Chitragupt Puja: The Festival of Kayastha
Introduction
Chitragupt Puja, also known as Chitragupta Jayanti, is a significant Hindu festival primarily celebrated by the Kayastha community. This auspicious day honours Lord Chitragupta, the celestial scribe who meticulously records the deeds of every individual on Earth. Let’s delve into the history, significance, and rituals associated with this unique festival.
1. Who Was Chitragupta?
- Chitragupta, born from Lord Brahma’s body, holds a special place in Hindu mythology. Since he was born from the body (KAYA) of Lord Brahma, he is known as Kayastha.
- As the divine bookkeeper, he meticulously maintains records of both virtuous and sinful actions performed by humans during their earthly existence.
- His name translates to “hidden picture” i.e. CHITRAGUPTA, signifying his role in documenting the hidden aspects of our lives.
2. The Significance of Chitragupta Puja
- Chitragupt Puja is observed on the second day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Chaitra month (usually comes after two days of Diwali).
- The Kayastha community is considered descendants of Chitragupta. The community celebrates this day with reverence.
- Literary events, charitable activities, and Shobha Yatras (processions) mark the festivities.
3. Rituals and Puja Vidhi
- A Chitragupta murti or photograph is placed at an elevated place for prayer by the devotees.
- Notebooks, pens (kalam), and inkpots (davat) symbolize the tools of Chitragupta ji. Kalam & davat puja is performed on this auspicious day mostly by the Kayastha community.
Materials Required:
- A Chitragupta murti or photograph is placed at an elevated place for prayer by the devotees.
- Notebooks, pens (kalam), and inkpots (davat) symbolize the tools of Chitragupta ji. Kalam & davat puja is performed on this auspicious day mostly by the Kayastha community.
Puja Steps:
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Preparation:
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Cleanse the puja area and arrange the necessary items.
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Collect all the pens, inkpot (if, any), books etc. Clean them and keep at puja place.
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Light incense sticks and lamps.
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Haldi, roli, chandan, flowers etc. kept for offering to deity.
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Invocation:
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Invoke Lord Chitragupta with devotion.
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Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets.
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Worship of Books and Writing Tools:
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Place notebooks, pens, and inkpots before the deity.
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Seek blessings for knowledge, wisdom, and righteous living.
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Mantras and Aarti:
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Recite relevant mantras dedicated to Chitragupta.
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Perform aarti while chanting hymns.
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Distribution and Submersion:
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Distribute prasad (blessed food) among devotees and in the neighbourhood.
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A day after the pujan or so, the Chitragupta murti in water, signifying the end of the puja.
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4. Benefits of Chitragupta Puja
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Karmic Balance: By honouring Chitragupta, devotees acknowledge the importance of ethical conduct and accountability.
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Clarity and Wisdom: Seeking his blessings enhances clarity of thought and wisdom.
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Protection: Chitragupta guards against negative karmas and guides souls toward righteous paths.
Chitragupt Puja serves as a reminder that our actions are meticulously recorded, and our deeds shape our destiny. As we celebrate this unique festival, let us strive for virtuous living and embrace the wisdom bestowed by the celestial scribe.
Remember, just as Chitragupta keeps an account of our deeds, let us write our life’s story with compassion, integrity, and purpose.
Today i.e. on 15th November 2023, we are celebrating Chitragupta Pujan. May Lord Chitrgupta bless you all.
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