, she recovered her senses. The popular image of Maha Kali with her tongue hanging out, in fact portrays the moment when she steps on lord Shiva and repents for it.

Since then people are celebrating this momentous day. Kali, also known as Shyama Kali, is the first of the ten incarnations (avatars) of Shakti. Tantrik Puja is also observed at the midnight on this Amavasya (New Moon Night). Kali Puja is performed basically to seek protection against all evils and for happiness, health, wealth and peace.

Ketu Puja

Ketu (Dragon's Tail) Puja is dedicated to planet Ketu. Grah Shanti Ketu Pooja (Worship of Dragon's Tail) is recommended for those, having malefic Ketu or wrongly placed Ketu as per the horoscope. Following things are associated with Ketu (dragon's tail):

Direction :	North-West
Flower :	Red Lilly
Gemstone :	Lasniya (Cat's Eye)
Metal :	Iron
Color :	Red
Grain :	Khollu
Food :	Rice mixed with Khollu
Dhyan Mantra :	Aum Palasa Puspa Samkasam Tarakagraha Mustakam, Raudram Raudratmakam Ghoram Tam Ketum Phanamam Yaham
Ketu Gayatri Mantra:	Aum Chitravarnaya Vidhmahe, Sarparoopaya Dheemahi, Tanno Ketu Prachodayat

In Vedic astrology, the South Node of the moon is called Ketu. Ketu is known as a shadow planet, because of the Node's association with the phenomena of eclipses. Lord Ketu is supposed to have the head of a snake and the body of an asura (demon). The temperament or nature of Ketu is fiery. Ketu is the planet of spirituality.

Ketu Puja / Worshipping Dragon's Tail
If Dragon's Tail is malefic in one horoscope chart then Ketu Puja is recommended to remove the malefic effects. People afflicted by malefic Ketu are stricken with fears of robbery, bad habits, putra dosham, loss of property, and loss of face. Reciting the following mantra after sunset, facing north - west direction, will really help to reduce the bad influence of Ketu.

Aum Hrim Krum Krura Rupine Ketave Aim Suh Svaha
Ketu brings prosperity to the devotee's family, removes the effect of snakebite and illness arising out of poisonous matter entering one's body. Dragon's Tail grants good health, wealth and all round prosperity.

Ketu - The Dragon's Tail & Its Position
Ketu has no sign ruler ships, although it is acknowledged to favor Mercury and Jupiter's signs according to some authorities, while others claim that Ketu favors the sign of Scorpio. Ketu stays for 18 months or 1.6 year in each grah.

Ketu - Its Significance
Ketu is an indicator of intelligence, liberation, wisdom, non-attachment, spirituality, fantasy, penetrating insight, carrier of arms and weapons, invisibility and physic abilities. Knowledge, business, leprosy, poisonous bites are different aspects of this planet. Ketu represents the spiritual process of evolution. Ketu is considered as a worldly malefic and spiritually benefice, as it causes sorrow and loss, which ultimately turns the individual to god.

Mangal Puja

Mangal Puja or Mars Worship is dedicated to planet Mars. Grah Shanti Mangal Pooja liberates one from debts, poverty and skin problems. Here is a list of things associated with Mangal (Mars).

In Vedic Astrology, Mars is also known as Mangal, Angaraka, and Kuja. The Mars is a malefic planet. Nature of Mars is fiery. As a god, Mars is often described with a red body exemplifying the natural color of the astronomical body in the sky.

Mangal Puja or Worship of Mars
Mangal Puja is performed to appease the planet Mars. Mangal Puja is very useful & beneficial, since it strengthens and increases the positive influence and neutralizes the negative effects of Mangal. Mangal Puja is recommended for those having malefic Mars or wrongly placed Mars as per the horoscope. Chanting of the following mantra on Tuesdays facing south helps to get the blessings of Mangal.

Aim Hmaum Srim Dram Kam Graha Dhi Rajaya Yhaumaya Savah
If one can observe fast on Tuesdays for 21 times, the negative influence of Mangal can be reduced.

Position of the Mars
Mangal rules over the sidereal signs of Aries and Scorpio. Mars exalts in Capricorn and falls in the sign of Cancer. Mars is most comfortable in the 10th House. Mars stays for 1.5 month in each Grah to complete the cycle in 18 months.

