Mha Puja, celebrated primarily by the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley, is a deeply spiritual ritual unlike any other in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. This ritual, observed on the fourth day of Tihar, coincides with New Year’s Day in the Nepal Sambat calendar. Rather than worshipping deities or spirits, Mha Puja is dedicated to the celebration of one’s own soul, mind, and body. Rooted in both Vedic and Tantric traditions, Mha Puja teaches the value of self-awareness, purity, and internal harmony. This festival embodies the Newar philosophy that every individual holds divinity within, which is celebrated annually as a form of spiritual renewal.
Historical Background
Vedic Foundation: Verses from the Bhavishya Purana
Mha Puja finds a strong connection to ancient Vedic teachings, as expressed in verses from the Bhavishya Purana. These scriptures outline the significance of self-worship and personal reverence, describing how honoring one’s body and soul during Kartik Amavasya (the new moon of Kartik) leads to divine alignment and spiritual fulfillment.
Key verses from the Bhavishya Purana include:
- Verse 18:
“Kartikeya Masyam Amavasyam Yastu Deepa Pradipanam, Shalayam Brahmanah Kuryat Sa Gachhed Brahmaṇaḥ Padam.”
(Translation): “In the month of Kartik, one who lights a lamp for the divine and worships in the sacred space attains the supreme state, Brahma-Pada.”
This verse highlights the spiritual merit in lighting lamps as an act of internal and external reverence, drawing individuals closer to divine consciousness. Mha Puja continues this tradition by lighting a sacred lamp before each participant’s mandala to represent the illumination of the soul. - Verses 19-20:
“Gandhaiḥ Pushpaiḥ Navairvastraiḥ Atmanam Pujayeccha Yaha, Tasya Pratipadaaya Tu Sa Gachhed Brahmaṇaḥ Padam.”
(Translation): “He who honors himself with fresh flowers, garments, and sacred items on this day, especially on the Kartik Pratipada, reaches the divine abode of Brahman.”
This verse embodies the purpose of Mha Puja, where individuals celebrate themselves with adornments, fine clothing, and flowers, acknowledging the inherent divinity within. The ritual reflects the belief that self-respect and inner purity are essential to accessing higher states of consciousness. - Verse 22:
“Brahmana Puja Kartavya Atmanamcha Visheshatah, Sa Yati Paramam Sthanam Vishnoho Amitatejasah.”
(Translation): “On this sacred day, by honoring both the divine and oneself, one attains the eternal realm of Vishnu, the infinitely radiant.”
Here, the scripture suggests that worshiping both the divine and oneself allows one to harmonize with universal energies, attaining peace and fulfillment. This principle is mirrored in Mha Puja, where worshiping oneself is seen as honoring the divine essence within.
Together, these verses provide a Vedic foundation for Mha Puja, illustrating that self-worship and self-honoring rituals lead one closer to spiritual enlightenment.
Tantric Origins: Kularnava Tantra
In addition to the Vedic scriptures, Mha Puja is closely tied to Tantric teachings, particularly as described in the Kularnava Tantra. In this tradition, Mha Puja serves as a spiritual journey involving the creation of mandalas and meditation to awaken the chakras and channel energy within the body. The Mha Puja ritual involves both individual self-reflection and the activation of spiritual energies that lead to increased vitality and peace.
The Kularnava Tantra suggests creating a mandala as a symbolic representation of the self and the universe, using materials such as lamps, ghee, flowers, and rice. The mandala reflects one’s journey toward self-awareness and inner wisdom, symbolizing the balance between worldly responsibilities and spiritual aspirations.
The Spiritual Significance of “Mha” in Mha Puja
The term “म्ह” (Mha) holds a profound meaning in Newar spirituality, representing both the self and the divine within. It is often associated with Brahman, the supreme consciousness that resides in all beings. This concept is similar to the Upanishadic teaching of “Tat Tvam Asi” or “You are That,” which recognizes the unity of the individual soul with the ultimate reality.
By worshiping the self through Mha Puja, the Newar community reaffirms their connection with their divine essence, embracing the value of self-respect, wisdom, and inner growth. This annual ritual serves as a profound reminder that each individual is a sacred vessel of divinity, encouraging introspection and spiritual renewal.
