Setup Guide

At Karma Kriya, every puja is conducted according to authentic Vedic tradition, following precise, time-honored steps. Each phase of the ceremony has a distinct purpose — from cleansing and preparation to invocation, offerings, and conclusion — ensuring that divine blessings flow fully to the devotee and their home.

A complete Vedic puja is not a single act but a sacred sequence:

  1. Shuddhi Karma – Purification of self, home, and altar.

  2. Sankalpa – Declaration of intent and purpose.

  3. Avahana – Invoking the presence of the deity.

  4. Shodashopachara – Sixteen traditional offerings.

  5. Samarpan – Concluding dedication and blessings.

Each phase builds upon the last, creating a flow of spiritual energy that transforms both the devotee and the environment.

Panchopachara – Five Elemental Offerings (Pancha Mahabhuta)

Purpose: Honor the deity through five core offerings corresponding to the five natural elements.

  1. Vāyu (Air) — Dhūpa / Incense
    Cleanses the space and carries prayers; protects the environment.

  2. Agni (Fire/Tejas) — Dīpa / Lamp (Diya)
    Removes darkness and invites knowledge and clarity.

  3. Pṛthvī (Earth) — Gandha / Sandal paste (Chandan)
    Invokes stability, groundedness, and prosperity.

  4. Ākāśa (Ether/Space) — Puṣpa / Fresh Flowers
    Generates devotion, joy, and purity of mind.

  5. Jala (Water) — Naivedya / Edible Offering (served with water)
    Nourishes and symbolizes sustenance for all.

    Note: In some traditions, Jala is a direct water offering (Jal/Arghya/Achamana) and Naivedya is placed under Earth. The mapping here follows the widely practiced home puja tradition.

Puja Samagri – Essential Items

Purpose: Ensure every required item is ready before starting so the ceremony flows without interruption.

  • Roli – Vermillion for auspicious marks.

  • Akshat – Unbroken rice grains symbolizing abundance.

  • Haldi – Turmeric powder for purity and prosperity.

  • Chandan – Sandalwood paste for fragrance and devotion.

  • Jal – Sanctified water for purification and offerings.

Other Key Offerings:

  • Flowers & Leaves: Fresh flowers (marigold, rose, jasmine), tulsi leaves, bel patra (for Shiva).

  • Naivedya: Seasonal fruits, homemade sweets, dry fruits, coconut.

  • Puja Vessels: Kalash (brass/copper pot), aarti thali, panchamrit bowl, achamani spoon.

  • Sacred Elements: Dhoop (incense), kapoor (camphor), ghee diyas, cotton wicks.

  • Sound Instruments: Conch shell, bell (ghanti), manjira (cymbals).

Shuddhi Karma – Purification & Preparation

Purpose: To create an auspicious, energized environment that welcomes divine presence.

A. Personal Purification

  • Bathing: Take a full bath to symbolize the removal of impurities.

  • Attire: Wear clean, traditional clothing in auspicious colors (white, yellow, or red).

  • Tilaka or Vibhuti: Apply a sacred mark to the forehead.

  • Mental Readiness: Begin with silent prayer to center the mind.

B. Home Cleansing

  • Puja Room: Sweep, dust, and clean all surfaces.

  • Sacred Utensils: Wash all puja vessels, thalis, and lamps.

  • Overall Home: Remove clutter and create a peaceful atmosphere.

C. Entrance & Auspicious Symbols

  • Rangoli/Kolam: Create welcoming patterns at the entrance.

  • Torans: Hang mango leaf or marigold garlands above the doorway.

  • Lighting Lamps: Place oil lamps at the entrance to signify auspiciousness.

D. Spiritual Cleansing

  • Sprinkling Ganga Jal: Lightly sprinkle sanctified water in the puja area and home.

  • If Ganga Jal is not available: Fill a vessel with clean water and chant:

    "Om Gange cha Yamune chaiva Godavari Saraswati
    Narmade Sindhu Kaveri jalesmin sannidhim kuru"

    Meaning: “O holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, and Kaveri — please be present in this water.”

    Then sprinkle it as you would Ganga Jal.

  • Purification Mantras: Recite “Om Apavitrah Pavitro Va…” to complete the cleansing.

Puja Vidhi – Performing the Ceremony

Purpose: To methodically conduct each step of the ritual in proper sequence, ensuring complete invocation, worship, and honoring of the deity.

  • Step 1: Ganesha Puja

  • Step 2: Sankalpa

  • Step 3: Kalash Sthapana & Prana Pratishtha

  • Step 4: Shodashopachara (sixteen offerings)

  • Step 5: Mantras & Stotrams

Step 1 – Ganesha Puja

Purpose: To remove obstacles and ensure an auspicious start.

  • Invoke Lord Ganesha with “Om Ganeshaya Namaha”.

  • Offer modak, red flowers, and durva grass to remove obstacles.

Step 2 – Sankalpa (Declaration of Intent)

Purpose: To clearly state the devotee’s intent, deity, and reason for worship.

  • Hold water in the right palm and state:

    • Your name and lineage (gotra)

    • The date/time as per Hindu calendar

    • The deity’s name

    • The purpose of the puja

Step 3 – Kalash Sthapana & Prana Pratishtha

Purpose: To invite the divine presence into the altar setup.

  • Fill the Kalash, place mango leaves and a coconut on top.

  • Position the deity’s image or murti at the altar.

  • Chant beej mantras to invoke divine presence.

Step 4 – Shodashopachara (Sixteen Offerings)

Purpose: To honor the deity through sixteen traditional offerings.

  1. Dhyana – Meditation and visualization

  2. Avahana – Inviting the deity

  3. Asana – Offering a seat

  4. Padya – Washing the feet

  5. Arghya – Water for hands

  6. Achamana – Water for sipping

  7. Snana – Bath with panchamrit

  8. Vastra – Offering cloth

  9. Upavita – Sacred thread

  10. Gandha – Sandalwood paste

  11. Pushpa – Flowers

  12. Dhoop – Incense

  13. Deepa – Lamps

  14. Naivedya – Food

  15. Tambula – Betel leaves/nuts

  16. Dakshina – Monetary offering

Step 5 – Sacred Mantras and Stotrams

Purpose: To energize the ceremony and invoke blessings through sacred sound.

Chant appropriate mantras for your chosen deity:

  • For Vishnu: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"

  • For Shiva: "Om Namah Shivaya"

  • For Devi: "Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Vichche"

  • For Ganesha: "Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha"

  • Universal: "Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah"

Aarti Ritual:

Light camphor or ghee diyas in your aarti thali. Circle the flame clockwise around the deity while singing traditional aartis or playing devotional music. Ring the bell continuously to create sacred vibrations.

Samarpan – Concluding the Puja

Purpose: To offer final respects, share blessings, and distribute the spiritual merit of the ceremony.

Final Aarti: Circle the flame before the deity while singing devotional songs.

Pradakshina & Pranam: Circumambulate the altar and bow fully.

Distribution of Prasad: Offer first to the deity, then to attendees.

Tilaka & Blessings: Apply sacred marks and bless all participants.

Parikrama of the Home: Carry the aarti flame to every room for purification.

Japa & Silent Prayer: End with chanting or meditation to internalize blessings.