Worshiping God: Avoiding Mistakes and Following Proper Rituals
Hindu traditions place significant importance on worship and rituals. Daily worship of God involves specific rules that devotees must follow. To fulfill desires and receive blessings, one must have complete knowledge of the correct posture (asana), the procedure for sacred fire ceremonies (havan), the mantras for worship, the method of chanting them, the rules for lighting lamps or performing aarti, and other related practices. Worshiping God generally fosters a sense of peace and happiness. Hindu traditions also prescribe specific times, places, and methods for worship. Observing these guidelines will contribute to the success of your devotion.
Let's explore the key points to consider during worship.
1. Before worship, ensure both body and mind are cleansed. This involves bathing, dressing in clean clothes, and maintaining a peaceful and pure state of mind.
2. Avoid anger during worship.
3. Strive to worship at a fixed time and place.
4. Brahma Muhurta (the time period before sunrise) is considered the most auspicious time for worship. If this isn't possible, set a specific time convenient for you.
5. The designated worship area should be in the northeast (Ishaanan) corner of the house.
6. During worship, your face should ideally be directed towards the northeast, east, or north.
7. Never turn your back or feet towards the deity.
8. Perform worship only after assuming a designated posture (asana). After the ceremony, pour two drops of water at the base of your asana, and apply it to your forehead. Only then should you rise, as otherwise, the fruits of your worship may be lost.
9. Offer rice grains beneath the lamp lit for the deity.
10. Ensure the worship area is not located under a staircase or a bathroom.
11. Establish at least one deity in the worship area and ensure its daily cleaning.
Avoid these actions during worship
1. Tulsi (holy basil) should not be offered to Lord Shiva, Ganesha, or Bhairav.
2. Dūrvā (a sacred grass), used to appease Ganesha, should not be used in Goddess worship.
3. Sacred Ganga water should never be stored in plastic, iron, or aluminum containers.
4. A copper vessel is the best option for storing Ganga water.
5. Do not store sandalwood or use diluted sandalwood paste on deities in copper vessels.
6. Never offer water to the Sun God using a conch shell.
7. Tulsi, revered as the consort of Vishnu, should not be touched or its leaves plucked without first performing a cleansing ritual.
8. Never light one lamp using another.
9. Do not display broken, damaged, or old idols, or pictures of deceased individuals in the worship area.
10. Do not hide money or valuables in the worship area.
