CHAPTER 24 A young Hindu family share in morning worship, as father performs the traditional rite of worship called , honoring and invoking the of the Elephant-Headed Lord of Dharma, the Deity worshiped by of all lineages.

A Simple, Traditional Worship Ceremony to Lord Ganesha that Anyone Can Perform—with English Translation, Illustrations And Internet Resources to Facilitate Learning the Chants

he hindu form of home worship, known as means “worship, adoration.” Home puja is a personal ver- puja, is unique in all the world. Quite fittingly, it sion of the public puja performed in temples by priests. arises from the magnanimous spirit of hospital- The forms of puja vary widely between Hinduism’s four Tity that Hindu people are famous for. All guests main denominations and its hundreds of lineages, but all are received and treated as God in the Hindu home, and puja finds its basis in sixteen offerings, shodasha upachara. God is no exception. During this These also vary somewhat, depend- daily morning rite, family mem- ing on the scriptural source that is bers gather in their well-appoint- followed, but one popular list is the ed shrine room to honor God as following: 1) Åvâhanam, invoking; their royal guest. They receive Him 2) Åsanam, offering a seat; 3) Pâdy- warmly, offer a seat, serve water to am, offering water for cleansing quench His thirst, bathe and dress feet; 4) Arghyam, offering water Him in beautiful clothes, burn the for cleansing the palms; 5) Åcha- finest for His enjoyment, manîyam, sipping water; 6) Snâ- honor Him with light and flowers nam, ceremonial bath; 7) Vas- and feed Him a sumptuous meal. tram, offering vestments; 8) Yajño- It is an intimate, personal interac- pavîtam, offering sacred thread; tion with God. Throughout the 9) Chandanam, offering sandal- puja, the officiant chants sweetly wood paste; 10) Pushpam, offer- to the Deity in , describing ing flowers; 11) Dhûpam, burning these kindly acts and beseeching incense; 12) Dîpam, waving lighted His blessings. Finally, he thanks the ; 13) Naivedyam, offer- Deity for His presence, bids Him ing food; 14) Añjali, praying with farewell and humbly apologizes for folded hands; 15) Pradakshinâ, cir- any errors he may have commit- cum ambulation; 16) Udvasanam, ted. It is a ritual performed daily in farewell. Lord Ganesha is the God millions of homes. In a sense, each honored and worshiped by all Hin- Hindu has a private temple right in dus, so here we present a puja for the home, and invites God to abide this universally beloved, boon-giv- there, close to the family. Mystically, ing Lord of Beginnings and Ruler it keeps open the channels to the superconscious, divine of Obstacles, which can be performed by anyone, young areas of the inner worlds, bringing peace, health, pros- and old, Hindu or non-Hindu, Vaishnava or Shakta, Saiva perity and happiness to family members. Intellectually, it or Smarta. It is Lord Ganesha who bridges all distinctions keeps religious beliefs strong. Emotionally, it cultivates a and unifies all peoples, and it is through His worship that burgeoning love of God, known as bhakti. ¶Puja literally we ultimately come to know all the other Gods.

For puja supplies, Deities and 202 what is hinduism? more, visit www.minimela.com photos by dinodia Family members have Unlike the puja we are presenting donned traditional clothing in this chapter, some home and gathered in their shrine pujas are long and elaborate. room for morning worship. Here a priest performs a long They are just completing Siva puja in an Indian home their preparations and are shrine during Mahasivaratri. about to begin the daily ritual that keeps their Puja, the worship of a home safe, harmonious through water, lights and fl owers and spiritually vibrant. in temples and shrines, is the Agamic counterpart of the Vedic rite, in which off erings are conveyed through the sacred fi re. These are the two great streams of adoration and communion in Hinduism, drawn from Hinduism’s two massive compendiums of revealed scripture—the Vedas and the Agamas. dinodia photos courtesy yale university press/stephen p. huyler university press/stephen p. yale photos courtesy

