Mantralaya-2034

(Importance of Pooja and why we should do it )

Date : March 20, 2025

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||

Background

Importance of Pooja and why we should do it is described in Mantralaya (2034).

Meaning

Many people believe that having a pure mind is enough and that performing pooja or rituals is unnecessary. They argue that true devotion lies in good thoughts alone. But is that really the case? Let’s explore why pooja and rituals hold deep significance in our spiritual journey.
Every household in India is blessed with its own unique traditions of pooja and rituals, passed down through generations, regardless of caste or background. These sacred practices preserve our spiritual heritage and connect us to the divine in a deeply personal way.
To answer the question of why we should perform pooja even when our mind is pure, let’s look at some profound references. The Supreme Lord Krishna himself performed pooja and rituals, not out of necessity, but to set an example for humanity. Similarly, great spiritual masters like Sri Adi Shankaracharya, Sri Ramanujacharya, Sri Madhvacharya, Sri Jayateertharu, Sri Raghavendra Swamy, and many revered Haridasas, despite being highly enlightened, continued to engage in worship, pooja, and rituals. Their devotion highlights the significance of these practices in nurturing spiritual discipline and divine connection.

It is true that a pure mind is essential for spiritual progress. However, Devapuja is not just about purity of mind; it is about actively connecting with the divine, maintaining discipline, and channeling our devotion into action.

Even a pure hearted person still needs food, sleep, and exercise, right? Similarly, the soul also needs nourishment and puja serves as a disciplined practice to engage in divine remembrance, humility, and gratitude.A pure heart alone does not automatically sustain spiritual energy. Just as a healthy body still needs food to survive, a pure mind still needs regular spiritual reinforcement. Devapuja is a way of acknowledging, experiencing, and strengthening our relationship with God.The discipline of daily puja prevents us from becoming complacent, ensuring that we stay on the path of dharma (righteousness).Even great saints and realized souls like Sri Raghavendra Swamy and Sri Madhvacharya performed daily Devapuja despite their elevated spiritual states. This shows that puja is not merely for purification, but for sustained divine connection.

Sometimes, thinking "My mind is pure, so I don’t need puja" can lead to subtle ego.Puja is a reminder that we are always dependent on God, and no matter how pure we think we are, we still need His grace.Even Lord Sri Rama, who is Bhagavan Himself, worshipped Lord Shiva, demonstrating that no one is beyond the need for prayer.

Puja is not just for oneself but also for the welfare of the world.The Vedic system explains that daily chanting of mantras, offering naivedya (food), and lighting a lamp create positive vibrations in the surroundings.Performing puja uplifts family members, society, and even the subtle energies around us.Even great rishis, despite their enlightenment, continued their daily worship because they knew its impact on the world.

Performing daily puja is not just about purifying the mind—it is about sustaining spiritual energy, reinforcing devotion, and contributing to cosmic harmony.Just as bathing daily cleanses the body, puja nourishes and protects the soul, no matter how pure one already is.Even if we don’t feel the need for it personally, we do it as an offering to Bhagavan, as an act of humility, and as a way to keep our spiritual connection strong. That is why puja remains essential—even for a pure mind.

Here are some of the reference

The Bhagavad Gita (3.22-23) records Lord Krishna saying: "Though I have nothing to gain in the three worlds, still, O Arjuna, I engage in action (karma) continuously.".  Lesson: Even the Supreme Lord continues divine actions—not for Himself, but for the benefit of the world.


Sri Raghavendra Swamy, Sri Madhvacharya, and Sri Jayateertharu, all spiritually enlightened souls—never gave up daily Devapuja. If they, being great saints, saw value in it, shouldn’t we?


The Vishnu Dharmottara Purana (3.35.1-2) states:  "Even a wise person should perform puja daily, for it strengthens devotion, protects dharma, and spreads divine energy."


Sri Madhvacharya’s philosophy emphasizes Taratamya (hierarchy of beings). Worship of the Supreme Lord through proper channels (deities, acharyas, etc.) ensures that even the purest devotee remains connected to the divine.


