Aanvla Navami, also known as Amla Navami, is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Indian gooseberry tree (Amla or Aanvla). It is celebrated on the ninth day (Navami) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Kartika (usually falling in October or November). The festival has significant religious and cultural importance, especially in North India.

Key Aspects of Aanvla Navami

  1. Religious Significance:

    • The Amla tree is considered sacred in Hinduism and is believed to be the abode of various gods and goddesses, particularly Lord Vishnu. The tree is associated with good health, longevity, and prosperity.
    • Women, in particular, perform rituals and prayers under the Amla tree, seeking blessings for the well-being of their families.
  2. Rituals and Practices:

    • Devotees wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and visit an Amla tree to perform puja (worship).
    • The tree is decorated with offerings such as flowers, sweets, and kumkum (vermilion).
    • Devotional songs and mantras are chanted to honor the tree and invoke divine blessings.
    • Prasad (sacred food) prepared from Amla is distributed among family members and neighbors.
  3. Cultural Significance:

    • The festival underscores the importance of nature and the environment in Hindu culture. It promotes the conservation and reverence of trees and natural resources.
    • It is a time for families and communities to come together and celebrate with feasts and communal activities.
  4. Health Benefits:

    • Amla is renowned for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda. It is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, which are beneficial for boosting immunity and overall health.
    • Consuming Amla during this period is believed to enhance health benefits, aligning with the festival's emphasis on well-being.

Celebrations Across Regions

While the core rituals remain the same, specific customs and traditions may vary across different regions. In some areas, special fairs and community events are organized, enhancing the festive spirit.

Overall, Aanvla Navami is a beautiful blend of devotion, nature worship, and community bonding, reflecting the holistic approach of Hindu festivals towards life and spirituality.

Aanvla Navami is the other name of Akshaya Navami. It is auspicious day and celebrated with daan-punya activities by the observers. In West Bengal, it is observed as Jagaddhatri Puja in worship of Jagaddhatri, the Goddess of Satta.

Amla Navami

Preparation for the Puja

Anvla navmi Puja is of special significance for women. This day ladies perform special puja and pray before Indian Goose Berry Tree or Aanvla (Amla) tree. If the aanvla tree is not present in close vicinity of the house, a small branch of the tree can be brought to the house for performing puja.

1. Gather Puja Items

  • Amla Tree or Branch: If you don’t have access to a tree, a small branch or even a few Amla fruits can be used.
  • Puja Thali (Plate): Decorate it with items such as:
    • Kumkum (Vermilion)
    • Haldi (Turmeric)
    • Chandan (Sandalwood paste)
    • Akshata (Unbroken rice grains mixed with turmeric)
    • Flowers and garlands
    • Incense sticks (Agarbatti)
    • Diyas (Oil lamps)
    • Camphor
    • Fruits, especially Amla
    • Sweets and Prasad (Offerings)
  • Kalash (Water Pot): Filled with water, decorated with mango leaves, and a coconut placed on top.
  • Gangajal (Holy water from the Ganges): If available.
  • Holy books or scriptures: Related to Lord Vishnu or general Hindu prayers.

2. Preparations Before the Puja

  • Clean the Puja Area: Ensure the place where the Puja will be performed is clean and sanctified.
  • Personal Purification: Take a bath and wear clean, preferably new, traditional clothes.
  • Decorate the Puja Space: Use rangoli designs, flowers, and decorations around the Amla tree or the area where the Puja will take place.

3. Performing the Puja

  1. Establish the Puja Setup:

    • Place the Amla tree or branch in the center of the Puja space.
    • Arrange all the Puja items on the Puja Thali.
    • Light the lamps and incense sticks.
  2. Invocation:

    • Begin with Ganesh Vandana (prayers to Lord Ganesha) to remove obstacles.
    • Invoke the presence of deities, particularly Lord Vishnu, by chanting relevant mantras and prayers.
  3. Worship the Amla Tree:

    • Apply Kumkum, Haldi, and Chandan to the Amla tree or branch.
    • Offer flowers, Akshata, and water from the Kalash.
    • Perform Aarti (ritual of worship with a lit lamp) while singing devotional songs or bhajans.
    • Offer fruits and sweets, especially those made from Amla, to the tree.
    • Circumambulate the tree (Pradakshina) while chanting prayers or mantras.
  4. Concluding the Puja:

    • Distribute the Prasad among family members and neighbors.
    • Pray for the well-being and prosperity of your family.

4. Post-Puja Activities

  • Feasting: Prepare a special meal incorporating Amla in various dishes.
  • Community Involvement: Engage in social and cultural activities with the community, if organized.
  • Environment Care: Plant a new Amla tree or take part in environmental conservation activities to honor the essence of the festival.

Tips for an Auspicious Puja

  • Maintain a Positive and Devotional Mindset: Throughout the preparations and the Puja, keep a positive attitude and a sense of devotion.
  • Involve Family Members: Encourage participation from all family members to enhance the collective spiritual experience.
  • Charity: Consider donating to the needy or to religious institutions as part of the celebration.

By following these steps, you can ensure a fulfilling and spiritually enriching Aanvla Navami Puja. There is also tradition of inviting the Brahmini for food and presenting clothes and dakshina (money).

Women should include goose berry or Aanvla in their food on the day of Aanvla navmi.

आंवला नवमी और पूजा विधि के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ें, क्लिक करें

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