Atma Shanti Pooja

Atma Shanti Pooja – A departed soul’s way to peace and salvation

An Atma Shanti Moksha Prapti pooja is a significant Hindu ritual performed to offer peace, salvation, and comfort to the soul of someone who has passed away.

Purpose of Atma Shanti pooja:

The primary purpose of this pooja is to liberate the deceased soul from earthly duties and emotions, providing peace and solace in its journey to the afterlife. For grieving family members, it offers a way to seek blessings and find closure.

Procedures for Atma Shanti pooja:

A trained priest or qualified individual typically performs the Atma Shanti Pooja. While specific rituals vary by region and family, some common elements include:

1. Initial Preparations – The pooja space is cleaned, decorated, and often adorned with pictures or representations of the deceased.
2. Invocations – The chanting of prayers and mantras serves to invoke the blessings of various deities, notably Yama, the god of death, as well as ancestors.(*Some traditions may involve reciting some passages of Garuda Purana)
3. Offerings –Offerings such as flowers, fruits, incense, lamps, and food are presented.(*Some traditions may follow offering Pindam – rice ball offering)
4. Donations – It is customary to make donations to Brahmins (priests) or charitable causes during the pooja.

Significance of Atma Shanti pooja:

Atma Shanti pooja reflects the enduring strength of family ties and the departed soul’s progress in the journey to the other world. It may also describe:

1. Religious/spiritual importance– a deeply spiritual ritual offering comfort, closure, honour, and remembrance for the family of the deceased.
2. Faith in afterlife – need of rituals for the departed soul’s well-being