First StageThe first stage of worship consists of purification by driving out the devils or bad tendencies and invoking devas or good tendencies. This is done by ringing a bell and chanting "HariH OM" and 'aagamanaartham ...". All must join in the singing of this mantra.
After this is over, the leader says "Om bhur bhuvah svah". This is called "digbandhana" and consists of chanting the sacred OM and the above three words called "vyaahrites". By chanting this, we make a protective shell around us. All the portals of the heart are closed against the ingress of the raakshasaas or evil tendencies. At the end of the puja we break the shell by chanting the three vyahrities first and OM last.
iti digbandhaHthus the shell is formed.
Second Stage
Now commences the 2nd stage of puja ritual.
Our attempts here would be to tune our minds to meditate upon God with a form by chanting prayers and then contemplate upon the eternal purusha by chanting the purusha suukta. The Lord of the universe is very magnifiecently described and praised in this vedic hymn.
These prayers are called the dhyaanam or "mantras of invocation".
Third Stage
Then we come to the third stage of our puujaa ritual. The maNDala brahmana upanishhad explains the spiritual significance of the sixteen phased offerings to the God invoked and installed in the idol or image or photo during the puujaa.
The sixteen offerings are made in five steps.
First Step
the 1st 3 phases are called the dhyaana seat. "tasya niShTha dhyaanaH". When we are merged in it without any other thought or feeling it is called meditation or dhyaana. We chant
1. dhyaayaamiGod or Goddess to reside in the idol or image or photo for the time being, so that the spiritual forrce may flow thru the medium of the idol etc. towards all the people assembled.
2. aavaahayaami
3. aasanam samarpayaami
After this is over, the leader says "Om bhur bhuvah svah". This is called "digbandhana" and consists of chanting the sacred OM and the above three words called "vyaahrites". By chanting this, we make a protective shell around us. All the portals of the heart are closed against the ingress of the raakshasaas or evil tendencies. At the end of the puja we break the shell by chanting the three vyahrities first and OM last.
iti digbandhaHthus the shell is formed.
Second Stage
Now commences the 2nd stage of puja ritual.
Our attempts here would be to tune our minds to meditate upon God with a form by chanting prayers and then contemplate upon the eternal purusha by chanting the purusha suukta. The Lord of the universe is very magnifiecently described and praised in this vedic hymn.
These prayers are called the dhyaanam or "mantras of invocation".
Third Stage
Then we come to the third stage of our puujaa ritual. The maNDala brahmana upanishhad explains the spiritual significance of the sixteen phased offerings to the God invoked and installed in the idol or image or photo during the puujaa.
The sixteen offerings are made in five steps.
First Step
the 1st 3 phases are called the dhyaana seat. "tasya niShTha dhyaanaH". When we are merged in it without any other thought or feeling it is called meditation or dhyaana. We chant
1. dhyaayaamiGod or Goddess to reside in the idol or image or photo for the time being, so that the spiritual forrce may flow thru the medium of the idol etc. towards all the people assembled.
2. aavaahayaami
3. aasanam samarpayaami
2nd step
Then follow the three phases of "water ceremony". They are the offering of paadyam, arghyam and snaanam. Water is offered for washing the feet, the hands and for oblation. These phases are possible only in case of idols in temples or houses. As our idol or image or photo would be decorated before or at the commencement of the satsangh, the water is sprinkled by maens of the middle finger of the right hand first at the feet fro paadyam, then at the hands for arghyam and lastly at the chest and then from head to feet doen fro snaanam (bath or oblation).
4. paadyam samarpayaami
5. aachamaniiyam samarpayaami
6. arghyam samarpayaami
7 snaanam samarpayaami
3rd stepThen we have the 3 phased offering of gandha or sandal paste, raw rice mixed with kumkum called axata and flowers.
8. gandham samarpayaami
9. axataan samarpayaami
10. puShpaaNi puujayaami
4th step
After these, we have the waving of lights and offering of naivedya viz. food, fruits, etc. dhuupa is burning of incense and waving it before God or Goddess and diipa is the waving of a light. All waving of light and incense is done in circular motion from the right side.
11. dhuupam aaghyaapayaami
12. diipam sa.ndarshayaami
Next the naivedyam is offered by pouring a few drops of water in our right palm and by uttering the names of praaNa and brahma. After naivedya, taambula or betel leaf is offered.
