Chitragupta Puja, also known as Chitragupta Jayanti, is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Chitragupta, the divine bookkeeper and assistant to Yama—the god of death. Revered primarily by the Kayastha community, this festival marks a day of spiritual introspection, record-keeping, and ethical self-evaluation. In 2025, Chitragupta Puja falls on Thursday, October 23, coinciding with Yama Dwitiya, the second day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Kartik.
This blog explores the deep-rooted spiritual, cultural, and social significance of Chitragupta Puja 2025, along with the correct Puja Vidhi, the exact muhurat (auspicious time), rituals, benefits, and its relevance in today’s fast-changing world.
📆 Chitragupta Puja 2025: Date & Muhurat
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Festival Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
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Tithi: Yama Dwitiya (Second day of bright lunar fortnight)
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Auspicious Puja Time (Muhurat): Traditionally observed during the afternoon hours (Aparahna Kaal). However, morning puja is also acceptable, especially in homes and offices.
Devotees are advised to observe the exact timings based on their city or location through the local Panchang (Hindu calendar).
🕉 Who is Lord Chitragupta?
Lord Chitragupta is a unique deity in the Hindu pantheon. Created by Lord Brahma, he was assigned the supreme duty of maintaining records of human karma (deeds). He is considered the divine accountant and assistant to Lord Yama, who uses Chitragupta’s records to determine whether a soul goes to heaven or hell.
According to belief, after death, every soul faces judgment in Yamaloka (the abode of Yama). Lord Chitragupta, with his meticulous record of one’s good and bad actions, plays a critical role in this decision-making. As such, he symbolizes justice, truth, ethics, and accountability.
He is traditionally worshipped by the Kayastha community, who believe themselves to be his direct descendants. However, the teachings and symbolism of this festival are universal—relevant to all who believe in moral accountability and the afterlife.
Mythological Origins
As per Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma created 16 sons to help him in the creation and maintenance of the world. The seventeenth creation, however, was unique. Unlike others created from Brahma’s thoughts or elements, Chitragupta was born directly from Brahma's body (kaya), which is why his descendants are known as "Kayasthas."
Lord Brahma entrusted Chitragupta with the responsibility of recording every soul’s karma. He was given a pen, inkpot, and scriptures and taught all languages and scriptures. Thus, Chitragupta became not only a keeper of moral accounts but also a symbol of knowledge and intellect.
Importance of Chitragupta Puja
Chitragupta Puja holds immense spiritual and practical significance. It encourages people to introspect their actions and live a life of righteousness and integrity.
1. Ethical Living
The core purpose of Chitragupta Puja is to instill the importance of truthfulness, honesty, and accountability. Since Lord Chitragupta records every action, devotees are reminded to be morally upright in every aspect of life.
2. Knowledge and Wisdom
Chitragupta is not just the karmic accountant; he is also regarded as a deity of intellect. Worshiping him enhances one’s learning, clarity of thought, and decision-making abilities.
3. Professional Relevance
Clerks, writers, accountants, teachers, and students worship Chitragupta for blessings in their careers. He is believed to bring success in exams, professions involving calculations, and activities related to record-keeping or administration.
4. Spiritual Cleansing
The day offers a divine opportunity to repent for one’s sins, seek forgiveness, and make a conscious decision to lead a more virtuous life.
Chitragupta Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Rituals)
Puja Preparations
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Clean the House: Start the day with cleanliness of both your home and workplace, especially the area where the puja will be performed.
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Create a Puja Platform: Set up a small table or platform (chowki) covered with a clean cloth.
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Draw a Swastik or Rangoli: Decorate the puja area with traditional symbols and rangoli.
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Place an Idol or Picture of Lord Chitragupta: If not available, write “Shri Chitraguptaaya Namah” on a paper or slate and place it on the altar.
Puja Samagri (Items Required)
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Idol or picture of Lord Chitragupta
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Ghee Diya (lamp)
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Agarbatti (incense sticks)
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Roli (kumkum), Haldi, Akshat (unbroken rice)
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Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar)
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Flowers and garlands
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Fruits and sweets (especially boondi laddoos)
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Pens, notebooks, ink, account books (bahi-khaata)
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Coconut, betel leaves, supari
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Red/yellow cloth for altar
Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi
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Dhyana (Invocation): Meditate on Lord Chitragupta, requesting him to accept your prayers.