Mangal & Its Significance
Mangal is an indicator of brother and siblings, assertion, aggressiveness, soldiers and military endeavors, mechanical ability, engineers and surgeons, commanders and rulers, accidents, violence and war, ambition, strength, arguments and conflict, passion and desire. Mars is also acknowledged as the protector of dharma, the sacred path and purpose in life that each of us follows.

Rahu Puja

Rahu Puja or the Dragon's Head Worship is dedicated to planet Rahu. Grah Shanti Rahu Pooja is recommended for those, having malefic Rahu or wrongly placed Rahu as per the horoscope. Here is list of things associated with Rahu (Dragon's Head).

In Vedic astrology, the North Node of the Moon is called Rahu. Rahu is described by scriptures as half-bodied, born of a lioness, snakelike, having a huge body and being extraordinarily powerful. Rahu is called dark or shadow planet because of the Node's association with the phenomena of eclipses. The nature of Rahu is Airy.

Rahu Puja / Worship of Dragon's Head
Rahu Puja is performed to appease the planet Rahu. Rahu Puja is very useful & beneficial, since it strengthens and increases the positive influence and neutralizes the negative effects of Rahu. Rahu Puja is recommended for those having malefic Rahu or wrongly placed Rahu as per horoscope. Chanting of the following mantra helps to get the blessings of the Dragon's head.

Aum Kleem Kleem Rog Naashaay Raahave Kleem Kleem Phat
The proper worship of the Dragon's Head blesses all those who suffer from sudden illness, loss of money and delay in marriage.

Rahu / Dragon's Head - Its Position
Rahu is considered as the first rate malefic. Rahu has no sign ruler ships, although it is said to favor Mercury and Jupiter's signs according to some authorities, while others claim that Rahu favors the sign of Aquarius. Rahu stays for 1.6 year or 18 months in each Graha. Rahu is windy in temperament and is intelligent.

Rahu - Its Significance
Dragon's head or Rahu is associated with the world of material manifestation and worldly desire. Rahu is associated with the spiritual process of involution, or the engrossing of spirit in materialization. Rahu is an indicator of worldly desire, fame, greed, high intelligence, manipulation, obsessive behavior, foreigners, mass disease, dementia and inertia. Rahu is believed to strengthen one's power and converting even an enemy into a friend.

Satyanarayan Puja

Satyanarayan Pooja is regarded to bring abundance and peace in all forms of life. Worship of Shri Satya Narayan is dedicated to Narayana form of Lord Vishnu. Following things are required for Satyanarayan Puja:

Satyanarayan Puja can be performed on any day. However, Purnima (Full Moon Night) and Sakranti are considered as the most auspicious days for Satyanarayan Pooja. The appropriate time of Puja is regarded in the evening but prayers in the morning will also work.

On the day of Satyanarayan Puja, devotee is required to observe a fast. One can start with the Puja after taking a bath. Satya Narayan Pooja is usually attended by relatives and neighbors of the devotee or person who is organizing the Puja. The platform where the Lord is placed is decorated.

Fruits and various dishes are offered to the lord and these eatables are distributed among the people as prasaad (Naivedyam) after the Puja. Kumkum is applied on the idol of the lord. Panchamrit is poured over the idol and then it is distributed among the people. The story or katha of Satya Narayan is narrated. After the Katha, the Puja is completed by performing the aarti.

Satyanarayan Puja brings prosperity and happiness to life. This puja is considered beneficial for all those people, who desire peace in their life.

Shani Puja

Shani Puja is done to appease planet Saturn. Grah Shanti Shani Pooja (Worship of Saturn) is sought for mental peace and to get rid of various diseases. Following things are associated with Shani (Saturn).

In Vedic astrology, the planet Saturn is called Shanaishwara. Saturn is regarded as an emaciated God with long physique, big teeth and tawny eyes. Shani is indolent and lame. The temperament or nature of Shani is airy. Saturn is considered to be a malefic graha. It is believed that Shani can make a person, a king or a beggar according to the native's deeds (karmas).

Shani Pooja - Worship Of Saturn
Shani Puja or worship of Saturn mitigates the hardships one will have to face during bad times. Shani Puja is also recommended to people who have Saade Sati of Shani in their horoscope. One is advised to recite the following Shani Mantra facing the west, to minimize the evil influence of afflicted Saturn.

