A great puja is usually a community affair or performed during important occasions like religious festivals. This puja comprises of these steps:
Avahana - the invocation of the deity.
Asana - a seat is offered to the deity.
Svagata - the deity is welcomed, asked about his journey and whether he faced any problem coming to the place of puja.
Padya - the feet of the deity are washed with water.
Arghya - a respectful offering of water is made to the god. This water is laced with sandalwood paste, vermilion and rice.
Achamania - water is then offered for washing the face and mouth of the deity.
Madhu-parka - a beverage made of honey, sugar, and milk is offered to the deity.
Snanajala - the deity is offered water for bathing.
Bhushana abharanasya - clothes, jewels and ornaments are offered next.
Gandha - sandalwood paste or any other fragrant object is offered.
Akshata - grains of rice mixed with vermilion are offered.
Pushpanjali - flowers are offered.
Dhupa - incense is lit.
Dipa - the lamp is lit.
Naivedya - rice, fruit, butter and sugar are offered next.
Visarjana - the deity is finally bidden farewell.
At the end, arati is performed.
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