13. naivedyam nivedayaami
At that time a little water is poured into the right palm and offered as the naivedya, chanting thus:
OM PraaNaaya svaaha
apaanaaya svaahaa
vyaanaaya svaahaa
udaanaaya svaahaa
samaanaaya svaahaa
brahmane svaahaa
14. taambuulam samarpayaamithen we have the 3rd waving of lights called niiraajana or ma.ngala aaratii. All must stand in their respective places.
ma.ngala niiraajana samarpayaami
A light is waved for the 3rd time in the manner stated in the instructions, chanting the following mantra
na tatra suuryo bhaati na chandra taarakaMnemaa vidyuto bhaanti kutoyamagniHtameva bhaa,ntamanu bhaati sarvamtasya bhaasaa sarvamidam vibhaati
The leader waves the light 3 times before the feet of the lord, then 3 times before the head, then 3 times from feet to head - all in circular motions from right side to left side. All chant the above mantra.
the lighted lamp or camphor is taken to all the persons assembled as a reminder of the eternal light of spirit shedding its glory within each one of them.
5th step
the next step consists of performing pradakshinaa and offering namaskaara.
15. pradakShiNaa namaskaara samarpayaami
16. puShpaa.njali samarpayaami
Fourth stage of puja ritual
This consists of performing the visarjana by sending back the God or Goddess invoked for the ritual and breaking up the shell by chanting of "bhuurbhuvasvarOM".
The mantras:
yathaasthaanam pratishhThaapayaami
digvimokshaH
bhuurbhuvaH svarom.
End of puujaaAt the closing of puujaa ritual, shaanti mantras are chanted and the entire puujaa ritual is dedicated to the supreme lord or eterna purusha called brahmana.
OM purrnamadaH ...
OM bhadraM karNebhiH ...
svasti na indro ...
OM sarve bhavantu sukhinaH ...
OM asato maa sadgamaya ...
OM tatsatbrahmaarpaNamastuTo perform this, one does not need the special deeksha. This can be performed in a simple short way. First, one should understand the proper rules and methods to perform the pooja. Let us first see which way we should keep the figurine or the picture and which way the person should sit to perform the pooja.
If the picture of figurine is kept facing East, the person should sit on the right side facing North. If it faces North, they should sit facing East. They should not sit in front of the image facing it directly. If these two directions are not possible, then we can set the image facing West and sit in front of the Image facing East and perform pooja. One should not sit on the right side facing South to perform pooja. One should not sit on the left side of the Image. The Image should not be set facing South. The person should not sit facing South.It is not proper according to sasthra to eat food prior to performing the pooja. When it is possible, one should always learn from a Guru about the proper sasthras and rules and receive deeksha before performing pooja at home.
Whatever be your Favorite God - ,Ganesha , Vishnu , Shiva or Hanuman the way of doing pooja is the same.
Every Pooja has 16 steps. That is why is it called Shodasa Pooja (Shodasa means 16 in Sanskrit). Depending on one's convenience one can do 5,10 or all the steps.
a)One should take bath before doing any pooja.
b)A lamp must be lit near the place where pooja is going to be performed.
Step 1 Dhyana:
Sitting before the Image or Idol of our favorite deity, meditate on his form. For example, for Vishnu, should think of conch and chakra-he has in hands and the lotus flower.
Puja or worship is a loving entertainment of God, even as we entertain our friends and relatives whom we love.
The several steps involved in such worship may be briefly stated as follows:
Avahana (invoking the presence of God in the image or symbol),Then, invoke the deity into the pictures or idol through prayers. After this is performed, what is was previously an object becomes potent and holy. At this time, worshippers say "God, I know you are everywhere. I know you are also in this Photograph/Idol." While doing the Pooja, onw should not think of this not as a Picture. The picture or idol is GOD ("you") sitting opposite to me, accepting my pooja and prayers.
Asana (offering a seat),The next step is offering God a seat. This is done by just touching the picture, as if asking God to sit. Mentally imagine each step- Like God coming and sitting in front of us etc.
Padya and Arghya (giving water for washing feet and hands), In this step God's feet are washed with water. (This is a custom followed in India- where the feet of holy men are washed when they come to a house.) Washing feet of the idol is done by pouring a few drops of water before the image.
Water is offered to God to wash his hands. This is again done by pouring a few drops of water before the idol.Water is offered to wash his mouth and face in the earlier prescribed manner. Madhuvarga (Madhu-Honey) is a beverage made of honey and milk is offered for the God to drink. This is offered to GOD by keeping the vessel mixed with honey and milk in front of the image.
