A mantra and homam ritual needs the right kund, samagri and recitation, and few families have done one before. A pandit leads the vidhi so you can sit and take part rather than manage it.
Why it is done
The Maha Mritunjaya mantra is a well-known Vedic prayer to Shiva, and this ritual combines its recitation with a homam. Families often choose it at times such as illness in the family, a milestone birthday or Shravan. It is a prayer and observance, not a medical treatment or a promised outcome.
Who it is for
Families who want a Shiva-focused homam for a family member's wellbeing; people marking a milestone birthday; households observing Shravan or Shivratri.
When to do it
Many families choose a Monday, Shravan, Maha Shivratri or a date from the panchang or their astrologer. Your pandit can suggest a muhurat for your date and city. If your family has its own custom, that takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 1 hour for the standard ceremony; about 1.5 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video Mahamrityunjay Jaap Homam works well 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 the diya or havan easier.
- Standard: The standard ceremony with 15 steps led by one pandit: sankalp, Ganesh invocation, invocation of Shiva, and a mantra recitation, a homam with ahutis, ending with purnahuti. A good fit for a first homam or a smaller family gathering.
- Extended: The extended ceremony with 22 steps, also led by one pandit: the standard sequence with a fuller set of rituals, more ahutis and longer time at each stage. Suits a family that follows the fuller vidhi.
If you want the essential homam, start with the standard. If your family follows the fuller vidhi or you are hosting guests, the extended gives more time.
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 lamp lighting to begin
- Sankalp with your family's details
- Ganesh pooja
- Kalash sthapana
- Invocation of Shiva and the Maha Mritunjaya mantra recitation
- Lighting of the homam fire
- Ahutis with the Maha Mritunjaya mantra
- Purnahuti
- Aarti, prasad and closing prayers
How to prepare
- Clean the space and keep the entrance clear the day before
- Keep a fire-safe spot ready for the homam, with ventilation and a bucket of water nearby
- Keep the idol or picture of the deity and a clean level surface for the puja items
- Let the family know the muhurat and ask who will sit for the ritual
- Decide in advance whether you will use pandit-supplied samagri or arrange items yourself
- Check your building's rules on havan in common areas
Who should attend
The person or family the homam is performed for, traditionally the head of the household sitting for the main rituals; families decide this for themselves. Others can join for the ahutis and aarti.
Your tradition
Homam is most closely associated with South Indian traditions, though many North Indian families also hold it. Sequences, mantras and the number of ahutis differ by tradition. Tell us your tradition and language when booking so we can match a pandit who follows it.
Safety
Havan and diyas involve an open flame. Use a stable heat-safe surface, keep the space ventilated, keep water nearby, and keep flames away from curtains, children and pets. Follow your building's rules on havan in common areas. For health concerns, please consult a doctor.
Questions
How long should I plan for? About 1 hour for the standard ceremony and about 1.5 hours for the extended one, plus setup time.
What is the difference between a homam and a havan? They are closely related fire rituals. Homam is the term more often used in South Indian traditions. Your pandit can explain the format they follow.
Can we do it on video? Yes, usually. You arrange the samagri and a safe fire spot, and the pandit leads on video.
What if our family follows a different sequence? Your family's sequence takes priority. Share it when you book.
Can it be done in an apartment? Many families do, with ventilation and safety precautions. Check your building's rules and speak to the pandit about alternatives if open flame is not allowed.