Gomati Chakra - गोमती चक्र!

Gomati Chakras (गोमती चक्र!)

                  Gomati Chakra (गोमती चक्र!) is a shell-like thing found on the seashore. But not on every seashore. It is found abundantly in a tidal river named Gomati near Dwarika. It is not the Gomati river that flows in UP but it is in Gujrat. I have written about this river in my blog - 

The Somnath, Dwarka and Nagesh Jyotirlinga Yatra 2014

     Gomati is a holy river and the level of water in this river does not remain constant even for a day. At one time you may see the river without water and easily cross the river walking on the riverbed while another time it will be filled with six feet deep water and people crossing it in boats. And these scenes can be seen on the same day. You may see it flowing towards the sea at a time while at another time you may see the water rushing from the sea into the river. This is because the level of the sea fluctuates twice a day.  When there is no water in the river you will notice many types of shells and seaweeds on the riverbed. Among them, you may notice the Gomati-Chakras. Mostly in off-white colors, their shape is like a plano-convex lens, it means that one face of the Chakra is plane while the other is round like a magnifying lens. On the plane side, you may find spiral curve like lines. It is considered a holy thing like a conch shell. Just like Shaligram which represents Vishnu and Ekmukhi Rudraksha which represents Shiva, the Gomati Chakra represents Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi had come out of the sea during Samudra-Manthan and She was accepted by Vishnu. The Gomati-Chakra also comes out of the sea in River Gomati and Vishnu in the Avatara of Dwarikadhish Krishna is here just beside the river. Due to the availability of Gomati Chakra only here, the Tirth of Dwarka is also called Chakra-Tirth (चक्र तीर्थ). 

The plane and convex sides of a Gomati Chakra

                  The Gomati Chakra is kept in Puja place and in the chest (Tijori). In the Puja place, it is worshiped as Lakshmi while in the Tijori it is said to increase the wealth. In the Puja place, it is better to keep it wrapped in a red cloth in a brass Bati or plate. In Tijori also it is kept wrapped in a red or yellow cloth. 
                    It is found in many sizes. In the riverbed, numerous small sized Chakras are found but very small sized Chakra is not used. The Gomati Chakras of good shape and size can be bought from shops in holy places like Dwarka and Jagannthpuri. Some people wear it in rings like semiprecious stones. It is also available online at Amazon at this LINK.

A spiral curve on the plane side
of a Gomati Chakra

                People do many "Totakaas" (टोटके) with the Gomati chakras for different purposes as directed by their Pandit/Jyotishi and the YouTube is full of such videos but do not follow them without an advice from a learned person. It is so because there is no authenticity of such "Totakaas".   ,

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नैवेद्यम - Naivedyam and भोग - Bhog

Mango Fruit in Naivedyam

          After a God is given a bath, clothes, decoration and seat during the worship, it is time to offer Him foods. The eatable offerings to the God are named as नैवेद्य (Naivedya) or नैवेद्यम (Naivedyam). It includes sweets, the porridge of rice (खीर), fruits and dry fruits. Some items are favorite of a particular God. Like, the "Laddoos" are favorite of Ganesha, Bal-Krishna and Hanuman. "Laddoos" are Indian sweets made of Gram-Powder, sugar and ghee. Ripe bananas and mangos are typical Indian fruits which are offered to Gods. There are special occasions when some special eatables are offered to Gods. For example, "Thekua" which is made from wheat flour, ghee and sugar, is offered to Sun God and "Chhathi Maiya" Goddess on the occasion of the festival of "Chhath". Similarly, on the eighth day of "Navaratra" (अष्टमी) during Dussehra, the homemade "Thekua", "Purukiya" (Gujhiya-गुझिया), "Pua" and "Kheer" are offered to the Goddess as "Naivedyam". These homemade items are known as "Pakwan". So, these are following types of Naivedyam:-