Snana or Abhisheka (ceremonial bath)Abishekam literally means bathing (GOD). For an Idol, a few drops of water can be poured on the idol and then dried. For a picture it is sufficient if you pour a few drops of water before the image.
Vastra (offering Clothes) Offering of dress including an upper garment and/or ornaments. Usually flowers are offered in place of these. While doing this, imagine putting a necklace on God and then place a flower at his feet.
Candana (smearing sandal paste and other unguents) Sandalwood powder and kum-kum (red powder hindus wear on their forehead) is offered to him.
Pushpa (offering of flowers and garlands) Flowers of various types are offered to the Lord along with the chanting of his holy names, Dhupa (burning incense)Then show him an incense stick. The incense (argharbathi) can be light it and circled in clockwise manner three times in front of GOD.
Dipa (waving of light)The next is offering of a lighted lamp. This can be a lit candle or oil lamp.
Naivedya (food offering)Offer GOD food- fruits or cooked food. The food offered to GOD - usually bananas, apples, oranges, sweets and freshly cooked rice, is called prasadam and one can eat this food right after the pooja is completed. If this food is offered to one in a temple, do not recieve it with your left hand. Also, during puja do not offer anything to GOD with your left hand. The left hand can be used for support, but not for offering or doing rituals.)
, and finally Visarjana (bidding goodbye).
Arthi:
Light camphor and show it in front of the deity and at the same time as reciting prayers. This light can be circled in front of GOD three times in a clockwise manner, and after praying you can take from the flame by putting your hands to the tip of the flame and then to your eyes.And Pradakshina and Namaskara:
Offer flowers at the feet of God indicating your surrender to him. Then you prostrate before the deity. You then offer all your prayers/songs etc.
In the temples, the Abhisheka (bathing) of the image and its decoration are done more elaborately. If worship is performed with faith and devotion, it generates peace and joy in our minds. It is to be stated here that , according to the Agamas, God manifests Himself in a subtle form in the image or symbol duly consecrated and accepts the worship thus offered
Hindus worship their Gods and Goddesses and is referred to as Puja. It is conducted to an idol/vigraha made of gold, silver, bronze or even clay. Those who can not even afford these worship the Gods in paintings/pictures. Before the puja, one bathes to signify the outer purification. Mantras and stotras are recited for inner purification. A puja is always done in a special place in a room. Many different sacred items can be kept on the puja room and used during worship like Vigrahas (Idols), Incense, Meditation Oils, Chanting Books or Chalisas. Every object associated with the ritual of Puja or worship is symbolically significant
Place the table (or box) against a wall, cover it with a clean cloth, preferably white, and secure the same by tucking it under so that it won't slip off easily. Tape it if necessary such that the tape is not visible.
The idol or image/picture of the deity, which is called 'Vigraha' (Sanskrit: 'vi'+ 'graha') means something that is devoid of the ill effects of the planets or 'grahas', must also be arranged on the altar in a way that it leans against the wall.
Prepare one or two lamps with cotton wicks soaking in oil. Place the lamp/s about 6" in front of the picture if it is one lamp, or about 10" apart if two lamps. Do not light these until you are ready to begin the Puja. Please note that it is ideal to light two wicks in the lamps one facing the dieties and the other towards you. The lamp we light represents the light in us, that is the soul, which we offer to the Absolute.
Prepare a worship plate (stainless steel, silver or any other metal) by placing on it small vessels (cup-like, preferably metallic) of kumkum (vermilion), turmeric, one packet of camphor, sandal paste, a dozen agarbatti sticks (incense sticks) and a match box. The incense we burn collectively stands for the desires we have for various things in life. The vermilion or red powder stands for our emotions.
Prepare another plate, 12" or 24" diameter, metallic or wicker and put a variety of fruits (bananas, apples, oranges, etc.) and a couple of varieties of leaves and flowers. The flower that we offer to the deity stands for the good that has blossomed in us. The fruits offered symbolize our detachment, self-sacrifice and surrender.
You will need an aarti plate. This can be a small plate with a few vertical wicks soaking in oil or ghee or an aarati receptacle with a few wicks soaking in oil or ghee.
You will also need a small cup of akshata (raw unbroken rice).
Covered dishes of your favorite prasaadam or sweets may be placed in front of the altar on the cloth covered ground. A metallic vessel large enough to contain a couple of mugs of water should be filled with water and placed in front of the altar. You will need a smaller vessel, preferably a metallic straight-walled tumbler into which water will be poured during the service.
