16 STEPS TO PERFORM PUJA

HOW TO PERFORM PUJA.

Puja means praying to god or calling god at your place to listen your wish. There are elaborate ways to perform puja as per our ancient scriptures, and the methodology varies from god god goddess being worshipped.

The person performing puja must be clean or have bath. All necessary materials and things needed for this must be kept handy. First the participant is purified and then puja is commenced. The corresponding mantras of the deity is recited and the devotee’s seat is purified. Then the puja materials are purified.The devotees hand are washed(hasth prakshalan) is done with water or gangajal.The devotee wears a ring made of kusha and puja begins.

16 STEPS OF PERFORMING PUJA

As per the ancient hindu scriptures “Shodasa Upacahar” is the rituals of pooja whereby which the worshipper performs a minimum of 16 steps to be executed for worship to the devtas, accompanied by the corresponding mantras.

1. Asana - offering a seat or throne to the deity
2. Padya - offering water for washing the feet
3. Arghya - offering water for sipping
4. Achamaniya - offering water for sipping and cleaning the mouth
5. Snana - offering water for bathing
6. Vasana - offering clothes
7. Abharana - offering ornaments
8. Gandha - offering fragrant paste or sandalwood powder
9. Pushpa - offering flowers
10. Dhupa - offering incense
11. Dipa - offering lamps
12. Naivedya - offering food
13. Tambula - offering betel leaves and nuts
14. Arati - offering light
15. Svagata - offering welcome
16. Prasada - offering blessings
    
    
    

It is important to note that the offerings vary depending on the tradition and region. This is just a general outline of the offerings and steps that are typically performed during Shodasa Upacahar.

Please note that this is a general rule and guidelines before performing Pooja.

1. Clean and prepare the puja room by sweeping and decorating with flowers and rangoli.
2. Take a bath and wear fresh, clean clothes.
3. Set up the puja altar with an image or idol of the deity, a bell, a conch shell, a lamp, and other items specific to the deity or puja being performed.
4. Offer a small amount of water to the deity as a sign of respect.
5. Light the lamp and incense, and ring the bell to signal the start of the puja.
6. Offer flowers and other items to the deity, such as fruits or sweets.
7. Chant mantras or prayers specific to the deity or puja.
8. Perform aarti, which is a ritual of waving a lamp or light in front of the deity while singing devotional songs.
9. Offer food as prasad, which is sacred food that is shared among devotees as a symbol of the deity's blessings.
10. Take blessings by touching the feet of the deity or by bowing down in front of the altar.
11. Perform any other rituals or ceremonies specific to the puja, such as yagnas or homas.
12. Meditate and spend some time in silence, focusing on the deity and seeking blessings.
13. Perform any other rituals or ceremonies specific to the puja, such as yagnas or homas.
14. Make donations or offer money to the temple or priests.
15. Conclude the puja by ringing the bell, blowing the conch, and extinguishing the lamp.
16. Clean and close the puja room.

Please note that this is a general outline and specific rituals or steps may vary depending on the deity or tradition.