Worship of God

We perform the worship of almighty by giving him various forms naming them Shiva, Ganesh, Devi, Karthikeyan, Vishnu and so on. We decorate them with flowers and ornaments (Alankar) so that they become attractive. We offer them naivedya. Worship is a way to exhibit our gratitude, love, respect towards God. Through such worship we develop the love for God. In our Hindu religion we also come across worship of Gods in “Yantra Roop”. We prepare metallic plates (of Silver or Copper or Gold), emboss them with the figure of God and other figures which involves secrets of Mathematical calculation & scientific reasoning. Their worship also involves Abhishek, Alankar, Avahan, etc.

Generally speaking any worship with idol or yantra or photo can be divided into 10 parts

1. Puja Shuddhi (Purification)
2. Dhyaan
3. Aavahan
4. Alankar (Upachar)
5. Archana or Abhishek (Pooja)
6. Naivedya (Aradhana))
7. Aarti with camphor, dhoop or with a Jyoti
8. Prarthana
9. Yathasthanam
10. Mangala Aarti

The place where the puja is to be performed should be cleaned and washed. Then we draw Rangoli and light the lamp. The person who is going to perform the Puja has to take bath, wear fresh clothes, apply the sacred ash or wear other sacred symbols. This part is known as Puja Shuddhi. Then we clean the idol or photo or yantra and place them in proper position. Then we sit for performing the pooja on Aasan (or wooden plank preferred). We recite mantra and  shlokas while performing this act. Then we pray to the deity to come and bless us) i.e. we recite the mantras for example “Shri MahaGanapatimAwahayami” which means we request the Lord Ganesha to come to our place of worship. Then we do the Alankar by applying Sandal paste or place the flowers or wreath. Then we do the Archana (Abhishek) by reciting various names (namavali 10 or 108 or 1008 times) with flowers. Then we offer Naivedya (e.g. Milk with sugar, fruits, etc.). Finally we perform Aarti with Dhoop, Deep and Camphor. At the end of prayer we do Prarthana.

At the end of puja we take leave of the deity by saying “Yathasthanam Pratishtapayami”. In some parts of India, there is a practice of saying goodbye with Mangalarathi i.e. aarti performed with Kumkum water on a plate.

Before we start any puja we have to arrange things in certain order which are stated below -

1. On the left of (in front) photo or idol we have to keep Dhoop plate.
2. On the right side (in front) place the plate in which we light the Camphor
3. On the left place the fruits & on the right place the Naivedya. Wash the fruits before offering them for Puja
4. Next day the left over tirtha (water) should be poured to plants or trees
5. The photo, idols & table etc. (Puja articles) should be cleaned daily/at least once a week.
6. Small lamp (Samai) should be cleaned daily and large one can be cleaned once a week
7. Shloka & stotras should be recited loudly while performing the puja vidhi. It is for benefit of one and all that all the members be present during the Puja and participate in the recital.

Above points are also applicable for daily worship.

Hope this article gives an idea of one of the methods in our worship.