Diwali Puja

1. Pavitrikaranam

Om Apavitrah Pavitro Va Sarvavastham Gato'pi Va | Yah Smaret Pundarikaksham Sa Bahyabhyantarah Shuchih ||

Om Pundarikakshah Punatu | Om Pundarikakshah Punatu | Om Pundarikakshah Punatu ||

Pure or impure, in whatever state — whoever remembers the lotus-eyed Lord becomes pure within and without. May the lotus-eyed Lord purify us.

Take water in the left hand and, with the fingers of the right hand, sprinkle it over yourself, the seat and the puja items.

Samagri: Water vessel (lota) and achamani spoon, Ganga water

2. Achamanam

Om Keshavaya Namah | Om Narayanaya Namah | Om Madhavaya Namah ||

Om Hrishikeshaya Namah | Hastam Prakshalayami ||

Sipping water thrice with salutations to Keshava, Narayana and Madhava for inner purity; hands are washed with Hrishikesha's name.

Take a little water in the right palm (gokarna mudra) and sip it three times, once with each name; then say 'Hrishikeshaya Namah' and wash your hands.

Samagri: Water vessel (lota) and achamani spoon

3. Asana Shuddhi

Om Prithvi Tvaya Dhrita Loka Devi Tvam Vishnuna Dhrita | Tvam Cha Dharaya Mam Devi Pavitram Kuru Chasanam ||

Om Asanadevatayai Namah ||

O Mother Earth, you uphold the worlds and are upheld by Vishnu; uphold me too and sanctify my seat.

Sprinkle a little water on the ground under the seat and recite the mantra while touching the seat.

Samagri: Seat (kusha grass or wool), water vessel (lota) and achamani spoon

4. Deepa Prajvalanam

Shubham Karoti Kalyanamarogyam Dhanasampada | Shatrubuddhivinashaya Dipajyotirnamo'stu Te ||

Om Dipajyotishe Namah ||

Salutations to the lamp's flame, which brings auspiciousness, well-being, health and wealth, and destroys hostile thoughts.

Light the ghee lamp and place it to the deity's right (your left); an oil lamp goes to the deity's left. Bow to the lamp.

Samagri: Ghee lamp with cotton wick, matchbox

5. Svasti Vachanam

Om Svasti Na Indro Vriddhashravah Svasti Nah Pusha Vishvavedah | Svasti Nastarkshyo Arishtanemih Svasti No Brihaspatirdadhatu || Om Shantih Shantih Shantih ||

May glorious Indra, all-knowing Pusha, Garuda and Brihaspati grant us well-being. Peace, peace, peace.

Join your hands and recite the auspicious invocation (mangala path).

6. Sankalpa

Om Vishnurvishnurvishnuh | Shrimadbhagavato Mahapurushasya Vishnoragyaya Pravartamanasya Adya Shribrahmano Dvitiyaparardhe Shrishvetavarahakalpe Vaivasvatamanvantare Ashtavimshatitame Kaliyuge Kaliprathamacharane Jambudvipe Bharatakhande Bharatavarshe Aryavartaikadeshe (city/village) nagare (samvatsara) namasamvatsare (ayana) (ritu) (month) mase (paksha) pakshe (tithi) tithau (weekday) vasare (gotra) gotrotpannah/utpanna (your name) Namaham Shrimahalakshmiganeshakuberaprityartham Dipavalipujanam Karishye ||

Say the words in ( ) — the Panchang and your gotra — yourself; ▶ Listen to sankalp asks you for them. Your name and city come from your profile.

I (name, gotra), at this time and place, resolve to perform this puja for the stated purpose.

Take water, akshat, flowers and dakshina in the right hand and read the sankalp (the app fills in your town, tithi, name and gotra); at the end, release the water onto the ground or into a copper plate.

Samagri: Water vessel (lota) and achamani spoon, akshat (unbroken rice), fresh flowers, dakshina (coin/money)

7. Ganesha Smaranam

Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha | Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarvakaryeshu Sarvada ||

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah | Gandhakshatapushpani Samarpayami ||

O curved-trunked, mighty Lord, radiant as a million suns — make all my undertakings free of obstacles, always.

