How To Conduct Puja To Sri Ramachandra
Preface |
Worshipping ought to be a personal experience. At the philosophical level, the object of worship is worship itself. Nothing is sought as the end result. However, in order to reach that advanced level, we need to begin and practice praying systematically so that our faith in the Supreme Being is gradually strengthened.
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Introduction |
Sreeramachandra is one of the most beloved Hindu Gods and is the hero of our great epic, the Ramayana. Millions of Hindus read the hundreds of stories in the epic and derive immense satisfaction recalling the trials and tribulations the young prince of Ayodhya experienced in the 14 exile of leading to the slaying of the demon Raavana, recovery of his beloved consort Sita and finally His coronation as the emperor of India of lore.
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Preparation |
First and foremost begin with cleansing, i.e. clean the area where the altar is to be set up. This should face the eastern direction. You and others who will participate in the performance of the Puja should bathe, and wear clean and comfortable clothes.
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Altar Set Up |
A small bench or a wooden table or a cardboard box covering an area no larger than 36" x 24" and about a 15" to 24" tall is adequate. The size can vary if you wish to arrange more or fewer pictures and/or statues on the surface.
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Preliminary Prayers |
Before starting the puja proper, it is essential to contemplate Mahaganapati to assure ourselves that no obstacles interfere with a smooth performance of the puja rituals. Thus, with folded hands chant the following:
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Shuddhi (Cleaning) |
In order to assure ourselves that any and all evil tendencies are removed from the worship room, we start with a prayer to Shiva whose very invocation is believed to clear out any troubling vibrations.
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Upachaaraas |
Now we are ready to invoke Rama and offer Upachaaraas (reception with reverence). With folded hands focus on the picture of the deity as you chant the following:
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Pradakshina |
Now stand up and do a Pradakshina (circumambulation) three times turning to your right.
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Conclusion |
Now the Puja can be completed with an aarati. Om jayajagadeeshahare is recommended.
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List Of Materials Needed |
The Material which we should have before conducting Puja are listed here.
Picture of Ramparivaar and / or statues, Table, bench or box etc.,
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Acknowledgement |
I want to thank my wife Kamla, my brother Chi. A. V. Narasimhan and my daughter Sandhya for patiently reviewing the drafts and making valuable suggestions and comments.
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Copyright © by Hindu Books Universe All Right Reserved. Published on: 2003-03-08 (19354 reads) [ Go Back ] |