|
 How to Perform Pooja?
Pooja or Pujan as it is sometimes called,is the
performance of Prayers in the Hindu relegion.The performance of
these prayers are quite elaborate and the methodology varies
according to the Gender of the diety being worshipped.
The person or persons who are listening to these
prayers and participating in same,must ceremonously cleanse
himself before taking part in the proceedings.Having consulted
with their family priest,they must get all the necessary
requirements for this event and perform the ceremony with faith
and devotion.
Purification of the participant is first done by
the Pandit (priest) and then the proceedings will commence.The
Pandit recites the correspond ing Mantras and purifies the
devotee's seat.He then purifies the Samagree or the articles
of worship.He washes the hands of the devotee and places a ring
made from the sacred Khush Grass on the middle finger of the
right hand of the devotee.Pandit Ji then solicits the blessings
of the various Devtas and performs the invocation and the Pooja
now officially commences.
The Vedas,the Puranas and the Shastras (the
authorative texts)recommends that worship unto the
Devtas(dieties) be done primarily utilizing the technique of
Shodasoopchar. Shodasoopchar is the method of worship whereby
which the worshipper performs a minimum of 16 steps of worship to
the devtas,accompanied by the corresponding mantras.
The following are for Purushshuktam or Devta
worship.Though it exceeds 16 steps of worship,It provides the
requirements for a complete pooja.
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Aawahan
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Inviting of the Devta
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Aasanam
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The offering of a seat to the Devta
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Paadyam
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The washing of the Devta's feet
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Arghyam
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Water for washing hands
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Aachamaneeyam
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Water for rinsing the mouth
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Panchaamrita Snan
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Bathing the murti with nectar comprising of
dahee(curds),milk,ghee(cow's butter),honey and sugar.
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Udvartan Snaan
Devi pooja only
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Offering scented water or perfume
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Shud Jal Snaan
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Bathing the murti with purified water
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Vastra
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Offering of clothing
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Aachamaneeyam
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same as above
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Yagyopaveetam
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Offering of the sacred cord(Janew)
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Chandan
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Offering sandalpaste
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Sowbhagya Sutra
Devi pooja only
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Offering Mangal Sutra or jewels
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Akshat
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White rice coloured with Kum Kum
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Mala or Pushpam
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Offering of garlands of flowers or just flowers
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Durva or Doob
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The offering of dew grass
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Sowbhagya Dravya
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The offering of Kajal,Haldee,sindoor and Kum Kum.This can be
offered separately or all mixed together.
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Dhoop
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The offering of incence
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Deep Daan
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The performance of Aartee or the waving of lights with a
deeya(earthen lamp)or any similar instrument
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Naivedyam or Madhuparkham
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Offering Prasad most acceptable to that particular Devta or a
composition of honey,ghee and sugar
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Aaachamaneeyam
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Water for rinsing the mouth
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Phalam
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Offering sooparie,desert
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Tambool
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Offering betel-leaves(paan) with other spices for cleansing
and scenting of the mouth
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Dakshina
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Offering money
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Nirajanam
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Offering a light
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Pushpanjali
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Offering flowers
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Hindu Gods