Before any puja, meditate on Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and offer akshat and flowers. (In Ganesha Puja this step is part of the main worship.)

Samagri: Akshat (unbroken rice), fresh flowers, roli/kumkum

8. Kalasha Pujanam

Kalashasya Mukhe Vishnuh Kanthe Rudrah Samashritah | Mule Tatra Sthito Brahma Madhye Matriganah Smritah ||

Om Varunaya Namah | Kalasham Pujayami ||

Vishnu dwells at the kalash's mouth, Rudra at its neck, Brahma at its base and the Mother-goddesses in its middle — I worship this all-divine vessel.

Offer roli, akshat and flowers on the water-filled kalash (with mango leaves and coconut). For the full kalash sthapana see Sheet 11.

Samagri: Kalash (copper/brass/clay), 5 mango leaves, coconut with husk, mauli/kalava thread, Ganga water

9. Navagraha Smaranam

Brahma Muraristripurantakari Bhanuh Shashi Bhumisuto Budhashcha | Gurushcha Shukrah Shanirahuketavah Sarve Grahah Shantikara Bhavantu ||

Om Navagrahebhyo Namah | Gandhakshatapushpani Samarpayami ||

May Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and all nine planets — Sun to Ketu — be bringers of peace.

Join your hands, remember the nine planets (Navagraha) and offer akshat.

Samagri: Akshat (unbroken rice), fresh flowers

10. Dhyanam

Namaste'stu Mahamaye Shripithe Surapujite | Shankhachakragadahaste Mahalakshmi Namo'stu Te ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Dhyayami ||

Meditation on the form of the deity.

Join your hands, close your eyes and recite the dhyana shloka while picturing the deity's form in your mind.

11. Avahanam

Om Hiranyavarnam Harinim Suvarnarajatasrajam | Chandram Hiranmayim Lakshmim Jatavedo Ma Avaha ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Avahayami Sthapayami ||

Invitation to the deity to be present for the worship.

With the avahana mudra (palms joined, thumbs folded in), invite the deity to the place of worship; release akshat.

Samagri: Akshat (unbroken rice)

12. Asanam

Ramyam Sushobhanam Divyam Sarvasaukhyakaram Shubham | Asanam Cha Maya Dattam Grihana Parameshvari ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Asanarthe Pushpani Samarpayami ||

This beautiful, divine, auspicious seat that brings every comfort I offer — please accept it.

Take five flowers or grains of akshat in joined palms and offer them as the deity's seat.

Samagri: Fresh flowers

13. Svagatam

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Susvagatam ||

I welcome the deity with folded hands.

After offering the seat, join your hands and welcome the deity with reverence.

14. Padyam

Gangodakam Nirmalam Cha Sarvasaugandhasamyutam | Padaprakshalanarthaya Dattam Te Pratigrihyatam ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Padayoh Padyam Samarpayami ||

This clean, fragrant warm water is offered to wash your feet — please accept it.

With the achamani spoon, offer a little water at the deity's feet (or into a vessel placed towards the feet).

Samagri: Water vessel (lota) and achamani spoon

15. Arghyam

Arghyam Grihana Deveshi Gandhapushpakshataih Saha | Karunam Kuru Me Devi Grihanarghyam Namo'stu Te ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Hastayoh Arghyam Samarpayami ||

O Lord of gods, accept this arghya with scent, flowers and rice; be compassionate to me. Salutations.

Mix sandalwood paste, akshat and flowers into water and offer arghya towards the deity's hands.

Samagri: Water vessel (lota) and achamani spoon, sandalwood, akshat (unbroken rice), fresh flowers

16. Achamaniyam

Karpuravasitam Toyam Mandakinyah Samahritam | Achamyatam Jaganmatah Maya Dattam Hi Bhaktitah ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Achamaniyam Jalam Samarpayami ||

Camphor-scented water brought from the Ganga, offered with devotion — O Lord of the world, please sip.

