How to do a puja?

[JaneSmith105]

There are certain things that stand as the foundation for performance of a puja, such as-
1) Sattvic quality ( feeling) - The greater the predominance of the sattvic feelings, the more effectively can the vehicles serve as an instrument of the higher consciousness.
2) Attunement of mind - The mind should be full of right attitude and aspirations.
3) High degree of self surrender.
4) Heart to yearn - for union with Divinity.
Thus the development of aspirant's character along the right lines and preparatory and purificatory practices form an integral part of upasna or worship. There are a few basic steps before starting any puja :

1. Place of worship: The ideal place should be one that is secluded, away from the passage and toilets and not a place where people normally rest. If such a place is unavailable, mark any area, cover it with a curtain or a clean cloth with the objective of providing seclusion and privacy.
2. Cleaning oneself (Atma Shuddhi): The idea of having a clean bath before puja is that one feels light and cleanses all the 11 sensory organs-- eyes, nose, ear, tongue, mind, navel chest, hands, genitalia, legs and anus. The body should be clean and pure. If bath is not possible, wet the legs and hands, then put water on the hairs and head. For special pujas, the symbolical purification of body is done by keeping water first in the right hand, bringing it over the head and sprinkling the water on the body. Follow it up with the left hand.
3. Dressing up for the puja: The gents should keep the upper half of the body above the waist exposed and cover the lower half by a clean cloth/dhoti. The head and shoulders must always be covered with a scarf or a clean cloth. The ladies may wear any clothes, taking care that their head is kept covered by the saree pallu/ orni /scarf/dupatta. The cotton clothes worn once during puja, should not be re-used for puja purposes. It is therefore advisable to wear woolen or silken clothes as they can be used again .
4. Pavitrikaran: Clean the pictures of God with a clean cloth. The idols should be bathed with Ganga Jal (water from the holy Ganges). Even a drop of Ganga jal mixed with clear water may be used for these purposes. If Ganga Jal is unavailable clear water obtained from any river will do.
5. Puja asan (taking seat): One should not sit directly on the floor. Instead sit on a woolen carpet, mat or a cushion foam. While sitting cross legged, the left leg should be placed below the right legs, however if one gets tired the legs may be alternated.
6. Application of Tilak over forehead: As per the custom, before commencing puja, the tilak should be applied on the forehead between the two eyebrows. This is believed to help provide concentration during puja. The ring finger of the right hand must be used to apply the tilak. The items used for tilak are Bhasm(ash), chandan(sandalwood),roli or haldi(turmeric). The bhasm tilak is believed to be the best and can be obtained from wood ash or the remains of previous havans.
7. Sankalp: After having offered water over the idols, place some flowers before them. Then take water and rice in the palm , do sankalp and place them on the floor. Follow it up by applying tilak on the Deity.

 

[Hindu Boy]

Aarti is an important part of a puja whether it is doing in Indian Temple or privately at home or some other place. It is performed by waving of lighted lamps before the picture of a deity or God to be honored. during aarti, the worshipper moves the lamp in a circular way about three or more times in a clockwise direction and chanting a prayer mantras.