Ayudha Pooja –* The Golden Tradition* of Gratitude

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On the ninth–tenth day of Navratri, a beautiful sight can be seen in factories, offices, and homes –

machines are decorated, farmers adorn their ploughs, students place flowers on their books and slates, musicians apply sandal paste to their instruments, and even modern tools like computers, printers, and mobile phones are worshipped.

At first glance, this may look like just a religious ritual, but if you pause and reflect, you will realize –

this is not just worship, it is our culture’s way of expressing gratitude.

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*Legacy of the Mahabharata*

In the Mahabharata, before going into exile, the Pandavas hid their weapons on a Shami tree.

On the day of Vijayadashami, they retrieved those weapons, worshipped them, and went to battle.

From that day onward, the tradition began –

“First remembrance, then reverence, and then use of tools.”

Today’s Ayudha Pooja is a reminder of that sacred samskara.

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*Shami Tree – Symbol of Patience*

The Shami tree is considered a symbol of victory and restraint.

Its rustling leaves whisper nature’s message –

“If you wish to attain victory in life, first cultivate patience and courage.”

That is why Shami Puja is performed even today.

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*Apata Leaves – Exchange of Gold*

In Maharashtra, during Vijayadashami, people exchange Apata leaves as a token of gold.

They offer the blessing:

“Take this gold leaf, may you live a life as precious as gold.”

These are not just leaves, but symbols of prosperity, harmony, and affection.

It is as if one is saying,

“My true wealth is not just money, it is you.”

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*Gratitude Towards Tools*

The plough, the book, the instrument, the machine – all these tools help us build life.

In today’s mechanical age, we often use them but forget the effort and support behind them.

Ayudha Pooja pauses us and reminds –

“Whatever makes your life easier, say thank you to it. Express gratitude.”

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*Body and Mind – The Real Instruments*

Sadguru Vamanrao Pai says:

*The body itself is divine.*

In truth, our body and mind are the greatest Ayudhas of life.

• Through the body, we experience divinity.

• Through the mind, thoughts are born.

Worshipping the body and mind means looking at them with respect and awareness.

When the realization dawns – “I am not the body, I am not the mind,” – then true freedom and joy are experienced.

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*A Scientific Perspective*

Some may ask – is this merely a religious ritual?

In fact, behind it lies deep psychological and social wisdom.

• Respect for tools → Generates gratitude in the mind and enhances focus at work.

• Collective worship → Builds social unity and recognition of everyone’s efforts.

• Body–mind reverence → Psychology says self-respect strengthens confidence and happiness.

• Apata leaves → Strengthen human relationships through symbolic exchange of goodwill.

In modern terms, this entire tradition reflects Gratitude Practice, Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology in the Indian way.

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*The Festival of Gratitude*

Shami Puja, Apata leaves, reverence for tools – all of these convey one emotion –

Gratitude!

The true gold of life is not wealth, but our relationships, tools, nature, and our own body and mind.

When we look at them with reverence, every day becomes a celebration.

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Ayudha Pooja is not the worship of objects, but the recognition of divinity in every aspect of life and the expression of gratitude.

*Warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami.*

With best wishes,

*Jayant Joshi*