Pakwan (Thekua) in Naivedyam

1. Fruits - फल 
2. Sweets - मिष्टान्न 
3. Cooked - पकवान 
                 Though salt is not made a part of Cooked (पकवान) Naivedyam as it is considered 'Tamasic' (तामसी) thing. In general, the Naivedyam is even not let to be touched with the salt. In rural areas, the things with salt, onion and garlic are termed as "Sakhari" and without it is termed as "Arba". So only "Arba" items are allowed to the God as Naivedyam. 
           But there are also exceptions to it. First, in some families, Child form of God Krishna is worshiped - called 'Bal-Krishna'. Those Vaishnava families offer Naivedyam whatever is cooked in their kitchen even including salt - It is called "Bhog". The First food is offered to 'Bal-Krishna' and the rest of the food is consumed by the family as Prasadam. In Jagannathpuri, God Krishna is offered cooked rice as "Bhog" and there too there is no restriction on salt.    
         Second, during the Durga Puja celebrations in the temples, the Goddess is offered "Khichdi" as Bhog on the seventh, eighth and ninth days (Saptami, Ashtami and Navami). Khichdi is a recipe in which rice, vegetables, oil and salt are cooked together. 
            Naivedyam is topped with Tulsi leaves. Since a person also requires water when eating, so after Naivedyam a bit of pure water (Jalam-जलं) is offered as "Achman Jal". 
            In "Shiva_Manas_Puja" Strotam we can see what Shiva is being offered:-

Sauvarne  navratna  khand  rachite          paatre   ghritam   paayasam

Bhakshyam panchvidham payodadhiyutam rambha phalam panakam

Shakanamyutam     jalam        ruchikaram     karpur    khandojjwalam

Tambulam   mansa   maya   virachitam    bhaktya   prabho   sweekuru

(O God! I am offering you the porridge of rice (खीर) and Ghee (Clarified butter) in a golden pot that is embedded with many precious stones. Please consume the drink which is made by ripe bananas and curd (दही). Please drink the water that is scented with different leaves and a piece of Camphor (Karpoor or Kapoor). I have made a "Paan" (Betel leaves roll) in my imagination with full devotion, please O God accept these things.)
               Bhagwan Tirupati Balaji is offered special 'Laddoos' as Naivedyam which is famous. The same type of Laddoos are also sold at Mahavir Mandir, Patna.  
              The Coconut is one of the fruits which is mostly offered to The Goddess (Bhagawati) and Shiva. While offering to the Goddess Kali it is considered as a sacrifice (Bali). It is due to the fact that in the Hindu Mythology the coconut is considered as a human being made by Great Rishi Vishwamitra with his force of 'Tapa'. It is broken in front of the Goddess as a sacrifice.
                  When the worship is complete the Naivedya becomes Prasad or Prasadam. There is the importance of taking prasad with respect. 
                 One thing is to be noted that though Naivedya offered to Gods is consumed as Prasada but if something is touched to Shivalinga as Naivedyam it is not consumed as Prasada until it is given to you by a priest with his own will. 

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Saubhagya Dravya - सौभाग्य द्रव्य !

      Saubhagya Dravya (सौभाग्य द्रव्य) is Sanskrit/Hindi word. Saubhagya means "Good Luck" while Dravya means material. So Saubhagya Dravya literally means the materials that bring good luck. In Hindu worship, Saubhagya Dravya is in form of powder and they consist,

1. Aveer (अवीर)

2. Gulal (गुलाल)

3. Kumkum (कुंकुम)

4. Turmeric powder (हल्दी चूर्ण)

5. Vermilion (सिन्दूर)
6. Ashtagandh Chandana (अष्टगंध चन्दन)
    

Saubhagya Dravya in Puja ki Thal

        These things can be seen in the above picture where a "Puja Ki Thal" has some items used in worship. At the start of worship jal/gangajal is offered to Gods for giving a bath (Snanam) and then one by one item of "Soubhagya Dravya" is offered. Instead of applying these with the hand it is better to sprinkle these powders with the help of a flower. Generally, a small "Genda" flower is used for this purpose. The flower is held at its lower part and the petal area is touched to the powder and then with a light stroke by forefinger the powder is sprinkled over the Gods. With each sprinkle, a Mantra is spoken. Example:-

अबीरं  च  गुलालं  च  चोवा  चन्दनमेव च।

अबीरेणार्चितो देव!अतः शान्ति प्रयच्छ मे।।

(Abiram ch Gulalam ch chova chandanmev ch,

Abirenarchito dev ! Atah Shanti prayachh me)

And

सिन्दूरं शोभनं रक्तं सौभाग्यम सुखवर्धनं।

शुभदं  कामदं चैव  सिन्दूरं  प्रतिगृह्यतां।।

  

(Sindooram Shobhanam raktam Saubhagyam sukhvardhanam

Shubhdam   Kamdam   chaiv   sindooram   pratigrihytam) 