standing up. Those attending will usually sit during most of the Internalizing worship in this way gives you and all members of Instructions for Establishing a Home Shrine ceremony, then stand during the final arati. However, this again the family strength to face the outside world, its daily challenges may be left to individual discretion in consideration of the height and, yes, school tests. Internalizing worship is the core of the of the shrine. Sanatana Dharma. It is the root, stem and blossom of the high- And Performing Puja to Lord Ganesha During the ritual, you will be making many offerings. Most of- est chakra, the 1,000-petalled lotus. It is the force that gives the ferings are made with the right hand, never just the left, though strength to resist temptation, to turn others from their bad ways n performing the puja, preparation is of utmost importance— Also, puja is not performed or attended by women during their there are occasions when both hands are used. and to face up to and live through birth karmas, prarabdha kar- gathering flowers, cleaning the and puja tray, making menses, or by anyone who has a wound that is bleeding. Puja is a The offering of food is an important part of puja. Tradition- mas, that are brought with you in this life. It gives the courage I ready the oil lamps and preparing the fruit and/or cooked , or link, between this and inner worlds. Therefore, you must ally a simple dish of cooked rice is prepared especially for the to resist making new, especially unwanted, karmas to be faced food offering. It is common to chant a Ganesha or softly be at your best in mood and emotion to assist in making this con- Deity, with cooking utensils reserved for this purpose alone. If at a later date. It gives the willpower needed in this Kali Yuga to sing devotional songs while performing these tasks. This quiets nection. Before performing puja, you should be freshly dressed, cooked food is not offered, then freshly cut fruit may be substi- survive. It gives the love which provokes the understanding to the mind and brings one’s awareness close to Him. Indeed, all this clean and undistracted by daily concerns. Having bathed before- tuted. Keep the offering covered until the point in the puja when overlook and forgive, then forget. Finally, internalized worship preparation is an integral part of worship. hand, enter the shrine room and prostrate. the pranas (life energies) of the food are offered to the Deity. gives the peace of mind, the shanti, in which all saints, sages, As you see in the photos, there are a number of traditional The form of differs for men and women. Men per- Keeping the food covered helps to preserve purity and contain mahatmas and great seers dwell, in their jnana, their wisdom, of implements needed for the puja, such as a metal tray, holy wa- form “eight-limbed obeisance,” ashtanga pranama, a fully prone the pranas, which the Gods and devas can see, absorb, enjoy how things work in their universe of which we are a vital part. ter cups and spoons, lamp, camphor lamp, as well as puja pose in which hands, chest, forehead, knees and feet touch the and reflect back to cleanse the auras of devotees. After the puja, Many people are hesitant to do puja, specific, traditional rites supplies, like holy ash and sandalwood paste. These are now ground. Women perform “five-limbed obeisance,” panchanga the food offerings—along with holy ash (), sacred water of worship, because they feel they don’t have enough training or available at Indian grocery stores, and online at www.minimela. pranama, a kneeling pose in which hands, head and knees touch (tirtha), sandalwood paste (chandana), red powder () don’t understand the mystical principles behind it well enough. com. For more information on setting up an altar, see Chapter the ground (with ankles crossed, right over the left). and flowers (pushpa)—are passed out and enjoyed as prasada. Most Hindus depend on the priests to perform the pujas and sac- 22, “Hindu Home Sanctuary” When everything is ready, take your seat in a cross-legged A recording of sacred chanting from the Vedas may be played raments for them, or to train them to perform home puja and give Before beginning the puja, check the altar to make sure all posture in front of and to the left of the altar, facing the Deity softly before the puja begins. At the high point, as the arati is them permission to do so through initiation, called diksha. How- necessary articles are there, so that you don’t have to interrupt but turned slightly to the right. Close your eyes, sit quietly for a presented, loud drums and nagasvaras resound. As the sacra- ever, simple pujas, such as this one, may be performed by anyone the flow of puja to get a missing item. Arrange all the items the moment and tune your nerve system to God Ganesha and the ments are passed out by the , the divine musical ragas are wishing to invoke grace from God, Mahadevas and devas. Mothers, same way for each puja so you can reach automatically when sacred puja you are about to perform. If others are attending, be heard softly played on the vina, or Vedic chanting or devotional daughters, aunts, fathers, sons, uncles, all may perform puja within needed, with those most frequently used closest at hand. careful not to sit directly in front of the Deity, thereby blocking songs may be played. their own home, and do, as the Hindu home is considered to be Hold the attitude that, as pujari, you are a servant of the Gods, their view of the altar. Generally one remains seated throughout After the sacraments are passed out, encourage everyone to nothing less than an extension of the nearby temple. a channel for the spiritual energies. Only thoughts of God are on the ritual, though in some shrines it may be more comfortable sit quietly for a while to enjoy the sannidhya, the ever-present The Ganesha puja presented on the following pages consists of your mind as you perform puja, thus enhancing the outpouring of to stand during the arati or throughout the puja. When small feeling of the Divine, that the God, Gods, inner-plane and a series of Sanskrit chants to be intoned while performing the divine blessings. Tradition provides a caution: you should never children are in the home, the shrine room is locked so they do devas suffuse in the shrine room. Such internalized worship indicated actions and visualizations. Each chant is given in three perform puja during or within 31 days of experiencing severe not disturb the contents. If a lockable room is not available, the naturally follows a puja. Those who perform daily will find forms, first in Sanskrit’s traditional Devanagari script, second anger or other deep emotional upset, but it is all right to attend. altar is raised so as to be out of reach, and the puja is performed this an ideal time for that sadhana. in transliterated for those who speak English, and third in a

204 what is hinduism? chapter 24: home puja 205 home puja preparation & purification The priest presents a ghee lamp to Siva, Shakti and Ganesha ÇŸòº≤ºÎ Water Sipping Aum! Hail to the God whose face is always shining! Aum! Hail to the God who has only one tusk! during a long ritual Åchamanam By the Pûjâri in which he baths the Aum! Hail to the God with huge elephant ears! Deities with water, hooney and other F –‹º‹êŸæ —ΔŸ“Ÿ Holding the spoon with your left hand, take a spoonful of precious substances. water from the cup and place it in the right palm to rinse FÄ äéÆ≥™Ÿæ —ΔŸ“Ÿ the hand, letting the excess fall onto the floor or a tray. F íúé®@éŸæ —ΔŸ“Ÿ Put another spoonful of water into the right hand, intone “Aum sumukhâya svâhâ” and sip the water. Repeat for the Aum sumukhâya svâhâ second and third lines, then rinse the right hand again. Aum ekadantâya svâhâ Aum gajakar∫akâya svâhâ

⁄Δîىø¿ ¥˘Ÿ¨@≤Ÿ Ganeßa Vighneßvara Prârthanâ Invocation

photos courtesy yale university press/stephen p. huyler university press/stephen p. yale photos courtesy F À‹èƒŸÄ∏¿∞¿Ä ⁄Δœ®‹Ä À⁄ÀΔ®@Ä ò™‹∫‹@úºÎ | ¥˘–≤Ù ΔÆ≤Ä ±æŸæ‰™Î –Δ@⁄ΔîÙË¥ÀŸ≥™æ‰ || Aum ßuklâmbaradharam vish∫um

