Beginner Puja - Day 2- Getting ready for the alt'a'red state

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

OK – We are on Day 2 and I thought we’ll get our altars set up first

so that we are familiar with the items that we need for the puja.

Now remember all y’all , ALL THE ITEMS MENTIONED ARE OPTIONAL EXCEPT FOR YER DEVOTION.

But if you can, it would be nice to get these items for your puja.

a) A picture of your favorite deity. An idol would be even

better. In the case of Shiva Puja, a picture or lingam with yoni

would be ideal.

b) An asan – this means seat. So you don’t sit on the bare floor

or wood or even carpet. It would be great if you could get sheep’s

wool or lambs wool ( I got mine from IKEA ). Of course the real deal

is a mat made of Kusa Grass (Parvati, where did you get yours?) .And

has a cloth over this mat. If all these are too difficult to obtain, a

cotton blanket that is used exclusively for puja will serve nicely.

c) A lamp – could be a ghee/oil lamp with a wick or if this is

cumbersome, a tea-light that will last for atleast 1 hour is good. A

lamp holder is to hold the tea light is also needed – your

imagination is the limit. At the mandir, we have a lantern to hold

the tea light to avoid any fire accidents.

d) Incense and holder

e) Camphor and holder

f) Match box

g) One water pot to hold water

h) One water pot with spoon to hold purified water.

i) Sandalwood, Sindoor (red powder), a few grains of uncooked

rice (a cup is plenty) , turmeric powder. Shree Maa has a masala box

(available in Indian Stores) or a pill box to hold these various

powders

and rice.

j) A piece of cloth to offer the deity

k) A rudraksh to offer the deity

l) A rudraksh mala or any mala with 108 beads for counting.

m) A bell (looks like a Christmas ornament) for ringing during the puja.

n) A conch for blowing at the end of the puja. (which means you

have to learn to blow the conch which aint easy I tell ya)

o) A set of bowls to hold the offering 1) Milk 2) Yoghurt 3) Ghee

4) Honey 5) Sugar 6) A sixth bowl to hold the first five offerings 7)

A bowl containing a sample of the food that you have prepared for

that day , or if you don’t have cooked food – some fruit is good.

p) A plate containing flowers or petals (if you don’t want to

invest in too many flowers)

q) A flower garland

r) If your altar is such that you cannot draw a yantra during

puja and clean it up when done – like I have cloth on mine for

example – a plate on which you can draw the yantra is needed.

s) A book holder to hold your Beginner Shiva Book. Maa does not

like for us to keep books on the floor. Also that means no stepping on

this book or letting your feet touch the book - for the book

represents the Goddess Saraswati.

t) And last but not the least – your altar. You need to have a

raised platform – made of wood or cement or a cardboard box of your

choice. Making this altar is really upto your imagination, but here

are a few guidelines for setting up your altar

Suggested Guidelines for the altar

It should be in a room that is reserved especially for puja. If this

is not possible due to lack of space, set aside a corner of a room

especially for puja. Try to make this corner in the North East of

your house.

The deity should face south or west, which means we will face the deity ie face north or south.

A corner is preferred so that you are not in the way of your family

and therefore do not disturb or be disturbed by them.

Here is a way that you could set up your altar. Remember this is only

a suggestion based on my experience and you may very well have a

better way of setting it up. I look forward to hearing from others

how they have setup their altar.

Also the picture below will be stored in the Files Section for those

unable to view it at

Beginner%20Shiva%20Puja/

Your assignment for today – Set up your altar. Try it out with what

you got at hand . Come back with questions and we’ll review tomorrow.

JAI SHIVA

Nanda

Tired

of spam? Mail has the best spam protection around

 

[Guest guest]

question--what do you draw this yantra with? and you do this on the plate?

question: why do we need 2 water pots?

question: where do you get a conch from?

question: this cloth and this rudraksh--do you need a new one each

time, or do you offer the same one over and over?

 

and the drawing is also very helpful, thank you.

