Ayush Homa

Ayush Homa is a Vedic way of celebrating one's birthday. This homa can greatly impact both the physical and subtle body of an individual. It is performed for health and longevity, eradicating all evil effects and bestowing long life and good health. The term "Ayush" or "Ayusha" represents life span or age, and this homa primarily aims to increase a person's life span by ensuring good health. Ayur Deva is the main deity invoked, along with other holy devas.

Procedure

The sound ceremony creates an atmosphere conducive to divine energy being invoked and restored, increasing positivity and sacredness. Ayur Suktam is recited in this homa along with Navagraha Shanthi slokas. Food grains associated with each graha, herbs, and other sacred offerings are made to Lord Agni. Here is an overview of the procedure:

  • Anujnaa (Permission)
  • Aachamanam (Cleansing through the water element)
  • Vigneshwara Puja - Kamaadi (Invoking Lord Ganapathy)
  • Kalasa Avahana
  • Sankalpa (Intent of the homa)
  • Navagraha Puja
  • Ayush Pooja - Kammahdya
  • Ayush Homa - Kamaanthya - Pradhan Homa
  • Uttaraangam (Offering gratitude)
  • Poornaahuti
  • Udvaasana (Benediction)

Significance

Ayush Homa is often performed during the naming ceremony of a newborn baby to ensure lifelong wellness and happiness. Sage Bodhayana explains the significance of Ayush Homa in his sutras. Ayur Deva, the God of Life, is worshipped for longevity and health. Other holy devas symbolizing immortality, strength, and courage are also invoked during the homa. These include:

  • Markandeya – For well-being and the willpower to recover from health ailments
  • Chiranjeevis – Seven ancient immortal seers who fought against evils
  • Ashwatthama – Immortal sage and valiant warrior, who is a Bodhisattva
  • Mahabali – Immortal, benevolent king known for righteousness
  • Vyasa – Sage who authored the Mahabharata, known for integrity and contributions to the Vedas
  • Lord Hanuman – An ardent devotee of Lord Rama, symbol of Sharanagathi
  • Vibhishana – Ravana's brother, known for his unbiased truth and satvic mind, despite being an asura
  • Kripacharya – Immortal sage, a guru who nurtured kings and princes
  • Parashurama – An avatar of Lord Vishnu, an immortal valiant warrior and devotee of Lord Shiva

This homa is performed after a person recovers from a terminal illness to ensure a healthy life going forward. It can also be performed yearly for overall wellness, to remove evil influences, and to restore energy. Ayush Homa reestablishes vitality and prepares us for a materially sound, long life, reducing health hazards to a great extent. The primary goal is to obtain blessings from Ayur Deva, ensuring a healthy, long life.

Benefits

  • Eliminates health risks
  • Highly beneficial for infants and children suffering from health issues
  • Provides relief from chronic illnesses
  • Bestows a long lifespan and promotes healthy physical and mental conditions
  • Reduces negative effects of badly placed planets
  • Eliminates the chances of accidents, mishaps, injuries, and health threats
  • Negates the ill effects of karmic debt and curses
  • Boosts self-confidence and willpower
  • Removes incompetence and makes one skilled and capable

Ideal Time to Perform

Ayush Homa can be performed on birthdays. It is especially ideal for a newborn baby during the naming ceremony, after analyzing the natal chart. The homa is often organized during significant milestones, such as every decade of an individual’s life. Dhanvanthri Jayanthi is also considered an auspicious day for the homa.

Who Can Perform?

Ayush Homa can be performed by people suffering from unknown illnesses or recurring diseases, as well as by parents of newborn babies, to obtain the blessings of Ayur Deva.

Mantras Guide for Ayush Homa Blessings

One can meditate or chant the following mantra to enhance the benefits of the homa:

"Om Haam Aayur Devataaya Swaha"