If your family observes a Varad Shankar puja, you know it comes with its own order, offerings and katha, and few people have the full sequence at hand. A pandit leads the worship, so you can focus on the occasion.
Why it is done
Varad Shankar is a form of Shiva worshipped in some traditions, especially in parts of Maharashtra, with a vrat and puja. Families who observe it do so as a mark of devotion to Shiva. The vidhi and the day vary by region and family.
Who it is for
Families who observe the Varad Shankar vrat or puja; devotees of Shiva wanting a pandit-led worship at home; households marking an occasion with a Shiva puja.
When to do it
The date depends on your family's custom and local calendar. Your pandit can suggest a muhurat. Follow your family's tradition where it differs.
Choose your ceremony
About 1.5 hours for the standard ceremony; about 2 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video Varad Shankar Puja works if the family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You arrange the samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes the setup and the offerings easier.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: a Shiva-focused puja with sankalp, ganesh pooja, kalash and worship of Shiva and Parvati, ending with aarti. About 1.5 hours, 14 vidhi steps, led by one pandit.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: a fuller puja with more steps, more offerings and more time for the worship of Shiva. About 2 hours, 21 vidhi steps, led by one pandit.
If you want a simple, focused puja, start with the standard. If your family follows the fuller vidhi, choose the extended ceremony.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself, and ask the pandit for the list in advance.
The sequence
- Pavitrikaran and achaman
- Deepak lit and ganesh pooja
- Sankalp with family details
- Kalash sthapana
- Invocation and worship of Shiva and Parvati
- Abhishek and offerings, as per your family's custom
- Katha, if your family reads it
- Aarti and prasad
How to prepare
- Clean the puja area and set up a chowki
- Keep a Shiva idol, lingam or picture ready
- Keep traditional offerings such as bel leaves, flowers and water ready, as per your family's custom
- Confirm the date and muhurat with the pandit
- Keep a diya and basic puja items ready
- Decide whether you will use pandit-provided samagri or your own
Who should attend
The family observing the puja. Others can join for the katha and aarti.
Your tradition
Rituals for Varad Shankar vary by region, and some families follow a specific vrat katha. Tell us your region and tradition when booking.
Safety
This ritual uses a diya or lamp and often camphor. Keep the flame on a stable, heat-safe surface away from curtains, children and pets, and keep a little water nearby.
Questions
What is Varad Shankar Puja? It is a puja to Shiva in the Varad Shankar form, observed by some families as a vrat. Practice varies.
How long should I plan for? About 1.5 hours for the standard ceremony and about 2 hours for the extended one.
Is it on a specific day? Some families observe it on a particular tithi. The pandit can confirm the date for your tradition.
Do we need to fast? Some families do and others do not. Follow your family's custom.