Hindu worship stresses respect and love for God.

The puja ceremony imitates the

way we might treat a respected and honored guest in our home. The Shodasa Upachara
are the sixteen steps one takes to make God, our most honored guest, comfortable.

Shodasa Upachara (Sixteen step Puja)

Dhyanam – prayer (as in thinking about our expected guest)

Avahanam and Aasanam - welcome and provide a comfortable seat
Padyam – water to wash feet
Arghyam – water to wash hands
Achamanam – water to drink (traditionally in India, people walking into the
house from the street, first wash off their hands, feet and face and take a
glass of water). It is very hygienic and keeps harmful germs away.
Snanam (Abhishekam) – sacred bath (with milk, yogurt, honey, ghee
and fruit juice)
Vastram – offer clothing
Yagnopavitam – sacred thread
Gandham – sandalwood paste for decoration
Pushpam - flowers and garlands
Dhoopam – incense for a pleasant fragrance
Dipam – light
Naivedyam – offer food, fruits.
Neerajanam – camphor light
Mantrapushpam – offer flowers and rice with Vedic chanting
Pradakshana – going around the deities