Every Day Puja Process

WORSHIPPING OR PERFORMING PUJA/POOJA IS A PROCESS TO INVOKE DIVINE BLESSINGS FOR US AND OUR DEAR ONES.
Everything in the puja is performed in an order to show the Shraddha of the devotee.

* Firstly the Vigrahas (Vi + Grahas means something that is devoid of the ill effects of the planets or Grahas in Sanskrit)are to be placed on the altar
Either a special puja ro a corner for the deities in the North-East corner is sufficient to spend a few moments of the day in the presence of their favourite deity.   

*  Prepare one or two lamps with cotton wicks soaking in oil. Place the lamp/s about 6" in front of the picture if it is one lamp. About 10" apart if two lamps are to be lighted.
Do not light until you are ready to begin the Puja.
The lamp we light represents the Light in us -- our soul.


* A Worship Plate : Take any of the three types of plates made of either stainless steel or silver or gold. Place small cup-like  vessels to keep Kumkum, Pasupu (haldi), Karpuram (camphor), Gandham (sandal paste), Agarbattis and a Match box. The incense we burn collectively stands for the desires we have for various things in life. Kumkuma stands for our emotions.
* In another plate or vessel keep the flowers and betel leaves to use during the Puja  
* A separate plate to light Aarati 
* A small cup of Akshatalu (raw unbroken rice applied with sandal paste or haldi) 
* Prasaadam: Covered dishes of prepared prasaadam or sweets to be placed in front of the altar 
* A metallic vessel called Panchapatra with Uddharana a special metallic spoon for the puja purpose. 
And a piece of cloth to wipe your hands during puja.

Now you are ready to begin the Puja

Light the lamps and a couple of incense sticks. Place the agarbatti stand so that  the agarbatti smoke moves towards the altar. And does not cause discomfort to you while chanting the mantras.

Complete the Puja with dedicating the Naivedyam/Prasadam to the deities and lighting  the Aarati 

Special Kolams are drawn in front of the altar during the special occasions of puja. Otherwise drawing normal Ashtadalapadmam is sufficient.