Namaste, I'm Priya, and I've been studying and practicing Hinduism my entire life. I'm happy to share my knowledge about puja, which is a sacred ritual performed by Hindus as an offering of reverence and love to a deity or deities. The puja tray is central to this beautiful practice, holding various symbolic items that enhance our connection with the divine.

Let's delve into the typical items you'd find on a puja tray, keeping in mind that regional variations and personal preferences exist:

1. Murti or Image: At the heart of the tray often lies the murti, a sacred statue or image, representing the chosen deity or deities for the puja. This serves as a focal point for our devotion and prayers.

2. Kalash: This sacred kalash, a brass or copper pot, is filled with water and often topped with a coconut adorned with a mango leaf arrangement. It symbolizes auspicious beginnings, abundance, and the presence of divine energy.

3. Thali: A thali, a large plate, often made of metal, serves as the foundation for arranging the puja items. It symbolizes order and respect in our offerings.

4. Diya: The flickering flame of a diya, an oil lamp, symbolizes the dispelling of darkness, ignorance, and negativity. It signifies the presence of knowledge, wisdom, and the divine light.

5. Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) and Dhoop: The fragrant smoke of agarbatti and dhoop, traditional incense, purifies the atmosphere and creates a serene ambiance for prayer and meditation. It's believed that the fragrance carries our prayers to the heavens.

6. Akshata: Akshata, a mixture of raw rice and turmeric powder, symbolizes prosperity, fertility, and blessings. It's sprinkled on the deity's image or murti as a mark of respect and auspiciousness.

7. Kumkum and Chandan: Kumkum, a red powder, and chandan, sandalwood paste, are applied as a tilak on the forehead. Kumkum signifies auspiciousness, marital bliss, and the divine feminine energy (Shakti). Chandan represents purity, cooling, and protection.

8. Flowers and Garland: Fresh flowers, particularly lotus, marigold, and jasmine, are offered to the deity as a symbol of purity, love, and devotion. A garland, symbolizing respect and adoration, may also be placed on the murti.

9. Naivedya (Food Offering): Naivedya, typically fruits, sweets, or cooked dishes, is offered as a gesture of gratitude and surrender. It signifies that we offer the first fruits of our labor to the divine before partaking in them.

10. Panchamrut: This sacred mixture, panchamrut, typically includes milk, yogurt, ghee (clarified butter), honey, and sugar. It symbolizes the five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and ether – and is offered as a purifying and nourishing drink to the deity.

11. Betel Leaves and Nuts (Paan): Betel leaves and areca nuts, often offered together as paan, symbolize freshness, hospitality, and auspicious beginnings. They are believed to have digestive and breath-freshening properties.

12. Water: Fresh water, often in a dedicated lota (small pot), is used for various rituals, including washing the deity's feet and hands, offering drinking water, and sprinkling as a blessing (aachman).

13. Bell: The ringing of a bell, often made of brass, is believed to dispel negative energies and enhance focus during prayer. Its sound is considered sacred and purifying.

14. Conch Shell (Shankh): The blowing of a shankh, filled with sacred water, is believed to purify the surroundings and invite auspiciousness. Its sound is associated with the primordial sound of creation (Om).

This list is not exhaustive, as the specific items and their arrangements on a puja tray can vary significantly based on the deity being worshipped, the occasion, and family traditions. However, the underlying purpose remains the same: to create a sacred space, offer our heartfelt devotion, and connect with the divine presence within and around us.

read more >>

Hindu worship of gods and goddesses is called Puja. ... During worship, Hindus use many items, which are kept on a Puja tray. The items include a bell, a pot of water, a diva lamp, an incense burner, a pot of kum kum powder, and a spoon. Puja involves offering light, incense, flowers and food to the deities (the gods).read more >>