            As someone makes up his/her face with different items to look beautiful, in the same way, these items of "Soubhagya Dravya" give a beautiful look to Gods and they are pleased. When Gods are pleased, it is bound to bring good luck (Saubhagya) to the devotee.
              Mahadeva (Shiva) too likes these specially Aveer, Gulal, Kumkum, and Chandana. When performing worship on a Shivalinga people like to rub these with hand. This offering looks beautiful at Baba Basukinathdham Shivalinga where one can see a devotee coming out from "Garbh-Gruh" with his right-hand red up to the wrist due to Abeer and Gulal offerings. 
               Apart from worship, these things are part of Hindu culture. Whenever there is an occasion of happiness,  people apply it to one another's faces. Remember the victory procession of an elected public leader or "Idol immersion-मूर्ति विसर्जन" procession. Hindu New Year's day ie Holi is nothing without Abeer and Gulal. God Krishna's Holi with Gopees is well known and has its spiritual significance.             
            These Puja items are available everywhere in local markets. Most of the things are also available at online shop Amazon for which link is given below:-

1. Aveer (अवीर)

2. Gulal (गुलाल)

3. Kumkum (कुंकुम)

4. Turmeric powder (हल्दी चूर्ण)

5. Vermilion (सिन्दूर)
6. Ashtagandh Chandana (अष्टगंध चन्दन)

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Conch Shell,Shankh - शंख

Dakshinawarti Shankh/दक्षिणावर्ती शंख /Right Handed Conch Shell

            Conch shell-(शंख) has a special place in Sanatana Hindu worship. It is associated with Hindu culture from time unknown. Many Gods and Goddesses hold it in their hands but it is closely related to Vishnu and Lakshmi. There are descriptions about the emergence of "Shankh" (Conch shell) in "Puranas". One description is related to a demon king "Shankhasur" while other is to "Samudra Manthan" (Churning of Sea) by Gods and Demons. It is said that during "Samudra Manthan" many 'Ratna"(Precious Items) emerged from the sea. Goddess Lakshmi and Conch shell-(शंख) were two of them. So Goddess Lakshmi accepts "Shankh" as her brother. That is why respecting and worshiping it makes Goddess Lakshmi happy. Vishnu holds a Conch shell in one of his four hands.

                     There are mainly two types of Conch Shells on the basis of turnings. "Vamawarti" (Anti-clockwise) and "Dakshinawarti" (Clockwise).  

"Vamawarti Shankh" (Left-handed Conch-Shell)

Vamawarti Shankh/वामावर्ती शंख 

                  This type of Conch-Shell is used to blow for making a sound that resembles the holy sound of "Aum-ॐ". It is the sound that represents "Nada-Brahma". During the worship (Puja) and "Aarati" Conch-Shell is blown. In fact during the "Satyanarayan Puja," it is blown at the end of each chapter along with the charged slogan of "Bolo Satyanarayan Bhagawan ki Jai" (Hail the God Satyanarayana)  and hearing it the persons away from the place of worship make a hurry to reach there. After the worship, it is blown throughout the "Aarati" along with "Ghanta"(Bell).

                       In ancient times the Conch-Shells were blown at the beginning of a war. In "Sri-mad-Bhagwat-Geeta" there is a description of blowing of "Shankh" by Krishna, Pandavas and Kauravas at the start of the war. Each warrior had his personal "Shankha" with a proper name. The name of Krishna's "Shankh" was "Panchjanya" which he blew at the start of the war at Kurukshetra. This "Shankh" is also one of the four attributes of God Vishnu. 

                A "Vamawarti" (Left-handed or Anti-clockwise) Conch-shell infolds anti-clockwise from opening to its center. If it is kept on a surface with its opening upwards then the open end will be on the left of a viewer if seen from the head end. It means this type of "Shankh" can be held in left hand easily for use. 

                  "Shankh" used for blowing is prepared by making a hole at the center of its head end. To blow it this hole is pressed softly against the closed lips and the air is allowed to go between the lips into the hole with a vibration in the lips. The "Shankh" amplifies the vibration of the lips into "Aum" sound.
                "Shankh" is in fact shell of a snail-like creature found in the sea. It is harder and bigger than snails and is found in different shapes and sizes. A "Vamawarti" (Left-handed or Anti-clockwise) Conch-shell is the most common variety among all shapes and sizes. 
      Blowing "Shankh" is available online also at Amazon at this link. 

