Which is the Most Effective: Pooja, Anushthaan or Havan – How to Choose?

Maa Baglamukhi is eighth of the ten Mahavidya that are Avatars of Mahakali. Because of her fondness for yellow colour, she is also known as Pitambari Devi. She is a Goddess of tantra and wields immense power. There are many different ways of appeasing the Goddess and asking for her blessings. Devotees from all over the world come to Kangra for Maa Baglamukhi's puja, havan, rituals and other rites. There are different kinds of appeasement that are done on different days of the Hindu calendar, and some are even undertaken at night and on Amavasya or no moon night.

Puja: It involves the worship of all Gods and Goddesses in the temple complex. Devotees pay their respect to the various divine forms in any of the ways that they pay their respect at other temples.

Rituals: Also known as anushthan, these involve the chanting of sacred Maa Baglamukhi Mantras according to varied procedures and wishes or manokamnas.

Havan: Havan involves the invocation of the Goddess and these can be of different types depending on the problem that the devotee is looking to solve.

A combination of these can be used depending on the wish or boon that the worshipper desires. It involves a detailed discussion with the Pujaris of the Temple who understand the problem the devotee is facing and accordingly suggest a remedy. For bigger problems, they could even recommend a Panch Yagya, Maha Yagya, Divya Yagya, Ananta Yagya, Ananta Anushthan or a Tantric Puja.

What kind of rituals are performed at Maa Baglamukhi Temple?

At Maa Baglamukhi Temple Bankhandi, as many as 136 different types of rituals are conducted. Each of these has a unique procedure and is done for a different purpose. Puja for domestic bliss and peace, business growth and brighter prospects, etc are done during the day. There are other kinds of purposes for which the rites and rituals are performed after sunset, during the night. These are most effective when done after sunset and these include pujas done for court cases, political gains, competitive success, and many more. For people who are experiencing Tantra, Mantra and Yantra obstacles, or who are surrounded by negativity, or have huge problems that refuse to go away, there is a special significance of worshipping Maa Baglamukhi Bankhandi after sunset.

What are important days for undertaking worship and rituals at Maa Baglamukhi Temple Kangra?

Maa Baglamukhi Kangra Temple attracts devotees around the year, and especially on Navratri, Ashtami, Navmi, Amavasya, Purnima, Sankranti and Krishna Paksh when there is special importance of all rituals. Amavasya is especially important for big boons and blessings from Maa for devotees who are desirous of a win in court cases, defeating enemies, creating obstacles for enemies, success in all spheres and realising all wishes. Purnima is favoured for achieving boons of peace and harmony, blessings for an offspring, commercial gains, growth in business, education of children, and more.

How should one decide which Puja to undertake?

While they are all a way to connect with the goddess and send our devotion and prayers Her way, a wise and experienced Acharya can guide you to select the one that is just right for your particular purpose and make the outcome much more desirable. At Maa Baglamukhi Temple, Bankhandi, there are Pandits, Shastris and Acharyas who help devotees make the most of their visit to the temple. According to the capability of the devotee, the right ritual is recommended.

To select the right ritual for Maa Baglamukhi blessings, there are some things that you can keep in mind. Firstly, not all rites and rituals are appropriate for all individuals and caution needs to be exercised before proceeding with one at one's personal level. Instead of a positive outcome, a ritual that is conducted in a less than perfect way can prove to be detrimental. Secondly, by being guided by a Guru or Acharya, at Bankhandi Temple, who are well versed in the procedures and processes, you enhance the chances of successfully achieving your wishes. Lastly, while one is welcome to walk into Maa Baglamukhi Bankhandi Temple any time, it is advisable that you make a prior appointment if you wish to have a Yagya or ritual at the temple to avoid disappointment in case the day's rituals have been booked already.