Rahu-Brihaspati Sandhi Shanti Homam | Gokarna | Kumbakonam | Udupi

Rahu-Brihaspati Sandhi Shanti Puja Vidhi | Puja Steps

1. Ganapati Puja (Invoking Ganesha)

The ritual begins with the Ganapati Puja, where Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is invoked seeking his benevolence and ensure the smooth conduct of the homa and removes any hindrances from the environment.

Chants of Mantras honoring Ganesha and offerings, including flowers, incense and Nivedanam are carried out.

2. Kalash Puja

The Kalash is consecrated with water and other sacred items, symbolizing the presence of divine energies. Kalasha Puja invites all deities to bless the ceremony and sanctifies the space. This step also purifies the environment, ensuring the positive energy required for a successful homa.

3. Sankalpam

Sankalpam is performed in the name of the person or persons affected by the Rahu-Brihaspati Sandhi. This involves stating the purpose of the Yaag or the fire ritual—seeking protection from the adverse effects of the Rahu-Guru transition, promoting spiritual well-being, and inviting peace and prosperity.

4. Navagraha Puja

Navagraha Puja is performed seeking the blessings and benevolence of all the nine Grahas. This ensures that each celestial body’s influence is harmonized, creating a balanced effect. Special emphasis is given to invoking Rahu and Jupiter with mantras that appease their energies.

5. Rahu Puja and Brihaspati Puja

In this step, individual pujas are performed to Lord Rahu and Lord Brihaspati. These involve the Japa or chanting of specific mantras for each planet. Offerings like black sesame seeds, ghee, and sacred herbs are made to Rahu, while turmeric, yellow flowers, and clarified butter are offered to Brihaspati.

6. Homa

The core of the ritual is the homa, where offerings are made into the fire as Vedic mantras are recited. The sacred fire is believed to be a medium for transmitting intentions to the divine.

• Agni Pratishthapana (Establishing Homagni)

The fire is kindled and sanctified, and prayers are made to Agni, the fire god.

• Mantra Chanting and Offering of Oblations

Mantras are chanted which are specific to Rahu and Brihaspati, and offerings are made, including black gram, honey, ghee, and other substances to the planetary deities.

• Ahuti (Offering of Special Ingredients)

Special offerings like Charu and Samittu are made into the Homagni to invoke the blessings of Rahu and Jupiter, requesting their favourable influence and protection from malefic effects.

• Poornahuti (Final Offerings)

Poornahuti, or the final offering, symbolizes the completion of the homa. It includes an offering of coconuts, betel leaves, and sacred items into the fire. Prayers are made for the successful outcome of the ritual, asking for divine grace and blessings.

• Prasadam

After the homa is concluded, Prasadam is distributed among participants. Prasad, usually consisting of fruits, sweets, and holy water, is believed to carry the blessings of the ritual.

• Ashirvachanam

Purohits or Pandits perform the Ashirvachanam to all attendees, in conclusion.

Samagri | List of Items for Rahu-Brihaspati Sandhi Shanti

• Turmeric powder
• Kumkum
• Rangoli Powders
• Cloth piece for Kalash
• Betel leaves and betel nuts
• Bricks for Homa Kund
• Coins
• Agarbathies
• Image of Ishta Devata and Griha Devata
• Sandalwood (Chandanam) powder
• Kalash thread
• Raw rice
• Coconuts
• Plantain leaves
• Cotton wicks, camphor and incense sticks
• Ghee or oil for lamps
• Honey
• Jaggery
• Dried coconut (Kopra)
• Raw uncooked Rice
• Rose water
• Fruits five different varieties
• Flowers and garlands
• Mango leaves tied for Toran and loose ones
• Dadhyodan for Naivedyam and distribution
• Trays and bowls for Puja Samagri
• Vibhoothi
• Dry fruits
• Tender coconut
• Milk

Other Rahu-Brihaspati Sandhi Shanti Items:

Agarbatti, Ashtagandh, Jenau (1 roll), Akshat, Attar, Barley / Jau, Camphor (Bhimsaini), Cardamom, Cloves, Cotton Wicks, Dhoop (1pkt), Dry fruits, Gangajal, Ghee, Haldi Akkha, Honey, Jaggery, Kumkum (1 pkt), Kusha (1 bundle), Mauli (1 roll), Moong, Supari – Big, Wheat, Nariyal (fresh), Nariyal (dry), Gulal, Abeer, Khopra, Rose Water (1 small bottle), Sugar, Yellow Mustard, Rangoli

Red, White & Yellow Cloth, White Thread bundle, Fruits, Sweets

Havan Kit:

Havan Kund - 1, Til (Black), Til (White), Havan Samagri, Kali Urad, Yellow Mustard, Guggul, Sticks, Samidha Bundle, Navagraha Sticks, Wooden Spoons for Havan (2 pcs), Wooden bowls for Havan (2 bowls), Cow Dung Cakes, Abeer, Jau, Ghee, Kusha, Matchbox, Lotus Seeds, Agar, Jatamansi, Shuchi – 1, Shruva – 1, Dron (1 bundle).

Flowers:

Mixed Flowers, Durva, Tulsi, Bel Patra, Rose, Veni, Garlands, Paan Leaves, Mango Leaves

Puja Utensils:

Copper Kalash (3-5), Copper Plates (3-5), Panchpatra Set – 1, Akhand Diya – 1, Thali (3-5), Brass Bowls – 15, Spoons – 10, Cloth (Red, Yellow, Green, Black, White, Pink), Dhoti – 4, Saree – 1, Colors (Red, Green, Black, Yellow), Panch Arati – 1, Bell – 1, Agarbatti Stand – 1, Dhoop Stand – 1, Abhishek Pot – 1