"Dakshinawarti Shankh" (Right-handed Conch-Shell)

Dakshinavarti Shankh

                  This type of Conch-Shell is rarely found and remains in much demand. It is not used to blow, only worshiped. Just like one faced "Rudraksha" which is worshiped as if it be Shiva Himself, similarly 'Right Handed Conch Shell' is worshiped as if it be Vishnu Himself. It is believed that keeping "Dakshinavarti Shankh" in the house near 'Puja Place' brings prosperity (Lakshmi). It is placed on a red cloth with its open end facing upward. Some people fill it with "Arva" rice. 
         Dakshinavarti Shankh is available online at Amazon at this link.
                   Conch-Shells are also used to pour holy water over God which is called "Abhishek". Such water has as much significance like "Gangajalam".
                     Conch-Shells are composed of mostly calcium carbonate and many types of items are made of it. One such item is "Shaankha-शांखा" which is a type of bangle. It is made by cutting Conch-Shell along cross-section and joining it to give a round shape. Such white bangles are worn by married women (Suhagins) in Bengal, Orrisa and Mithila. Shankha and Pola Bangles are also available online at Amazon. 

"Ganesha Shankh" (Ganesha shaped Conch-Shell)

Ganesha Shankh

                        Among the many varieties of Conch-Shells found in the sea, this one is also considered holy by Hindus. Used only for worshiping this "Shankh" looks like Ganesha with a trunk, crown and big belly. It has some thorny ridges. Since Ganesha is the first worshiped God (Pratham Pujya), this natural occurring 'Shankh' has a great significance. Worshiping or simply keeping it at 'Puja' place with honor keeps hurdles of life away. On Amazon, mostly metal Shankh (Show-pieces) are available at this link. Few Ganesha-Shankh is available at this link.


          Whatever be the type of "Shankh", it is important that it should be given good respect because Lakshmi accepts "Shankh" as a brother. Respecting it Lakshmi is pleased and showers her "Kripa" on the devotee otherwise She would be angry. Tapping of the hole with palm on a "Vamavarti Shankh" to clear the voice is taken as a disrespect and it should not be done. 

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कुश /कुशा - Halfa Grass !

A Ring of Darbha/Kusha Grass - Halfa grass

कुश /कुशा - Halfa Grass is an important thing in Sanatan Hindu worship. Before starting the puja when a devotee makes himself pure with the sprinkling of water with mantras over himself, he wears a ring of "Kusha" grass in his ring finger of right hand. It is said that worship without wearing a "Kusha" ring is fruitless. One can notice that when we invite a Pundit Ji for Satyanarayan Puja he would bring the "Kusha" ring with him and advise to wear it in the beginning. Even the small mat called "Aasani-आसनी" is taken as most pure that is made of "Kusha" grass. It is advisable to use "Kusha Aasani-कुश आसनी" as a seat during worship. "Kusha Aasani-कुश आसनी" is also used in meditation (Dhyana-ध्यान). Even in Buddhism, it is an accepted fact. Lord Buddha used to meditate sitting on a "Kusha Aasani-कुश आसनी". So it is a holy grass and there are some rules to uproot it even for the purpose of worship.

                 Though it is a perennial herb, it is uprooted only on one day in a year and that too not in an unlimited quantity. It is plucked only up to the need. This one day is the no-moon day in the Hindu Month of "Bhadon" (भाद्रपद अमावस्या). It is also called "Kushgrahani Amawasya". Before uprooting it the devotee sits keeping the grass either to the east or to the North. And also a Mantra is spoken

Viranchina Sahotpanna Parmeshthinnisagarja

Nud Sarvani Ppapani Darbh Swastikaro Bhava |

Hum fat.

"Darbh" in this Mantra is another name for "Kusha" grass. There are many varieties of "Kusha" grass anyone can be used but it should be well shaped. In this year 2016 "Kushgrahani Amawasya" is on 1st September.
                It is said that during the churning of the ocean by Devas and Danavas in Hindu mythology, "Amrita" came out. Both sides wanted it. In the quarrel, a few drops of it fell on the "Kusha" grass, so not only it became long lasting but became holy too.
            Kusha rings and Puja mats are available in the local market and also online at Amazon. Links for some items are given below:-
1. Kusha/Darbha Ring
2. Kusha Aasan/Mats 
3. Kusha sleeping mats/Meditation Mats 

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Kalash-कलश !

