In the last two classes we tried to understand the procedure of pUja by doing worshipping goddess sarasvati in the class, being navaratri days, we felt it is the right time to seek the blessings of devi.
Puja Vidhi - 16 steps to performing a Puja
After our Morning Prayers and Meditation, the 5th
graders learnt an important aspect of our Hindu Culture - Puja Vidhi or 16
steps in doing Puja. Though kids must have witnessed Pujas being performed at
home or at a temple, most often they are unaware of the “vidhi” or what the
priests are doing to the idols. We hope that by explaining the various steps
that are involved in a puja, they will better understand the procedure.
16 steps in a Puja (or “Shodasha Upachara”)
Today we performed puja to Goddess Saraswati - the Goddess
of Learning. The kids were given some materials that are required for a simple
Puja - such as picture of Goddess Saraswati, a seat, flowers etc. As our
Swamiji says, performing a puja to the Goddess is similar to how we welcome and
treat a guest at home. We start the puja after having a bath and wearing clean
clothes. Then with a calm and focused mind we do the following:
1 - Avahanam - Welcoming the Goddess to our home
2-Asanam - Offering a Seat to the Goddess
3 - Padyam - Offering Water to wash the feet
4 - Arghyam - Offering Water to wash the hands
5 - Acamaniyam - Offering Water to drink
6 - Snanam - The Goddess is bathed in Water
7 - Panchamrutham - Offering a mixture of 5 “nectars” (in
place of 5 yajnas )
8 - Vastram - Offering new clothes
9 - kumkumamam - Offering of kumkumam
10 - Gandham - Offering of sandalwood paste
11 - Akshatah - Offering of rice grains
12 - Pushpam - Offering of flowers
13 - Dhoopam - Offering of incense
14 - Deepam - Showing a lighted lamp to the Gooddess
15 - Naivedyam - Offering food that has been specially
cooked
16 - Arati - Conclude with the Arati
After the Puja is completed , we ask the Goddess to forgive
us if we have missed out / or have mistaken in any of the above steps, by reciting the kshamaa prardhana.