freely-rendered English translation. Each translation is followed ily, a grand being who is concerned with your welfare. Through ßaßivar∫aμ chaturbhujam all photos by dinodia by detailed instructions to guide the pujari’s actions. strong visualization and sincere devotion, your sensitivity to the prasanna vadanaμ dhyâyet The chants of the simple Ganesha puja given here are in darshan will grow and your relationship with the Deity will be- sarvavighnopaßântaye Lord Ga∫eßa by holding hands in añjali mu- Sanskrit, Hinduism’s ancient scriptural language. Time spent come strong and close. drâ, the prayerful pose. Then, while reciting the verse, mastering the pronunciation is time well spent. Ideally, train- Cultivating devotion is called bhakti yoga. Satguru Sivaya Aum. O Lord dressed in splendid white, pervading the tap your temples lightly with your knuckles three ing is received personally from a priest, pundit or other person Subramu niyaswami stressed its importance in this way, “Bhakti proficient in Sanskrit, so that you can chant the verses properly. yoga is love on all levels of consciousness—physical, mental, universe, shining radiantly like rays of the full moon, times, as in the photo. Alternatively, you may cross Such a teacher will generally begin by teaching the alphabet and emotional and spiritual. The greatest inhibiting factor in prac- having four mighty arms and a charming, happy face, your arms before your face, the left hand tapping the will offer training in reading in the Devanagari script, as well ticing bhakti yoga is the doubting, cynical, intellectual mind. we meditate on you that all obstacles may be quelled. right temple and vice versa. Return your hands to añ- as the transliteration to help English-speaking students. Learn- Doubt and skepticism harden the heart and narrow the mind. jali mudrâ while reciting the last words of the chant. ing Sanskrit is not mandatory, and for those who do not have a The bloom of bhakti softens the heart and relaxes the intellect. teacher, we have a voice recording of this entire puja for learning Through bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion, the combative mind the properly. It is available at www.himalayanacademy. becomes erased, absorbed into the consciousness of the One Self, Five periods of the day (insert one in chant) com/audio/chants/. A key to Sanskrit pronunciation for the trans- the Being permeating all beings. With the help of devotion, you Dedication of Pûjâ, –Äé≈¥ºÎ ܌Š韃 usha˙ kâla, dawn literation system used in this puja is available online at www. can soar within. You can not only pull away detachedly from Statement of Purpose himalayanacademy.com/resources/sanskrit/. unwholesome areas of the mind, but it is possible to keep yourself Saˆkalpam ¥ ˘Ÿ™Å 韃 prâta˙ kâla, morning in an inward state of expanded consciousness.” º±æŸ“韃n madhyâhnakâla, noon Devotion During Sacred Rituals –ŸæóŸƒÏ sâyaˆkâla, evening Use and Care of the Shrine Room F ÇY ¥›ΔË@# äΔÄí‹®–éƒ While correct chanting is important, the essential part of any puja á±Δ@柺韃 ûrdhvayâmakâla, night is devotion. Without love of God and the Gods, outer performance Keep the shrine spotlessly clean, and decorate it for festivals and is of little value. But with true devotion, even the simplest puja special holy days. Visit your shrine before you leave the home, ⁄ΔÀ‰Œ‰® ⁄Δ⁄À{ŸæŸÄ Ç—æŸÄ À‹∫⁄™¨ŸÊ can be a profoundly sacred experience. Devotion is facilitated by seeking blessings and protection as you leave its shelter, and go F º“Ÿí®‰Ã¸¿Ä Ü⁄¶Õæ º“Ÿí®‰Ã¸¿¥˘¤´æ¨@Ä Aum adya pûrvokta evaˆgu∫asakala the belief that you really are communing with the Divine through there again for purification upon returning. Worship in heartfelt vißeshe∫a vißish†âyâm asyâμ ßubhatithau puja, that the Gods and devas do actually hear your prayers, enjoy devotion, so the Gods’ grace flows freely toward you and loved ones. º“Ÿí®‰Ã¸¿¥˘–ŸÆ⁄–ØÛ¯¨@Ä Aum Mahâga∫eßvaraμ uddißya your intonations and respond by sending blessings that purify Make the shrine a refuge for all family members, a haven where Mahâga∫eßvara prîtyartham your aura and protect your home. Though you can’t see them with they can find peace and solace, where they can connect with the 樟 À⁄# (name of city) ƉÀ‰ (period of day) your physical eyes, they are there nonetheless. As you perform Gods, offer their praise and pray for practical needs. Train your Mahâga∫eßvara prasâda siddhyartham or attend puja, visualize the Deity sitting before you, accepting children to worship in the shrine before each important event in ±æŸ≤ŸΔŸ“≤Ÿ⁄Æ í®‰À¥›úŸÄ é⁄¿œæ‰ | yathâ ßakti (chant city) deße (insert the time of day) your offerings, pleased to be in your company, delighted with life, such as a major exam at school or when faced with a personal F Ç¥ Ü¥—¥‡Õæ dhyânâvâhanâdi Ga∫eßa pûjâμ karishye your love and hospitality. Think of the God as a part of your fam- challenge or problem. Aum apa upasp®ißya

206 what is hinduism? chapter 24: home puja 207 At this particularly auspicious moment, time and place, the left hand, place a spoonful While ringing the bell on this auspicious day, so that we may realize the full- of water into your right palm —≤Ÿ≤ºÎ Ritual and reciting this verse, ness of your grace, to the best of our ability this (in- and ritually wash both hands Snânam Bathing dip a flower into the sert time of day) Ga∫eßa pûjâ we shall now perform. with the water by wiping the tîrtha water and gently Aum. By touching pure water we become pure. palms together a few times sprinkle the Deity. as you recite “Aum apa upa F –‹¿⁄–≥∞‹–ºŸ≤¤™Ä –‹Δ®@éƒÀ⁄—¨™ºÍ | Do this three times or While reciting this statement of purpose, take a pinch of rice sp®ißya.” Once the saˆkalpam more. Hold the flower and hold it at chest height in your closed right palm, with has been chanted, the pûjâ —≤Ÿ≤Ÿ¨@Ä í‡“¯™ŸÄ ÀΩ∫Ë –⁄ƒƒ~ ⁄Δºƒ~ í®‰À || in your right hand in open left hand underneath. Insert the time of day and the must not be interrupted or íóÓŸ—≤Ÿ≤Ä –º¥@æŸ⁄º the m®igi mudrâ, the place where indicated. As you chant the last word, karishye, abandoned until the conclud- stem between your third Aum surasindhu samânîtam suvar∫akalaßâsthitam | gently toss the rice toward the base of the image. Then, with ing mantras are recited. and fourth fingers. all photos by dinodia snânârthaμ g®ihyatâm ßambho salilam vimalam ga∫eßa || If the altar design gaˆgâsnânam samarpayâmi worship and offerings begin allows, you may pour We now bathe you, beloved Lord Ga∫eßa, the pure one, water over the mûrti, with the water that was brought from the Ganges in the rather than sprinkling Offer a pinch of rice golden pot. We have bathed you in sacred Gaˆgâ water. it during this chant. ÇŸΔŸ“≤ºÎ ÇŸ–≤ºÎ Welcoming and to the Deity as you Åvâhanam, Åsanam Offering a Seat chant each of the three words before “samarpayâmi.” ǃóÏŸ¿ºÎ Adornment and ±æŸæŸ⁄º | ÇŸΔŸ“æŸ⁄º | Visualize Ga∫eßa Alaˆkâram Offerings ¿´≤⁄–Ä“Ÿ–≤Ä –º¥@æŸ⁄º | seated on a gem- studded throne before dhyâyâmi, âvâhayâmi, ratnasiˆhâsanaμ samarpayâmi Δ—&Ÿ¨@Ä ºóÓƒŸ’™Ÿ≤Î –º¥@æŸ⁄º you, smiling, full of We now meditate on you, O Lord, and blessings, waiting Ü¥Δ¤™Ÿ¨@Ä ºóÓƒŸ’™Ÿ≤Î –º¥@æŸ⁄º invite you to sit upon the jewel-studded, to be honored as a F í≥∞~ 퇓Ÿ® –‹¿⁄∫º≥∞韖‹¿–›Æ≤ | lion throne we have prepared for you. guest in your home. é‹ñÍ鋺⁄Æ–ºŸæ‹#~ 鋃Ÿòƒ⁄≤鉙≤ ||

