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What is Sodasha Upachara Puja of a God?

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Sodasha Upachara

Shodasha Upachara Puja Shodasha Upachara Puja is an essential ritual performed during festivals. It involves 16 steps to honor the deity with devotion and care. 

16 Sodasha Upachara Vidhis

  1. Dhyanam (Prayer) Recite a prayer to focus your mind on the deity. 
  2. Avahanam (Invocation) Invite the God or Goddess into the idol or place of worship.
  3. Aasanam (Offering a Seat) Offer a seat to the deity. 
  4. Paadyam (Washing of Feet) Pour water to wash the deity’s feet. 
  5. Arghyam (Washing of Hands) Offer water for the deity to wash their hands.
  6. Aachamanam (Offering Water to Drink) Offer water for the deity to drink. 
  7. Snanam (Bathing) Sprinkle water or bathe the deity with Panchamrutham (a mix of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar). 
  8. Vastram (Clothes) and Abharana (Jewelry) Dress the deity in new clothes and adorn with jewelry. 
  9. Yajnopavitam (Sacred Thread) Offer the sacred thread (Yajnopavitam). 
  10. Gandham (Sandal Paste) Apply sandalwood paste on the deity’s forehead. 
  11. Archana (Offering Flowers) Recite 108 names of the deity, offering a flower for each name. 
  12. Dhoopam (Incense) Offer incense. 
  13. Deepam (Oil Lamp) Light an oil lamp, symbolizing the light of divinity. 
  14. Naivedyam (Offering Food) Offer specially prepared food, cooked in dedicated utensils without tasting it. 
  15. Tamboolam (Betel Leaves and Nuts) After the meal, offer betel leaves and nuts.
  16. Neerajanam (Aarti) Conclude with Aarti to the deity, a ritual of great significance.