Pujas

Puja is a sacred practice that Hindu people perform on different occasions to worship, pray or show respect to their deities. Puja is considered as an act of showing reverence to the almighty through invocations, prayers (mantra, slokas), songs (bhajans), and rituals. According to Hinduism, Pooja makes a spiritual connection between the deity and the devotee.

Usually Hindus pray once or twice in a day. There are many different types of pujas for inaugurations, marriages, birthdays etc. in the Hindu religion. Puja is generally observed after a shower. And it is recommended that rituals should be performed before eating to make sure sattvic (holy) qualities and concentration (dhyana) of the devotee.

The Idol Worship - Murti Puja
The image, icon or any other symbol of the god during puja becomes the means of gaining access to the almighty. Although, the idol is not the god itself but it is considered to be filled with the god's celestial powers. The idols are created as containers for spiritual power that make the devotee to experience the direct communication with the god.

The idol acts as a medium to respect and honour, the god. Idol Worship doesn't stand for blind faith but it shows the feelings of a devotee towards the god. The beautiful images of the divine which are always observed show that people consider God in the ultimate manner. The images serve as visual metaphors to express the invisible divine reality. This section covers the following puja:

Budha Puja
Budha Puja or Mercury Puja is dedicated to planet Mercury. Budha Puja on Wednesdays brings in manifold benefits like eliminating difficulties, healthy progeny, possession of fertile lands etc. Following things are associated with Buddha- the Mercury:

Chandra Puja
Chandra Puja is dedicated to Lord Chandra, the Moon God. Grah Shanti Chandra Puja (Moon Worship) is recommended to those, having malefic Chandra or wrongly placed moon as per the horoscope. The following list includes couple of things associated with Chandra.

Guru Puja
Guru or Brihaspati Puja is dedicated to planet Jupiter. Grah Shanti Guru Pooja (Worship of Jupiter) is recommended to those, having malefic guru or wrongly placed Jupiter as per the horoscope. Here is list comprising a couple of things associated with Guru / Brihaspati.

Hanuman Puja
Hanuman Pooja is really beneficial for all those who want to attain strength, wisdom and knowledge. The worship of Shri Hanuman ji, the monkey God cures all illness and gives courage to fight the illness. Hanuman Puja provides peace of mind as well. Following things are required for Hanuman Puja.

How to do Puja
Puja is a sacred practice of reverence, honor, adoration or worship from the devotee towards the Almighty. Puja could mean different things to different people. For Puja, all you need to have is a devoted heart full of love for the divine. The merciful God overlooks the shortcomings of men if they follow the path of spirituality with devotion.

Kali Puja
Kali Puja is a passionate prayer to the fearsome, ferocious goddess. The aim of Kali Puja is to seek the help of Maa Kali in destroying evil, both in the outside world and within us. It is believed that Kali Puja is performed to diminish ego and all negative tendencies that hamper spiritual growth.

Ketu Puja
Ketu (Dragon's Tail) Puja is dedicated to planet Ketu. Grah Shanti Ketu Pooja (Worship of Dragon's Tail) is recommended for those, having malefic Ketu or wrongly placed Ketu as per the horoscope. Following things are associated with Ketu (dragon's tail):

Mangal Puja
Mangal Puja or Mars Worship is dedicated to planet Mars. Grah Shanti Mangal Pooja liberates one from debts, poverty and skin problems. Here is a list of things associated with Mangal (Mars).

Rahu Puja
Rahu Puja or the Dragon's Head Worship is dedicated to planet Rahu. Grah Shanti Rahu Pooja is recommended for those, having malefic Rahu or wrongly placed Rahu as per the horoscope.

Satyanarayan Puja
Satyanarayan Puja can be performed on any day. However, Purnima (Full Moon Night) and Sakranti are considered as the most auspicious days for Satyanarayan Pooja. The appropriate time of Puja is regarded in the evening but prayers in the morning will also work.

Shani Puja
Shani Puja is done to appease planet Saturn. Grah Shanti Shani Pooja (Worship of Saturn) is sought for mental peace and to get rid of various diseases. Following things are associated with Shani (Saturn).

Shukra Puja
Shukra (Venus) Puja is done to appease planet Venus. Grah Shanti Shukra Pooja is recommended to those, having malefic shukra or wrongly placed Venus as per the horoscope.

Surya Puja
Surya Puja or Sun Worship is dedicated to Lord Surya. Grah Shanti Surya Puja or Sun worship is recommended to those, having malefic surya or wrongly placed sun as per the horoscope.

Tulsi Puja
Tulsi is a sacred plant which can be found in almost every Hindu's home. Tulsi Pooja (Worship of Tulsi) is observed almost every day. Following things are required for Tulsi Puja.