 

berijoy

 

On Sat, 19 Mar 2005 21:45:19 -0800 (PST), Nanda wrote:

Dear All,

 

OK – We are on Day 2 and I thought we’ll get our altars set up first

so that we are familiar with the items that we need for the puja.

 

Now remember all y’all , ALL THE ITEMS MENTIONED ARE OPTIONAL EXCEPT FOR YER DEVOTION.

[Guest guest]

Dear Nanda,

Thank you for this offering....

My big concern is is the direction all that important? My study has a

built in closet along one wall and in the centre in what should have

been the dressing table part I have placed my alter. However, it is on

the western wall of the house, so that the dieties face east and I face

west when chanting, meditating, doing puja etc. My desk for everything

else is on the eastern wall because it would not fit on the northern

wall which is mostly window or the southern wall which is door and etc.

to put a puja in the corner would mean I couldn';t get at the filing

cabinets which are in the closet.

I feel a bit silly carrying on about this but if I am trying to do this

correctly and you are taking the time to instruct us...well it

shouldn't be wasted.

Thank you

Jai Maa and Jai Swamiji

Grace

..On 20/03/2005, at 4:45 PM, Nanda wrote:

> Dear All,

>

>  

>

> OK – We are on Day 2 and I thought we’ll get our altars set up first

> so that we are familiar with the items that we need for the puja.

>

>  

>

> Now remember all y’all , ALL THE ITEMS MENTIONED ARE OPTIONAL EXCEPT

> FOR YER DEVOTION.

>

>  

>

> But if you can, it would be nice to get these items for your puja.

>

>  

>

> a)      A picture of your favorite deity. An idol would be even

> better. In the case of Shiva Puja, a picture or lingam with yoni would

> be ideal.

>

> b)      An asan – this means seat. So you don’t sit on the bare floor

> or wood or even carpet. It would be great if you could get sheep’s

> wool or lambs wool ( I got mine from IKEA ). Of course the real deal

> is a mat made of Kusa Grass (Parvati, where did you get yours?)  .And

> has a cloth over this mat. If all these are too difficult to obtain, a

> cotton blanket that is used exclusively for puja will serve nicely.

>

> c)      A lamp – could be a ghee/oil lamp with a wick or if this is

> cumbersome, a tea-light that will last for atleast 1 hour is good. A

> lamp holder is to hold the tea light is also needed – your imagination

> is the limit. At the mandir, we have a lantern to hold the tea light

> to avoid any fire accidents.

>

> d)      Incense and holder

>

> e)      Camphor and holder

>

> f)       Match box

>

> g)      One water pot to hold water

>

> h)      One water pot with spoon to hold purified water.

>

> i)        Sandalwood, Sindoor (red powder), a few grains of uncooked

> rice (a cup is plenty) , turmeric powder.  Shree Maa has a masala box

> (available in Indian Stores) or a pill box to hold these various

> powders and rice.

>

> j)        A piece of cloth to offer the deity

>

> k)      A rudraksh to offer the deity

>

> l)        A rudraksh mala or any mala with 108 beads for counting.

>

> m)    A bell (looks like a Christmas ornament) for ringing during the

> puja.

>

> n)      A conch for blowing at the end of the puja. (which means you

> have to learn to blow the conch which aint easy I tell ya)

>

> o)      A set of bowls to hold the offering 1) Milk 2) Yoghurt 3) Ghee

> 4) Honey 5) Sugar 6) A sixth bowl to hold the first five offerings 7)

> A bowl containing a sample of the food that you have prepared for that

> day , or if you don’t have cooked food – some fruit is good.

>

> p)      A plate containing flowers or petals (if you don’t want to

> invest in too many flowers)

>

> q)      A flower garland

>

> r)       If your altar is such that you cannot draw a yantra during

> puja and clean it up when done – like I have cloth on mine for example

> – a plate on which you can draw the yantra is needed.

>

> s)        A book holder to hold your Beginner Shiva Book. Maa does not

> like for us to keep books on the floor. Also that means no stepping on

> this book or letting your feet touch the book -  for the book

> represents the Goddess Saraswati.

