Uma Maheshwar Puja

Significance and when it is done

Uma Maheshwar Puja is a devotional worship of Shiva and Parvati together — Uma is Parvati, and Maheshwar is Shiva. The two are honoured as one, and the puja is kept for harmony in marriage. Families often arrange it when they wish to place a quiet, steady intention on the married life of a couple, or on the household as a whole.

In the catalogue it sits under devotional pujas, paths and homas. There is no havan in this puja as listed. The typical duration is about 1 h 30 min, though this depends on the tradition followed and how much of the sequence is included.

Who performs it and who should attend

A pandit performs the puja. Couples, and family members who wish to sit through it, usually attend. Because the puja is for harmony in marriage, it is common for the husband and wife to be present together, with elders or other family members joining as they wish.

It can also be done online. Many pandits perform it by video call while a family member does the physical steps at home. Where this is chosen, the family member at home handles the offerings and the pandit guides the sequence.

Vidhi step by step (outline)

The exact sequence varies by region and family tradition. What follows is a general outline only.

• Sankalp — the family states the intention of the puja.
• Ganesh smaran and punyahvachan — customary opening prayers before the main worship.
• Kalash sthapana — the kalash is set up with water and offerings.
• Shiva and Parvati invocation — the deities are invited into the place of worship.
• Abhishek and shringar — offerings of water such as Ganga jal, and shringar items for Uma.
• Shodashopachar or a shorter upachar — the sixteen offerings, or a condensed set, depending on the tradition.
• Archana with names and flowers — red and white flowers are offered.
• Aarti and pranam — closing lamp worship and prostration.

Some families include additional stotra recitation; others keep the puja compact. The pandit will say which form is being followed before starting.

Preparing the samagri and the space

Samagri is usually arranged in advance so the puja is not interrupted. For this puja the list includes:

• Roli (kumkum)
• Haldi
• Akshat (unbroken rice)
• Moli (sacred thread)
• Supari
• Paan leaves
• Coconut
• Ghee
• Diya and cotton wicks
• Camphor
• Incense sticks
• Flowers and garland
• Fruits
• Sweets for naivedya
• Ganga jal
• Kalash
• Bel leaves
• Shringar items
• Red and white flowers

For the space, a clean area with a low table or chowki for the murti or picture, and room for the family to sit, is enough. Keep the items within reach of whoever is offering them. If the puja is online, set the camera so the pandit can see the setup, and keep the samagri close at hand for the family member doing the physical steps.

Regional variations

Traditions differ. North Indian and South Indian households may follow different sequences and use different stotras. Smarta and Vaishnava families differ in how they approach the invocation. Some follow the amanta calendar and others the purnimanta calendar for related observances.

Rather than picking one as standard, it is best to follow the tradition of the pandit conducting the puja and of the family. If two traditions are being combined, mention this before the puja so the sequence can be adjusted.

After the puja: prasad, daan, dos and don'ts

After the aarti, the naivedya becomes prasad and is shared among those present. Daan, if the family wishes to give it, is arranged with the pandit. The dakshina is separate from samagri and travel, and each pandit sets their own fee.

• Do keep the place of worship clean and undisturbed during the puja.
• Do follow the pandit's instructions on when to offer each item.
• Do ask before the puja if anything in the sequence is unclear.
• Don't rush the offerings; the sequence is meant to be unhurried.
• Don't treat the puja as a substitute for medical, legal or financial advice.

The puja is descriptive in nature and is not predictive for any individual. For matters concerning a personal chart, consult a qualified jyotishi.