On Worship
Rules of worship
Home worship is simple. What matters most is regularity, cleanliness and a sincere heart. These are the basic principles followed in most Vaishnava homes.
Cleanliness
Bathe and put on clean clothes before touching the Deities or preparing an offering. Keep the altar dust-free and change water cups daily.
A fixed schedule
Wake the Deities, offer arati and food, and put Them to rest at about the same time every day. Regularity is itself an offering.
Offer before you eat
Cook with the Deities in mind, without tasting, and offer on dedicated plates. Food offered becomes prasadam.
Arati
Ring the bell and offer items in order: incense, ghee lamp, water in the conch, a cloth, a flower, and the chamara and fan. Circle each item before the Deity.
Dress with care
Change outfits according to the season and festivals. Warm fabrics in winter, light cotton and sandalwood in summer.
Honour the altar
Do not turn your back to the Deities without need, do not eat or sleep in front of the altar, and offer obeisances when entering and leaving.
Chant
The holy name is the heart of worship. Chanting before the Deities turns every service into meditation.
Most loved
Chosen by devotees