>

> t)        And last but not the least – your altar. You need to have a

> raised platform – made of wood or cement or a cardboard box of your

> choice. Making this altar is really upto your imagination, but here

> are a few guidelines for setting up your altar

>

>  

>

> Suggested Guidelines for the altar

>

> It should be in a room that is reserved especially for puja. If this

> is not possible due to lack of space, set aside a corner of a room

> especially for puja. Try to make this corner in the North East of your

> house.

>

> The deity should face south or west, which means we will face the

> deity ie face north or south.

>

> A corner is preferred so that you are not in the way of your family

> and therefore do not disturb or be disturbed by them.

>

>  

>

> Here is a way that you could set up your altar. Remember this is only

> a suggestion based on my experience and you may very well have a

> better way of setting it up. I look forward to hearing from others how

> they have setup their altar.

>

>  

>

> Also the picture below will be stored in the Files Section for those

> unable to view it at

>

> Beginner%20Shiva%20Puja/

>

> Your assignment for today – Set up your altar. Try it out with what

> you got at hand . Come back with questions and we’ll review tomorrow.

>

> JAI SHIVA

>

> Nanda

>

>  

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Sponsor

>

>

> <22305_0205_016_b_300250_a.gif>

> <l.gif>

>

> Links

>

> •

> /

>  

> •

>

>  

> • Terms of

> Service.

>

>

Attachment: (text/enriched) [not stored]

[Guest guest]

Om Namah Shivayah Dear Friends,

 

In India, where the power goes off frequently, if you are chanting at

night, you may want to add an emergency lamp.

 

Of course, if you have memorized the chant, it would not be needed

 

Another option that I discovered from reading Sahib Sadhu is that of

our beloved Swamiji's: He would chant in the Funeral Grounds where

the light from the pyres were very bright throughout the night.

 

I seek the blessings of our beloved Gurus to make our sadhana strong

and bright.

 

Jai Maa! Jai Swamiji!

srini

 

, Nanda <chandimaakijai> wrote:

> Dear All,

>

>

>

> OK – We are on Day 2 and I thought we'll get our altars set up

first so that we are familiar with the items that we need for the

puja.

>

>

>

> Now remember all y'all , ALL THE ITEMS MENTIONED ARE OPTIONAL

EXCEPT FOR YER DEVOTION.

>

>

>

> But if you can, it would be nice to get these items for your puja.

>

>

>

> a) A picture of your favorite deity. An idol would be even

better. In the case of Shiva Puja, a picture or lingam with yoni

would be ideal.

>

> b) An asan – this means seat. So you don't sit on the bare

floor or wood or even carpet. It would be great if you could get

sheep's wool or lambs wool ( I got mine from IKEA ). Of course the

real deal is a mat made of Kusa Grass (Parvati, where did you get

yours?) .And has a cloth over this mat. If all these are too

difficult to obtain, a cotton blanket that is used exclusively for

puja will serve nicely.

>

> c) A lamp – could be a ghee/oil lamp with a wick or if this is

cumbersome, a tea-light that will last for atleast 1 hour is good. A

lamp holder is to hold the tea light is also needed – your

imagination is the limit. At the mandir, we have a lantern to hold

the tea light to avoid any fire accidents.

>

> d) Incense and holder

>

> e) Camphor and holder

>

> f) Match box

>

> g) One water pot to hold water

>

> h) One water pot with spoon to hold purified water.

>

> i) Sandalwood, Sindoor (red powder), a few grains of

uncooked rice (a cup is plenty) , turmeric powder. Shree Maa has a

masala box (available in Indian Stores) or a pill box to hold these

various powders and rice.

>

> j) A piece of cloth to offer the deity

>

> k) A rudraksh to offer the deity

>

> l) A rudraksh mala or any mala with 108 beads for counting.

>

> m) A bell (looks like a Christmas ornament) for ringing during

the puja.

