What is Puja?
Puja or pooja (Sanskrit: पूजा, romanized: pūjā) is a Hindu religious ritual that involves the worship of a deity. The word “pooja” comes from the Sanskrit word “puja,” which means “worship.” Poojas are typically conducted in front of an altar or shrine, and they often involve the use of fire, incense, and other sacrificial offerings.
Poojas can be performed by individuals or groups, and they can be done for a variety of purposes. Some people conduct poojas as part of their daily devotional practice, while others only do them on special occasions or when they want to seek specific blessings from the gods.
Performing Puja
There are four main types of puja: daily puja, occasional puja, annual puja, and special occasion puja. Each type of puja has its own specific purpose and is performed accordingly.
When performing puja worship at home, Hindus will usually set up an altar or shrine with images or statues of their chosen deity or deities. They will then cleanse themselves with water, and sometimes offer words of thanksgiving or praise before beginning the main ritual. Offerings are typically made next, and these can include flowers, fruits, sweets, or incense. The lamp is then lit, and mantras or prayers are recited. Hindus may also sing devotional songs or chant the names of their chosen deity during puja worship. The puja worship ritual can vary greatly depending on the specific tradition or sect, but it typically ends with a final offering and a prayer for blessings.
