Ritualistic Worship – Dev Puja

Puja of Deities is an easy way of abiding by achars (Conducts) set by Dharma to facilitate regular sadhana (Spiritual practice) of a worshiper. The basis of sagun (Materialised) upasana (Spiritual practice done with the mind) as per Hindu Dharma is the puja (Ritualistic worship) of Deities.

Today, what we see around is that in the name of puja, people just pour water quickly over an Idol, apply tilak of gandha (Sandalwood paste), offer some flowers and wave an incense-stick. However, can this hurried act be ever called puja of God, the one who takes complete care of our sustenance ? Why should God shower His grace upon us ? If we honour God by performing His puja in an appropriate manner, just as the respectful way in which we treat a guest, then God will be pleased with us and shower His abundant grace upon us.

Shodashopachar
puja
How should the Deities
be arranged in a temple at home ?
What are the benefits
obtained from Puja preparations?
Importance of drawing
Rangoli as a part of Puja preparations

Why are kalash, conch, bell
and lamp worshipped before puja ?
Sounding of a conch at
the commencement of a puja
Importance of removing
nirmalya from an Idol
Benefits of applying gandha followed by offering of haldi and kumkum

Why should we perform
Puja immediately after a bath?
Individual preparation by a
worshipper before performing Puja
Importance of applying
tilak or bhasma by the pujak
Clothes to be worn by men
and women while performing Puja

Waving a lit lamp symbolizes
puja of Deity with Atmajyoti
Benefits of waving lit dhoop or lit incense-stick in front of the Deity
Importance of Water of the seven Holy rivers in ritualistic worship
Cotton vastra
and Janeu (Sacred thread)

Importance of the substances
used in ritualistic worship
Substances used in puja
and arrangement of implements
Why are only unbroken rice
grains used as akshata in worship ?
Importance of
Rangoli and Panchagavya

Offering patri (Specific leaves)
and flowers to Deities
Which Flowers is offered
to which Deity ?
Offering Naivedya to a Deity with
a bhav that the Deity is consuming it
Ritual of offering dakshina
(Offering in cash or kind)

Haldi, Kumkum,
Gulal and Gandha