>

> n) A conch for blowing at the end of the puja. (which means

you have to learn to blow the conch which aint easy I tell ya)

>

> o) A set of bowls to hold the offering 1) Milk 2) Yoghurt 3)

Ghee 4) Honey 5) Sugar 6) A sixth bowl to hold the first five

offerings 7) A bowl containing a sample of the food that you have

prepared for that day , or if you don't have cooked food – some fruit

is good.

>

> p) A plate containing flowers or petals (if you don't want to

invest in too many flowers)

>

> q) A flower garland

>

> r) If your altar is such that you cannot draw a yantra during

puja and clean it up when done – like I have cloth on mine for

example – a plate on which you can draw the yantra is needed.

>

> s) A book holder to hold your Beginner Shiva Book. Maa does

not like for us to keep books on the floor. Also that means no

stepping on this book or letting your feet touch the book - for the

book represents the Goddess Saraswati.

>

> t) And last but not the least – your altar. You need to have

a raised platform – made of wood or cement or a cardboard box of your

choice. Making this altar is really upto your imagination, but here

are a few guidelines for setting up your altar

>

>

>

> Suggested Guidelines for the altar

>

> It should be in a room that is reserved especially for puja. If

this is not possible due to lack of space, set aside a corner of a

room especially for puja. Try to make this corner in the North East

of your house.

>

> The deity should face south or west, which means we will face the

deity ie face north or south.

>

> A corner is preferred so that you are not in the way of your family

and therefore do not disturb or be disturbed by them.

>

>

>

> Here is a way that you could set up your altar. Remember this is

only a suggestion based on my experience and you may very well have a

better way of setting it up. I look forward to hearing from others

how they have setup their altar.

>

>

>

> Also the picture below will be stored in the Files Section for

those unable to view it at

Beginner%20Shiva%

20Puja/

>

>

>

> Your assignment for today – Set up your altar. Try it out with what

you got at hand . Come back with questions and we'll review tomorrow.

>

> JAI SHIVA

>

> Nanda

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

nanda this is AWESOME i want to be a part of this ok ...

 

hold on i am missing some of this ...

 

will try and catch up.

 

hey, i bought a book holder made of wood at barnes and noble! aso you

can look there for one.

 

nanda hon where do we find a conch here in texas?!?!?!!!!!! i want

one!!!

 

peace peace shanti

 

steve

 

 

 

 

- In , Nanda <chandimaakijai> wrote:

> Dear All,

>

>

>

> OK – We are on Day 2 and I thought we'll get our altars set

up first

so that we are familiar with the items that we need for the puja.

>

>

>

> Now remember all y'all , ALL THE ITEMS MENTIONED ARE OPTIONAL

EXCEPT

FOR YER DEVOTION.

>

>

>

> But if you can, it would be nice to get these items for your puja.

>

>

>

> a) A picture of your favorite deity. An idol would be even

better. In the case of Shiva Puja, a picture or lingam with yoni would

be ideal.

>

> b) An asan – this means seat. So you don't sit on the

bare

floor or wood or even carpet. It would be great if you could get

sheep's wool or lambs wool ( I got mine from IKEA ). Of course the

real deal is a mat made of Kusa Grass (Parvati, where did you get

yours?) .And has a cloth over this mat. If all these are too

difficult to obtain, a cotton blanket that is used exclusively for

puja will serve nicely.

>

> c) A lamp – could be a ghee/oil lamp with a wick or if

this is

cumbersome, a tea-light that will last for atleast 1 hour is good. A

lamp holder is to hold the tea light is also needed – your

imagination

is the limit. At the mandir, we have a lantern to hold the tea light

to avoid any fire accidents.

>

> d) Incense and holder

>

> e) Camphor and holder

>

> f) Match box

>

> g) One water pot to hold water

>

> h) One water pot with spoon to hold purified water.

>

> i) Sandalwood, Sindoor (red powder), a few grains of uncooked

rice (a cup is plenty) , turmeric powder. Shree Maa has a masala box

(available in Indian Stores) or a pill box to hold these various

powders and rice.

