BhaktiLoopLord Shiva Parvati Parinayam Puja (Uma Maheshwara Kalyanam)
The Shiva Parvati Parinayam Puja is a sacred and elaborate ritual celebrating the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (also known as Uma Maheshwara Kalyanam). This puja symbolizes the perfect union of masculine and feminine energies (Purusha and Prakriti) and is performed to invoke the divine couple's blessings for a blissful married life, mutual understanding, prosperity, and progeny. It is believed to resolve various challenges related to marriage and family life.
Purpose
To seek blessings for marital harmony, a suitable life partner, removal of obstacles in marriage (delay, discord), conceiving children, strengthening conjugal bonds, and overall family well-being.
Key Rituals
- Ganapati Puja:** Invocation of Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles and ensure successful completion of the puja.
- Punyahavachanam:** Purification of the premises and participants with sanctified water.
- Kalasha Sthapana:** Installation of a holy pot (Kalasha) representing the deities and divine energies.
- Sankalpa:** Taking a solemn vow or resolution, specifying the purpose of the puja.
- Devata Avahanam & Sthapana:** Invoking Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati into their idols/images.
- Shodashopachara Puja:** The 16-step worship including: Asanam (offering seat), Padya (washing feet), Arghya (offering water), Achamaniya (sipping water), Snanam (bathing/Abhishekam with Panchamrita, water, etc., especially for Shiva), Vastram (offering clothes), Yagnopaveetham (sacred thread), Gandham (sandalwood paste), Akshata (rice grains), Pushpam (flowers, especially Bilva leaves for Shiva and red flowers for Parvati), Dhoopam (incense), Deepam (lamp), Naivedyam (food offerings), Tamboolam (betel leaves), Dakshina (offering to priest), Pradakshina & Namaskaram (circumambulation and prostrations).
- Mangala Sutra Samarpanam:** A symbolic offering of a Mangala Sutra (sacred thread) to the deities, representing the eternal bond of marriage.
- Mangalashtakam Recitation:** Chanting of eight auspicious verses praising the divine couple and seeking blessings for marriage.
- Homa (Agni Karyam):** Performing a sacred fire ritual where oblations are offered to Agni (fire god) while chanting specific Shiva-Parvati mantras. This is a central and very potent part of the Parinayam Puja.
- Purnahuti:** The final and complete offering into the sacred fire.
- Maha Mangala Aarti:** Waving of lamps before the deities, accompanied by devotional songs.
- Pushpanjali:** Offering flowers with devotion.
- Kshama Prarthana:** A prayer for forgiveness for any errors committed during the puja.
- Ashirvadam & Teertha Prasada Vitaranam:** Receiving blessings from the deities and the priest, and distribution of sacred water and sanctified food (Prasadam).
Common Offerings
Fresh Flowers (white for Shiva, red for Parvati, especially Bilva leaves)
Panchamrita (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar mix)
Milk, Curd, Ghee
Sandalwood paste (Chandan)
Kumkum (vermilion)
Turmeric (Haldi)
Akshata (rice grains mixed with turmeric)
Betel leaves and nuts
Coconuts
Fruits (especially banana, apple, seasonal fruits)
Sweets (Modak, Laddoo, Kheer, Payasam)
Incense sticks (Agarbatti)
Oil lamps (Deepam) with ghee or sesame oil
New clothes for the deities (symbolic or actual small garments)
Camphor (Karpura)
Dry fruits and nuts
Associated Mantras
Mantra 1
Mantra Text
Om Hreem Yoginim Yogini Yogeswari Yoga Bhayankari Sakala Sthavara Jangamasya Mukha Hrudayam Mama Vasam Akarsha Akarshaya Namaha
Meaning
O Yogini, the embodiment of Yoga, the terrifying one, please attract the minds and hearts of all moving and unmoving beings towards me. Salutations.
Benefits
This is the 'Swayamvara Parvati Mantra', highly potent for finding a suitable life partner, resolving delays in marriage, and ensuring a happy marital life. It is also believed to bless with progeny.
Mantra 2
Mantra Text
Om Uma Maheshwarabhyam Namah
Meaning
Salutations to Uma (Parvati) and Maheshwara (Shiva).
Benefits
A simple yet powerful mantra invoking the combined blessings of Shiva and Parvati for conjugal bliss, mutual understanding, harmony in relationships, and family prosperity.
Mantra 3
Mantra Text
Om Namah Shivaya
Meaning
I bow to Lord Shiva.
Benefits
The most fundamental mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva, purifying the mind, bestowing peace, spiritual growth, and removing obstacles. Chanting it during the puja brings Shiva's protective and benevolent energy.
Auspicious Days
- Mondays (Somvar):** Considered Shiva's day, particularly auspicious.
- Pradosham:** The thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight, dedicated to Shiva and Parvati's cosmic dance.
- Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon):** Generally preferred for all auspicious ceremonies.
- Auspicious Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions):** Rohini, Mrigashira, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Moola, Uttarashada, Uttarabhadrapada. (Specific Muhurtham should be chosen by a qualified astrologer/priest).
- Karthika Maas (Kartik Month):** Many Shiva-Parvati related festivals occur during this month.
- Phalguna Maas (Phalguna Month):** The month of Maha Shivaratri, making the period conducive for Shiva-Parvati worship.
Regional Variations
While the core essence and purpose remain consistent, regional variations may exist in the specific sequence of rituals, the offerings used, and the accompanying hymns or folklore. In South India, particularly in temple traditions, the 'Kalyanam' is often a grand event, sometimes featuring symbolic 'bride' and 'groom' processions. The recitation of local Puranic stories related to Shiva-Parvati's marriage (e.g., Tiruvilaiyadal Puranam in Tamil Nadu) might be more prominent. The scale can range from simple home pujas to elaborate temple festivals. Some traditions might include more elaborate 'Jaimala' (garlanding) or 'Kanyadaan' (giving away the bride) symbolic rituals for the deities.
Related Pujas
- Uma Maheshwara Puja:** Directly related, often used interchangeably, focusing on the divine couple.
- Parvati Puja / Gauri Puja:** Dedicated solely to Goddess Parvati for marital blessings and progeny.
- Mangala Gauri Vrat:** Performed by married women for the longevity and well-being of their husbands and family.
- Swayamvara Parvati Homa:** A specialized fire ritual primarily for finding a suitable spouse and overcoming marriage delays.
- Rudra Abhishekam:** A powerful ritual for Lord Shiva, often performed for general well-being and removal of obstacles, which can also benefit marital life when combined with Parvati worship.
- Santana Gopala Puja:** If the primary purpose includes blessings for children, this puja may be combined or performed alongside.