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  Ayudha Pooja is celebrated as part of Navratri, a 9-day festival that honors the Divine Mother. Ayudha Pooja falls on the 9th day of Navratri and is more popular in southern states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. On this auspicious occasion, people worship their work tools, machinery, and instruments. For instance, a farmer may worship his plow, while a sculptor may worship his hammer and chisel. Students worship their books, pens, laptops, and other study tools.   Ayudha Pooja in Hindu Mythology This day has associations with many important events in Indian mythology.   Slaying of Mahishasura : The most popular legend behind Ayudha Pooja is Goddess Durga’s slaying of the demon Mahishasura. The Navaratri festival commemorates the nine-day battle between Durga and Mahishasura, culminating in Durga’s victory. It is said that after killing the demon, Durga laid down her weapons. The gods and humans worshipped these weapons to express their gratitude to...

  “Ayudha” means ‘weapon/tool,’ while Pooja refers to worship. Ayudha Pooja is a ritual that is part of the festival called “Navratri”, “Dussehra”, or “Golu” in different regions of India.   Navratri is a 9-day festival that honors the Divine Feminine. Devotees worship 9 different forms of Goddess Durga during the festival.   The day is also called Ayudha Pooja, Astra Pooja, Shastra Pooja, and Khande Navami in different parts of India. It falls in the Tamil month of Purattasi, also called Bhadrapada in the North Indian almanac. It is celebrated on the 9th day of Navratri.   What is the Significance of Ayudha Pooja? Work is central to our lives. There is even a saying that goes, “Work is worship.’ Work not only gives us a purpose in life, but it also fulfils us and provides us with a livelihood. Ayudha Pooja is a festival that honors the tools that enable us to do our work efficiently. All that we do should be surrendered to God, and this applies to our work as well....