The daily puja as per the Vedas is a detailed process that involves several steps, including purification, invocation, offering, and recitation of mantras and prayers. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing daily puja as per the Vedas:
Preparation: Begin by taking a bath or shower and wearing clean clothes. Clean the puja area and arrange all the necessary items, including a deity idol or picture, flowers, incense, lamps, water, and food offerings.
Pranayama: Sit in a comfortable position and perform Pranayama, a breathing exercise that involves inhaling and exhaling deeply. This helps to purify the mind and body and prepare for the puja.
Invocation: Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Chant the following mantra while offering flowers and lighting incense:
"Vakratunda Mahakaya Surya Koti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Karyeshu Sarvada"Sankalp: Make a Sankalp or intention to perform the puja with devotion and dedication, and to seek the blessings of the deities. The Sankalp or intention-setting is an important part of the puja ritual as it helps to focus the mind and seek the blessings of the deities. Here is a commonly used mantra for Sankalp:
"Om Tat Sat, Om Vishnuh Vishnuh Vishnuh, Om Vasudevaya Vidmahe, Vasudevaya Dhimahi, Tanno Vishnuh Prachodayat"
You can also modify the Sankalp mantra according to your personal intention or purpose for the puja. It is important to recite the mantra with concentration and sincerity to set a clear intention for the puja.
Panchamrita Snan: Offer Panchamrita (milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar) to the deity while chanting the following mantra:"Om Punyaha Vasatisthantamayam Pavitram Sarvavastu Sarvamangalam Pratisthita"Abhishekam: Perform Abhishekam or a ritualistic bath of the deity with water, milk, curd, honey, and other auspicious items while chanting the following mantra:
"Om Apavitrah Pavitrova Sarvavastam Gatoapi Va Yah Smaret Pundarikaksham Sa Bahyabhyantarah Shucih"Puja: Offer flowers, incense, lamps, and food items to the deity while chanting the following mantras:
- For Lord Vishnu: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya"
- For Lord Shiva: "Om Namah Shivaya"
- For Goddess Lakshmi: "Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyei Namaha"
- For Goddess Durga: "Om Dum Durgayei Namaha"
- For Lord Ganesha: "Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha"
"Om Jai Jagdish Hare Swami Jai Jagdish Hare Bhakt Jano Ke Sankat Kshan Mein Door Kare Om Jai Jagdish Hare"Prasad: Offer food or Prasad to the deity and then distribute it among the family members and guests.
Conclusion: Conclude the puja by thanking the deities for their blessings and seeking their guidance in all aspects of life.
This is a general guide to performing daily puja as per the Vedas. It is recommended to consult a priest or guru for specific mantras and rituals based on the deity and personal preference.