Narayan Nagbali Puja is an ancient Hindu ritual practiced by Marathi Hindus during Prashniki Amavasya, typically in September or October. Originally, it celebrated Lord Vishnu’s triumph over Narakasura, representing the defeat of evil. Nowadays, many families perform this puja annually, regardless of the lunar calendar. This article explores the importance, steps, costs, and advantages of Narayan Nagbali Puja.
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What is Narayan Nagbali Puja?
The Narayan Nagbali Puja is a three-day Hindu ritual performed in Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra, India. It is a significant ritual in Hinduism performed to seek blessings from ancestors and attain spiritual growth. The puja includes two separate rituals, Narayan Bali and Nag Bali, performed for different reasons. Narayan Bali is done to liberate the souls of family members who died untimely, while Nag Bali is performed to absolve the sin of killing a king cobra. The puja is believed to help in ancestral healing and provide relief from the negative effects of ancestral curses. It is also suggested for couples facing difficulties in having children and is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and good fortune to those who perform it with devotion and sincerity.
Procedure of Narayan Nagbali Puja
The Narayan Nagbali Puja is a three-day ritual that involves reciting mantras, offering prayers, and performing specific rituals. On the first day, devotees bathe in Kushvarta and pledge to give ten things to charity. The next day, they bathe again, dress in new clothes, and do the Pradhan Sankalpa. The third day includes performing the Havan, a ritualistic offering to the gods. This puja is believed to bring peace, and prosperity, and help with various life issues. It is advisable to perform this puja under the guidance of a knowledgeable pandit.
Day 1:
- Devotees take a holy dip and wear new clothes.
- Prayers are offered at the Trimbakeshwar temple.
- The puja begins with setting up two pots with gold idols of Lord Vishnu and Vaivasvata Yama.
- These deities are worshipped with mantras and offerings.
- Pinda (rice balls) made with honey, ghee, and sesame seeds are prepared and offered.
Day 2 (may vary):
- Focuses on appeasing the Nagas (serpents).
- Specific rituals and offerings are made to appease the Nagas.
Day 3 (may vary):
- Involves concluding pujas like Ganesh Pujan (worshipping Ganesh) and Nag Pujan (worshipping serpents).
- Punya Havan (sacred fire) might be performed for purification.
Important Points:
- Dates for the puja are determined based on auspicious timings (muhurta).
- Traditionally, a male performs the puja, but consult your pandit for guidance.
- Avoid black and green colored clothing during the puja days.
- Food restrictions might apply during the puja.
Gathering the necessary items for the puja
For the Narayan Nagbali puja, you will need new clothes, a golden snake statue, cash as a Dakshina, fresh white clothing, sacred threads, flowers, incense, and offerings of food and clothing. It’s important to have pure items for the ceremony. Specific items like sacred threads, flowers, incense, and offerings are essential for the rituals and spiritual aspects of the puja.
| Item | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | As needed | Used for purification purposes. |
| Kumkum | As needed | Red powder used in Hindu rituals. |
| Incense sticks (Agarbatti) | As needed | To create a fragrant atmosphere. |
| Sandalwood paste (Chandan) | As needed | Symbolizes purity and is offered to deities. |
| Camphor (Kapoor) | As needed | Used in aarti (ritual of waving lighted camphor) during the puja. |
| Coconut | 1 | Offered to the deities as a symbol of purity and fertility. |
| Flowers (preferably white) | As needed | Used for decoration and as offerings. |
| Rice | As needed | Offered to the deities as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. |
| Betel leaves and nuts (Paan) | As needed | Offered as a sign of respect and hospitality. |
| Sweets (preferably laddu) | As needed | Offered as prasad (blessed food) after the puja. |
| Milk | As needed | Offered to deities as part of the ritual. |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | As needed | Used for lighting lamps and as an offering. |
| Fruits | As needed | Offered as a part of the ritual. |
| Coins | As needed | Used for dakshina (offering to priests). |
| Holy water (Gangajal or plain water) | As needed | Used for purification and as an offering. |
| Holy thread (Moli or Kalava) | As needed | Tied on the wrists after the puja as a symbol of protection. |
| Sesame seeds (Til) | As needed | Offered as part of the ritual. |
| Darbha grass | As needed | Used in various Hindu rituals for purification. |
| Havan Kund (Fire pit) | 1 | Used for performing homa (fire ritual). |
| Idols or images of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva | 2 (or as required) | Central to the p |
Cost of Narayan Nagbali Puja
The cost of Narayan Nagbali Puja can vary depending on various factors such as the type of puja, number of days, number of pundits, and additional services like accommodation and food. The cost can range from around Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 8,000 for an individual puja, and it can go up to Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 18,000 for a common puja, including accommodation and food. The cost also depends on the type of donation and additional services like stay in a hotel, check-in, and checkout times, and the number of extras. It is important to contact authorized pandits or priests for more specific pricing and booking details.
Tips for a Successful Narayan Nagbali Puja
Performing Narayan Nagbali Puja requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Follow these tips for a successful puja:
- Choose the right time: Select a suitable date based on the lunar calendar, preferably between September and October. Consult with experts before finalizing the schedule.
- Cleanse yourself: Take a holy bath before commencing the puja and wear clean clothes.
- Decorate the venue: Set up a beautiful altar decorated with flowers and lights according to traditional customs. Place statues or pictures of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva in prominent places.
- Invite guests: Request friends and relatives to attend the puja for blessings and support.
- Observe silence: Maintain silence during the puja processions, except when chanting mantras.
- Offer donations: Contribute generously towards the poor, donate food items, and offer clothes as part of the puja process.
- Be mindful of diet: Consume simple vegetarian meals during the puja period.
- Practice patience and devotion: Attention to detail and sincere worship yield positive results. Stay focused and dedicate ample time for each ritual.
- Seek guidance from experts: Consult with knowledgeable pandits or priests if unsure about specific procedures. They guide you efficiently throughout the puja cycle.
- Record memories: Document the event by clicking photographs and videos to cherish the memorable moments forever.
Remember, the success of Narayan Nagbali Puja relies heavily upon practicing these rituals with dedication and reverence. Following these guidelines ensures optimum results and makes for a fruitful occasion.
Conclusion:-
Narayan Nagbali Puja is a Hindu ritual rooted in Marathi culture, usually performed during Prashniki Amavasya in September or October. Originally, it celebrated Lord Vishnu’s victory over Narakasura but now focuses on seeking blessings from ancestors and spiritual growth. The puja spans three days and aims to lift ancestral curses, find peace, and attract prosperity. To conduct the puja successfully, meticulous preparation, adherence to tradition, and guidance from knowledgeable priests are essential. Following these steps and tips can help participants have a meaningful and spiritually enriching experience during Narayan Nagbali Puja.
Related Read:- Dhanteras Puja Vidhi: How to conduct a successful puja at your workplace