A dispenser (called uddharana or a simple metallic spoon) to dispense water from the tumbler will be needed. You will need a piece of cloth, white for a male deity and colorful cloth for a Goddess.
Now you are ready to begin. Light the lamps and a couple of incense sticks. Keep them safely in the vicinity such that they present no hazard. Direct the agarbatti smoke towards the altar such that the smoke does not cause discomfort with chanting by the assembled. You must realize that in a few moments you will be invoking and receiving a godhead and therefore the principal mood should be one of joy and devotion, but the mind should be relaxed. Make sure nothing starts until you are certain that a pleasant, sincere, reverential, relaxed environment is created to fill yourselves with joy as you begin to surrender to the Godhead through worship.
According to the traditional Vedic system, the Hindus are prescribed five daily Vedic pujas for all round prosperity and to ward off all evils.
Then follow the three phases of "water ceremony". They are the offering of paadyam, arghyam and snaanam. Water is offered for washing the feet, the hands and for oblation. These phases are possible only in case of idols in temples or houses. As our idol or image or photo would be decorated before or at the commencement of the satsangh, the water is sprinkled by maens of the middle finger of the right hand first at the feet fro paadyam, then at the hands for arghyam and lastly at the chest and then from head to feet doen fro snaanam (bath or oblation).
4. paadyam samarpayaami
5. aachamaniiyam samarpayaami
6. arghyam samarpayaami
7 snaanam samarpayaami
3rd stepThen we have the 3 phased offering of gandha or sandal paste, raw rice mixed with kumkum called axata and flowers.
8. gandham samarpayaami
9. axataan samarpayaami
10. puShpaaNi puujayaami
4th step
After these, we have the waving of lights and offering of naivedya viz. food, fruits, etc. dhuupa is burning of incense and waving it before God or Goddess and diipa is the waving of a light. All waving of light and incense is done in circular motion from the right side.
11. dhuupam aaghyaapayaami
12. diipam sa.ndarshayaami
Next the naivedyam is offered by pouring a few drops of water in our right palm and by uttering the names of praaNa and brahma. After naivedya, taambula or betel leaf is offered.
13. naivedyam nivedayaami
At that time a little water is poured into the right palm and offered as the naivedya, chanting thus:
OM PraaNaaya svaaha
apaanaaya svaahaa
vyaanaaya svaahaa
udaanaaya svaahaa
samaanaaya svaahaa
brahmane svaahaa
14. taambuulam samarpayaamithen we have the 3rd waving of lights called niiraajana or ma.ngala aaratii. All must stand in their respective places.
ma.ngala niiraajana samarpayaami
A light is waved for the 3rd time in the manner stated in the instructions, chanting the following mantra
na tatra suuryo bhaati na chandra taarakaMnemaa vidyuto bhaanti kutoyamagniHtameva bhaa,ntamanu bhaati sarvamtasya bhaasaa sarvamidam vibhaati
The leader waves the light 3 times before the feet of the lord, then 3 times before the head, then 3 times from feet to head - all in circular motions from right side to left side. All chant the above mantra.
the lighted lamp or camphor is taken to all the persons assembled as a reminder of the eternal light of spirit shedding its glory within each one of them.
5th step
the next step consists of performing pradakshinaa and offering namaskaara.
15. pradakShiNaa namaskaara samarpayaami
16. puShpaa.njali samarpayaami
Fourth stage of puja ritual
This consists of performing the visarjana by sending back the God or Goddess invoked for the ritual and breaking up the shell by chanting of "bhuurbhuvasvarOM".
The mantras:
yathaasthaanam pratishhThaapayaami
digvimokshaH
bhuurbhuvaH svarom.
End of puujaaAt the closing of puujaa ritual, shaanti mantras are chanted and the entire puujaa ritual is dedicated to the supreme lord or eterna purusha called brahmana.
OM purrnamadaH ...
OM bhadraM karNebhiH ...
svasti na indro ...
OM sarve bhavantu sukhinaH ...
OM asato maa sadgamaya ...
OM tatsatbrahmaarpaNamastuTo perform this, one does not need the special deeksha. This can be performed in a simple short way. First, one should understand the proper rules and methods to perform the pooja. Let us first see which way we should keep the figurine or the picture and which way the person should sit to perform the pooja.
