Happy Ayudha Puja!

This morning the silpis and monks observed Ayudha Puja at the small carving site located on the property. Pravinkumar performed the puja for everyone present.

"Ayudha Puja" simply translates to "implement worship," and is performed on Vijayadashami - the day immediately following the last night of Navaratri.

At this time, whatever items used to do his or her profession or other duties are cleaned well, adorned with vibhuti, chandanam, and kumkum, flowers, etc. and offered arati and incense. Any tool that is personally or professionally vital to the devotee is blessed. This could include computers, motorcycles, power saws, dish washers, calculators, musical instruments, theatre make up, farming trackers, etc. In this case it was for the tools that the siplis use to do their incredible carving.

The blessings of Goddess Saraswati are invoked, as well as Lord Ganesha. Everyone enjoyed sweet rice following the worship.

A shrine is set up at the carving tent

This morning a rainbow lit up what little was visible of the mountain

Satguru and monks arrive at the tent

Pravinkumar begins the puja

Sweet rice is served as prasadam

Satguru presents gifts to the siplis and to Pravinkumar

Prasadam for all

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