We now humbly bathe each of your white lotus feet and ⁄Æ…æ ¥⁄¿ºƒ ⁄Δ∫›⁄™ ò≥Æ≤ é‹Ä鋺ºÎ –º¥@æŸ⁄º Washing the Lord’s Çïæ@ºÎ gently wash each of your precious hands, Lord Ga∫eßa. vastrârtham maˆgalâkshatân samarpayâmi Arghyam Feet and Hands upavîtârtham maˆgalâkshatân samarpayâmi With your right hand offer a spoonful of pure water Aum gandhaμ g®ihâ∫a surabhim andhakâ surasûdana, ¥ŸÆæËÅ ¥ŸYÄ –º¥@æŸ⁄º | by holding it up before the Deity momentarily and kuˆkumadi samâyuktaμ kulâchalaniketana then placing it in the tîrtha cup. This is how all water divya parimala vibhûti chandana “—™æËÅ Çïæ@Ä –º¥@æŸ⁄º | offering is done throughout the pûjâ. As you chant the kuˆkumam samarpayâmi pâdayo˙ pâdyam samarpayâmi first line, visualize yourself bathing the feet of Ga∫eßa. hastayo˙ arghyam samarpayâmi Offer a second spoonful of pure water as you intone the We give you this auspicious unbroken rice, our next line and visualize yourself washing His hands. magnificent Lord, that you may enjoy resplendent clothing. We give you auspicious unbroken rice, Lord Ga∫eßa, that you may be handsomely adorned Offer a spoonful with a white, cotton sacred thread. Aum. O Lord, the ÇŸòº≤ºÎ Offering Water to of pure water to destroyer of the demon Andhakâsura, you who resides Åchamanam Quench His Thirst Ga∫eßa. Visualize in the Himâlayas, please accept the good smelling His accepting chandana with kuˆkuma and choice offerings. it in His Hand F ∫›∫‹@ΔÅ –‹ΔÅ ÇŸòº≤¤æÄ –º¥@æŸ⁄º | and sipping it. Dress the Deity. Offer a pinch of unbroken rice while chant- Aum bhûr-bhuva˙ suva˙ âchamanîyaμ samarpayâmi ing each of the first two lines. Repeat the third and fourth lines over and over as you decorate the Deity with flowers. Aum! In all three worlds, we humbly offer The last line is recited once while applying vibhûti (holy you fresh, pure water for sipping. ash), chandana (sandalpaste) and kuˆkuma. (red powder).

208 what is hinduism? chapter 24: home puja 209 Salutations to you! ¥‹œ¥AºÎ Offering Ƥ¥ºÎ Offering Aum! Salutations to all the Gods invoked! This divine, auspicious light we offer to you. After that, we offer you Pushpam Flowers Dîpam The Light pure water for sipping and auspicious unbroken rice. ™Æ‹¥⁄¿ ºóÓƒŸ’™Ÿ≤Î –º¥@æŸ⁄º | F –ŸùæΔ⁄™@&æË¥‰™~ ¥˘ŸùæºóӃƟæé~ | Offer the oil light to Lord Ga∫eßa and ring the bell as you chant this hymn. As with the incense, circle three ¥›úŸ¨@Ä ≤Ÿ≤Ÿ⁄Δ∞¥& ¥‹œ¥Ÿ⁄® –º¥@æŸ⁄º | Ƥ¥~ ¥Õæ Æ柿ŸÀ‰ Ƥ≤∏≥∞Ë ≤ºËÉ—™‹ ™‰ || times then draw the Aum with the flame. Then raise tadupari maˆgalâkshatân samarpayâmi FÄ ÇŸΔŸ⁄“™ŸªæÅ –ΔŸ@ªæË Æ‰Δ™ŸªæË ≤ºÅ | the flame and ring the bell louder, then stop ringing. pûjârtham nânâvidhapatra pushpâ∫i samarpayâmi ⁄Æ…æ ºóƒÆ¤¥Ó ~ –≥ÆÀæŸ⁄º@ | Offer water, then a flower or a pinch of rice. We now offer this auspicious un broken rice. And for Ƥ¥Ÿ≤≥™¿ºŸòº≤¤æÄ –º¥@æŸ⁄º | the fulfillment of our devotion, we offer many kinds ºóÓƒŸ’™Ÿ≤Î –º¥@æŸ⁄º | of fresh, blooming flowers, our peerless Lord. aum sâjyavarti trayopetam prâjyamaˆgala dâyakam, A pinch of rice is offered with the first line. A dîpam paßya dayârâße dînabandho namo-stu te. handful of flowers is offered with the second. aum âvâhitabhya˙ sarvabhyo devatabhyo nama˙, all photos by dinodia divya maˆgala dîpaμ sandarßayâmi, dîpânantaramâchamanîyaμ samarpayâmi, maˆgalâkshatân samarpayâmi Offering ∞›¥ºÎ O the Compassionate, the friend of devotees! See this Dhûpam Incense need to photoshop lamp offered which is lighted with ghee and three wicks fl ame into smoke and which is the provider of abundant auspiciousness. F Δ≤—¥´æ‹ØˆΔÊÅ ⁄Æ…æÊÅ ≤Ÿ≤Ÿí≥∞–º⁄≥Δ™ÊÅ |