If the picture of figurine is kept facing East, the person should sit on the right side facing North. If it faces North, they should sit facing East. They should not sit in front of the image facing it directly. If these two directions are not possible, then we can set the image facing West and sit in front of the Image facing East and perform pooja. One should not sit on the right side facing South to perform pooja. One should not sit on the left side of the Image. The Image should not be set facing South. The person should not sit facing South.It is not proper according to sasthra to eat food prior to performing the pooja. When it is possible, one should always learn from a Guru about the proper sasthras and rules and receive deeksha before performing pooja at home.
Whatever be your Favorite God - ,Ganesha , Vishnu , Shiva or Hanuman the way of doing pooja is the same.
Every Pooja has 16 steps. That is why is it called Shodasa Pooja (Shodasa means 16 in Sanskrit). Depending on one's convenience one can do 5,10 or all the steps.
a)One should take bath before doing any pooja.
b)A lamp must be lit near the place where pooja is going to be performed.
Step 1 Dhyana:
Sitting before the Image or Idol of our favorite deity, meditate on his form. For example, for Vishnu, should think of conch and chakra-he has in hands and the lotus flower.
Puja or worship is a loving entertainment of God, even as we entertain our friends and relatives whom we love.
The several steps involved in such worship may be briefly stated as follows:
Avahana (invoking the presence of God in the image or symbol),Then, invoke the deity into the pictures or idol through prayers. After this is performed, what is was previously an object becomes potent and holy. At this time, worshippers say "God, I know you are everywhere. I know you are also in this Photograph/Idol." While doing the Pooja, onw should not think of this not as a Picture. The picture or idol is GOD ("you") sitting opposite to me, accepting my pooja and prayers.
Asana (offering a seat),The next step is offering God a seat. This is done by just touching the picture, as if asking God to sit. Mentally imagine each step- Like God coming and sitting in front of us etc.
Padya and Arghya (giving water for washing feet and hands), In this step God's feet are washed with water. (This is a custom followed in India- where the feet of holy men are washed when they come to a house.) Washing feet of the idol is done by pouring a few drops of water before the image.
Water is offered to God to wash his hands. This is again done by pouring a few drops of water before the idol.Water is offered to wash his mouth and face in the earlier prescribed manner. Madhuvarga (Madhu-Honey) is a beverage made of honey and milk is offered for the God to drink. This is offered to GOD by keeping the vessel mixed with honey and milk in front of the image.
Snana or Abhisheka (ceremonial bath)Abishekam literally means bathing (GOD). For an Idol, a few drops of water can be poured on the idol and then dried. For a picture it is sufficient if you pour a few drops of water before the image.
Vastra (offering Clothes) Offering of dress including an upper garment and/or ornaments. Usually flowers are offered in place of these. While doing this, imagine putting a necklace on God and then place a flower at his feet.
Candana (smearing sandal paste and other unguents) Sandalwood powder and kum-kum (red powder hindus wear on their forehead) is offered to him.
Pushpa (offering of flowers and garlands) Flowers of various types are offered to the Lord along with the chanting of his holy names, Dhupa (burning incense)Then show him an incense stick. The incense (argharbathi) can be light it and circled in clockwise manner three times in front of GOD.
Dipa (waving of light)The next is offering of a lighted lamp. This can be a lit candle or oil lamp.
Naivedya (food offering)Offer GOD food- fruits or cooked food. The food offered to GOD - usually bananas, apples, oranges, sweets and freshly cooked rice, is called prasadam and one can eat this food right after the pooja is completed. If this food is offered to one in a temple, do not recieve it with your left hand. Also, during puja do not offer anything to GOD with your left hand. The left hand can be used for support, but not for offering or doing rituals.)
, and finally Visarjana (bidding goodbye).
Arthi:
Light camphor and show it in front of the deity and at the same time as reciting prayers. This light can be circled in front of GOD three times in a clockwise manner, and after praying you can take from the flame by putting your hands to the tip of the flame and then to your eyes.And Pradakshina and Namaskara:
Offer flowers at the feet of God indicating your surrender to him. Then you prostrate before the deity. You then offer all your prayers/songs etc.
