A shanti pooja to a Mahavidya is not something most families have the vidhi for. Two pandits lead the pooja and the chanting, so you can focus on sitting through it.
Why it is done
Bhuvaneshwari is one of the ten Mahavidyas, associated with space and the world as a whole. A shanti pooja to her is a devotional ritual of prayer and mantra. Families choose it as devotion. It is not presented as a remedy for any particular problem.
Who it is for
Devotees of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari; families whose guru or astrologer has suggested this ritual; people who want a longer devotional pooja with two pandits.
When to do it
Families often choose a muhurat from their astrologer or guru. Your pandit can suggest options for your date and city. If your family has its own custom, that takes priority. If you have a chart-based question about whether to do this ritual, your family astrologer is the right person to ask.
Choose your ceremony
About 3 hours for the standard ceremony; about 4.5 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video Bhuvaneshwari Shanti Pooja works if the family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You will arrange samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes it easier.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: two pandits, about 18 vidhi steps over about 3 hours. Opening pooja, invocation of the goddess, mantra chanting and aarti.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: two pandits, about 27 vidhi steps over about 4.5 hours. A fuller set of prayers and longer chanting.
Choose the standard for a focused pooja. Choose the extended if your guru or astrologer suggests the fuller vidhi.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself.
The sequence
- Purification and sankalp with your family's details
- Ganesh pooja to begin
- Kalash sthapana
- Navagraha and other preliminary prayers
- Invocation of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari
- Offerings and mantra chanting by the pandits
- Shanti prayers
- Aarti
- Prasad and closing prayer
How to prepare
- Choose a clean, quiet room with space for two pandits
- Keep a clean raised surface for the deity and kalash
- Keep a lamp ready and a safe spot for it
- Check your guru's or astrologer's guidance on the day and mantra
- Plan seating and water for the pandits
- Decide in advance whether you will use samagri from the pandit or arrange items yourself
Who should attend
The head of the household or the person on whose behalf the pooja is done. Family can join as they like.
Your tradition
Mantras and offerings differ by tradition and guru. If you have been given instructions, share them when you book.
Safety
A diya or lamp is an open flame. Keep it on a stable surface, away from curtains, children and pets, and never leave it unattended.
Questions
What is the pooja for? It is a devotional ritual to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. Families choose it as devotion and prayer.
Should I consult an astrologer? If you have a chart-based question, yes. The pandit will follow your guru's or astrologer's instructions where possible.
How long should I plan for? About 3 hours for the standard and about 4.5 hours for the extended, plus set-up.
Why two pandits? Two pandits share the chanting and the ritual steps so it runs smoothly.
Can we do it on video? Yes. The pandits lead on video while you follow along at home.