With the achamani spoon, offer a little pure water to the deity for sipping (achamana).

Samagri: Water vessel (lota) and achamani spoon

17. Snanam

Mandakinyastu Yadvari Sarvapapaharam Shubham | Tadidam Kalpitam Devi Snanartham Pratigrihyatam ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Snanam Samarpayami ||

The auspicious, sin-removing water of the Mandakini is presented for your bath — please accept.

Bathe the murti with pure water. For a picture, sprinkle water on it with a flower.

Samagri: Water vessel (lota) and achamani spoon, Ganga water

18. Panchamrita Snanam

Payo Dadhi Ghritam Chaiva Madhu Cha Sharkarayutam | Panchamritam Mayanitam Snanartham Pratigrihyatam ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Panchamritasnanam Samarpayami ||

Panchamrit of milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar is brought for your bath — please accept.

Offer panchamrit made of milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar over the murti (not on a picture — you may use a betel nut placed in a vessel).

Samagri: Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar)

19. Gandha Snanam

Malayachalasambhutam Chandanagarusambhavam | Chandanam Devi Deveshi Snanartham Pratigrihyatam ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Gandhodakasnanam Samarpayami ||

Accept for your bath this water scented with sandal and agaru from the Malaya mountains.

Mix sandalwood into water and bathe the deity with the fragrant water.

Samagri: Sandalwood, water vessel (lota) and achamani spoon

20. Shuddhodaka Snanam

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Shuddhodakasnanam Samarpayami ||

I offer a bath of pure water.

After the panchamrit, bathe again with pure water and wipe with a clean cloth.

Samagri: Water vessel (lota) and achamani spoon, Ganga water

21. Vastram

Shitavatoshnasantranam Lajjaya Rakshanam Param | Dehalankaranam Vastramatah Shantim Prayachchha Me ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Vastram Samarpayami ||

Cloth that shields from cold, wind and heat, protects modesty and adorns the body is offered — grant me peace.

Offer clothing to the deity (a red chunari to the Devi). If there is no cloth, offer mauli/kalava thread in its place.

Samagri: Cloth, or mauli thread in its place

22. Madhuparka

Kamsye Kamsyena Pihito Dadhimadhvajyasamyutah | Madhuparko Mayanitah Pujartham Pratigrihyatam ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Madhuparkam Samarpayami ||

Madhuparka of curd, honey and ghee, in a covered bronze vessel, is brought for worship — please accept.

Mix curd, honey and ghee in a bowl and offer it as madhuparka.

Samagri: Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar)

23. Abhushanam

Ratnakankanavaiduryamuktaharadikani Cha | Suprasannena Manasa Dattani Svikurushva Bhoh ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Abhushanani Samarpayami ||

Jewelled bangles, cat's-eye and pearl necklaces I offer with a glad heart — please accept.

Offer ornaments to the deity (or akshat in their place).

Samagri: Akshat (unbroken rice)

24. Saubhagya Dravyam

Sinduram Shobhanam Raktam Saubhagyam Sukhavardhanam | Shubhadam Kamadam Chaiva Sinduram Pratigrihyatam ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Saubhagyadravyani Samarpayami ||

Accept this beautiful red sindoor, which increases good fortune and happiness and fulfils wishes.

Offer sindoor, kumkum, turmeric and the items of saubhagya to the Devi (in Devi puja, in place of the sacred thread).

Samagri: Sindoor, roli/kumkum, turmeric

25. Kumkumam

Kunkumam Kamadam Divyam Kaminikamasambhavam | Kunkumenarchite Devi Kunkumam Pratigrihyatam ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Kunkumam Samarpayami ||

Divine kumkum that fulfils wishes — O Goddess worshipped with kumkum, accept it.

Offer kumkum to the Devi.

Samagri: Roli/kumkum

26. Abira-Gulalam

Abiram Cha Gulalam Cha Haridradisamanvitam | Nanaparimalam Dravyam Grihana Parameshvari ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Abiragulalam Samarpayami ||

Accept abir, gulal with turmeric and many fragrant powders, O Supreme Goddess.