>

> j) A piece of cloth to offer the deity

>

> k) A rudraksh to offer the deity

>

> l) A rudraksh mala or any mala with 108 beads for counting.

>

> m) A bell (looks like a Christmas ornament) for ringing during

the puja.

>

> n) A conch for blowing at the end of the puja. (which means you

have to learn to blow the conch which aint easy I tell ya)

>

> o) A set of bowls to hold the offering 1) Milk 2) Yoghurt 3)

Ghee 4) Honey 5) Sugar 6) A sixth bowl to hold the first five

offerings 7) A bowl containing a sample of the food that you have

prepared for that day , or if you don't have cooked food –

some fruit

is good.

>

> p) A plate containing flowers or petals (if you don't want

to

invest in too many flowers)

>

> q) A flower garland

>

> r) If your altar is such that you cannot draw a yantra during

puja and clean it up when done – like I have cloth on mine for

example

– a plate on which you can draw the yantra is needed.

>

> s) A book holder to hold your Beginner Shiva Book. Maa does

not like for us to keep books on the floor. Also that means no

stepping on this book or letting your feet touch the book - for the

book represents the Goddess Saraswati.

>

> t) And last but not the least – your altar. You need to

have

a raised platform – made of wood or cement or a cardboard box of

your

choice. Making this altar is really upto your imagination, but here

are a few guidelines for setting up your altar

>

>

>

> Suggested Guidelines for the altar

>

> It should be in a room that is reserved especially for puja. If this

is not possible due to lack of space, set aside a corner of a room

especially for puja. Try to make this corner in the North East of your

house.

>

> The deity should face south or west, which means we will face the

deity ie face north or south.

>

> A corner is preferred so that you are not in the way of your family

and therefore do not disturb or be disturbed by them.

>

>

>

> Here is a way that you could set up your altar. Remember this is

only a suggestion based on my experience and you may very well have a

better way of setting it up. I look forward to hearing from others how

they have setup their altar.

>

>

>

> Also the picture below will be stored in the Files Section for those

unable to view it at

Be

ginner%20Shiva%20Puja/

>

>

>

> Your assignment for today – Set up your altar. Try it out with

what

you got at hand . Come back with questions and we'll review

tomorrow.

>

> JAI SHIVA

>

> Nanda

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jai Maa!

 

Just a note to say how much I am enjoying this thread.

 

I don't have the Shiva Puja Beginner Book, so I am

following along with the posts, relating them to the

Kaalii Puujaa book, which is what I use.

 

If someone who has the book could give me the heads-up

when we get to the section containing the Ten

Directions Clap and Snap section, I would greatly

appreciate it.

 

Jai Maa!

 

--Aravind

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

oh, another question: where do you get garland from? i have never

seen one before.

> A */flower garland/*

--

Be Love,

Berijoy

http://www.egyirba.net

-=-=-

.... Do something unusual today. Pay a bill.

[Guest guest]

Jai Maa,

What my wife Amita does, is she arranges the

flowers on the table in the shape of a garland. Then

shee takes her needle and strong thread and takes one

flower at a time and prepares her garland.

Bharat

 

With Best Regards

[Guest guest]

oh, thank you my brother bharat. this is a good idea.

B Patel wrote:

-=-=-

>

> Jai Maa, What my wife Amita does, is she arranges the flowers on

the

> table in the shape of a garland. Then shee takes her needle and

> strong thread and takes one flower at a time and prepares her

> garland. Bharat

>

> With Best Regards

--

Be Love,

Berijoy

http://www.egyirba.net

[Guest guest]

I am waaaay behind, but working to catch up.

 

I have a question regarding altar setups.

 

In order to keep peace in the family, I will need to put away the

puja gear (including--and especially--deity images) before certain

family members visit. I really do need to do this, and I'm not

looking for a debate on the topic.

 

So I can either

 

1. set up the altar in a little-used corner of a room and pack it

away occasionally, or I can

 

2. set the alter up in a more-used room where I could use the CD

player, but I'd have to pack everything up after each puja.

