PUJA

Puja is a worshipful means of direct personal communion with God. Puja can be performed in private in one’s own home or in public in a temple. Hindus generally offer daily Puja at home in front of a chosen deity or a shrine.

Rituals of Deva Puja

1)    Avahana: invoking the presence of God in the form of an image or symbol.

2)    Aasana: Offering a seat.

3)    Padya and Arghya: Offering water to wash hands and feet.

4)    Snana or Abhisheka: Ceremonial bath.

5)    Vastra: Offering clothes, usually the sacred thread (Yajnopaveet).

6)    6) Chandan: Smearing sandalwood paste which has a very soothing effect.

7)    Pushpa and Gandha: Offering flowers, garlands and perfume.

8)    Dhupa: burning incense.

9)    Deepa or Aarti: lighting lamp and waving it gently.

10)  Naivedya: Offering food.

11) Visarjana: bringing to a close.

Symbolic meaning of Deva Puja

These rituals have following meanings:

1)    Use of an image or a symbol as an aid to concentration.

2)    Recognition of the omnipresence of God; believing that God’s seat is in the devotee’s heart.

3)    Devotee offering service to God.

4)    Cleaning off the layer of ignorance.

5)    Significance of the sacred thread.

6)    Removal of anxiety and stress; helps to achieve a calm and relaxed state.

7)    Need of pure and loving thoughts. Expression of love and devotion.

8)    Reminder to burn/destroy the desires.

9)    Desire to seek enlightenment: knowledge is light which destroys darkness or ignorance.

10) Devotee acknowledges that food is obtained by grace of God.

Compiled by

Vikas P Deshpande.

M.E. Civil, Structural Consultant

Vastu and Feng shui Consultant.

0434681647, deshpandevikas@gmail.com