PUJA

                        
               Pūjā or alternative transliteration Pooja, (Devanagari: पूजा) (Sanskrit: reverence, honour, adoration, or worship) is a religious ritual performed by Hindus as an offering to various deities, distinguished persons, or special guests. It is done on a variety of occasions and settings, from daily puja done in the home, to temple ceremonies and large festivals, or to begin a new venture.Puja is modeled on the idea of giving a gift or offering to a deity or important person and receiving their blessing. The two main areas where puja is performed is in the home and at public temples. There are many variations in scale, offering, and ceremony.Puja is also performed on special occasions such as Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja.
      The origin of the word Puja lies in the Dravidian languages. Two possible Tamil roots have been suggested: Poosai "to smear with something" and Poochei "to do with flowers"




Temple puja
Temple pujas are more elaborate and typically done several times a day. They are also performed by a temple priest, or pujari. In addition, the temple deity (God) is considered a resident rather than a guest, so the puja is modified to reflect that; for example the deity is "awakened" rather than "invoked" in the morning. Temple pujas vary widely from region to region and for different sects, with devotional hymns sung at Vaishnava temples for example. At a temple puja, there is often less active participation, with the priest acting on behalf of others.

 Offerings

A full home or temple puja can include several traditional upacaras or "attendances". The following is an example puja that can vary according to tradition, setting, or time: they may offer food, drink or everyday objects

1. Avahana (“invocation”). The deity is invited to the ceremony.
2. Asana. The deity is offered a seat.
3. Svagata (“greeting”). The deity is asked if the journey has gone well.
4. Padya. The deity’s feet are symbolically washed.
5. Arghya. Water is offered so the deity may wash face and teeth.
6. Acamanıya. Water is offered for sipping.
7. Madhuparka. The deity is offered a water-and-honey drink.
8. Snana or abhisekha. Water is offered for symbolic bathing.
9. Vastra (“clothing”). Here a cloth may be wrapped around the image and ornaments affixed to it.
10. Anulepana or gandha. Perfumes and ointments are applied to the image.
11. Puspa. Flowers are offered before the image, or garlands draped around its neck.
12. Dhupa. Incense is burned before the image.
13. Dıpa or arati. A burning lamp is waved in front of the image.
14. Naivedya . Foods such as cooked rice, fruit, clarified butter, sugar, and betel leaf are offered.
15. Namaskara or pranama. The worshiper and family bow or prostrate themselves before the image to offer homage.
16. Visarjana or udvasana. The deity is dismissed.