Diwali Poojan Chopda Pujan Vidhi Mantra Easy Process Gujarati
Published October 3, 2022 · Last updated
Chopda Pujan, also known as Sharda Puja, is one of the most important Diwali rituals celebrated primarily in Gujarat and Maharashtra. This auspicious ceremony marks the beginning of a new fiscal and calendar year, where business owners, traders, and their employees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Ganesha to seek blessings for prosperity, knowledge, and success. Understanding the proper Chopda Pujan vidhi, mantras, and procedure will help you perform this sacred ritual correctly at home.
What is Chopda Pujan?
Chopda Pujan is a traditional Hindu ritual deeply rooted in the business and mercantile communities of Gujarat and Maharashtra. The word “Chopda” refers to the first page or opening of a new account book, which is ceremonially inaugurated on the day after Diwali. This practice symbolizes the closing of the old year’s accounts and the opening of fresh ledgers for the new year ahead.
In ancient times, shopkeepers and merchants would physically open new account books on this day and seek blessings from the divine trinity. Today, even though most businesses maintain digital records, the essence of Chopda Pujan remains unchanged. Many business owners now include laptops, computers, and other electronic devices in their worship alongside traditional account books, recognizing how modern commerce has evolved.
The three primary deities worshipped during Chopda Pujan are:
- Goddess Lakshmi — The goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity
- Goddess Saraswati (Mata Sharda) — The goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning, and enlightenment
- Lord Ganesha — The remover of obstacles and the lord of auspicious beginnings
Timing and Auspicious Days for Chopda Pujan
Chopda Pujan is traditionally performed on the day after Diwali, which typically falls in October or November according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This day is considered highly auspicious because it marks Padwa or Pratipada, the first day of the new year in the traditional Hindu calendar.
The best time to perform Chopda Pujan is during the early morning hours, preferably after sunrise and before noon. Many business owners choose to perform the ritual before opening their shops or offices for the day. Some communities also perform it in the evening, but morning is considered more auspicious according to Vedic principles.
Please verify the exact dates with your local temple or Hindu calendar (panchang) to ensure you perform the ritual on the most auspicious day for your region.
Chopda Pujan Vidhi: Step-by-Step Procedure for Home Worship
Preparation and Materials Needed:
Before beginning the ritual, gather the following items:
- Idols or images of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati
- New or clean account books, business ledgers, or laptops/computers
- Flowers (preferably marigold and rose)
- Incense sticks (agarbatti)
- Oil lamps (diyas)
- Sandalwood paste (tilak)
- Turmeric and vermillion
- Fruits and sweets for offering (bhog)
- Coconut
- Milk, honey, and ghee
- A small bell
- A prayer mat or clean cloth
The Ritual Steps:
1. Purification and Setup — Begin by cleaning and purifying the worship area. Arrange the idols or images of the three deities in the center. Place the account books, ledgers, or electronic devices directly in front of the idols.
2. Invoke the Deities — Light the incense sticks and oil lamps. Ring the bell to announce the beginning of the worship. Bow respectfully to all three deities and seek their blessings.
3. Offering Flowers and Sandalwood — Apply sandalwood paste to your forehead. Offer flowers to each deity while chanting their names. Start with Lord Ganesha, followed by Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi.
4. Recite Sacred Mantras — Chant the Chopda Pujan mantras (see section below) with devotion and focus. These mantras invoke the blessings of the deities and purify the business space.
5. Perform Aarti — Perform aarti (the ritual of waving the lamp) in front of the idols while singing devotional songs. This is a significant part of the Chopda Pujan ritual.
6. Apply Tilak to Account Books — With your right hand, apply vermillion or sandalwood paste to the new account book as a mark of blessing. Touch the book to your forehead as a sign of respect and reverence.
7. Offer Fruits and Sweets — Present fruits, sweets, and coconut to the deities as offerings (bhog). This represents gratitude and the first fruits of your labor.
