Why we do Pooja

Definition Of Puja

There are several Hindu Rituals and Practices: The primary Hindu rituals can be defined: Aarti, Bhajan, Darshan, Mantra, Puja, Satsang, Stotra, and Yagna.

Puja

Puja (alternative transliteration Pooja, Sanskrit: reverence or worship, loosely) is a religious ritual which most Hindus perform every morning after bathing and dressing but prior to taking any food or drink. Puja rituals vary between Hindu sects, but generally involve the chanting of a particular mantra on a mala (rosary) and optionally the offering of food and drink to one’s personal murtis (idols) of God and guru).

A puja can be performed for anyone the performer considers a god, from an idol of Vishnu to a holy tree. The worship consists of offering something to the object of worship, such as flowers or food, and possibly lighting a candle or incense.

The ritual may be observed in silence or accompanied by prayers. A Hindu priest will chant prayers in Sanskrit or some other language while performing puja.

Puja may be performed by an individual worshipper or in gatherings. Sometimes a puja is done for the benefit of certain people, for whom priests or relatives ask blessings.

16 Steps of Pooja

  1. Dhyaana– Meditating on the deity that is being invoked.
  2. Aavaahana– Inviting the deity into the altar.
  3. Aasana– Giving the deity a seat.
  4. Paadya– Washing the deity’s feet with clean water.
  5. Arghya– Offering the deity water to rinse hands and mouth.
  6. Aachamana– Offering the deity water to drink.
  7. Snaana– Bathing the deity with various auspicious items.
  8. Vasthra– Dressing the deity with clean clothes.
  9. Yagnopaveetha– Offering the deity a clean sacred thread.
  10. Gandha– Spreading fresh sandalwood paste on the deity.
  11. Pushpa– Offering fresh flowers while chanting the deity’s names.
  12. Dhoopa– Spreading incense smoke throughout the altar.
  13. Deepa– Waving a lamp to illuminate the freshly decorated deity.
  14. Naivedya– Offering the deity food.
  15. Taambula­– Offering the deity a refreshing mix of betel nut and leaves.
  16. Pradakshina& Namaskara – Circumambulating the altar and bidding farewell to the deity.

Gandha – Touch

Sandalwood paste cools the skin and is a natural insect repellent.

Pushpa – Hearing

The recitation of the deity’s names that accompanies each flower engages the ears.

Dhoopa – Smell

Incense envelops the entire temple with a refreshing fragrance for the nose.

Deepa – Sight

The lamp illuminates the deity and brings out the beauty of the icon to the eyes.

Naivedya – Taste

Food that has been offered to the deity is eaten and entices the taste buds.