Kalash/कलश 

                In Sanatana Hindu Religion it is believed that all Gods come and stay at different parts of Kalash when invited. It is also believed to be auspicious like symbols of 'Swastik' and 'Aum'. In almost all important worships and "Samskaaras" like Durgapuja, Satyanarayan Puja, Wedding, Upanayan etc, the 'Kalash' is placed to invoke Gods. In many shops or offices of commercial  institutions one may see 'Kalash' at the small place of worship where idols of Ganesh and Lakshmi are worshiped daily. In simple worships like 'Satyanarayan Puja' simple 'Kalash' like in picture above may be made in which a metal (Copper or Bronze) pot or earthen pot is decorated and used. It is placed over "Akshat" and filled with Pure Water (शुद्ध जल) then  "Aamra-pallava"  is places over it. A good and dry coconut with water inside is wrapped with thin red cotton cloth called "Saaluk" in a way shown in above picture. It is placed over the  "Aamra-pallava" with the tip vertically upward. Vermilion lines are drawn over it and when worship starts different gods are invoked in it with proper 'Mantras' and accordingly worshiped. 

"Kalash" in special worship

                In detailed worship like "Praan Pratistha", first the place on the ground is touched by the "Yajmaan" and there "Ashtadal Kamal" (अष्टदल कमल)is made with 'Kumkum' etc. saying its 'Mantra'. In fact for each step there is a Mantra which I am not writing here because these are performed by the "Pundit" and no need to keep it in memory. Here its detail is given only for the general knowledge in worship.

           2nd step- One 'ser' (before kilogram got popular, ser was used as a unit of weight which was a bit more than kg) "Saptadhanya" is poured over the place with Mantra.  

               3rd step- Over it the pot of 'Kalash' is put with Mantra. 

           4th step- "Shuddh Jala" (Pure water) is poured in the pot with Mantra.

               5th step- "Gandh" (Scent like Chandan) is put in and over the "Kalash" with Mantra.  

              6th step- "Sarvoshadhi" (Literal meaning is all medicines) is put in the "Kalash" with Mantra.

               7th step- "Durva" (Doob Grass) is put  in the "Kalash" with Mantra.   

                 8th step- "Panch-pallava" (Five types of leaf bunches)  is put in the "Kalash" with Mantra.  

                  9th step- For more purity a "Pavitri" made from 'Kusha' grass is put in the "Kalash" with Mantra.   

                 10th step- "Sapta-mritti" (soils from Seven different specified places)  is put in the "Kalash" with Mantra.     

                     11th step- "Pungifal" (Betel nut- पुंगीफल, सुपारी)  is put in the "Kalash" with Mantra.    

               12th step- "Panch-ratna" (Five types of precious stones)  is put in the "Kalash" with Mantra.  

                       13th step- Gold is put in the "Kalash" with Mantra.

                    14th step- The "Kalash" is wrapped with two clothes saying Mantra. 

                      15th step- Another copper pot is filled with "Akshat"  and put over 'Kalash' with Mantra.  

                         16th step- A coconut wrapped in red cloth is put over this copper pot on 'Kalash'.  

                 In the last, God Varuna is invoked in the 'Kalash' along with his parts, family, weapons and powers and saying 

A Kalash in Sri Satyanarayan Puja

"ॐ अप्पतये वरुणाय नमः"  Different gods are invoked on the "Kalash" with following shlokas,

Kalash Adhishthapan - Aawahan and Stuti

As it can be seen in above Mantra that almost all gods come at different parts of the "Kalash" when invoked, so it is an important part of Hindu Worship.
Note:- Beautiful metallic Puja Kalash and painted marble Chonki are available at Amazon at THIS LINK.  

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जलम् , गंगाजलं - Holy Water and Water of Holy River Ganga - Gangajal !

             

Gangajal in "Arghi" & "Panchapatra" made of copper

                        Water is the most essential thing in a Hindu worship. Its use starts even before the worship of God. Holiness (Called Shuchita or Pavitrta in Hindi or Sanskrit) is the most important in Hindu worship and it is attained by cleaning things and taking bath with water. The place of worship and pots & utensils of worship are cleaned with water.                