ÇŸî˘‰æ∞›¥Æ¤¥AŸ≤ŸÄ ∞›¥ËÉæ~ ¥˘⁄™í‡“¯™ŸºÎ || ringing the bell, circle a spoonful of water over the food ÆÀŸóÓÄ í‹ì틃Ÿ‰¥‰™~ –‹í≥∞~ –‹º≤Ë“¿ºÎ | ≤ÊΔ‰Ø¯ºÎ Offering and offer it to the Deity. While ringing the bell softly, Naivedyam Food gently waft the aroma and vital essences of the food or ÇŸî˘‰æÅ–Δ@Æ‰ΔŸ≤ŸÄ ∞›¥Ÿ‰Éæ~ ¥˘⁄™í‡“¯™ŸºÎ || fruit toward the Deity. Do this by sweeping the right ∞›¥ºŸî˘Ÿ¥æŸ⁄º ∞›¥Ÿ≤≥™¿ºŸòº≤¤æ~ –º¥@æŸ⁄º hand over the food with a flower held between your –´æ~ ´Δ™@‰≤ (chant in morning) fingers, stem upward. The palm is facing downward as ºóÓƒŸ’™Ÿ≤Î –º¥@æŸ⁄º it moves over the food, then rotates upward as the sweep à™Ä ´ΔŸ –´æ~‰≤ (chant if evening) ¥⁄¿⁄ŒZŸŸ⁄º | Aum vanaspatyudbhavai˙ divyai˙ approaches the Deity, bringing the aroma and prâ∫a nânâgandhasamanvitai˙, F Ǻ‡™º—™‹ Ǻ‡™Ë¥—™¿®º⁄– —ΔŸ“Ÿ | toward His nose and mouth. As you complete the third âghreyadhûpadîpânâm dhûpo-yam pratig®ihyatâm. FÄ í®‰ÀŸæ —ΔŸ“ŸiI | FÄ í®‰ÀŸæ —ΔŸ“ŸiI | line, gently toss the flower toward the feet of the Deity daßâˆgam guggulopetam sugandhan sumanoharam, at the end of the sweep with all the love in your heart. âghreya˙ sarvadevânâm dhûpo-yam pratig®ihyatâm. FÄ í®‰ÀŸæ —ΔŸ“ŸiI | dhûpamâghrâpayâmi satyaμ tvartena (chant if in morning) dhûpânantaram âchamanîyam samarpayâmi ®itaμ tvâ satyena (if evening) parishiñchâmi maˆgalâkshatân samarpayâmi offered for your pleasure. And we again offer you cool, Aum am®itamastu am®itopastara∫amasi svâhâ The finest incense, of magical qualities, of full and varied sweet water for sipping and auspicious unbroken rice. Aum ga∫eßâya svâhÁ, Aum ga∫eßâya svâhÁ, fragrances, Lord Ga∫eßa, we set aflame and offer to you in Aum ga∫eßâya svâhÁ this, our home. Incense of the finest resins and perfumes, During this chant, make three circles before the Deity with incomparable in sweetness and aroma, to be inhaled and lighted incense held in your right hand while ringing the bell We add Truth to Truth. Aum. May this sweet enjoyed by you and all the Gods and devas, we offer to you with your left hand. Complete the third circle and trace an and pungent food be transformed into nectar. in this, our home. Eagerly we offer to you, our resplendent Aum as you chant the fifth line, dhûpamâghrâpayâmi. At We humbly offer to you this food. Lord, fine resin incense, of heavenly odor, bewitching that point raise the incense higher and ring the bell louder. to the mind, rising out of a ghee-fed flame. We offer it Put the incense down, and recite the next two lines. With While reciting the first part of the mantra, uncover the to you in this, our home. This fine incense we have duly the first, water is offered, with the second, a pinch of rice. food offering. Then, while chanting the last line and

210 what is hinduism? chapter 24: home puja 211 F ÇŸΔŸ⁄“™ŸªæÅ –ΔŸ@@ªæËË Æ‰Δ™ŸªæËË ≤ºÅ | Ringing the bell loudly as you recite À⁄è™–⁄ ~~æ‹™Ÿæ Íaktisaμyutâya ...... united with power 鋃Ÿ⁄Æ⁄ ∫˙ ‡™‰ ‰ Kulâdribh®ite the above chant, pick up a flower or ƒ~∏ËÆ¿Ÿæ Lambodarâya ...... who has a large belly who supports Himâlaya, His family’s mountain ≤Ÿ≤Ÿ⁄Δ∞º“Ÿ≤ÊΔ‰Y~ ⁄≤Δ‰ÆæŸ⁄º | a pinch of rice and hold it at chest 樟À⁄#–º⁄¥@™º“Ÿ≤ÊΔ‰YºÎ é‚¥æŸ —Δ¤é‹¡ | height in the fingertips of the right À›¥@鮟@æ Íûrpakar∫âya ...... with fan-like ears ú⁄¢ƒŸæ Ja†ilâya ...... who has matted hair hand. As the last word is spoken, “¿æ‰ Haraye . . .destroys evil with lion-like courage Kalikalmasha nâßanâya Aum âvâhitâbhya˙ sarvâbhyo devatâbhyo nama˙, é⁄ƒé≈ºŒ gently release the rice or flower ...... the destroyer of sins in the Kaliyuga nânâ vidha mahânaivedyaμ nivedayâmi, at the feet of the Deity. Then put ∏“˜⁄ΔÆ˘ %ºŸæ‹ Brahmaviduttamâya foremost knower of God ≤ŸÀ≤Ÿæ yathâßakti samarpita mahânaivedyam k®ipayâ svîkuru down the bell and raise your hands 韃Ÿæ Kâlâya ...... the master of destiny ò≥Æ˙ò›•Ÿº®æ ‰ Chandrachû∂âma∫aye above your head in devout prayer í˘“¥™æ‰ Grahapataye ...... lord of planets ...... who wears a moon upon his head Aum! Salutations to all the Gods invoked! Because that Ga∫eßa will accept the meal. we are offering you our very best, Lord Ga∫eßa, in all While your hands are raised, close éŸ⁄º≤‰ Kâmine ...... who is love éŸ≥™Ÿæ Kântâya ...... the beloved, loving one sincerity and love, please consider the essence of this your eyes and visualize Ga∫eßa ac- –˺–›æŸ@⁄íÙ Somasûryâgni lochanâya ¥Ÿ¥“Ÿ⁄¿®‰ Pâpahâri∫e ...... the consumer of sins