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Lighting the Diya: Light a ghee lamp and agarbatti.
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Tilak and Akshat: Apply tilak and offer akshat to the idol or image.
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Abhishekam (if using an idol): Bathe the idol with Panchamrit and clean water. Wipe gently.
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Offer Flowers and Prasad: Place fruits, sweets, and flowers before the deity.
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Pen and Account Book Worship: Place pens and ledgers near the deity and offer prayers. Write "Shubh" and "Labh" to invoke auspicious energy.
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Mantra Chanting: Recite the mantra:
Repeat this 11 or 21 times. -
Aarti: Perform aarti with devotion and gratitude.
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Distribution of Prasad: Share the prasad with all family members and friends.
Unique Traditions of Chitragupta Puja
Writing the First Account
A major part of the ritual includes writing the first entry in the account book, especially for businesspersons and shopkeepers. Traditionally, people inscribe “Shubh Labh” and draw swastikas on their bahi-khaatas to welcome prosperity and order in business.
Community Gatherings
In many parts of India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi, Kayastha families gather at community halls and temples to perform Chitragupta Puja collectively.
Children’s Participation
Children are encouraged to take part by writing essays, learning scriptures, and taking oaths to follow ethical values. This inculcates moral grounding from a young age.
Benefits of Observing Chitragupta Puja
1. Moral Clarity
The festival inspires devotees to differentiate between right and wrong, promoting honest living.
2. Educational Success
Students seek blessings for wisdom, academic achievements, and mental clarity.
3. Professional Growth
Professionals involved in finance, management, legal affairs, and documentation are believed to benefit immensely.
4. Spiritual Cleansing
By reflecting on past actions and asking for forgiveness, one moves toward spiritual purification.
5. Better Decision Making
Worshiping Lord Chitragupta helps sharpen judgment and brings a sense of discipline in life.
Temples Dedicated to Lord Chitragupta
Though not widely known, there are a few notable temples dedicated to Chitragupta:
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Chitragupta Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh – A historical marvel built during the Chandela dynasty.
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Chitragupta Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu – Revered by both North and South Indian devotees.
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Chitragupta Shrine in Ujjain and Varanasi – Often part of Yama and Surya temples.
Relevance of Chitragupta Puja in Modern Times
In a time dominated by fast-paced life and technology, the message of Chitragupta Puja is timeless and ever-relevant. It encourages:
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Digital Integrity: Ensuring we act ethically even in our virtual interactions and social media engagements.
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Workplace Ethics: Promoting honesty, transparency, and fairness at work.
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Personal Accountability: Being responsible for one’s actions, relationships, and life choices.
Spiritual Reflection on Chitragupta Puja
More than just rituals, Chitragupta Puja is about inner transformation. It invites you to reflect on:
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Have I been truthful this year?
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Did I harm or help others with my actions?
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Can I forgive and ask for forgiveness?
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Am I aligned with my values and responsibilities?
The answers to these can realign your soul to the path of dharma (righteousness).
Dos and Don’ts During Chitragupta Puja
✅ Dos:
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Wake up early and bathe before sunrise
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Keep surroundings clean and maintain silence during puja
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Respect elders and take their blessings
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Share food and prasad with the poor
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Write positive affirmations in your ledger or notebook
❌ Don’ts:
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Avoid lying or using harsh words
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Do not engage in financial disputes
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Refrain from tamasic (impure) foods or behavior
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Avoid excessive noise, distraction, or laziness
Final Thoughts
Chitragupta Puja 2025 is not just about remembering a divine accountant; it’s about becoming accountable to your own soul. It’s a moment of cleansing—emotionally, ethically, and spiritually. Whether you're a student, professional, entrepreneur, or homemaker, the values upheld by Lord Chitragupta are universally applicable.
May this sacred day guide you to walk the path of truth, clarity, and conscious living. Let the divine scribe bless your karmic ledger with only good deeds.