Bhoomi Puja
Bhoomi simply means ground. Bhoomi puja is the thus the honour, worship and devotional respects being paid to the Bhoomi. Bhoomi, in Hinduism, points to Bhooma Devi, Mother Earth portrayed as a Goddess. Any site needs the blessing of the Vasthu Devata, to ensure that the structure to be erected has his permission and it ultimately leads to prosperity.
It thus can be interpreted as the ceremony performed to honour Mother Earth and the Vasthu Devata, before one erects any kind of structure or brings about any change to the ground below and the site surroundings; we seek their permission and blessings.
The Vedas have exceptional sutras and psalms to conciliate the different energies surrounding us. Through this puja, following the Vedic rituals, we assimilate that energy present in the Bhoomi, the specific site of the puja, reduce/ moderate the effects of negative vibes and thereby benefit from the overall positivity of the natural elements.
Bhoomi Puja is performed typically before the construction of any structure. It is performed in accordance with Vasthu Shastra. The Vasthu Devata is also invoked during the puja and prayers offered. The puja rituals are performed on an auspicious date chosen, presided over by a pujari. While Mondays and Thursdays are considered most ideal for the puja, Tuesdays, Sundays and Saturdays are avoided.
It is also to be noted that the puja always performed in the north-east corner of the site. Why? Because, as per the Vasthu Shastra, the Vasthu Purush’s body and organs are connected to the site/building. The layout of his organs indicate the importance of each of the 8 directions. Following such, his head is in the north east corner. It is said to be occupied by the Graha Budha (Mercury) ruled over by Lord Shiva. Any work involving one’s mental abilities, worship and such are hence best done in this corner.
A pit is dug in such corner of the puja site, a Kalash, duly organized with the prescribed elements, placed therein and the Devata is invoked there and prayers are offered.
The puja normally starts with Ganesh Puja, involves performing Navagraha Puja, Shodasa Matrika Puja and in some cases a Vishwakarma puja. The rituals of sharkarma, Sankalpam, Devi puja, Bhoomi abhisinchan, pran prathishta and manglik dravyasthapana are involved in the process.
Bhoomi Puja Vidhi may be structured in various ways, to accommodate the requirements and circumstances of the devotee on whose behalf it is to be performed. The puja can additionally include recitals/ havans such as chanting of Bhuh Sooktha, performance of Sudarshana Puja or Kaalabhairava Puja and Bagalamukhi Brahmastra Puja.