"Aum Aing Hring Shring Shung Shanaishcharaye Namah: Aum"
One can observe fasts on Saturdays and can take Khichri (made of rice and black urad daal), after the sunset. Saturn bestows all benefits to the devotees who pray sincerely to him.

Position of Shani- The Saturn
Shani is most powerful in the 7th house. Saturn rules over the two sidereal signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Shani exalts in Libra and falls in the sign of Aries. Saturn is particularly a beneficial planet for Taurus and Libra Ascendants. Saturn is the slowest moving planet as it takes 30 months or 2.6 years in each Rashi and completes one cycle in 30 years. Transit of Shani can cause problems from Govt., peers, wife, children, slowdown in business, loss of property and leprosy etc.

Significance of Shani
Shani (Saturn) is an indicator of longevity, misery, sorrow, old age and death, discipline, restriction, responsibility, delays, ambition, leadership and authority, humility, integrity, wisdom born of experience. Saturn is regarded as a planet of darkness which rules over the dark side of human nature, such as the conscience (awareness of right and wrong). Saturn is regarded to be both a giver as well as destroyer. A person who sincerely prays to Shani is blessed not only with removal of the problems and worries, but a life that one desires.

Shukra Puja

Shukra (Venus) Puja is done to appease planet Venus. Grah Shanti Shukra Pooja is recommended to those, having malefic shukra or wrongly placed Venus as per the horoscope. Following things are associated with Shukra or Venus:

In Vedic astrology, the planet Venus is known as Shukra. Shukra is considered as a beneficial planet. Venus God is believed to be charming with a splendid physique, excellent in nature, phlegmatic and windy. The Nature of Venus (Shukra) is watery.

Worship of Venus - Shukra Pooja
Shukra Puja is performed when Venus is ill-placed in one's birth chart. Shukra bestows long life, wealth, happiness, children, and property and good education. Shukra Puja can be started from any Friday. It is advisable to wear white clothes and chant the following Shukra Mantra, facing the south-east direction.

Aum Aim Aim Gam Grahesvara Shukraya Namah
Chanting of this mantra will help to reduce the adverse influence of malefic Venus. One can observe fast on Fridays to get quick results.

Position of Venus
The planet Venus or Shukra is most powerful in the 4th house. Venus exalts in the sign of Pisces and falls in the opposite sign of Virgo. Shukra rules over the sidereal signs of Taurus and Libra. Shukra (Venus) resides one month in each Rashi and takes one year to complete the zodiac cycle.

Shukra and its significance
Venus is an indicator of spouse, love, marriage, comfort, luxury, beauty, prosperity, happiness, all conveyances, art, dance music, acting, passion and sex. Shukra blesses the people with power to control their sense organs (Indriyas) and enables to obtain name and fame. Afflictions to Venus can cause eye diseases, venereal complaints, indigestion, pimples, impotency, loss of appetite and rashes on the skin.

Surya Puja

Surya Puja or Sun Worship is dedicated to Lord Surya. Grah Shanti Surya Puja or Sun worship is recommended to those, having malefic surya or wrongly placed sun as per the horoscope. Here is a list of things associated with the worship of Surya - the Sun God.

Surya is the only visible God whom we can see, perceive and pray. The Sun God is considered as the life-giver, ''Prannadata'' of the entire universe. Surya is essential for life. All Vedas regard Surya as the witness (Saakshi) of all actions. The Sun or Surya is also known as ''Atmakaraka''. Being a Sanskrit word, ''Atma'' means ''soul'' and ''Karaka'' means ''indicator''. The Sun is the ''indicator of the soul''. The Surya is the indicator of our ego, honor, status, fame, the heart, the eyes, general vitality, respect and power.

Surya Puja - Worshipping the Sun God
Surya Puja is a divine boon for those who face problems, hurdles and misfortune in their lives. Worship of Sun is beneficial when people get stuck, no matter how hard working, honest and intelligent they are good luck seems to ignore them. People who aspire for sound health, prosperity, good eyesight, strength and courage, success, cure of chronic diseases like leprosy, heart ailment, nervous weakness, asthma etc. should worship the Sun. This planet is known for his Power, strength and glory.

