You
will need a smaller vessel, preferably a metallic straight-walled
tumbler into which water will be poured during the service. A
dispenser (called udhdharana or a simple metallic spoon) to dispense
water from the tumbler will be needed. You will need a piece of
cloth, white for a male deity and colorful cloth for a goddess.
Now you are ready to begin. Light the
lamps and a couple of agarbattis. Keep them safely in the vicinity
such that they present no hazard. Direct the agarbatti smoke towards
the altar such that the smoke would not cause discomfort with
chanting by the assembled.
You must realize that in a few
moments you will be invoking and receiving a godhead and therefore
the principal mood should be one of joy and bhakti, but the mind
should be relaxed.
Make sure nothing starts until you
are certain that a pleasant, sincere, reverential, relaxed
environment is created to fill yourselves with joy as you begin to
surrender to the godhead through worship. |