The Elements of Mha Puja Manda
The Mha Puja Manda, or self-worship mandala, is an integral part of the ritual. This sacred diagram represents various cosmic elements and spiritual qualities, created on the ground with vibrant powders, rice, and flowers. Each component has a unique spiritual meaning:
- Water Circle (ल:मंद:): Symbolizes the purified soul, representing clarity and spiritual cleansing.
- Oil Circle (चिकं मंद:): Stands for life’s perfection, symbolizing completeness and well-being.
- Heart Chakra (Anahat Chakra): Represents love, empathy, and balance, opening the heart to connect with the divine.
- Soul Lotus (अष्ट दल कमल): Depicts the eight petals, each symbolizing one of the Ashta Siddhis (supernatural powers), embodying inner mastery.
- Ashta Matrika (अष्ट मातृका): The eight divine mother goddesses offer protection and remove obstacles, promoting harmony and spiritual resilience.
Together, these elements of the Manda remind the participant of the journey from physical existence to spiritual awakening, fostering a balanced life enriched with inner peace.
Ritual Items and Their Symbolism
Each item in Mha Puja represents the Pancha Maha Bhutas (Five Great Elements), which are essential to both the physical world and the human body:
- Akshata (Rice grains): Represents the earth element (Prithvi).
- Rice Paddy (धान): Embodies water (Jal).
- Black Lentils (गोलो मास): Symbolizes fire (Agni).
- Black Soybean (भटमास): Represents air (Vayu).
- Popped Rice (लावा): Signifies space (Akash).
Additional elements like the Sukunda (traditional oil lamp), Kalash (sacred water vessel), and Khye Sagan (a combination of auspicious foods representing the five elements) further symbolize purity, strength, prosperity, and wisdom. Each item encourages the individual to recognize and balance these elements within themselves.
Step-by-Step Mha Puja Ritual
- Preparation and Purification: Participants begin by purifying themselves through ritual baths, then gather around the Manda. Family members sit facing north or east, aligning with auspicious spiritual energies.
- Creating the Manda: Each family member has their own Manda drawn on the ground with specific colors representing the elements: blue (space), white (air), red (fire), green (water), and yellow (earth).
- Invocation of the Divine: The ceremony begins with lighting the Sukunda and invoking Lord Ganesh, the family’s guardian deities, and ancestors. A Sankalpa or vow is taken, followed by prayers that honor each deity and element in the Manda.
- Self-Worship Ritual: The worshiper applies oils, colors, and flowers on themselves from the Manda, symbolizing self-recognition and reverence. Tantric mantras are chanted to strengthen the connection with the inner self.
- Offerings and Blessings: The ritual includes offerings to Bali Raja and Govardhan, symbolizing humility, stability, and protection. The participant then takes the Khye Sagan, eating it in three bites, symbolizing strength, willpower, and knowledge.
- Completion: The ritual ends with a final arati and Sifarati, where flowers, fruits, and rice are showered upon each family member to bestow blessings. The head of the household gives final blessings, marking the ceremony’s completion.
Philosophical Reflection on Mha Puja
Mha Puja represents a Newar philosophy that blends cultural rituals with deep introspective practices. It encourages the participant to look beyond the material self, fostering an understanding of the higher self and celebrating one’s purpose in life. As cultural historian Satya Mohan Joshi notes, this festival is both a spiritual exercise and a celebration of self-awareness and personal renewal.
In modern times, Mha Puja continues to serve as a reminder of self-worth, family unity, and the importance of well-being. It bridges the gap between past traditions and contemporary life, offering timeless guidance on achieving balance, inner peace, and connection with the divine.
Conclusion
Mha Puja is a celebration of self, soul, and spirit, combining elements of Vedic and Tantric wisdom. This festival urges individuals to honor their own existence and cultivate self-awareness, nurturing their connection with the divine. For the Newar community, Mha Puja is not only a cultural heritage but a cherished practice of spiritual cultivation, personal growth, and profound reflection.
This annual ritual offers valuable lessons in self-value, strength, and unity, making it a deeply meaningful practice that enhances the journey of life.
