Birthday Pooja
How the Ayushya havan is performed, stage by stage
A stage-by-stage walkthrough of the Birthday (Ayushya) Pooja: from the opening sankalpa, through the havan and the prayers for long life, to the tilak, blessings and prasad.
Preparation & Sankalpa
An altar is set with a lit lamp and the kalash. The family takes a sankalpa for the health, long life and wellbeing of the person whose birthday it is.
Ganesh Puja
Lord Ganesha is worshipped first to remove any obstacles to a long and happy year ahead.
Kalash Sthapana
The kalash, topped with mango leaves and a coconut, is established as the seat of the divine for the worship.
Ayushya Puja
The deities of long life and good health are invoked, with prayers for the vitality and protection of the birthday person in the year to come.
The Havan
Offerings are made into the sacred fire while the Ayushya Suktam, the Vedic hymn for longevity, is recited. The Mahamrityunjaya mantra is often chanted for health and protection.
Tilak & Blessings
The birthday person receives a tilak and the aarti, and is blessed by the elders of the family for a long, healthy and prosperous life.
Aarti & Prasad
The ceremony closes with the aarti and the sharing of prasad among everyone present.
