It is known generally that people worship deities, gods, of any kind but it is strange to know that some people worship guns. Are Indians preparing for war? What is the real essence of their respect towards guns?Â
Ayudha Pooja, a part of the 9-day Navratri festival, is also called “Astra Pooja,” where instruments are worshipped. It is called by different names in different places. Maha Navami is believed to be the day when Durga Maa defeated the evil Mahishasura.
In Tamil Nadu, Ayudha Pooja is celebrated as Ayudha Pujai, in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh as Aayudha Pooja, in Kerala as Ayudha Puja Astra Puja or Ayudha Puja in Odisha, Shastra Puja or Ayudha Puja/ Khande Navami in Maharashtra, and in Karnataka (in erstwhile Mysore State) as Ayudha Puje.Â
Governor Banwarilal Purohit said Ayudha Pooja being celebrated on Monday marks the triumph of the forces of good over evil. On this day, weapons are worshipped by soldiers, and tools are revered by artisans.Â
Devotees believe that a divine force guides this equipment to perform well. “The concept of Durga as the protector of the human race is embodied in the celebrations of Navarathri, on which day we narrate hymns on her victory over the evil forces,” he said in a Raj Bhavan message.
Greeting people for Vijayadasami, Mr. Purohit said, “On this auspicious occasion, I extend my best wishes to the people of Tamil Nadu to promote communal harmony, diversity, creatively offer opportunities for civic pride and improve their standard of living.”
In a joint message, Mr. Palaniswami and Mr. Panneerselvam said people used Ayudha Pooja to honor the tools used and to pray for their business to flourish.Â
Vijayadasami marks the launch of good initiatives like the beginning of new education, industrial ventures, the leaders said.Â
Mathura MP Hema Malini tweeted, “Maha Navami is believed to be the day when Durga Maa defeated the evil Mahishasura. Also known as Durga Navami this day is celebrated on the ninth day of Navratri and the fourth day of Durga Puja.Â
It is also celebrated as Ayudha puja or Saraswathi puja in the south.” Maha Navami is believed to be the day when Durga Maa defeated the evil Mahishasura. Also known as Durga Navami this day is celebrated on the ninth day of Navratri and the fourth day of Durga Puja. It is also celebrated as Ayudha puja or Saraswathi puja in the south.