food as among the finest meals you have ever received. cepting and partaking of the meal. all photos by dinodia ...... whose eyes are the moon, sun and fire Samâhitâya ...... absorbed in meditation To the best of our ability in the worship of you, we offer After a moment, lower your ƒËò≤Ÿæ –ºŸ⁄“™Ÿæ this food and humbly beg that you will receive it. hands and intone Aum quietly. ¥ŸÀŸñÍé‹ÀÙ Pâßâˆkußa dharâya ÇŸ⁄Ã˘™Ÿæ Åßritâya ...... who is our refuge ∞¿Ÿæ ...... who holds a noose and a goad Ã˘¤é¿Ÿæ Írîkarâya ...... who manifests prosperity In this section of the pûjâ, chant the “ of ò©•Ÿæ Cha∫∂âya ...... who is fierce-looking –ÈΩæŸæ Saumyâya ...... the amiable one ⁄Δîىø¿Ÿœ¢Ë%¿ Ga∫eßa’s 108 names.” As you intone each name, of- í‹®Ÿ™¤™Ÿæ Gu∫âtîtâya ...... who transcends qualities Bhaktavâñçhita dâyakâya À™≤ŸºŸΔ⁄ƒÅ fer with your right hand a flower, some flower pet- ∫è™ΔŸ⁄°ö™ Vighneßvarâsh†ottara als or a pinch of rice. The names are attributes of the ⁄≤¿†Ú≤Ÿæ Nirañjanâya . . . . . who is without blemish ÆŸæéŸæ ...... the grantor of devotees’ desires Íatanâmâvali˙ Deity, each delineating an aspect of His wondrous Çé≈ºŒŸæ Akalmashâya . . . who is without impurity ÀŸ≥™Ÿæ Íântâya ...... the peaceful one nature. Each name is preceded by the mantra Aum Chanting Ga∫eßa’s and followed by nama˙, meaning “obeisance, adora- —Δæ~⁄–ØÛŸæ Svayaμsiddhâya . . . . .self-fulfilled, perfect éÁΔ≈æ Kaivalya sukhadâya 108 Names tion or homage to.” Thus the first line is chanted Aum ⁄–ØÛŸ⁄ò@™ Siddhârchita padâmbujâya –‹êÆŸæ ...... bestower of unsullied liberation Vinâyakâya Nama˙ (pronounced, “na-ma-ha”). ¥ÆŸΩ∏‹úŸæ ...... whose lotus feet sages worship –⁄ôòÆŸ≤≥Æ Sacchidânanda vigrahâya ∏¤ú¥›¿ Bîjapûraphalâsaktâya ⁄Δí˘“Ÿæ . . . . . embodiment of existence-knowledge-bliss Vinâyakâya ...... the remover (of obstacles) Sarvâtmakâya ...... the soul of all ⁄Δ≤ŸæéŸæ –ΔŸ@´ºéŸæ ∂ƒŸ–號æ ...... who is fond of pomegranates ◊Ÿ⁄≤≤‰ Jñânine ...... the great wisdom ⁄ΔîÙ¿ŸúŸæ Vighnarâjâya ...... the ruler of obstacles –‡⁄{é&‰AA@ S®ish†ikartre ...... the creator Δ¿ÆŸæ Varadâya ...... the boon giver ÆæŸæ‹™Ÿæ Dayâyutâya ...... full of compassion íÈ¿¤¥‹&Ÿæ Gaurîputrâya ...... the son of Gaurî Æ‰ΔŸæ Devâya ...... the resplendent one ÀŸÃ¸™Ÿæ Íâßvatâya . . . . . the eternal, unchanging one ÆŸ≥™Ÿæ Dântâya ...... who has self-control Ga∫eßvarâya ...... the lord of categories Anekârchitâya . . .worshiped by multitudes í®‰Ã¸¿Ÿæ Ç≤‰éŸ⁄ò@™Ÿæ é‚⁄™≤‰ K®itine ...... the skillful one ∏˘“˜Ø¸‰Œ Brahmadvesha vivarjitâya Skandâgrajâya . . . . .Skanda’s elder brother Íivâya ...... the auspicious one —é≥ÆŸí˘úŸæ ⁄ÀΔŸæ ⁄ظú⁄¥˘æŸæ Dvijapriyâya ...... fond of the twice-born ⁄ΔΔ⁄ú@™Ÿæ ...... who is free from aversion to knowledge Avyayâya ...... the inexhaustible one Íuddhâya ...... the pure one Ç…ææŸæ À‹ØÛŸæ Δ¤™∫æŸæ Vîtabhayâya ...... who is fearless ¥˘º%ÆÊ´æ Pramattadaitya bhayadâya ¥›™Ÿæ Pûtâya ...... the pure one ∏‹⁄ØÛ⁄¥˘æŸæ Buddhipriyâya . . . . . who loves intelligence í⁄Æ≤‰ Gadine ...... who wields the mace ∫æAÆŸæ ...... who brings terror to demons Æ’Ÿæ Dakshâya ...... the dexterous one ÀŸ≥™Ÿæ Íântâya ...... the peaceful one ò⁄$®‰ Chakri∫e ...... who wields a discus Ã˘¤é©§Ÿæ Írîka∫†hâya ...... with beautiful throat Adhyakshâya ...... the great presider Brahmachâri∫e ...... the celibate one DZ撟æ ∏˘“˜òŸ⁄¿®‰ Ñ’‹òŸ¥∞‡™‰ Ikshuchâpadh®ite ⁄Δ∏‹∞‰Ã¸¿Ÿæ Vibudheßvarâya ...... Lord of the Wise ⁄ظú⁄¥˘æŸæ Dvijapriyâya . . . . who loves the twice-born íúŸ≤≤Ÿæ Gajânanâya ...... the elephant’s faced ...... who holds a sugarcane bow ¿ŸºŸ⁄ò@™Ÿæ Râmârchitâya ...... worshiped by Râma Ç⁄ì≤íΔ@⁄ôöƉ Agnigarvacçhide . .who destroyed fire’s ego ظʺŸ™‹¿Ÿæ Dvaimâturâya . . . . . who has two mothers Ã˘¤ÆŸæ Írîdâya ...... the bestower of wealth ⁄Δ∞æ‰ Vidhaye ...... who is the destiny of all Indraßrîpradâyawho restored Indra’s wealth Munistutâya ...... who is praised by sages Ñ≥Æ˙Ã˘¤¥˘ÆŸæ º‹⁄≤—™‹™Ÿæ ÇúŸæ Ajâya ...... the unborn one ≤Ÿí¿Ÿú Nâgarâja yajñopavîtavate Vâ∫îpradâya ...... who gives eloquence ∫è™⁄ΔîÙ⁄Δ Bhaktavighna vinâßanâya ΔŸ®¤¥˘ÆŸæ Ü´¥ƒé¿Ÿæ Utpalakarâya æ◊Ë¥Δ¤™Δ™‰ ...... whose sacred thread is a king cobra ≤ŸÀ≤Ÿæ ...... who destroys devotees’ obstacles Ç…ææŸæ Avyayâya ...... the inexhaustible one ...... who holds a proud blue lotus flower —¨›ƒé©§Ÿæ Sthûlaka∫†hâya ...... of stout neck –Δ@⁄–⁄ØÛ¥˘ÆŸæ Sarvasiddhipradâya. . .giver of fulfillment äéÆ≥™Ÿæ Ekadantâya ...... who has one tusk Ã˘¤¥™æ‰ Írîpataye ...... the Lord of wealth —ΔæÄ é&‰AA@ Svayaμkartre ...... who is self-created Sarvatanayâya ...... the son of Íiva Chaturbâhave ...... who has four arms –Δ@™≤æŸæ ò™‹∏@Ÿ“Δ‰ —™‹⁄™“⁄Œ@™Ÿæ Stutiharshitâya . . . . who delights in praise –ŸºîËŒ⁄¥˘æŸæ Sâmaghoshapriyâya ÀΔ@¿¤⁄¥˘æŸæ Íarvarîpriyâya ...... loved by Pârvatî ò™‹¿Ÿæ Chaturâya ...... the ingenious one ...... who loves the sound of Sâma Veda

