Bringing home a new car or two-wheeler is a joyful moment, and many families first perform a Vahana Puja for safe journeys and protection from accidents and the evil eye.
When to do it
Ideally on the day you take delivery, or the first good day after. Avoid Rahu Kalam for the first drive and the puja; many people choose an Amrit, Shubh or Labh Choghadiya. Ayudha Puja during Navaratri is another popular day for vehicle worship.
What you need
- Turmeric, kumkum, sandal paste and akshata
- Flowers and a garland for the vehicle
- A coconut, four lemons and some camphor
- A mango-leaf toran or a small cloth for the dashboard deity
- Sweets for prasad
Steps of the puja
- Wash the vehicle and park it facing east or north.
- Offer a short prayer to Ganesha for obstacle-free journeys.
- Draw a swastika or Om with turmeric and kumkum on the bonnet or front.
- Garland the vehicle and apply sandal and kumkum to the wheels.
- Perform aarti with camphor around the vehicle.
- Break the coconut in front of the vehicle.
- Place a lemon under each wheel and drive forward over them — a traditional way of warding off the evil eye.
At a temple or at home?
Many temples perform vehicle pujas daily. At home, a pandit can do a fuller puja with Ganapati and Navagraha worship and a small homam for protection.
You can book a pandit for New Vehicle Puja in your city.