The Manusmriti (4.147) declares:"A householder should perform daily rituals, for they sustain both his own dharma and the welfare of the world."


Here are Scientific and Medical Benefits of Devapuja

Neuroscientific Benefits (Cognitive and Psychological Well-being) -  Doing pooja and  chanting Vedic mantras engages the brain’s language and memory centers, enhancing cognitive function and mental clarity.Repeated recitation of sacred sounds activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety.Devotion and ritualistic worship induce theta brain waves, which are associated with deep relaxation and a meditative state.

Impact on Respiratory & Cardiovascular Health - The rhythmic chanting of mantras like the Gayatri Mantra improves lung capacity and regulates breathing patterns.The practice of Pranayama (controlled breathing during rituals) helps lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and increase oxygenation of cells.

Mindfulness and Emotional Stability - The act of performing daily puja with concentration improves mindfulness, emotional stability, and discipline.Bhakti (devotion) triggers the release of oxytocin and serotonin, reducing feelings of loneliness and depression.

Puja Creates Positive Vibrations in the Environment - Burning camphor, incense, and lighting lamps purifies the air by reducing bacteria and improving oxygen levels.Tulsi leaves, sandalwood paste, and sacred ash (vibhuti) have antimicrobial properties that promote health.

Mental Health Benefits of Rituals - Studies in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) suggest that structured daily rituals (like puja) reduce anxiety, prevent mental fatigue, and improve emotional resilience.

The Pancharatra Agama serves as the foundation for the rituals and worship (puja) performed for Prathimas (idols). Jagadguru Sri Madhvacharya, in his work Tantrasara Sangraha, has meticulously outlined the guidelines for performing Devapuja (worship of deities) in 442 shlokas. These guidelines cover both daily home worship (Nitya Puja) and the installation of deities in temples (Pratishthapana), along with the intricate procedures for temple rituals.

Additionally, Sri Jayatheertha (Teekacharya) has provided a more concise yet profound description of the Devapuja process in his work Padhyamala, consisting of 126 shlokas. He emphasizes the mental state of the worshipper, underscoring that devotion, focus, and sincerity play a crucial role in spiritual upliftment.

Performing Devapuja is a sacred duty that should not be neglected. Worship is categorized into two primary forms:

In earlier Yugas (cosmic ages), humans had immense mental and spiritual capacities that enabled them to master and memorize entire Vedas effortlessly. However, over time, human cognitive abilities declined, making it difficult for individuals to retain vast amounts of Vedic knowledge.To preserve the sanctity of Vedic wisdom, our sages prescribed that each family should master at least one Veda. But as human capabilities diminished further, 40 key rituals (Samskaras) were established from birth to death, integrating Vedic mantras into daily life. This ensured that, even if one could not study the Vedas in depth, they would at least hear and chant these powerful mantras during significant life events.

Devapuja is not just a spiritual obligation; it is a scientifically enriching and mentally rejuvenating practice. It serves as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern well-being, ensuring both spiritual growth and physical health. By performing Nitya Puja (daily worship) with sincerity, one not only honors the divine but also enhances mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being.Thus, embracing Devapuja with understanding and devotion can transform our lives holistically, spiritually, mentally, and physically.

Sri Raghavendra Swamy, who had the divine vision of Sri Krishna multiple times and, in his Prahlada avatar, was instrumental in bringing Sri Hari as Narasimha Devaru, emphasizes that pooja and rituals, when performed with the right mantras, unwavering devotion, and deep concentration, have the power to bring us closer to Sri Hari.

The devotion towards Sri Raghavendrateertharu is the ultimate truth and is the most simple and effective way to reach Sri Hari  - "NAMBI KETTAVARILLAVO EE GURUGALA"! “Those who have complete faith in this Guru will never be disappointed.”

   || BICHALI JAPADAKATTI SRI APPANACHARYA PRIYA MANTRALAYA
   SRI RAGHAVENDRATEERTHA GURUBHYO NAMAHA||