In the temples, the Abhisheka (bathing) of the image and its decoration are done more elaborately. If worship is performed with faith and devotion, it generates peace and joy in our minds. It is to be stated here that , according to the Agamas, God manifests Himself in a subtle form in the image or symbol duly consecrated and accepts the worship thus offered
Hindus worship their Gods and Goddesses and is referred to as Puja. It is conducted to an idol/vigraha made of gold, silver, bronze or even clay. Those who can not even afford these worship the Gods in paintings/pictures. Before the puja, one bathes to signify the outer purification. Mantras and stotras are recited for inner purification. A puja is always done in a special place in a room. Many different sacred items can be kept on the puja room and used during worship like Vigrahas (Idols), Incense, Meditation Oils, Chanting Books or Chalisas. Every object associated with the ritual of Puja or worship is symbolically significant
Place the table (or box) against a wall, cover it with a clean cloth, preferably white, and secure the same by tucking it under so that it won't slip off easily. Tape it if necessary such that the tape is not visible.
The idol or image/picture of the deity, which is called 'Vigraha' (Sanskrit: 'vi'+ 'graha') means something that is devoid of the ill effects of the planets or 'grahas', must also be arranged on the altar in a way that it leans against the wall.
Prepare one or two lamps with cotton wicks soaking in oil. Place the lamp/s about 6" in front of the picture if it is one lamp, or about 10" apart if two lamps. Do not light these until you are ready to begin the Puja. Please note that it is ideal to light two wicks in the lamps one facing the dieties and the other towards you. The lamp we light represents the light in us, that is the soul, which we offer to the Absolute.
Prepare a worship plate (stainless steel, silver or any other metal) by placing on it small vessels (cup-like, preferably metallic) of kumkum (vermilion), turmeric, one packet of camphor, sandal paste, a dozen agarbatti sticks (incense sticks) and a match box. The incense we burn collectively stands for the desires we have for various things in life. The vermilion or red powder stands for our emotions.
Prepare another plate, 12" or 24" diameter, metallic or wicker and put a variety of fruits (bananas, apples, oranges, etc.) and a couple of varieties of leaves and flowers. The flower that we offer to the deity stands for the good that has blossomed in us. The fruits offered symbolize our detachment, self-sacrifice and surrender.
You will need an aarti plate. This can be a small plate with a few vertical wicks soaking in oil or ghee or an aarati receptacle with a few wicks soaking in oil or ghee.
You will also need a small cup of akshata (raw unbroken rice).
Covered dishes of your favorite prasaadam or sweets may be placed in front of the altar on the cloth covered ground. A metallic vessel large enough to contain a couple of mugs of water should be filled with water and placed in front of the altar. You will need a smaller vessel, preferably a metallic straight-walled tumbler into which water will be poured during the service.
A dispenser (called uddharana or a simple metallic spoon) to dispense water from the tumbler will be needed. You will need a piece of cloth, white for a male deity and colorful cloth for a Goddess.
Now you are ready to begin. Light the lamps and a couple of incense sticks. Keep them safely in the vicinity such that they present no hazard. Direct the agarbatti smoke towards the altar such that the smoke does not cause discomfort with chanting by the assembled. You must realize that in a few moments you will be invoking and receiving a godhead and therefore the principal mood should be one of joy and devotion, but the mind should be relaxed. Make sure nothing starts until you are certain that a pleasant, sincere, reverential, relaxed environment is created to fill yourselves with joy as you begin to surrender to the Godhead through worship.
According to the traditional Vedic system, the Hindus are prescribed five daily Vedic pujas for all round prosperity and to ward off all evils.
The pancha pujas are:
Ganesha Pooja,
Soorya pooja,
Shiva Pooja,
Devi Pooja and
Vishnu Pooja.
There several types of poojas of these deities and some of them can take a whole day. The way a pooja is performed also varies depending on ones regional and traditional back ground. Various pooja books and websites prescribe long preparations and rituals for poojas. It is not possible for every one to perform a pooja like an ordained Vedic priest. Hence our scriptures allow one to do a pooja "Yatha shakti" or as per ones capability and convenience. Doing it with faith is what really matters. The minimum is: light a lamp and an incense stick and offer some prasad - if you don't have anything at home the simple milk or sugar will do. You can rest assured that that the Gods will not curse you!
There several types of poojas of these deities and some of them can take a whole day. The way a pooja is performed also varies depending on ones regional and traditional back ground. Various pooja books and websites prescribe long preparations and rituals for poojas. It is not possible for every one to perform a pooja like an ordained Vedic priest. Hence our scriptures allow one to do a pooja "Yatha shakti" or as per ones capability and convenience. Doing it with faith is what really matters. The minimum is: light a lamp and an incense stick and offer some prasad - if you don't have anything at home the simple milk or sugar will do. You can rest assured that that the Gods will not curse you!
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