How to Perform Special Pooja for Adi Shankara Jayanti at Home

Adi Shankara Jayanti is sacred day that celebrates birthday of great spiritual guru as well as philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. He played a key role in reviving and spreading the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. Observing this day with devotion by performing a special pooja at home can draw his blessings and further illuminate ones spiritual wisdom. Here is step by step guide to how to conduct a special pooja for Adi Shankara Jayanti at home.

1. Preparing for the Pooja

Before beginning the pooja one needs to set up clean & peaceful environment. To prepare follow these steps:

Clean the Space: Select a clean and quiet space in your house for pooja. Preferably use your prayer room or an altar.

Set Up the Altar: Put an image or idol of Adi Shankaracharya and a picture of Lord Shiva, since Adi Shankara was a great devotee of Shiva.

Gather Pooja Items: You will require flowers, incense sticks, a lamp (diya), sandalwood paste, kumkum, turmeric, fruits, sweets and a sacred book like the Vivekachudamani or Bhaja Govindam.

Dress Appropriately: Wear clean and traditional clothes as a sign of respect and devotion.

2. Invocation and Sankalpa (Vow)

Light the lamp & incense first to start the pooja. Give prayers to Lord Ganesha to negate all obstacles and to obtain his blessings. After that make Sankalpa (solemn promise) by taking an oath by announcing your intent to do pooja with sincerity.

3. Prayers and Chanting

Adi Shankara Ashtakam: Recite the hymns as well as verses offered to Adi Shankara like Guru Stotram or Shankara Ashtakam.

Bhaja Govindam: Recite the well known 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 chant the Vishnu Sahasranama or a Shiva Stotra as well.

4. Offerings and Aarti

Flower Offering: Give fresh flowers to the photo of Adi Shankara and chant his name.

Naivedya (Food Offering): Make simple sattvic food like fruits, coconut and sweets such as jaggery-based prasad.

Aarti: Finish off with an aarti by waving camphor or burning diya before the altar by singing the Guru Aarti or Om Jai Jagadguru.

5. Reading and Reflection

After pooja spend some time reading Adi Shankara's writings. You can read passages from Vivekachudamani or Atma Bodha to understand Advaita Vedanta better.

6. Charity and Acts of Kindness

Selfless service and dharma were stressed by Adi Shankara. On this special day, practice charity by giving food, clothes, or books to the poor. You can also donate to temples or spiritual organizations devoted to Advaita philosophy.

7. Meditation and Guru Smaranam

Close the day with quiet meditation, reflecting on the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya. Express gratitude for the wisdom he shared with the world and ask for his blessings for spiritual development.

Conclusion

Observing Adi Shankara Jayanti with devotion and integrity yields great spiritual rewards. Performing this special home pooja helps you pay tribute to one of India's greatest spiritual teachers while enriching your own spiritual life. May Adi Shankaracharya's blessings help you tread the path of wisdom and enlightenment.

Let us follow his teachings and tread the path of knowledge and devotion!