Holy dip in River Ganga at Sultanganj, Bihar

                The devotee takes a dip in the river, pond or pours water drawn from a well before preparing for worship. But the most desired water body is the Holy River Ganga. Even the clothes he wears are washed in water and dried beforehand. Be it a "Panchopachar Puja" or "Shodashopachar Puja", pure water is taken in "Panchpatra" from which water is taken out with a spoon like thing called "Araghi" to give the God a bath (Snanam-स्नानं). If available the devotee prefers "Gangajal" for this purpose. 
               Before the worship of "Satyanarayana Swami" the God represented by "Shaligram" stone is given a bath and this water is collected and distributed as "Charanamrit" after worship. "Satyanarayana Swami" or Vishnu and His avatars are given a bath once and after His worship, devotees get only "darshan" in the temples but in Shiva's worship, it is a continuous process. Whenever a devotee comes he pours as much water or "Gangajal" on Shivalinga to start the worship because Shiva likes water-pouring and if the water is "Gangajal" He is even more pleased. In "Rudrabhishek" the pure water or Ganga water is poured continuously till the "Rudraashtadhyayi" chanting by Pundits goes on. For this uninterrupted water pouring a horn-shaped vessel made of brass or copper is used which is called "Singhi". In Hindi "Singh" means horn so due to horn shape it got its name as "Singhi". It is held in hand with wider end up and thinner end down. The thinner end has a small hole from which the water comes out as a stream when it is filled. During "Rudrabhishek" this continuous stream is made to fall on "Shivalinga". After "Rudrabhishek" flowers of worship and things that Shiva likes are offered on Shivalinga.
                    Importance of water increases in the worship of Shiva in Savan Month and the "Rudrabhishek" in Savan Month is the most fruitful. People bring Ganga water on their shoulders from Sultanganj and pour it over to "Baidyanath Jyotirlinga" at Deoghar and "Nagesh Jyotirlinga" at "Basukinathdham" in the month of Savan. (Though there is a more famous "Nagesh Jyotirlinga" near Dwarika, Gujarat).
                  Even in daily worship the devotee makes himself "Pavitra" by sprinkling water over himself and chanting the following mantra:-

Aum Apavitro Pavitro Va Sarvawastham Gatopi Va

yah Smaret Pundariyakasham Sa Vahyabhyantarah Shuchih

aum pundariyakashah punatu!

aum pundariyakashah punatu!

aum pundariyakashah punatu!

                    Water is also used for "Achaman" when a few drops of water is taken on the palm and thrown in self-mouth three times chanting thus:-

Aum Keshawaya Namah !

Aum Narayanaya Namah !

Aum Madhawaya Namah !

                       At the start of worship Gods are requested to come, means "Aawahanam", then "Pratishthapanam, Aasanam, Padyam and Arghyam". Next, the water is also offered to Gods for "Achamanam and Snanam (Bath)". For each step, 'Mantras' are there for different gods. For example mantra for Ganesha is as follows,

For "Achamanam"

Sarva Ttirth Samayuktam Sugandhi Nirmalam Jalam|

Aachamyatam  Mayadattam  Grihan Vighneshwar !

For "Snanam (Bath)"

Mandakinyastu yadwari   sarvapapharam shubham |

Tadidam kalpitam dev ! snanartham pratigrihyatam||

                After the first bath gods are given different kinds of the bath like "Panchamrit Snanam", milk bath, curd bath, ghee bath, honey bath and cane juice bath. These different kinds of bath make sticky so again the second bath is given by water which is called "Shuddhodak Snanam" and again "Achamanam" water is offered. Next gods are decorated with different things of worship. When decoration is complete He/She is offered fruits and sweets as "Naivedyam" to eat. As one needs water to drink after taking food similarly "Achaman Jal" is also offered to gods after offering "Naivedyam" saying thus 'Idam Achamane Jalam Samarpyami'. There are also 'Mantras' for offering this "Achaman Jal" to different gods. For example, Ganesha is offered "Achaman Jal" with following 'Mantra',

Ganadhip!        Namastubhyam    Gaurisut    Gajanana |

Grihan Aaachamaniyam Twam Sarvasiddhi Pradayakam ||

A view of morning 'Arghyam' for Chhath Puja
near a water body at Ranchi, Jharkhand

                 Similarly for "Arghyam" water is used. Anybody who is familiar with "Chhath Puja" which is celebrated with much devotion in Bihar, Jharkhand and Eastern UP knows well that the two times "Arghyam" offered to Sun God is done near a water body like a river, pond, lake or sea. If not available people do it near their house in an open water tank or even in a big open-mouthed pot. For "Arghyam" water is taken in a small pot and poured towards Sun, down in the water body.
                 Even after the completion of worship, the used worship materials are disposed of (Visarjanam) in a water body.
                   As water is the basis of all life forms, same is the case with Hindu worship. Water is essential for all types of Puja and Hindu rituals. 
            For those who can not bring Gangajal from the holy river, it is also available at online site Amazon at This Link.

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