Purchasing a vehicle is a dream to many. Be it a small or a big one, we attach it to our vehicle, so it is our duty to take care of it. So after purchasing a vehicle, it is important to do a Vahana pooja or vehicle pooja to seek blessings for safety and protection, to shield it from accidents, unwanted situations, and the evil eye. Hence, the vahana pooja must be done once a week except on Saturday (Shanivaar). Now, let us see more auspicious days for vahana pooja.
Shubh Muhurat for Pooja
It is believed that buying a vehicle in a shubh/auspicious muhurat brings peace and prosperity in life. From personal to commercial, for all vehicles, including cars, bikes, trucks, etc., Vehicle Purchase Muhurat are available. However, pooja are also done at the time of purchase. Some muhurats are listed below:
- Char Nakshatra (Cardinal): Swati, Punarvasu, Dhanishta, and Satabhisha are Nakshatras. These are favorable for pooja of cars, or any other vehicle. Buying or driving the vehicle for the first time in these nakshatras is also considered auspicious and lucky.
- Favorable days: For those who prefer pooja every week, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday are preferred days. Among them, the most auspicious day is Friday.
- Favorable dates: Prathma, Tritiya, Panchami, Shashti, Dashami, Ekadashi, Trayodashi, and Purnima are preferred dates for vehicle pooja and also for purchasing. One must avoid Amavasya for pooja and buying.
As per astrology, vehicle pooja must be avoided during Rahu-Kaal. Rahu is a malefic planet that creates problems and hurdles during work and reflects in bad results. So, it is advised not to do any auspicious work during Rahu-Kaal.
Auspicious Occasions for Vehicle Pooja
Festivals carry a very positive energy. Vehicle pooja on festivals are very auspicious and result in blessings, safety, and prosperity of the vehicle. Apart from the monthly muhurat, there are public holidays and festivals in which we can perform the vahana pooja, which are listed below:
- Gudi Padwa/Ugadi: This festival signifies the start of the Hindu New Year, which makes it a perfect day for new endeavors. Popularly celebrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Akshaya Tritiya: In the Hindu calendar, this is one of the most auspicious days. It is believed to be an excellent muhurat for launching long-term investments.
- Navaratri—Chaitra and Sharad: This festival carries spiritual energy and is ideal for vahana purchase and vahana pooja.
- Dusshera / Vijayadashami: It’s the best day for new beginnings and represents the triumph of good over evil.
- Dhanteras and Diwali: Dhanteras and Diwali are regarded as a “shubh din” for vehicle purchases and pooja. It is also linked to the purchase of expensive goods.
- Basant Panchami: This day is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and is considered an excellent and auspicious day for vahana pooja.
Items/Samagri for Vahana Pooja
- Lemon
- Camphor
- Agarbatti
- Coconut
- kalawa/maouli (raksha thread)
- Flowers and garland
- Turmeric or kumkum
- Sweets and fruits
- Diya/Dhoop
Procedure for Vahana Pooja
- Select a favorable date, time, and place for the pooja.
- Clean the vehicle- The Vehicle must be cleaned from both inside and outside.
- Park the vehicle in such a way that pooja can be done around it without any barrier.
- Decorate vehicles with flowers and auspicious signs like ‘Om’ and ‘Swastik.’
- Begin with Lord Ganesha pooja to remove barriers.
- Place a kalash (pot filled with water) near the vehicle, symbolizing divine presence.
- Place a lemon under each tire and apply kumkum on the number plate and steering/handlebars.
- Light a diya and incense sticks.
- Break a coconut in front of the vehicle.
- Offer flowers and sweets to the vehicle.
- Tie a raksha thread to the vehicle and do aarti after it.
- Slowly drive over the lemons to complete the ritual.
Mantras for Vahana Pooja
Chanting mantras during pooja and before driving a vehicle grants safety and amplifies blessings. Let us see some divine mantras for vahana pooja:
- For protection—“ॐ नमः शिवाय” “Om Namah Shivaya.”
- To remove obstacles—“ॐ श्री गणेशाय नमः” “Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah”
- For strength and courage—“ॐ दुर्गायै नमः” “Om Durgey Namah”
Benefits of Vahana Pooja
Vahana pooja is not just a tradition but also a spiritual performance that calms negative energies, neutralizes the evil eye, and provides protection from unwanted situations. Here are some benefits listed below:
- Ensures the safety and well-being of the driver.
- Improve the auspiciousness of the vehicle.
- Promote the longevity of the vehicle.
- Improve peace of mind.
- Reduce negativity and accidents due to evil eyes or nazar.
- Promotes the smooth functioning of vehicles.
Vahana pooja is a meaningful and traditional process that has been performed since ancient times. It is for the well-being of the driver and vehicle. Moreover, it safeguards the vehicle from potential accidents and also fosters spiritual connection and culture.
