Pooja Items and their Symbolic Meanings

In its entirety, puja is a metaphor for complete self-surrender at the altar in service of a deity. Those who have a strong belief in a deity, sacred text, or guru might perform Puja in their own homes. Therefore, there are no prerequisites for performing puja. Having trust is all that is required.

But Pujaris, or priests, have explored the scriptures and received expertise to aid us in conducting specific rites. They educate us about the significance of these rites, pooja items, pooja mandirs, and the value of pooja so that we may carry them out with full conviction.

They are also knowledgeable with the ritual apparatus necessary for a Puja. So, it makes sense to seek their guidance. All aspects of these Pujaris’ life are devoted to serving God. Knowledge is shared with those who are eager to learn and follow in their footsteps.

The rationale is embedded in the name: “Pu” means “to purify” or “to cleanse,” and “ja” signifies “birth.” So, every time you do Puja, it’s like you’re reborn, since it purifies your body, mind, and intellect. If you want to start again on the inside, a Puja is just what you need.

During a Puja, your entire being, from your physical self to your mental faculties, is in harmony and directed towards your deity. While doing the hand motions, you are pronouncing His name with undivided devotion. Doing so is a fantastic method of self-discipline and mental concentration.

Everything used in a Puja, or religious ceremony, has some sort of symbolic significance. Let’s see how.

1. Murtis are statues of deities or other objects of worship that symbolise values we strive to develop in ourselves.
2. The sandals (padukas) of the Master are held in high esteem because, according to Indian scriptures, God’s favour pours through the feet of great beings.
3. Incense is a common religious offering.
4. Yajnas, or sacred fire rites, where the ashes are said to hold the blessings of those who participate.
5. A beautiful cloth is the foundation of any puja, serving as a surface for the Guru’s photo, images of deities, and other ritual objects.
6. Sacred Items – These items have attained a higher level of sanctity due to their close proximity to the Guru’s physical form or the holy sites.
7. Sacred Jewellery is a curated collection of high-quality jewellery honouring the Siddha Yoga tradition’s sacred symbols and meant to be worn at all times.
8. Malas are utilised in japas and meditation as a focus aid. Malas come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique spiritual significance.
9. During the worship of the deity, it is customary to present an offering of a Diya (light), also known as a Deepak. Diya (light) represents enlightenment and insight. Knowledge and wisdom are the keys to unlocking the mysteries of the human experience and discovering the ultimate purpose of your mind and spirit.
10. The Latvia (positive and pure) energy it releases into the air justifies the practice of lighting a Diya in front of the deity. As we burn our ego (the lamp’s wick) and our wants, or asanas (the lamp’s oil or ghee), we ignite our innate spiritual understanding, as symbolised by the lighting of the Diya.
11. The spiritual and Vedic science behind the use of kalash or kalasam makes it an essential part of the puja rites. Lord Vishnu allegedly emerged during the ocean’s churning, carrying a kalash full with Amrit. Since every deity has drunk the Amrit of Kalash, it is assumed that they all live there. As such, it might be interpreted as a sign of enlightenment and the bountiful provision of life.

Water in Kalash is revered as the source of life because of the goddess or earthly figure it represents. The five elements of the universe, or panchtatva, are likewise represented by the kalash. According to Vedic texts, kalash is a highly satvik and auspicious herb. According to Vedic science, a copper kalash has the ability to annihilate tamas and rajas guna through its good vibration and water-purifying capabilities.

There is deep symbolic meaning behind every element of a Puja, or religious service. A ‘Vigraha’ (Sanskrit: ‘vi’+ ‘graha’) is a statue or representation of a deity that is believed to protect its devotees from the malevolent influences of the planets. When we present a flower to a deity, we’re symbolising the growth of goodness within ourselves.

The incense we burn as a group is a representation of our individual and collective yearnings, while the fruits we present represent our willingness to forego material gain and accept defeat. When we light a lamp in worship, we are offering the Absolute the light of our soul. Emotions are represented by the vermilion or Sindoor.

It’s not so much about the parts or the puja objects that you use to worship God or do puja. They have significance not just in the scientific context, but also in the spiritual one. Authentic and pure puja items are necessary for doing Puja with the dedication and devotion required by Hinduism.