212 what is hinduism? chapter 24: home puja 213 ¥¿—ºÊÊ Parasmai ...... who is supreme —ΔƒŸΔ©æ–‹∞Ÿ–Ÿ¿⁄ú™⁄ º≥º¨⁄Δí⁄ ˘“Ÿæ Worship —¨›ƒ™‹©•Ÿæ Sthûlatu∫∂âya. . . . . who has a stout trunk Svalâva∫yasudhâsârajita manmathavigrahâya ÇŸ¿™¤ … who defeated Manmatha, the God of love, by His sweet beauty Åratî With Flame Çí˘©æ‰ Agra∫ye ...... the leader ∞¤¿Ÿæ Dhîrâya ...... the courageous one –º—™ Samasta jagadâdhârâya F –ŸùÒ~ ⁄&Δ⁄%@–~æ‹#~ Δ⁄“n≤Ÿ æË⁄ú™~ ºæŸ | ΔŸí¤ÀŸæ Vâgîßâya ...... the Lord of speech úíÆŸ∞Ÿ¿Ÿæ ...... the supporter of all the worlds 퇓Ÿ® ºóÓƒŸ¿⁄™Ä ÖÀ¥‹& ≤ºËÉ—™‹ ™‰ || ⁄–⁄ØÛÆŸæéŸæ Siddhidâyakâya . . . bestower of fulfillment ºŸ⁄æ≤‰ Mâyine ...... the source of illusory power FÄ ÇŸΔŸ⁄“™ŸªæÅ –ΔŸ@ªæË Æ‰Δ™ŸªæË ≤ºÅ | Æ›ΔŸ@⁄∏≈Δ Dûrvâbilva priyâya º⁄›ŒéΔŸ“≤Ÿæ Mûshikavâhanâya . . who rides the mouse ⁄¥˘æŸæ ...... who loves dûrvâ grass and bilva leaves „{Ÿæ H®ish†âya ...... the joyful one ⁄Æ…æºóӃƤ¥~ –≥ÆÀ@æŸ⁄º | Ç…æ虺›™@æ‰ Avyaktamûrtaye ™‹{Ÿæ Tush†âya ...... the contented one ÇŸòº≤¤æÄ –º¥@æŸ⁄º | ...... the manifestation of the Unmanifest ¥˘–≤ÙŸ´º≤‰ Prasannâtmane the bright kindly-souled one ºóÓƒŸ’™Ÿ≤Î –º¥@æŸ⁄º | ÇÆÍ∫‹™º›⁄™@º™‰ Adbhutamûrtimate . . . of wondrous form –Δ@⁄–⁄BÛ Sarvasiddhi pradâyakâya aum sâjyaμ trivartisaμyuktam vahninâ yojitaμ mayâ, Àʃ‰≥Æ˙™≤‹úË´–óÓ ê‰ƒ≤Ë´–‹éºŸ≤–Ÿæ ¥˘ÆŸæéŸæ ...... the grantor of all fulfillment g®ihâ∫a maˆgalâratim îßa putra namo-stu te. aum âvâhitâbhya˙ sarvâbhyo devatâbhyo nama˙ Íailendratanujotsaˆga khelanotsukamânasâya divya maˆgaladîpaμ sandarßayâmi who is happy to play in the lap of His mother, âchamanîyaμ samarpayâmi Pârvatî, daughter of the mountain Lord maˆgalâkshatân samarpayâmi

O Ga∫apati, Son of God Íiva, please accept this auspicious âratî prepared by me with ghee, three wicks º≥& ¥‹œ¥ºÎ Worship and fire. My salutations to you! Aum! Salutations Mantra Pushpam With Flowers to all the Gods invoked! This divine, auspicious light we offer to you. After that, we offer you pure F æiËÉ¥ŸÄ ¥‹œ¥UÄ Δ ‰ÆI | The one who understands water for sipping and auspicious unbroken rice. Then lift the flame slightly above the Aum that you placed the beauty of the blooming in the âkâßic ether and ring the bell louder for all three ¥‹œ¥iΔŸ≤Î ¥˘UúŸΔŸIi≤Î ¥Àu‹ºŸ≤Î ∫IΔ⁄™ | powers of the Supreme Be- During this chant, hold the lit oil lamp or camphor burner worlds to hear. Keep ringing loudly while chanting the ing is blessed with beauti- in your right hand and the bell in your left. While ringing above two-line salutation to the devas (“âvâ hitâbhya˙ òU≥Æ˙ºŸUΔŸ ÇU¥ŸÄ ¥‹œ¥ºIiÎ | ful, blooming life, progeny the bell and slowly reciting the âratî mantra, make three … sandarßayâmi”). Put down the bell and the lamp ¥‹œ¥iΔŸ≤Î ¥˘UúŸΔIiŸ≤Î ¥À‹uºŸ≤Î ∫IΔ⁄™ | and cattle. The moon is circles clockwise before Ga∫eßa with the flame. Stop at the and then, with the flame still burning, offer a spoonful certainly the bloom of those top of the third circle, lower the lamp slightly and trace of water with “âchamanîyaμ samarpayâmi,” then a æ äuΔÄ Δ‰ÆI | æËAAIÉ¥ŸºUŸæ™i≤UÄ Δ‰ÆI | powers. One who realizes the symbol of Aum in Sansk®it or in your native language. pinch of rice with “maˆgalâshatân samarpayâmi.” ÇUŸæ™I≤ΔŸ≤Î ∫Δ⁄™ || the qualities of the moon, which are nothing but the F Ã˘¤ º“Ÿí®‰Ã¸¿Ÿæ ≤ºÅ blooming divine powers, O Indra, Lord of material and spiritual prosperity, please all photos by dinodia º≥&¥‹œ¥Ÿ°ú⁄ƒ~ –º¥@æŸ⁄º | is blessed with a bloom- ¿’∞Ÿ¿®ºÍ Prayer for protect the space between the heavens and earth as well as the ing, beautiful life of perfection, progeny and cattle. One who realizes mind between the body and the soul with the help of fifteen Rakshadhâra∫am Protection Aum yò-pâm pushpäμ vedà, this principle and realizes the source from whom all these powers have noble powers and virtues (five prâ∫as, five jñânendriyas and pushpàvân präjâvâºn paßümân bhàvati, come himself becomes the abode of those divine powers. Aum, saluta- five karmendriyas). Your protection and blessings sustain me. chändramÄvâ äpâm pushpamº, tions, Lord Mahâga∫eßa, we respectfully offer you this flower mantra. Ñ≥Æ˙ —™ËºI‰≤¥ZŸÆUÀ‰≤U pushpàvân präjâvâºn paßümân bhàvati, As you recite this mantra, make three circles above the burning ya ëvaμ vedà, yò-pâmÄyatànäμ vedà, While chanting this mantra, hold a handful of flowers before you º±æ⁄ºÆ~ ΔŸ™‰I≤U –í¿I‰® flame with a flower held in the right hand, stem upward (photo Äyatànavân bhavati. in añjali mudrâ, hands cupped loosely around the flowers at chest ¿’ ¿’Ÿ~ ∞Ÿ¿æŸU⁄º | next page).With the last words, toss the flower gently toward the height. Recite the verses with adoration. As you intone the last word, Deity and place your hands in añjali mudrâ while facing the altar. indra-stomèna pañchadäßenä Aum Írî Mahâga∫eßvarâya nama˙ samarpayâmi, lower your hands (as shown in the photo) and toss Now offer the flame at chest level to all present, allowing each to madhyamïdaμ vâtènä sagarè∫a mantra pushpâñjaliμ samarpayâmi the flowers into the air above the murti, sending a shower of blos- draw both hands through it and lightly touch the eyes three times raksha rakshâμ dhârayÄmi soms upon the God with feelings of gratitude and loving devotion. (photo next page, upper right). The Gods and devas can see us