An ill-placed Sun could also lead to difficulties in health, relating to heart or blood pressure/ blood circulation. In such a case, it is advisable to recite Surya Japa or Dhyan Mantra. After planning to perform the Surya Puja, one should wear clean red clothes on Sunday and offer lotus flower to the God, facing the east direction.

"Aum Hrim Hrim Suriyaye Namah Aum''
People can observe fast on Sundays and can take salt-free food (one time meal before sunset). It is regarded as beneficial. One should meditate on the rising sun. If not possible, they should meditate on a ruby.After reciting and meditating on the Sun, one should offer water adding a few rice grains and vermillion to the Sun Lord. It is really beneficial for every person. The Sun is the god of light and intellect, may god bless you with all the grace. Read more to know about the Sun and its affects.

The Sun - Position
The nature of Surya is fiery. The Sun is the most powerful of all the stars. It is believed that the stronger the Sun the bigger the ego, so much in fact that there might be small place for other people to exist in such egoistic brilliance. Thus, it is where the excess vanity of the Sun exerts a malefic influence. A well-located Sun provides intelligence, perception, strength of will and character. It creates endurance, stamina, vitality, positive spirit, direction, courage, conviction, confidence, leadership, independence and straight- forwardness.

An ill-placed Sun gives lack of intelligence, poor perception, weakness of will and character. It creates lack of endurance, low vitality, melancholy, fear, dependency or servitude, deviousness or dishonesty. An overly strong but ill-disposed Sun creates pride, arrogance, tyranny and control. It creates much of the same problems as Mars (or Saturn), when too strong. A weak but spiritually inclined Sun makes us friendly, desiring to do good and self-effacing.

Significance of the Sun
Surya is considered to be the most powerful planet in astrological parlance as any planet placed with it gets combust. But, whenever Rahu or Ketu comes at 14 degrees from the Sun, a solar eclipse occurs around New Moon (meaning Rahu or Ketu eclipse the Sun). As per Medical astrology, the Sun rules head and brain among body parts and boils, pimples and fever among diseases.

The Sun or Surya is the lord of Leo in the Zodiac. Surya exalts in the sign of Aries and falls in the sign of Libra. The sun stays one month in each Rashi and takes 365 days or 1 year to complete a round of 12 Rashis. The Sun is in his strongest placement directly overhead in the 10th House.

Surya is also strong in the other Kendras, or Angles. These are the Houses 1, 4, and 7. The Sun also works well in what are called the ''Upachaya'', or growing houses. These are the Houses 3, 6 and 11. The Sun is particularly beneficial for the fire sign Ascendants of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Surya Puja on Sunday is considered to bring in manifold benefits to the worshippers.

Tulsi Puja

Tulsi is a sacred plant which can be found in almost every Hindu's home. Tulsi Pooja (Worship of Tulsi) is observed almost every day. Following things are required for Tulsi Puja.

The sacred plant, Tulsi is regarded as the incarnation of the goddess Mahalakshmi. Tulsi represents duty, dedication, love, virtue and sorrow of all women. That is why this herb is usually worshipped by women of all age groups.

To begin Tulsi Puja, one is required to take a bath. Decorate the pot where Tulsi is grown. Offer water to the sacred plant. Apply kumkum on one of its leaf. A length of red cloth can be wrapped along the stem. Offer red flower to the sacred herb, Tulsi. Offer fruits by placing them near the pot. Light the clay lamp and perform aarti to complete the Tulsi Puja. People usually take a leaf of Tulsi after the Puja and put it in their mouth. It is believed by committing such act; they are taking the spirit of goddess inside them.

Tulsi Vivah
It is considered that the month of Kartik (October-November) is loved by Tulsi. And on a specific day (Kartik Shukla Dwadashi) of this month there is a tradition when Tulsi plants are beautifully decorated with structures made of sugarcane, mango leaves and flowers and then a puja is offered. In northern India and in Gaudiya Vaishnava communities, it is called the 'Tulsi Vivah' or the wedding day of Tulsi and Shaligram.

Tulsi represents honor, virtue and steadfast loyalty. This sacred bush of herbal leaves symbolizes Hindu femininity respected by men and women. Tulsi is regarded as the "Mother of the World."

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