Offer abir, gulal and turmeric to the Devi.

Samagri: Gulal/abir, turmeric

27. Sugandhita Dravyam

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Sugandhitadravyam Samarpayami ||

I offer fragrant attar.

Offer perfume (ittar) or fragrant oil to the Devi.

Samagri: Perfume (ittar)/fragrant oil

28. Gandha

Shrikhandam Chandanam Divyam Gandhadhyam Sumanoharam | Vilepanam Surashreshthe Chandanam Pratigrihyatam ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Gandham Samarpayami ||

Divine, fragrant, delightful sandal paste for anointing — O best of gods, accept it.

With the ring finger, apply a tilak of sandalwood/roli to the deity.

Samagri: Sandalwood, roli/kumkum

29. Akshatah

Akshatashcha Surashreshthe Kunkumaktah Sushobhitah | Maya Nivedita Bhaktya Grihana Parameshvari ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Akshatan Samarpayami ||

These kumkum-graced unbroken grains I offer with devotion — please accept.

Offer akshat (unbroken rice) mixed with kumkum.

Samagri: Akshat (unbroken rice), roli/kumkum

30. Pushpani

Malyadini Sugandhini Malatyadini Vai Prabho | Mayanitani Pushpani Grihana Parameshvari ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Pushpani Pushpamalam Cha Samarpayami ||

Fragrant garlands and flowers such as malati I have brought — O Lord, accept them.

Offer fresh flowers and a garland to the deity (for the deity's favourite flowers see Sheet 13).

Samagri: Fresh flowers, flower garland

31. Vishesha Dravya Arpanam

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Kamalapushpam Kamalabijani Cha Samarpayami ||

Offering of the deity's favourite leaf/item.

Offer lotus flowers, lotus seeds, kheel-batashe and a silver coin.

Samagri: Lotus flowers, lotus seeds (kamalgatta), kheel-batashe, silver coin

32. Ashta Siddhi Puja

Om Animayai Namah | Om Mahimayai Namah | Om Garimayai Namah | Om Laghimayai Namah | Om Praptyai Namah | Om Prakamyayai Namah | Om Ishitayai Namah | Om Vashitayai Namah ||

Salutations to the eight siddhis — Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishita and Vashita.

With each name, offer a flower or a little akshat at the Devi's feet.

Samagri: Fresh flowers, akshat (unbroken rice)

33. Ashta Lakshmi Puja

Om Adilakshmyai Namah | Om Dhanyalakshmyai Namah | Om Dhairyalakshmyai Namah | Om Gajalakshmyai Namah | Om Santanalakshmyai Namah | Om Vijayalakshmyai Namah | Om Vidyalakshmyai Namah | Om Dhanalakshmyai Namah ||

Salutations to the eight forms of Lakshmi — Adi, Dhanya, Dhairya, Gaja, Santana, Vijaya, Vidya and Dhana.

With each name, offer a flower or a little akshat at the Devi's feet.

Samagri: Fresh flowers, akshat (unbroken rice)

34. Anga Puja

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Padau Pujayami | Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Januni Pujayami | Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Katim Pujayami | Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Nabhim Pujayami | Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Hridayam Pujayami | Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Kantham Pujayami | Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Mukham Pujayami | Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Netre Pujayami | Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Shirah Pujayami | Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Sarvangam Pujayami ||

Worship of the deity's feet, knees, waist, navel, heart, throat, face, eyes, head and whole form, one by one.

With each line, offer akshat/flowers on that part of the deity's form (simplified form — with the name mantra).

Samagri: Akshat (unbroken rice), fresh flowers

35. Dhupa

Vanaspatirasodbhuto Gandhadhyo Gandha Uttamah | Aghreyah Sarvadevanam Dhupo'yam Pratigrihyatam ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Dhupam Aghrapayami ||

This incense of fine fragrance, made from plant resins and fit for all the gods, please accept.

Light dhoop/incense and, ringing the bell with the left hand, wave the incense before the deity with the right hand.

