Followers

Shodashopachara (Sixteen fold worship)

1 Avahana (Invocation)- The god to be worshipped is called upon that is a worshipper invokes the god or goddess he/she wishes to worship.

2 Aasan(offering a seat) After the invocation the god/goddess is offered a seat. At this time the deity is placed in the appropriate position.

3 Padya - The devotee washes the god’s feet. This can be done by pouring a spoonful of water over the feet of the deity.

4 Arghya - This is the offering of fragrant water to the deity. Water containing sandal paste, rice, grains and flowers is poured over the deity.

5 Achaman- Water is offered to the deity to drink. In this the worshipper pours a little water in his palm and then sips it himself after offering it to the deity.

6 Snan - The deity is bathed with fragrant oil and hot water. This also includes the Mahabhishekasnan.

7 Vastra- The deity is adorned in ou are on new clothes.

8 Upavastra - This specifically refers to the cloth offered to the deity to cover the upper part of the body.

9 Vilepan - Now after the deity has been adorned in new clothes offerings in the form of sandal paste, sindoor-red powder, bukka- black tilak powder are made. That is tilak is applied to the deity.

10 Pushpa :- Flowers are offered to the deity.

11 Dhupa – Incense sticks or camphor are lit. Their fragrance enhances the ambience for the puja.

12 Deep - A lamp is lit and placed in front of the deity.

13 Naivedya – Eatables are offered to the deity. This later is distributed as prasad amongst the worshippers.

14 Namaskar- The worshipper bows down in front of the deity to express his/her reverence.

15 Pradakshina – The worshipper circumambulates the deity.

16 Mantra pushpa- Chanting of the appropriate mantra or any other prayer that maybe recited or sung.

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