Ayudha Puja
/ˈaɪ.juː.də ˈpuː.dʒə/noun
A Hindu festival in which tools, instruments, vehicles, weapons, and other implements are ceremonially cleaned and worshipped.
Did you know?The ritual treats practical objects—including modern machinery and vehicles—as worthy of reverence, linking everyday work with divine power and protection.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*yewH-
“A reconstructed root associated with joining or fighting; its exact relationship to Sanskrit yudha is debated.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
āyudha
“A weapon, implement, or instrument used for action.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
pūjā
“Worship, honor, reverence, or ceremonial offering.”
Medieval India
Sanskrit
āyudha-pūjā
“Ritual honoring or worshipping weapons and implements.”
Modern Indian English
English
Ayudha Puja
“A festival observed especially in southern India during Navaratri, honoring tools, vehicles, instruments, and weapons.”