What should be done and what should be avoided while paying obeisance ?
Every act should be performed as paying obeisance (as spiritual practice), so that an impression of humility is imprinted on the mind of the individual.
Methods of paying obeisance
Paying obeisance is a simple and beautiful act of expression of Divine qualities like devotion, love, respect and humility that bestows Divine Energy.
Waving a lit lamp symbolizes puja of Deity with Atmajyoti
Performing the puja of a Deity with Atmajyoti (Flame-like appearance of the soul) means performing puja in the true sense.
Benefits of applying gandha followed by offering of haldi and kumkum to Deities
During Panchopachar puja, gandha (Sandalwood paste) is applied to the Deity with the ring finger of the right hand.
Shodashopachar puja – Means of abiding Dharma in a ritualistic and bhav enriched manner
Puja of Deities is an easy way of abiding by achars (Conducts) set by Dharma to facilitate regular sadhana (Spiritual practice) of a worshiper.
Importance of drawing Rangoli as a part of Puja preparations
When drawing the rangoli for a puja, the pattern should, as far as possible, be such that it attracts the Principle of the chief Deity of worship.
Sounding of a conch at the commencement of a puja
Sounding of a conch at the commencement of a puja and before an Arti helps in reducing the obstacles caused by the negative vibrations in the flow of the sattvik (Sattva-predominant) waves of Deities.
Importance of removing nirmalya from an Idol or a picture of a Deity with spiritual emotion
While worshiping a Deity, the Deity’s Principle is created in the flowers as per the intensity of bhav (Spiritual emotion) of the worshiper.
Why are kalash, conch, bell and lamp worshipped before puja ?
The puja implements are at the forefront in attracting Pancha-tattva (Five Cosmic Principles) from the universe and appealing to the Deity Principle in the Idol.
Importance of applying tilak or bhasma by the pujak while performing Puja
A unique feature of Sanatan Hindu Dharma is the deep thinking behind acquisition of Chaitanya (Divine consciousness) through every action in human life.