Daily Puja
Daily Puja
Daily Puja
DAILY PUJA
DEVELOPING A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
CONTENTS
Chapter
Page
1. Preface
2. Introduction
4. Puja Procedure
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PUJA
1. Preface
This book is dedicated to my parents: Alangar Govinda Bhat and Lakshmi Amma.
I am indebted to the Havyaka Purohiths: Mittur Purohita Lakshminarayana Bhatta,
Padekallu Vishnu Bhatta, Akhila Havyaka Mahasabha Bangalore, and others whose writings
have been used as basis for this book. I am also thankful for my wife Mukambikas support, my
children Govinda and Geeta for help and inspiration and daughter-in-law Manasa for help.
My special gratitude goes to Shri Kumaraswami Joshi of Gokarna, Priest of Hindu
Temple, Columbia, SC, USA, who provided invaluable advice for the translation. I express my
sincere thanks to Professor Kadur Ramachandra Bhat for reviewing the manuscript.
This book is written as simple reference and guide for practical daily worship of the
Supreme Lord Vishnu (Krishna or Narayana). Main points have been chosen from the original
books of reference and simplified wherever possible. The essence of puja and worship has not
been compromised.
I am thankful to Raja Kailar for suggestions and help in making it available for Havyaka
community, to Gajanana Hegde for correcting several typos.
It is hoped that this book will generate renewed interest in spiritual life from the
Havyaka communitys children and adults alike and thus allow them to reap immense benefits.
It is also hoped that this puja guide will assist in the continuation of the culture bestowed upon
us since ancient times. The booklet will be considered successful even if a handful of people
find it useful.
The format adopted for writing Sanskrit words in English letters is same as baraha software
which may be freely downloaded from www.baraha.com.
A, aa = as in charter
a = as in america
b = as in Bangalore
bh, B = as in But
c, ch =as in Charter
C, Ch = as in Chair
d=as in the
D= as in Door
dh= as in dharma
ee= as in deem , eat
E = as in delay, late
g = as in great, give
G = as in Ghee
h= as in home
H= as in ha
k= as in car
K= as in kh
l= as in lady
2. Introduction
Why we do pUjA?
In Hinduism we believe the Supreme Being to be the Origin, Existence and the End of
the universe, as revealed in scriptures and literature produced by ancient Rushis such as the
upanisads, vEdas, and purANAs. This belief is confirmed in the shreemad Bagavad geeta,
shreemad BAgavataM and other scriptures.
We call Him by various names like nArAyaNa, viShNu, kRuShNa, and thousands more. In
present society there is sometimes confusion that there are many Gods- ganEsha, shiva,
Goddesses durga, lakshmi, saraswati, and so on. Although an in-depth explanation is
impossible in this book, it should be mentioned that each has their appropriate place, and each
is worthy of our worship, but the Supreme is kRuShNa as He Himself and as all other Gods and
Sages have declared.
For all around individual development, one should cultivate both material and spiritual
values, as these two are complimentary. Since Hindus customarily do not observe one single
day of worship, unlike Christians and Muslims, we may pray at home by conducting pUjA.
When families lose touch with elders and are outside their realm of influence, it is easy
to forget and neglect this very important spiritual tradition while being absorbed in the pursuit
of material pleasure. If parents set examples to the younger generation, the next generation
will remember these examples when they grow up to become responsible adults. The pUJa
thus becomes an irreplaceable part of complete living for anyone and anywhere in the world.
The pUjA described in this book is short although some may find even this lengthy.
However, it is important that some kind of pUjA is practiced, even if incompletely and
imperfectly. This book will serve as a guide for maintaining a spiritual culture by offering
guidance for worship and the derivation of its benefit.
All glories to the Supreme.
acknowledge all actions are inspired by Him. Once we finish karAnyAsa we should constantly
remind ourselves of this truth. An extremely significant realization indeed!!
AvAhana (INVOCATION/INVITATION)
Inviting Supreme Person to pUjA maNTapa and mUrti(deity) forms (vigrahas) is done
by chanting maMtra.
forms is conducted in all new temples before starting formal pUjA of Deities. The mUrti
(vigraha) is thereby sacred.
and various colors (e.g. rose, carnation, jasmine, sampika). tuLasi is auspicious in pUjA for
Lord kRuShNa/viShNu. tuLasi plant is traced to Goddess tuLasi, a form of lakshmi, and one of
His Beloved Devotees in the spiritual world. The names of the leaves and flowers are mentioned
during pUjA. When flowers are not available, offering is carried out mentally. Offering is
accompanied by chanting His names to glorify. It may be noted that, according to some
authorities, some flowers are not recommended for some Gods and some are (e.g. no tuLasi for
gaNEsha).
