Chanting mantras, and offering flowers are the typical ways of worshipping God, but a pooja is much more than that. A unique ritual combined with the powers of yoga might be the best way to perform your pooja. Performing pooja is an excellent way to communicate and connect with God. Hindus or Buddhists are well-versed in conducting poojas and prayers. It is a sentimental act to show our respect to the Deities and plead for their blessings. It is also a sacred and sanctimonious gesture that helps us attain spiritual development. Have a look at: online puja services
HOW WAS POOJA ORIGINATED?
In Sanskrit, the word ‘pooja’ means reverence, adoration, and worship. Most Hindus perform poojas daily in their homes or on special occasions such as a wedding, housewarming or the birth of a child. The frequency and the rituals depend upon the school of Hinduism. While performing a pooja, the Deity is welcomed at first and then offered fruits, flowers, ghee, money, food, and many peace offerings to praise Them and request blessings. Pooja is described as the ‘highest blessing’ in an ancient Buddhist text known as the ‘Pali Canon’. Therefore, pooja is a sacred ceremony performed by people to display our devotion and respect to The Almighty.
COMPONENTS OF THIS SACRED CEREMONY
Pooja is a cornucopia consisting of chanting, pictorial representations, fire or incense, offerings, bowing to show respect and many more. It is a mixture of all these elements that result in a good pooja.
- CHANTING
Chanting is a musical form of an invitation to God or a way to invoke spiritual awakening in the hearts and minds of the people performing the ceremony. The chants are usually in Sanskrit, Pali, or Tibetan. The continuous ringing of the bell is a very crucial part of any pooja because it highlights the importance of hearing and belief in karma.
- PICTORIAL REPRESENTATIONS
An image or a painting of the respected Deity is often used and plays a vital role in performing a pooja. The preference of the host and purpose of the pooja determines whether we will pray to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Lord Krishna or Goddess Parvathi or Goddess Saraswathi. The picture is not the Deity, but it represents the divine nature of the Lord.
- INCENSE OR FIRE
The usage of fire is a tribute to Lord Agni to invoke His spirit and His blessings.
- OFFERINGS
Usually, many gifts are offered to impress the Deity during pooja. We honour the Lord by offering beautifully knit garlands, food, clothes etc. This is done to express gratitude and display our sincerity to God.
- BOWING
The act of bowing down symbolizes respect and reverence. It also portrays love and surrenders to the Divine.
STEPS TO PERFORM PERSONAL POOJA
- Find a spacious and appropriate place to perform a pooja.
- Be relaxed and clear your mind. Get rid of negative thoughts.
- Chant many prayers and sing songs to praise the Deity.
- Mix all these steps.