 

Which would be preferable? Are there issues with cleaning up after

puja or putting things away?

 

, Nanda <chandimaakijai> wrote:

>[Nanda wrote:]

> Suggested Guidelines for the altar

>

> It should be in a room that is reserved especially for puja. If

this is not possible due to lack of space, set aside a corner of a

room especially for puja. Try to make this corner in the North East

of your house.

>

> The deity should face south or west, which means we will face the

deity ie face north or south.

>

> A corner is preferred so that you are not in the way of your family

and therefore do not disturb or be disturbed by them.

>

>

>

> Here is a way that you could set up your altar. Remember this is

only a suggestion based on my experience and you may very well have a

better way of setting it up. I look forward to hearing from others

how they have setup their altar.

>

>

[Guest guest]

, Nanda <chandimaakijai>

wrote:

 

 

>>> "But if you can, it would be nice to get these items for your

puja." <<<

 

 

e) Camphor and holder

 

 

Could you go into more detail about this?

 

 

 

k) A rudraksh to offer the deity

 

 

Any idea where I could find these?

 

 

 

q) A flower garland

 

 

Same question as above.

 

 

 

Sorry folks. I've been too busy with work to make it to class, but

I've been trying to keep up with my homework!! (-:

 

Michael

[Guest guest]

Hi Michael,

 

I ordered a rudraksh, camphor, and camphor spoon from

 

Amma's books and gifts

http://www.mothersbooks.org/

 

I haven't received the items yet, so that's not quite an endorsement.

 

Comments and questions for the group:

 

My selections were pretty random, or at least clueless, so I'm not

sure I've ordered exactly what I should have.

 

Does camphor come in different forms? I note that at least one

website said "camphor tablet." Are there different or better forms?

 

The camphor spoons come in quite a mind-boggling array of styles. Is

one better, or more functional, (or maybe safer!) than the others?

 

Rudraksh seeds apparently have different numbers of facets, and

different associations based on the number of facets (not to mention

different prices.) Any (belated for me) recommendations on this

front?

 

, "Michael Doughty"

<woebegone01> wrote:

> e) Camphor and holder

>

> Could you go into more detail about this?

>

> k) A rudraksh to offer the deity

>

> Any idea where I could find these?

>

[Guest guest]

, "msbauju" <msbauju> wrote:

>

>

>> Comments and questions for the group:

>

> My selections were pretty random, or at least clueless, so I'm not

> sure I've ordered exactly what I should have.

>

> Does camphor come in different forms? The camphor spoons come in

quite a mind-boggling array of styles. Is

> one better, or more functional, (or maybe safer!) than the others?

> "muktimaa"

 

Camphor does come in different forms. i prefer not to use synthetic

and i also prefer to use crystals. Sometimes it will be even

marked 'Food Grade', that is usually the most pure. You can get

really good food grade camphor at the same place that carries the

blowing conches. www.krishnaculture.com

You made a wise choice in ordering from Mothers books. Their camphor

is from India and is in crystals, which is great, because a little

goes a long way. i feel comfortable saying everything you got from

Mother's books you should be happy with.[although, i do hope you

ordered the largest spoon.] i have ordered from them many times and

have never been disappointed. As far as the camphor spoon goes, i

learned [albeit ow, the hard way :<D] that the biggest spoon they

carry is what i would have ordered because the metal gets really hot.]

so the longer heavier stem/handle buffers that somewhat. Also, i

usually put a layer of vibhuti [clean and blessed ash] under the

camphor to absorb some of the heat. Then i use the ash as prasad.[not

to eat, i put it on my forehead.]

 

"msbauju"

I note that at least one

> website said "camphor tablet." Are there different or better forms?

 

"muktimaa"

Personally, i don't use tablets. A lot of times they are synthetic,

anyway.

>

> "msbauju"

> Rudraksh seeds apparently have different numbers of facets, and

> different associations based on the number of facets (not to

mention

> different prices.) Any (belated for me) recommendations on this

> front?