aBishEka
This is the bathing ceremony of Deities while chanting shlOkas. Although God
does not need any of our services, devotee hereby develops personal relationship of love with
Him. The word aBisheEka can be broken into two parts: aBitahH, meaning all over, and
sEchanaM, meaning wetting. Thus, the word aBisheEka means bathing. Usually gaNEsha,
shiva, and viShNu are offered this service. The Deities have to be placed such that the runoff
liquids are collected to be distributed later as teertha (mercy of God). At minimum water and
milk are used for aBishEka, although a mixture of ghee, yogurt, milk, sugar, and honey (known
as paMcAmRuta/five nectars) can be used on certain occasions. Each ingredient has a special
significance and benefit. Holy water from shaMKa is used as the final step. After aBishEka,
Deities are dried and placed on their peeThas (seats).
Vastra (Dress)
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Two pieces of beautiful clothing are offered to the Deities. In temples this action is
carried out literally, whereas at home this is done by thinking of that action or sometimes with
a symbolic piece of cloth.
yajnOpaveetaM
yajnOpaveetaM, thread used for spiritual purposes, is offered.
gaMdhaM
sugaMdha, pleasant sandalwood paste, is applied on the Deity as perfume.
akshata
akshata is placed over sugaMdh as makeup.
prArthanA (Prayer)
prArthanA literally means request . prArthana to Supreme Person is all powerful. It
purifies the mind, intelligence and consciousness, empowering and enlivening worshipper. That
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results in better health, material prosperity and spiritual well being. Effects are immediate and
long lasting if conducted with sincerity, humility, and devotion.
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4. pUjA vidhAna
(Procedure for Worship)
This chapter provides a simple guide for novice and expert alike for conducting pUjA
properly.
The place of worship, whether home or not, must be clean, serene, and pleasant. It is
preferred to assign a special room in ones residence or a section of a room where the Deities
maMTapa is kept. This location should be considered pure like temple. One invites the Supreme
to grace this place of worship for accepting service in the form of pUjA. maMTapa is decorated
with flowers, and Deities are placed. It is not necessary to decorate lavishly but with devotion
and sincerity.
Materials required are:
1. Deity/mUrti/vigraha (statue or idol although photos can be used)
2. An oil burning India lamp (upright deepa)
3. A ghee burning wick lamp Arati deepa
4. An Arati deepa for camphor Arati
5. Sandalwood paste, Rice mixed with haldi (turmeric) called akshata, Flowers (optional)
6. Conch shell (shaMKa) preferred
7. Two metal cups for water (copper, silver, gold or stainless steel)
7. One or two metal plates (copper, silver, gold or stainless steel)
8. One or two small spoons (copper, silver, gold or stainless steel)
9. Agarbatti (perfume sticks/incense)
Note: In this chapter the sentences and words requiring oral recitation are shown in Italicized
bold fonts like these. Translations and meaning of the mantras are in bracketed normal fonts.
Sanskrit words are shown in bold.
shree rudra, vinAyaka, sUrya (Sun God), shakti , and viShNu (kRuShNa or nArAyaNa)
are the five Gods and among them viShNu is Supreme, and others are accompanying Him.
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Bell is rung to begin pUjA. Bell should also be sounded for aBishEka, Incense offering,
neerAjana. Water should be offered at each of these occasions while saying AcamaneeyaM
samarpayAmi, AsanaM samarpayAmi etc..
At the end of pUjA conch-shell should be emptied and placed with the open side facing
down.
Worshipping Goddesses shakti (lakshmi, gauri ,durga, aMbika and others) kuMkuM(red
vermilion) and Haldi are offered instead of Sandal paste. This may also be done during regular
pUjA .
Flower offerings may be followed by chanting shOkAs/prayers before proceeding for
Arati.
