The month of Vaishaka is notorious for torridity! As this month identifies itself with Vishakha nakshatra, it is this scorching hot. There is a special “shakha” (heat) in the name Vishakha itself, isn’t it!?
Whatever be the reason for this fervor, having to face it is certain. Though not possible to escape from it completely, there are ways to beat the heat to some extent. While some of these means reduce bodily heat alone, some reduce the swelter in the soul and accrue merit as well.
Having cool drinks, taking tender coconut water, drinking water from clay pots, etc, are some ways that relieve the physical heat alone. Supplying water freely to the public, providing water to animals and birds, doing public good by planting trees on the roadside come under another category of remedies. These provide solace from heat not just for us but for several of our generations to come as well. Also, these are venerations to Lord Shri Hari, performed at the community level.
Further, on an individual level, our elders have taught us of a pooja that would bring immense happiness to our minds. This is known as Jalastha Vishnu Pooja. This pooja is very simple, yet greatly soothing for the minds and bodies of those that find delight in worshipping the Supreme Lord. Give it a try. Neither does it need much money nor does it take more time.
“jalasthaṁ viṣṇuṁ ḍōlasthaṁ kr̥ṣṇaṁ rathasthaṁ kēśavaṁ dr̥ṣṭvā punarjanma na vidyatē”, have said the elders. We would have seen, in several places, the Rathotsava (chariot festival) of Lord Keshava and Tottilu Seva of Lord Krishna (swaying the Lord in a swing/cradle). However, a few would have seen Lord Narayana resting on water (Jalastha Vishnu). Only those lucky can see this because the temple of Jala Narayana is situated in Nepal. Not everyone can go there, isn’t it? No worries, let us recollect the words of the Haridasas — “sulabha pūjeya māḍi balavilladavaru” (when the means are modest, pooja can be the simplest). Let’s follow the simple steps given below, and worship with devotion and the best possible contemplation. The Lord will definitely be pleased. See how easy this pooja is!
Idol and materials required
- An idol of Shri Vishnu (if an idol of Vishnu is not available at home, idols of any of His other forms, such as Narasimha, Krishna, Shimshumara, Madhava, Vedavyasa, Hayagreeva, Kaaliyamardhana Krishna, Vasudeva, etc, would also be fine)
- A silver/copper/brass/bronze bowl
- Tulasi, pure sandalwood paste, a couple of flowers, Mangalarathi batti (cotton wicks), some clean and undefiled items for Naivedya (oblation)
- Some clean water in a clean vessel
- Separate vessels and separate water for Aachamana and Sankalpa
Pooja Procedure
- This pooja must be performed from the full moon day of the month of Vaishakha to the full moon day of the month of Jyeshta.
- After completing your everyday pooja routine in the morning, set aside the idol of Vishnu.
- Fill the bowl with clean water and blend some sandal paste in it. This is called Gandhodaka. Place this bowl on a small plank/platform.
- Place the idol of Vishnu in the Gandhodaka.
- Perform Aachamana and do Sankalpa.
- Invoke Lord Vishnu into the idol.
- Perform Panchopachaara pooja.
- That’s all for the morning. Now you can leave for your office.
Evening
- Wearing clean clothes, take the idol of Lord Vishnu and place it back in its former place.
- Perform Panchopachaara pooja; submit your prayers.
- Sprinkle this Gandhodaka all around the house and on yourself as well.
- NOTE: On the day of Dwadashi, the idol of the Lord must not be placed under water during daytime. After sunset, the idol must be placed in Gandhodaka for some time, worshipped and then kept back in its original place.
Frequently asked questions
What is Panchopachaara Pooja?
Pooja rituals are of several types — Chaturvimshati upachaara, Shodashopachaara, Panchopachaara, etc. Sri Madhwacharya in Tantrasarasangraha and Sri Jayateertha in his work Padyamaala have emphasized Shodashopachaara. Nevertheless, when time is a constraint, the custom of worshipping through Panchopachaara (5 forms of veneration) is also accepted.
Worshipping the Lord with sandalwood paste, flowers, dhoopa (incense), deepa (lighted lamps) and naivedya (an offering of food) is Panchopachaara pooje. We must contemplate that these five items for pooja are representative of the Panchabhootas (five elements).
What should the Sankalpa be?
Keeping the Desha (place) and Kaala (time) in mind, the Sankalpa should be as follows:
“…ēvaṁ guṇa viśēṣaṇa viśiṣṭāyāṁ śrīrāghavēndratīrtha gurvantargata śrībhāratīramaṇa mukhyaprāṇāntargata padminī samēta śrīviṣṇuprēraṇeya viṣṇuprītyarthaṁ jalasthaviṣṇupūjāṁ kariṣyē.”
After the evening pooja, Krishnaarpanamastu must be said in the same manner.
In our house, all the idols mentioned above are in the main deity chest. It is difficult to take them out. However, there is a tortoise figurine. Can this be used?
In some households, antique idols are taken out only during special occasions. No other idols will be available to place outside the chest. However, of late, a little tortoise figurine can be seen placed in a small copper plate on the pooja platform and offered libations of water. Upon enquiring, we can get to know that it would be a Chinese Vaastu artifact — how ridiculous is this! We are the worshippers of the Supreme and Eternal Lord. Instead of worshipping Him in His Tortoise form, we follow the words of tortoise-eaters! What is the need to ignorantly worship a tortoise doll for Vaastu benefits? Invoke Lord Kurma in this pure copper figurine itself, place Him only in the Gandhodaka and worship. While worshipping, recite the Dwadasha stotra taught by Maruti, the preceptor of our kind — “Devaki Nandana Nandakumara” (Dwadasha stotra 6th canto). The Lord will consider your pooja, definitely.
What’s special is, Jalastha Vishnu Pooja commences on the day of Kurma Jayanthi itself! Isn’t this a nice opportunity!
Moving on, get ready for the pooja.
Should this pooja be performed with Madi (ritualistic cleanliness)?
Not just this, all poojas must be performed with Madi only. For the morning pooja, as we would already be in Madi, it is not necessary to get into Madi afresh. In the evening, it would be good if you can take bath again before the pooja. If that is not convenient, perform the pooja, at the least, wearing a Dhavali. If there is no provision to bathe in Madi, both in the morning and in the evening, take a regular bath and perform the pooja wearing the cleanest clothes you have.
Which are the days for the commencement and conclusion of the pooja?
This pooja commences from the full moon day of the month of Vaishakha and goes on till the full moon day of the month of Jyeshta. This year it must be performed from 16.05.2022 to 14.06.2022.
What can be done if there is a need to go out of town for a few days after commencing the pooja?
It is not impossible to do this pooja, no matter where you are. As it is quite simple, arrangements can be made and the pooja can be performed. However, if the situation is very difficult, it would be advisable to inform somebody at home to continue the pooja, before leaving town. If there is nobody at home to do the pooja, it is better to continue once you return.
What should be done after completely accomplishing the pooja?
While concluding the pooja on the full moon day of the month of Jyestha and offering SriKrishnarpana, it would be better if Brahmana Santarpana (feast) can be arranged for. In case this cannot be done, you can make an offering in Rayara Mata for Annadaana. If deserving Brahmins partake a meal, it will earn Lord Hari’s affection.
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