Puja

In this photo I am patiently lead through the process of making offerings. Our Puja ceremony basically included the following steps:

1. Avahana (“invocation”). The deity is invited.
2. Asana. The deity is offered a seat.
3. Svagata (“greeting”). The deity is asked if the journey has gone well.
4. Padya. The deity is symbolically washed.
5. Arghya. Water is offered.
6. Acamanıya. Water is offered for sipping.
7. Madhuparka. The deity is offered a water-and-honey drink.
8. Snana or abhisekha. Water is offered for symbolic bathing.
9. Vastra (“clothing”). Here a cloth may be wrapped around the image and ornaments affixed to it.
10. Anulepana or gandha. Perfumes and ointments are applied to the image.
11. Puspa. Flowers are offered before the image, or garlands draped around its neck.
12. Dhupa. Incense is burned before the image.
13. Dıpa or arati. A burning lamp is waved in front of the image.
14. Naivedya or prasada. Foods such as cooked rice, fruit, clarified butter, sugar, and betel leaf are offered.
15. Namaskara or pranama. The worshiper and family bow or prostrate themselves before the image to offer homage.
16. Visarjana or udvasana. The deity is dismissed.