The ritual bathing of the Shivling with milk, water, honey and other offerings while Pandits chant the Rudri (Sri Rudram), one of the most loved Shiva pujas.
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Varanasi · Kashi · Banaras
Ayyappa Puja in Varanasi
Ayyappa devotion is strongest in South India, but South Indian families and devotees living in Varanasi, especially around Kedar Ghat, keep the tradition during the Mandala season.
A Pandit familiar with the vidhi can perform Ayyappa Puja with bhajans, Sharanu ghosha and harathi at your home or a hall, including a simplified Padi Puja where the setup allows.
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥
Vakratuṇḍa mahākāya sūryakoṭi samaprabha, nirvighnaṁ kuru me deva sarvakāryeṣu sarvadā.
Why Varanasi
Why families choose Varanasi for Ayyappa Puja
Devotees who are in Kashi during the Mandala season, from November to January, sometimes like to keep an Ayyappa Puja or bhajan while away from home.
It can be combined with Ganga snan, giving the observance a pilgrimage feel.
Local traditions & timing
- Pandits familiar with Ayyappa vidhi are few in Varanasi; enquire well in advance.
- A full Padi Puja needs space for the eighteen steps setup.
- This is an in person puja only.
Where it's performed
- A home in Varanasi
- A community hall or choultry
Planning tips
- Tell us whether you want a simple puja with bhajan or a Padi Puja.
- Share the number of devotees joining.
- Keep ghee lamps, flowers and prasadam ready, or ask for samagri.
About Ayyappa Puja
Worship of Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala, traditionally performed during the Mandala season and by devotees observing deeksha.
Duration
2 to 4 hours
Pricing
On enquiry
Online option
In-person only
Ayyappa Puja in Varanasi: FAQs
Can Padi Puja be done in Varanasi?
A Padi Puja can be arranged where a suitable setup and Pandit are available. Please enquire early with your dates.
Can Ayyappa Puja be done online?
No. We offer it in person only, as the setup and bhajan are central to the puja.
More in Varanasi
Other rituals families book in Varanasi
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Details
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6 to 8 hours with 11 Pandits (longer if fewer Pandits)
An elaborate Rudra anushthan, traditionally 121 recitations of the Rudram by 11 Pandits with abhishek, often concluding with a Rudra havan.
Details
Shiva PujasIn-person availableOnline availableMahamrityunjaya Jaap
1 to 11 days, depending on the chant count and number of Pandits
A sankalp-based chanting of the Mahamrityunjaya mantra by Pandits, commonly in counts like 11,000, 51,000 or 1.25 lakh, traditionally sought for strength and wellbeing.
Details
शुभं भवतु
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Book Ayyappa Puja in Varanasi
Tell us your dates, where you are staying and your family traditions. We'll confirm Pandit availability and pricing on WhatsApp.