The Science In Ritualistic Worship With Five And Sixteen Steps

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The basis of sagun upasana (Worship of the materialised form) as per Hindu Dharma is the pūjā (Ritualistic worship) of Deities. 'Who has the time for pūjā in busy daily life?' This is the type of negative outlook many people have. Today, what we see around is that in the name of puja, people just pour water quickly over an Idol, apply tilak (A vertical mark made on the forehead) of gandha (Sandalwood paste), offer some flowers and wave an incense-stick. However, can this hurried act ever be called worshipping God, the one who takes complete care of our sustenance ? Why should God shower His grace upon us? If we honour God by performing His pūjā in an appropriate manner, just as the respectful way in which we treat a guest, then God will be pleased with us and shower abundant grace upon us. Hence, the Scriptures have taught us to abide by Dharma (Righteousness) in a ritualistic and bhāv-enriched manner by teaching us to worship God in sixteen sequential steps, such as invoking God, offering Him a seat, offering Him water to wash His Holy feet, etc. Performing pūjā in this manner is known as Shodashopachar pūjā. Of these sixteen upachārs, five upachārs 9. Applying gandha, 10. Offering flowers, 11. Waving dhoop (Frankincense), 12. Āratī, 13. Offering Naivedya (Food offered to the Deity as a part of ritualistic worship) form the Panchopachar. If it is not possible to perform Shodashopachār pūjā, Panchopachār pūjā should be performed. Since many people find it difficult to perform Shodashopachar pūjā, information on Panchopachar pūjā has been provided at the beginning of this Text, followed by information on Shodashopachar pūjā.

We get the benefit of sankalpa-shakti (Energy of resolve) of our Omniscient Sages only if we perform pūjā as advised by our Scriptures. While performing pūjā as mentioned in the Scriptures, utmost devotion and bhāv are equally important. If there is a lack of love and devotion for God while performing pūjā, then it does not reach Him; for, God yearns for bhāv. It is true that it is difficult for an ordinary worshipper to develop bhāv quickly; however, if attempts are made to understand the science underlying various acts in pūjā, it will help in developing faith in the pūjā, and consequently, the Deity. This faith in turn will develop into bhāv. Hence, in this Text, emphasis has been laid on explaining the spiritual science.

This Text provides answers in a scientific language that is beyond the comprehension of the intellect, to many questions such as why are akshatā (Unbroken rice grains) or tulsi (Holy basil plant) leaves offered to the Deity's Idol while invoking it; why are gandha, flowers and akshatā with arghya (A ritual of offering oblation of water to God) offered to the Deity; why should fragrant substances be used; why should gandha be applied before offering haldi (Turmeric powder) and kumkum (Red powder made from turmeric) to a Deity; how should the Naivedya leaf be placed in front of the Deity, etc. This Text also contains unique information, such as which specific flowers should be offered to which Deity, science underlying the specific number of flowers offered to a Deity and their specific arrangement, the number of incense sticks be waved in front angement, theepath scientific knowledge underlying the religious Deity. In-depth Dharma is not found in any other religious order or sect. This is a proof of the undisputed superiority of Hindu Dharma.