16 steps of worship

The Vedas,

the Puranas

and the Shastras (the authorative texts)

recommends that worship unto the dieties be done primarily utilizing the technique of Shodasoopchar.

shodasoopchar is the method of worship whereby which the worshipper performs

a minimum of 16 steps of worship to the devtas,accompanied by the corresponding mantras.

The following are for Purushshuktam worship.

(Though it exceeds 16 steps of worship,

It provides the requirements for a complete pooja.)

Aawahan	Inviting of the Devta
Aasanam	The offering of a seat to the Devta
Paadyam	The washing of the Devta's feet
Arghyam	Water for washing hands
Aachamaneeyam	Water for rinsing the mouth
Panchaamrita Snan	Bathing the murti with nectar comprising of dahee(curds),milk,ghee(cow's butter),honey and sugar.
Udvartan Snaan Devi pooja only	Offering scented water or perfume
Shud Jal Snaan	Bathing the murti with purified water
Vastra	Offering of clothing
Aachamaneeyam	same as above
Yagyopaveetam	Offering of the sacred cord(Janew)
Chandan	Offering sandalpaste
Sowbhagya Sutra Devi pooja only	Offering Mangal Sutra or jewels
Akshat	White rice coloured with Kum Kum
Mala or Pushpam	Offering of garlands of flowers or just flowers
Durva or Doob	The offering of dew grass
Sowbhagya Dravya	The offering of Kajal,Haldee,sindoor and Kum Kum.This can be offered separately or all mixed together.
Dhoop	The offering of incence
Deep Daan	The performance of Aartee or the waving of lights with a deeya(earthen lamp)or any similar instrument
Naivedyam or Madhuparkham	Offering Prasad most acceptable to that particular Devta or a composition of honey,ghee and sugar
Aaachamaneeyam	Water for rinsing the mouth
Phalam	Offering sooparie,desert
Tambool	Offering betel-leaves(paan) with other spices for cleansing and scenting of the mouth
Dakshina	Offering money
Nirajanam	Offering a light
Pushpanjali	Offering flowers

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