Ayudha Pooja 2023 (Shastra Pooja): Know the Date, Time, and Tradition
In several Southern Indian states, Ayudha Puja is celebrated as a regional public holiday. This festival, also known as Astra Puja, takes place every year on the ninth day of Navaratri.
Devotees also worship Saraswati, the Goddess of Wisdom, Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, and Parvati, the holy mother, during Ayudha Puja.
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the celebration is known as Ayudha Pooja, in Tamil Nadu as Ayudha Puja or Ayutha Pooja, and in Kerala as Ayudha Puja. It is known as Astra Puja in Odisha. In Karnataka, it is celebrated on the 9th day of Dussehra.
Ayudha Pooja 2023 Date
Ayudha Puja is on Tuesday 23rd October 2023.
Ayudha Puja Time
Vijay Muhurat = 14:05 to 14:53
Duration = 0 Hours 47 Mins
Navami Tithi Starts = 19:58 on Oct 22, 2023
Navami Tithi Ends = 17:44 on Oct 23, 2023
Traditions of Ayudha Puja
Ayudha Puja means ‘worship of tools,’ and it is this unique habit that names the day, rather than describing a part of the epic narrative behind Navaratri or Dussehra as is the case with other days in this festival time. Instead of focusing on the worship of some celestial deity on this day, it is a day to express gratitude for the tools that are such an important part of daily living.
Many popular and seemingly mundane tools and implements used in everyday life, such as computers, books, cars, or kitchen tools, are among the tools and instruments honored at this event. Before doing puja, devotees will clean their instruments, tools, and cars (worship). Shopkeepers and businesspeople will clean their establishments and offices, while students will clean their books.
The goal is to perceive the divine in everything, especially in the things that one uses to make a living. It is also thought that anyone who cleans and worships their tools on this day would be blessed. Both Dussehra and Durga Puja traditions end with the victor defeating evil in a final battle. It’s simple to see how this celebration grew out of the fact that, just like Rama and Durga, it’s necessary to make sure your weapons are clean and in good working order before participating in any combat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to do Ayudha Pooja?
The celebration takes place on the tenth day of the bright half of the Moon’s 15-day cycle (as per Almanac) in September/October, and is popularly known as Dasara, Navaratri, Durga Puja, or Golu. Weapons and tools are revered on the tenth day of the Dasara celebration.
2. Is Ayudha Pooja and Saraswathi Pooja same?
In Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Saraswati Pooja is held on the same day as Ayudha Puja. Saraswati Pooja celebrations also include the tenth day, or ‘Dussera.’
3. How do you wish Ayudha Pooja?
The celebration takes place on the tenth day of the bright half of the Moon’s 15-day cycle (as per Almanac) in September/October, and is popularly known as Dasara, Navaratri, Durga Puja, or Golu. Weapons and tools are revered on the tenth day of the Dasara celebration.
4.How do Ayudha pooja at home?
Arrange the tools on a pedestal and add flowers to them. Then make a turmeric and sandalwood paste. Apply tilak to the tools with this paste. In front of the Goddess, place your books and study materials.
