How to Perform Special Pooja for Adi Shankara Jayanti at Home

Adi Shankara Jayanti is a sacred day commemorating the birthday of Adi Shankaracharya, a famous spiritual leader and philosopher. He was instrumental in revitalizing and popularizing the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. Observing this day with devotion and executing a particular pooja at home will bring him benefits and further enhance one's spiritual understanding. Here is step by step guidance about how to do a special pooja for Adi Shankara Jayanti at home.

1. Preparing for the Pooja

Before commencing the pooja, one should create a clean and quiet environment. To prepare, follow these instructions.

Clean the location: Select a clean and calm location in your house for puja. Preferably, utilize your prayer area or an altar.

Set up the Altar: Place an image or idol of Adi Shankaracharya alongside a picture of Lord Shiva, as Adi Shankara was a huge Shiva devotee.

Gather Pooja Items: You'll need flowers, incense sticks, a light (diya), sandalwood paste, kumkum, turmeric, fruits, sweets, and a religious text, such as the Vivekachudamani or Bhaja Govindam.

Dress appropriately: Wear clean, traditional clothing as a gesture of respect and commitment.

2. Invocation and Sankalpa (Vow)

Light the candle & incense first to start the puja. Give prayers to Lord Ganesha to neutralize all barriers and to get his blessings. After that, make a Sankalpa (solemn commitment) by swearing an oath and declaring your intention to do pooja with sincerity.

3. Prayers and Chanting

Adi Shankara Ashtakam: recite hymns and poems dedicated to Adi Shankara, such as Guru Stotram or Shankara Ashtakam.

Bhaja Govindam: Recite the widely renowned work of Adi Shankaracharya, Bhaja Govindam, which is a paean of devotion & renunciation.

Vishnu Sahasranama or Shiva Stotra: Since Adi Shankara was a Shaivite and Vaishnavite by faith, you can recite the Vishnu Sahasranama or a Shiva Stotra as well.

4. Offerings and Aarti

Flower Offering: Place fresh flowers on the portrait of Adi Shankara and recite his name.

Naivedya (Food Offering): Prepare basic sattvic foods such as fruits, coconuts, and jaggery-based prasad.

Aarti: Finish with an aarti by waving camphor or lighting a diya in front of the altar while singing the Guru Aarti or Om Jai Jagadguru.

5. Reading and Reflection

After pooja, spend time reading Adi Shankara's works. To further grasp Advaita Vedanta, study excerpts from Vivekachudamani or the Atma Bodha.

6. Charity and Acts of Kindness

Adi Shankara promoted selfless service and dharma. On this important day, demonstrate generosity by donating food, clothing, or literature to the needy. You can also make donations to Advaita temples and spiritual groups.

7. Meditation and Guru Smaranam

Finish the day with a calm meditation that reflects on Adi Shankaracharya's teachings. Express thanks for the wisdom he imparted with the world, and seek his blessings for spiritual growth.

Conclusion

Observing Adi Shankara Jayanti with commitment and purity gives significant spiritual benefits. Performing this particular house pooja honors one of India's greatest spiritual masters while also boosting your own spiritual life. May Adi Shankaracharya's blessings guide you down the road of learning and enlightenment.

Let us follow his lessons and walk the road of wisdom and dedication!