Chitragupta is a Hindu deity entrusted with the task of keeping a complete record of the actions (karmas) of human beings and punishing or rewarding them according to their deeds. After one’s death, it is the duty of Chitragupta to decide whether the human will go to heaven or hell based on their actions on earth.
Chitragupta is worshiped on the second day of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. It is also called Yama Dwitiya. Chitragupta Puja and Bhai Dooj are celebrated on the same day. But this year it will be celebrated on October 27, 2022.
It is believed that Chitragupta was created from the soul and mind of Brahma and thus he was given the right to write the Vedas like a Brahmin and was also assigned the duty of a Kshatriya. Chitragupta accompanies Yama, the god of death.
According to religious texts, on this day Yama Dev came to earth to meet his sister Yamuna. In the worship of Chitragupta, pens, pencils, notebooks, and medicines are worshipped. Chitragupta Puja is celebrated on a large scale in the Kayastha community. In Kayastha society it is also called Kalam Davat Puja.
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Chitragupta Puja significance
According to Hinduism, Chitragupta is the seventeenth Manasaputra of Brahma, who is thought to have been made from the soul and mind of Lord Brahma, i.e. Chit. Lord Yama, the God of Death, is also accompanied by Chitragupta. Due to the fact that Goddess Yamuna nursed her brother Yamraj on Kartik Dwitiya in her own house, the same day is also recognised as Yama Dwitiya. Lord Chitragupta makes the decision as to whether a specific soul shall be rewarded with “Nirvana,” the end of the cyclical nature of life and all difficulties of this world, or punished for their transgressions. Some people also worship pens, books, and ink on the lucky day to make Lord Chitragupta happy.
Chitragupta Puja Vidhi
The Chitragupta Puja begins with the hindu deity’s idol washing with water and rosewater on the day of Chitragupta Jayanti, and an earthen lamp is lit in front of it. As prasad, panchamitra, a dish made of curd, honey, milk, sugar, and ghee, is also made. Guraad can also be made by combining ginger and jaggery. A Swastika symbol consisting of vermillion, abir, sandalwood paste, and turmeric is made in front of Lord Chitragupta’s idol. The Swastika sign is then covered with rice and a Kalash filled with fresh water. People who practise the sacred puja recite passages from the Chitragupta holy text.
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