Haldi, Kumkum, Gulal and Gandha
Haldi (Turmeric) being a tuber which grows below the surface of earth, the waves of Pruthvitattva (Absolute Earth Principle) in it are in far greater quantity than in stems growing above the surface of earth.
Fragrance
Fragrance and sound please the Deities. As the waves of fragrance are associated with the Pruthvitattva (Absolute Earth Principle) they give benefit of the Chaitanya (Divine consciousness) at the physical body level to the individual.
Importance of Waterof the seven Holy rivers in ritualistic worship
The seven rivers referred to, are the Holy rivers Ganga, Godavari, Narmada, Kaveri, Krushna, Brahmaputra and Yamuna. Water collected from these seven rivers is put in the ritualistic pot, which is used during ritualistic worship.
Cotton vastra and Janeu (Sacred thread)
The cotton vastra represents the Sushumnanadi of the Kundalini and the seven cotton beads in the vastra are associated with the seven Kundalini Chakras in the body of the individual.
Patri
It is beneficial to offer the patri (Specific leaves offered during worship) of those flower plants which are favourite of the Deity. Patri is related to the colour particles, whereas the flowers are related to the fragrant particles.
Flowers offered to Deity
When flowers associated with a Deity are offered to that Deity, for example red flowers to Shri Ganapati, the benefit derived of the Principle of that Deity is greater.
Ritual of offering dakshina (Offering in cash or kind)
By offering dakshina, a virtue of sacrifice develops in the individual. From sacrifice, detachment develops and this in turn gives rise to vairagya (Ascetic-like detachment).
Importance of Rangoli and Panchagavya
Drawing a rangoli in a sattvik pattern around a wooden platform or altar before commencing any puja (Ritualistic worship) helps to form a protective sheath, of rapidly moving waves emanating from that pattern, around wooden platform or altar.
Qualities to be learnt from the substances used in Puja (Ritualistic worship)
Read about the qualities to be learnt from the substances used in Puja (Ritualistic worship)
Akshata
Akshata has the ability to attract frequencies of 5 Deities, to activate them, make them functional and to transmit them with the help of Earth and Water elements.