8. Seek Blessings — Meditate for a few minutes, offering silent prayers for prosperity, knowledge, and the removal of obstacles in your business and personal endeavors.
9. Receive Prasad — Distribute the blessed offerings (prasad) to all family members and employees as a symbol of divine grace.
Important Chopda Pujan Mantras
Ganesha Mantra:
“Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha” — This mantra is chanted to invoke Lord Ganesha’s blessings for the removal of obstacles and auspicious beginnings.
Lakshmi Mantra:
“Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namaha” — This mantra calls upon Goddess Lakshmi to bestow wealth, abundance, and prosperity.
Saraswati Mantra:
“Om Aim Saraswati Namaha” — This mantra invokes Goddess Saraswati for wisdom, knowledge, and intellectual growth.
Chant each mantra 108 times during the ritual for maximum spiritual benefit. You may also recite these mantras while performing aarti.
Practical Tips for Chopda Pujan at Home
- Choose a clean, quiet space in your home or workplace for the worship. A corner facing east or north is considered most auspicious.
- Ensure all family members and business associates participate in the ritual to strengthen the collective intention and blessings.
- Bathe before performing the ritual and wear clean, preferably white or traditional clothing.
- If using account books, use a new one for the fiscal year or open the first page of your existing book on this day.
- Modern businesses can place their laptops or computers near the idols during worship without hesitation — the ritual adapts to contemporary practices.
- Prepare simple vegetarian offerings; elaborate arrangements are not necessary. Sincerity and devotion matter more than extravagance.
- If you cannot perform the full ritual alone, seek help from a local priest or experienced family elder.
Location and Community Celebrations
While Chopda Pujan is primarily a personal or business-centered ritual performed at home or in shops, many temples across Gujarat and Maharashtra also host community Chopda Pujan ceremonies. Business associations and trade groups often organize collective worship sessions where merchants gather to celebrate together. If you wish to participate in organized celebrations, check with your local temple or business community for scheduled events.
The ritual is not limited to professional traders — anyone involved in business, education, or creative pursuits can benefit from performing Chopda Pujan to seek blessings for their endeavors.
Related Rituals and Observances
Chopda Pujan is often performed as part of the larger Diwali festival season. You may also be interested in learning about other important rituals like Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj, which are celebrated around the same time and carry similar themes of prosperity and family bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can women perform Chopda Pujan?
Yes, absolutely. Women are equally encouraged to perform Chopda Pujan. In fact, Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati are female deities, and their blessings are particularly meaningful when invoked by women. All family members, regardless of gender, should participate in the ritual.
What if I don’t have an account book or ledger?
If you don’t maintain physical account books, you can include any symbol of your work or business — such as a laptop, mobile phone, business documents, certificates, or even a notebook. The object itself is symbolic; what matters is the intention and sincerity of worship.
Can Chopda Pujan be performed in the evening?
While early morning is traditionally considered most auspicious, if circumstances prevent morning worship, performing the ritual in the evening is acceptable. The important thing is to perform it with devotion and on the correct day.
Is it necessary to visit a temple for Chopda Pujan?
No, Chopda Pujan can be performed at home with the same effectiveness. Many business owners prefer home worship for convenience and personalized attention to their specific needs.
What should be done with the offerings after the ritual?
The fruits, sweets, and other offerings (prasad) should be distributed among family members, friends, and employees as a blessing. This spreads the divine grace and strengthens community bonds.
How long does Chopda Pujan typically take?
A basic Chopda Pujan ritual can be completed in 30-45 minutes. However, if you include extended mantra chanting or involve multiple people, it may take up to an hour.
Conclusion
Chopda Pujan is a beautiful and meaningful tradition that blends spirituality with commerce, honoring the divine while seeking blessings for worldly success and knowledge. Whether you’re a business owner, student, or someone seeking a fresh start, this ritual offers a sacred opportunity to align your intentions with divine energy and welcome prosperity into your life. By following the proper vidhi, chanting the mantras with devotion, and maintaining a sincere heart, you can experience the true transformative power of Chopda Pujan.