Samagri: Dhoop/incense sticks, bell, matchbox

36. Deepa

Sajyam Cha Vartisamyuktam Vahnina Yojitam Maya | Dipam Grihana Deveshi Trailokyatimirapaham ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Dipam Darshayami | Hastaprakshalanam ||

A lamp of ghee and wick, lit with fire, that dispels the darkness of the three worlds — please accept.

Show the ghee lamp to the deity, then wash your hands.

Samagri: Ghee lamp with cotton wick

37. Naivedyam

Sharkarakhandakhadyani Dadhikshiraghritani Cha | Aharam Bhakshyabhojyam Cha Naivedyam Pratigrihyatam || Om Pranaya Svaha | Om Apanaya Svaha | Om Vyanaya Svaha | Om Udanaya Svaha | Om Samanaya Svaha ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Naivedyam Nivedayami ||

Accept this food offering of sugar, sweets, curd, milk, ghee and dishes. It is offered to the five vital breaths.

Place the plate of bhog before the deity and circle it with water (for Vishnu, Krishna and Rama, place a tulsi leaf on it), then recite the pancha-pranahuti mantra.

Samagri: Naivedya (sweets/bhog), water vessel (lota) and achamani spoon

38. Uttarapashana Achamaniyam

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Naivedyante Achamaniyam Jalam Samarpayami ||

Water is offered for sipping after the meal.

After the naivedya, offer water for achamana.

Samagri: Water vessel (lota) and achamani spoon

39. Rituphalam

Idam Phalam Maya Devi Sthapitam Puratastava | Tena Me Saphalavaptirbhavejjanmani Janmani ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Rituphalam Samarpayami ||

O Lord, I place this fruit before you; through it may I attain fulfilment in every life.

Offer seasonal fruits before the deity.

Samagri: Seasonal fruits

40. Tambulam

Pugiphalam Mahaddivyam Nagavallidalairyutam | Elachurnadisamyuktam Tambulam Pratigrihyatam ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Mukhavasarthe Tambulam Samarpayami ||

Accept this tambula — betel leaves with sacred areca nut and cardamom — to freshen the mouth.

Place betel nut, clove and cardamom on a betel leaf and offer it.

Samagri: Betel leaves, betel nut, cloves and cardamom

41. Dakshina

Hiranyagarbhagarbhastham Hemabijam Vibhavasoh | Anantapunyaphaladamatah Shantim Prayachchha Me ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Dakshinam Samarpayami ||

This offering of gold — seed of fire, born of the cosmic golden womb, giver of endless merit — grant me peace.

Place a coin/money before the deity as dakshina.

Samagri: Dakshina (coin/money)

42. Deepmalika Puja

Tvam Jyotistvam Ravishchandro Vidyudagnishcha Tarakah | Sarvesham Jyotisham Jyotirdipavalyai Namo Namah ||

Om Dipavalyai Namah | Gandhakshatapushpani Samarpayami ||

You are light — you are the sun, the moon, lightning, fire and the stars; to Deepavali, the light of all lights, salutations again and again.

Light 11/21 or more lamps on a plate (including one large four-faced lamp) and worship them with roli, akshat and flowers; then place lamps in every room, at the main door, the tulsi, the kitchen and the water source.

Samagri: Clay diyas (11/21 or more), roli/kumkum, akshat (unbroken rice), fresh flowers

43. Kubera Puja

Dhanadaya Namastubhyam Nidhipadmadhipaya Cha | Bhagavan Tvatprasadena Dhanadhanyadisampadah ||

Om Kuberaya Namah | Gandhakshatapushpani Samarpayami ||

Salutations to Kubera, giver of wealth and lord of the treasures; O Lord, by your grace may wealth, grain and prosperity be attained.

Draw a swastika with roli on the safe, cash box or till; offer turmeric, sandalwood, akshat, flowers, coriander and lotus seeds and worship Kubera.