214 what is hinduism? chapter 24: home puja 215 through the flame and send blessings. If especially Sharing the blessed honored persons are offerings: at left holy present, such as one’s , ash is distributed, a parents or teacher, take small pinch into the the flame first to them. right hand of each Then proceed clockwise devotee; at right, to the others. In some the father of this cases, the pujârî may household applies stand near the altar while the sacred dot on his devotees come forward daughter’s forehead. to receive the flame. If no one is attending the Below, the family pûjâ, you may personally offers final prayers draw blessings from the at the conclusion of dinodia flame, but not otherwise. thomas kelly their morning puja. Finally, present the flame once more to the Deity, then extinguish it Farewell and with a of the right ⁄Δ–ú@≤ºÍ Apologies hand or by snuffing it Visarjanam dinodia out with a flower. dinodia F ÇŸΔŸ“≤Ä ≤ úŸ≤Ÿ⁄º ≤ úŸ≤Ÿ⁄º ⁄Δ–ú@≤ºÎ | Before reciting the above verse, place a pinch of rice in your left palm, Ç¥@®ºÍ Final then transfer it to the right palm. Add to the rice three spoonfuls of ¥›úŸ°òÊΔ ≤ úŸ≤Ÿ⁄º ’Ωæ™ŸÄ ¥¿º‰Ã¸¿ || Arpa∫am Consecration water and close the hand (left photo). Hold the rice before you as you º≥&“¤≤~ ⁄$染¤≤ºÍ ∫⁄#“¤≤~ –‹¿‰Ã¸¿ | face the Deity, the left hand under the right hand, and recite the man- tra. As you intone the last words, let the rice and water fall into the æ™Î ¥›⁄ú™Ä ºæŸ Æ‰Δ ¥⁄¿¥›®@Ä ™Æ—™‹ ™‰ | Ç≤æŸ æ¨Ÿ À⁄# é‚™ tîrtha cup (right photo). The sacraments may then be given out in the Ç≥樟 À¿®ºÎ ≤Ÿ⁄—™ ´Δº‰Δ À¿®ºÎ ºº | (state period of day) following order: holy ash, blessed water, sandalpaste, red powder, food and flowers. If no one is attending the pûjâ, you may partake of the ™—ºŸ™Î 韡©æ∫ŸΔ‰≤ ¿’ ¿’ í®‰Ã¸¿ || ¥›úæŸ ∫íΔŸ≤Î –Δ@ Æ‰ΔŸ´ºéÅ sacraments yourself, but not otherwise. If many devotees are attend-

F ™™Î –™Î F dinodia Ã˘¤ º“Ÿí®‰Ã¸¿Ÿ: –‹¥˘¤™Å ing, a second person may help pass out the sacraments, except for the holy ash, which is always given by the person who performed the pûjâ. Aum âvâhanaμ na jânâmi na jânâmi visarjanam, This concluding apology is recited with hands in –‹¥˘–≤ÙË Δ¿ÆË ∫Δ™‹ pûjâñchaiva na jânâmi kshamyatâm parameßvara. añjali mudrâ. It is a formal and devout end to the mantrahînaμ kriyâhînam bhaktihînaμ sureßvara, worship service. As the final words, “Aum tat sat anayâ yathâ ßakti k®ita yat pûjitam mayâ deva paripûr∫am tadastu te, Aum,” are spoken, it is customary to clap your hands (state period of day from list on page I-4) anyathâ ßara∫aμ nâsti tvameva ßara∫am mama, together three times. All may now prostrate. pûjayâ bhagavân sarva devâtmaka˙ tasmât kâru∫yabhâvena raksha raksha ga∫eßvara. ßrî mahâga∫eßvara˙ suprîta˙ Aum tat sat Aum. It is traditional and most uplifting to meditate for a few suprasanno varado bhavatu minutes after the pûjâ, rather than rushing offer to daily O Lord, we do not know the proper means of inviting duties. There is great personal benefit in such internal- To the best of our ability we have performed you or, when taking our leave, how to wish you farewell. ized worship, eyes closed, mind still, following, deep within this (state time of day) pûjâ and worshiped A full knowledge of priestly rites has not been imparted yourself, the prâ∫as that the pûjâ has created. External- you, dear Lord, the brightest of all the Gods. to us, so you must overlook and forgive any mistakes or ized worship is the bhakti path; internalized worship is May it please you. May it be enjoyed by you. omissions. We know little of mantras or pious conduct, the yoga path. Both together make the complete circle Surrounded by your presence, we place and we are strangers to true bhakti. Nonetheless, please that sustains devotees in their spiritual life, making them ourselves in your care, loving Ga∫eßa. forgive us and regard our attempts as exact and com- strong and kindly in moving the forces of the world in their plete—because you are our only refuge. With your com- daily life. This dual-pronged effort towards self-trans-

dinodia passionate nature, Lord Ga∫eßa, we beseech you, please formation and right living is the very foundation for the protect those who pray. That which is Truth is Aum. final goal of all seekers: moksha, freedom from rebirth.

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