1. BEGINNNG
OM namO BagavatE vAsudEvAya
Sounding bell, chant:
AgamArthAnaM tu dEvAnAm gamanArtham tu rakShasAm
kuruvE GaMTAravaM tatra dEvatAhvAna lAMCanaM
(Ringing bell to drive away evil spirits and to invite Gods)
dEhO dEvAlaya prOktO dEva jeeva sadAshivaH
tyajEdajnAna nirmAlyaM sOhaMBAvEna pUjayEt
(Body is considered temple of God, therefore I am praying without any ego with complete
purity)
AjnAna timirAMdhasya jnAnAMjana shalAkayA
cakShuruneelitaM yEna tasmai shree guruvE namaH
(I am offering obeisance to my Guru/spiritual master who has removed my ignorance with the
light of spiritual knowledge)
shuklAMbaradharaM viShNuM shashivarNaM caturBujaM
prasannavadanaM dhyAyEt sarva viGnOpashAMtayE
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2. kalasha pUjA
athaH kalasha pUjA
Touching kalasha with right hand,
gaMgE ca yamunE ca Eva gOdAvari saraswati
(Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, and Saraswathi)
narmadE siMdhu kAvEri asmin jalE sannidhiM kuru
(narmada, siMdhu, and kAvEri river waters please be present in this kalasha )
kalasha dEvataByO namaH
(Obeisance to kalashas Presiding God)
gaMdha pushpamAla akshathAm samarpAymi
(I am offering gaMdh, flowers and akshata)
3. shaMKa pUjA
athaH shaMKa pUjA
(Now shaMKa pUjA)
yaM astrAya phaT
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4. Atma pUjA
OM AtmanE namaH
(Obeisance to Supreme Super-soul within me)
5. INVOCATION/INVITATION
athaH shODaShOpacAra pUjA
(Now the shODaShOpacAra pUjA-the sixteen offerings)
swAstha saMsthaM ajaM shuddhaM twAm Adya purushOttama
(You who reside in me, the First One and the Supreme Controller)
araNyAmiva havyAshaM mUrtyA AvAvahAmyahaM
(I am inviting You to appear in the Statue form like fire is in wood)
shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya shakti parivRuta mahA viShNavE namaH
(Obeisance to You with shree rudra vinaayaka sUrya and shakti )
sannihitO bhava
(Please be present here)
6. SEATING
AvAhayAmi| suvarNa ratna saMyuktaM shata sUrya samaprabhaM
(I am inviting You to be seated on seat made of gold and jewels, bright like hundred of suns,)
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7. pAdyaM
Offering water to feet,
gaMgAdi sarva teerthOByOH mayA prArthanAhRutaM
(This teertha prepared with prayers by me from the waters of gaMgA and other rivers.)
tOyam Etat suKa sparshaM pAdyArthaaM pratigRuhyatAM
(Please accept this water for the pleasure of Your Feet)
pAdyaM samarpayAmi
8. arGyaM
Offering water for hand,
idaM hEmapAtra sthiraM tOyaM gRuhANArghaM namOstu tE
(Please accept the water from the golden container, Obeisance unto You)
Achamaneeyam samarpayAmi
(I am offering water for hand)
9. aBiShEka
athaH malAkarshaNa snAnam karishyE
(Now I will be giving the bath)
ApOhiShTA mayO BuvaH tAna UrjE dadhAtana mahEraNAya chakshasE
yovaH shivatamO rasaH| tasya BAjayatEhanaH
ushateeriva mAtaraH| tasmA araMgamAmavaH
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10. DRESSING
After drying with clean cloth, dress up the Deities mentally or preferably by offering a
small thread or piece of cloth or coin as a substitute.
Chant the following during dressing:
nAna varNa vicitrADyam mRudulAM ca manOharaM
vastraM gRuhANa kaushEyaM upavastra samanvitaM
(Soft, colorful and attractive clothes in two pieces, one for upper body and another for lower
parts, please accept these clothing)
shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya shakti parivRuta mahA viShNavE namaH
(Obeisance to ViShNu with shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya and shakti )
vastrayugmaM samarpayAmi
(I am offering two pieces of clothing)
11. yajnOpaveetaM
Chant as follows while offering sacred thread:
yajnOpaveetaM paramaM pavitraM prajApatEryat sahajaM purastAt
(The yajnOpaveeta is pure and comes from ancient Rushis)
AyushyamagraM pratimuMca shuBraM yajnOpaveetaM balamastu tEjaH
(It enhances duration of life, strength, and purity of mind and body by being used as the
instrument for japa (meditating on God-His names, and powers) and prayers-maMtras are
chanted by holding yajnOpaveeta by brAhmaNAs)
yajnOpaveetaM saparpayAmi
(I am offering the yajnOpaveetaM )
AcamanaM samarpayAmi
(I am offering water)
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12. swarNABaraNaM
IdaM ca hEmABaraNaM muktAvidruma BUshitaM
bhaktyA dattaM mayA tuByaM sweekrtyAlaMkuru praBO
(Please accept the golden ornament with pearls, which is being offered by me with devotion)
shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya shakti parivRuta mahA viShNavE namaH
(Obeisance to You with shree rudra vinAyaka Suurya and shakti )
swarNABaraNaM samarpayAmi
(I am offering golden ornament)
13. gaMdha
rOcanAgaru karpUra kasthUri kuMkuMAnvitaM malayAcala saMBUtaM
caMdanaM pratigRuhyatAM
(Please accept camphor and kastUri mixed sandalwood paste with pleasant smell)
shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya shakti parivRuta mahA viShNavE namaH
(Obeisance to You with shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya and shakti )
gaMdhaM samarpayAmi
(I am offering sugaMdha or sandalwood paste)
14. akshata
gaMdhasyOpari alankArArthaM akshatAm dhArayAmi
(I am applying akshata over the sandalwood paste for decoration)
sugaMdheeni vicitrANi mAlAtyAdini saMprati ramyANi pushpANi sweekurushva BoH
(Please accept beautiful flowers gathered from the garden)
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15. puShpa
puShpANi samarpayAmi I
(I am offering flowers)
16. RECITATION
Now Name shlOkas like sahasranAma (thousand names), dwAdasha nAma (twelve names),
and others may be chanted
After chanting the Name shlokas offer dhUpa:
17. dhUpa
vanaspatirOtpannO gaMdhaDyo dhUpa uttamaH
(The best perfume from forest is gaMdha dhUpa/sandalwood stick)
AGrEyaH Sarva dEvAnaM dhUpOyaM pratigRuhyatAM
(please accept this which is being offered for Your pleasure)
shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya shakti parivRuta mahA vishNave namaH
(Obeisance to You with shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya and shakti )
dhUpaM AGrEpayAmi
(I am offering dhUpa/incense)
19. naivEdya
Offer naivEdya :
OM BuH BuvaH suvaha tat savitur varENyaM BargO dEvasya dheemahi dhiyo yonaH
pracOdayAt
(Oh Supreme, You who pervade the three worlds and enliven all, please enliven and inspire
me!)
shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya shakti parivRuta mahA vishNave namaH
(Obeisance to You with shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya and shakti )
idaM annaM mahA havir naivEdyaM nivEdayAmi
(I am offering naivedya-One can mention names of items being offered)
OM amRutOpastaraNamasi swAha
(Immortal Lord! You Be The Covering for the food -You are my Protector)
OM prANAya swAha
OM apAnAya swaAha
OM vyAnAya swaAha
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OM udAnAya swaAha
OM samAnAya swAha
(Offering for the vital breaths which are prANa- the principal breath, apAna -- responsible
for excretory activity, samAna -- responsible for digestive activity, vyAna -- responsible for
circulatory activity, udAna -- respiratory activity, respectively)
idaM naivEdyaM parigRuhyatAm OM OM OM I tRuptirastu
(Please accept this naivEdya, and be pleased. OM OM OM)
amRutApidAnamasi swAha
(Supreme Lord! You are the Cover of nectar on this food to protect me)
phalam samarpayAmi
20. neerAjanaM
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21. maMtrapuShpa
Standing up with flowers and akshata in joined palms,
yo vedAdau swaraH prOktO vEdAMte cha pratiShTitaH
(One Who sounded the first word and Who is situated in vEdAnta, the spiritual knowledge))
tasya prakRuti leenasya yaH paraH sa mahEshwaraH
(Who is pervading all nature and is the Supreme Controller)
shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya shakti parivRuta mahaa vishNave namaH
(Obeisance to You with shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya and shakti )
maMtrapushpaM samarpayAmi
(I am offering flowers with mantra)
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22. namaskAra
Standing up,
namOstu anaMtAya sahasra mUrtaye sahasrAkshi shirOru bAhavE
(Obeisance to You, the Infinite one, of thousands of forms, eyes, and arms,)
sahasra nAmE purushAya shAshwatE sahasra kOTi yuga dhArariNE namaH
(with thousands of names, the Eternal one, the One who bears millions of ages)
shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya shakti parivRuta mahA vishNave namaH
(Obeisance to You with shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya and shakti )
Now offer obeisance lying flat and straight on ground on chest and stomach, and then
stand up (May also be combined with pradakshiNa namaskAra)
23. prasannArGya
Sitting down,
OM nArAyaNAyaH vidmahE vAsudEvAya dheemahi
(Om! The power of nArAyaNa and vAsudeva)
tannO viShNuH pracOdayAt
(that power of Vishnu inspire and strengthen us)
prasannArGyaM samarpayAmi
(I am offering water for Your pleasure)
26. gOtrAbhivAdana
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29. END
Finally, end the pUjA as follows:
AMgeerasa (the devotess gothra ) gOtrOtpanna gOviNda sharma( devotee name) ahaM
asmi aBivAdayEt
(I, gOviMda sharma, born in AMgeerasa gOtra, offer obeisance)
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Following notes are for the benefit of those who may not be able to conduct full pUjA
as described above and provides simplified steps.
1. If one finds it difficult to do the complete pUjA as described, one should light the
lamp, clean maMTapa/altar, decorate with available flowers, light the incense and offer the
entire flat body obeisance to Supreme (daNDavat sASHTAMga namaskAra). MaMtras should
be recited in short form as follows:
shree rudra vinAyaka sUrya shakti parivRuta mahaa vishNave namaH
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6.2
References
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AUTHOR
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