Indian Festivals

Some Important Puja Materials – Their Significance and Role

According to Hindu traditions, there are a number of ways to offer puja. In fact, there is no necessity of an idol to be present at all, a manifestation of the Almighty is enough. This could be even in the form of a tree or a sacred animal like a cow. The entire purpose of performing a puja is to seek the blessings of the gods and to ward off evil forces so that the devotee can lead a peaceful and happy existence. Depending upon the complexity, a number of materials are required for performing the puja ceremony, each with its own significance. You can get all the Pooja Samagri Online for performing pujas at DesiClik.com.

shiva statue

Vigraha

This is simply the idol or a representation of a particular deity. The word means something that does not have any planetary negative effect. Since the divine is regarded as the controller of the planetary system and is thus beyond the purview of any negative effect of planets, the Hindu belief is that seeking the blessings of such a powerful force will also liberate them from the ill-effects of the planets. Vigraha can be composed of any material. The vigraha assumes the central position in the puja mandir for home.

Kalasha

It is a pot made of clay or metal that is filled with water. A coconut and green mango leaves are placed on it and placed in front of the Vigraha prior to the start of the rituals. The pot denotes Mother Earth, the water is the life-giver; the leaves denote the life breath, while the divine consciousness is signified by the coconut.

puja mandir for home

Rangoli

These are elaborate geometric drawings representing divinity in diverse ways that are placed on the ground at the threshold of homes and in front of the puja mandir for homewhere the worshippers will usually kneel or stand to offer their prayers. Considered to be works of art, these designs are made with powders of various colors. The designs are extremely fragile and are used to usher in the good forces while warding off the evil.

Patram, Pushpam and Phalam

Certain leaves (patram) of trees such as mango, betel, bael, banyan, tulsi, etc. are regarded as spiritual symbols. Flowers (pushpam) are an integral part of offerings made to the gods and a way of offering the goodness that blooms within people performing the puja rituals. It is a common practice to place flowers of various types at the feet of deities and garland the deities besides decorating the puja mandir for home. The lotus, hibiscus, marigold, bela and jasmine have a special place in puja rituals. The offer of Phalam or fruits stands for the surrender of the consequences of our actions before God.

Puja thali

Dhoop

Burning dhoop or incense is integral to the puja rituals. The smoke is a symbol of our clouded consciousness that acts as an obstacle to our self-realization. The fragrance and smoke represents the prana of life that exists in everyone. The natural perfume of flowers and certain trees like sandalwood is used to make the dhoop that is burnt to create a congenial atmosphere for spiritual contemplation.

Deepam

Offering a source of light or deepen is vital in all puja rituals and signifies the light within us or our actual self that is surrendered to God. The light that dispels darkness is also considered to be a source of wisdom and thus extremely auspicious. When you buy a puja mandir for home,you can keep a lamp burning in front day and night to keep the fire of wisdom burning.