A Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Traditional Puja Ceremony
- Pushpa Saraswati
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Here’s a simple, step-by-step beginner’s guide to performing a traditional Hindu pūjā (पूजा).
This outline covers the main stages, using the common Sanskrit terms and easy explanations so you can understand not just what to do, but why each step is included.
Keep in mind that practices vary by region, family, and tradition—so feel free to adapt based on what you’ve been taught at home.
1. Āchamana (आचमन) – Purification
What it means: Purifying yourself before beginning.
What to do: Sit calmly, wash your hands and feet if possible. Sip a little clean water three times while reciting a short mantra like “Om Keśavāya Svāhā.”
Purpose: To cleanse body and mind before approaching the divine.
2. Sankalpa (संकल्प) – Intention Setting
What it means: Declaring your purpose.
What to do: Place a little water in your right palm, mentally state the reason for your pūjā (for example: daily worship, gratitude, or blessing for family), and let the water flow into a small bowl.
Purpose: To align your mind with the act of worship.
3. Dhyāna (ध्यान) – Meditation
What it means: Centering your focus on the deity.
What to do: Close your eyes, visualize the deity you are worshiping, and recite a short verse like “Dhyāyāmi…” (I meditate upon…).
Purpose: To shift attention away from distractions and towards devotion.
4. Āvāhana (आवाहन) – Invoking the Deity
What it means: Inviting the divine presence.
What to do: Light a lamp (dīpa) and incense. Offer flowers or akṣata (rice mixed with turmeric). Chant a short mantra of invitation such as “Om [Deity name] āvāhayāmi.”
Purpose: To welcome the deity into the space of worship.
5. Upachāras (उपचाराः) – Offerings
Traditionally 16 steps (ṣoḍaśopachāra), but beginners can simplify. Each offering is symbolic, showing respect and love.
Āsana (आसन) – Seat: Offer flowers/rice, symbolizing a seat.
Pādya (पाद्य) – Washing the feet: Sprinkle water at the deity’s base.
Arghya (अर्घ्य) – Offering water: Symbolic refreshment.
Ācamanīya (आचमनीय) – Drinking water: For symbolic refreshment.
Snāna (स्नान) – Bath: Sprinkle water or bathe the idol if possible.
Vastra (वस्त्र) – Cloth: Offer a piece of cloth, or symbolically with flowers.
Gandha (गन्ध) – Scent: Apply sandalwood paste.
Pushpa (पुष्प) – Flowers: Offer fresh flowers.
Dhūpa (धूप) – Incense: Circle incense sticks in front of deity.
Dīpa (दीप) – Lamp: Offer lighted lamp.
Naivedya (नैवेद्य) – Food: Offer fruit, sweets, or simple cooked food.
Tāmbūla (ताम्बूल) – Betel leaf/nut (optional).
Dakṣiṇā (दक्षिणा) – Donation: A symbolic coin or note.
Pradakṣiṇā (प्रदक्षिणा) – Circumambulation: Go around the altar clockwise.
Namaskāra (नमस्कार) – Bowing: Prostrate or bow respectfully.
Visarjana (विसर्जन) – Farewell: Thank the deity and gently “return” the divine presence.
You may shorten this list to essentials like flowers, incense, lamp, and food.
6. Āratī (आरती) – Waving of Light
What it means: Circling the flame before the deity.
What to do: Light a camphor or ghee lamp, circle it in front of the deity while ringing a bell, and sing or recite an āratī verse.
Purpose: To symbolize removing darkness and spreading light.
7. Prasāda (प्रसाद) – Sacred Offering
What it means: Blessed food.
What to do: Distribute the offered food to all present after the pūjā.
Purpose: To share divine grace with everyone.
8. Namaskāra & Samāpti (नमस्कार एवं समाप्ति) – Closing
What it means: Expressing gratitude and ending.
What to do: Fold hands, bow, and recite a closing mantra like “Om Shāntiḥ Shāntiḥ Shāntiḥ.”
Purpose: To respectfully complete the ritual with peace.
Tips for Beginners:
Keep it simple—flowers, lamp, incense, and fruit are enough to start.
Focus on devotion rather than perfection.
Learn short mantras for your chosen deity and use them regularly.