Samagri: Turmeric, sandalwood, whole coriander seeds, lotus seeds (kamalgatta), roli/kumkum

44. Bahi-Khata, Lekhani & Tula Puja

Om Shrisarasvatyai Namah (Lekhani) | Om Shrimahakalyai Namah (Davata) | Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah (Bahi) | Om Tuladhishthatridevatayai Namah (Tula) ||

Salutations to Saraswati, goddess of the pen; Mahakali, goddess of the inkpot; Mahalakshmi, goddess of the account book; and the presiding deity of the scales.

On the new account book draw a swastika with roli and write 'Shubh-Labh'; tie mauli on the pen; worship Mahasaraswati in the pen, Mahakali in the inkpot and Mahalakshmi in the account book; tie mauli on the scales and worship them too.

Samagri: New account book, pen, inkpot, mauli/kalava thread, roli/kumkum

45. Mantra Japa

Om Shrim Mahalakshmyai Namah

Repetition of the deity's root mantra.

Chant the deity's mool mantra on a japa mala — Short mode 11, Medium 21, Full 108 times.

Samagri: Japa mala (108 beads)

46. Katha / Path

Listening to the katha or reciting the stotra completes the fruit of the puja.

Read or listen to the katha: Deepavali Katha — summary in Sheet 19.

Samagri: Sacred book

47. Aarti / Nirajanam

Kadaligarbhasambhutam Karpuram Tu Pradipitam | Arartikyamaham Kurve Pashya Me Varada Bhava ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Arartikyam Samarpayami ||

With lighted camphor I perform the aarti — look upon me and be the giver of boons.

Wave the aarti plate of camphor or ghee 4 times at the deity's feet, 2 times at the navel, once at the face and 7 times over the whole form; sing the aarti while ringing the bell.

Samagri: Aarti plate, camphor, bell

48. Mantra Pushpanjali

Nanasugandhapushpani Yathakalodbhavani Cha | Pushpanjalirmaya Datto Grihana Parameshvari ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Mantrapushpanjalim Samarpayami ||

This handful of many fragrant seasonal flowers I offer — O Supreme, accept it.

Standing, take flowers in joined palms and offer them at the deity's feet.

Samagri: Fresh flowers

49. Pradakshina

Yani Kani Cha Papani Janmantarakritani Cha | Tani Sarvani Nashyantu Pradakshinapade Pade ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Pradakshinam Samarpayami ||

Whatever sins were committed in past lives, may they be destroyed with every step of this circumambulation.

Turn clockwise in your place (or walk around the murti) in pradakshina — count: 1 (Devi).

50. Sashtanga Pranama

Namah Sarvahitarthaya Jagadadharahetave | Sashtango'yam Pranamaste Prayatnena Maya Kritah ||

Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah | Namaskaran Samarpayami ||

Salutations to you who are for the welfare of all and the support of the world — this full prostration I make with effort.

Bow in full prostration (sashtanga), or bow your head with joined hands.

51. Kshama Prarthana

Avahanam Na Janami Na Janami Visarjanam | Pujam Chaiva Na Janami Kshamasva Parameshvari || Mantrahinam Kriyahinam Bhaktihinam Sureshvari | Yatpujitam Maya Devi Paripurnam Tadastu Me ||

Anena Pujanena Shrimahalakshmih Priyatam, Na Mama ||

I know not how to invoke, bid farewell, or worship properly — forgive me. Though lacking in mantra, rite and devotion, may my worship be complete. May the deity be pleased; the fruit is theirs, not mine.

With joined hands ask forgiveness for any mistakes in the puja; finally, releasing water, offer the fruit of the puja to the deity.

Samagri: Water vessel (lota) and achamani spoon

52. Prasada

Receiving the sanctified offering.

Take the charanamrit/prasad yourself and share it with the family.

Samagri: Naivedya (sweets/bhog)

53. Visarjanam

Yantu Devaganah Sarve Pujamadaya Mamakim | Ishtakamasamriddhyartham Punaragamanaya Cha ||

May all the gods accept my worship and depart — to fulfil my wishes and to return again.

Releasing akshat, respectfully bid farewell to the invoked deities. (An installed murti is not immersed — only the invoked presence is sent off.)

Samagri: Akshat (unbroken rice)