"muktimaa"

i have a few that i have acquired over the years. i just usually

bought the one that 'felt right'. Mother's Books has very nice

Rudrakshas.

Jai Maa! Jai Swamiji! Jai Ramakrishna Deva!

muktimaa

>

> , "Michael Doughty"

> <woebegone01> wrote:

> > e) Camphor and holder

> >

> > Could you go into more detail about this?

> >

> > k) A rudraksh to offer the deity

> >

> > Any idea where I could find these?

> >

[Guest guest]

Does camphor come in different forms? I note that at least one

website said "camphor tablet." Are there different or better

forms?The camphor spoons come in quite a mind-boggling array of

styles. Is one better, or more functional, (or maybe safer!) than

the others?Rudraksh seeds apparently have different numbers of

facets, and different associations based on the number of facets (not

to mention different prices.) Any (belated for me) recommendations on

this front?Be Love, Berijoy http://www.egyirba.net

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You never miss your water 'til your

well runs dry. Give thanks.

[Guest guest]

, "muktimaa" <muktimaa@a...> wrote:

[muktimaa wrote:]

> You made a wise choice in ordering from Mothers books.

 

That's comforting to hear!

> [...] I feel comfortable saying everything you got from

> Mother's books you should be happy with.

 

:-)

> [although, i do hope you ordered the largest (camphor) spoon.]

 

I did! It is the prettiest. :-)

> [....] The biggest spoon they carry is what i

> would have ordered because the metal gets really hot.]

 

Thank you very much for sharing your experiences.

I look forward to receiving my order!

[Guest guest]

Jai Maa!

 

One way to handle this kind of situation is to have one's altar in a floor

cabinet that has doors. I've seen a fair number of people do this, either

because they need to keep their altar hidden at times, or because they want to

be able to put Devi "to bed" by closing the doors and then "wake" Devi by

opening the doors. This is a really convenient way to set up the altar if there

are concerns about small children or pets disturbing the altar. If there is a

real need to disguise the altar, one could even drape a cloth over the cabinet

to indicate clearly that it is off-limits. In temples, it is traditional to

close the temple doors or draw a curtain when it is not official "darshan"

time. Many devotees follow this practice in their private shrines too.

 

THe floor cabinets can be bought at Walmart or Target and are very inexpensive.

The bottom level can be used for spiritual books, chanting books, puja

supplies, etc. The other levels can be decorated with all the murtis and

pictures. Just an idea...

 

Jai Maa!

Ekta

 

--- msbauju <msbauju wrote:

>

>

> I am waaaay behind, but working to catch up.

>

> I have a question regarding altar setups.

>

> In order to keep peace in the family, I will need to put away the

> puja gear (including--and especially--deity images) before certain

> family members visit. I really do need to do this, and I'm not

> looking for a debate on the topic.

>

> So I can either

>

> 1. set up the altar in a little-used corner of a room and pack it

> away occasionally, or I can

>

> 2. set the alter up in a more-used room where I could use the CD

> player, but I'd have to pack everything up after each puja.

>

> Which would be preferable? Are there issues with cleaning up after

> puja or putting things away?

>

> , Nanda <chandimaakijai> wrote:

> >[Nanda wrote:]

> > Suggested Guidelines for the altar

> >

> > It should be in a room that is reserved especially for puja. If

> this is not possible due to lack of space, set aside a corner of a

> room especially for puja. Try to make this corner in the North East

> of your house.

> >

> > The deity should face south or west, which means we will face the

> deity ie face north or south.

> >

> > A corner is preferred so that you are not in the way of your family

> and therefore do not disturb or be disturbed by them.

> >

> >

> >

> > Here is a way that you could set up your altar. Remember this is

> only a suggestion based on my experience and you may very well have a

> better way of setting it up. I look forward to hearing from others

> how they have setup their altar.

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Just an observation. Pujas in the traditional South Indian Brahmin

homes used to be inside a wall cabinet similar to what Ekta has

described. The Puja is my ancestral house was this way. The doors of

the cabinet are closed after the morning Puja and are opened only for

the evening Puja. They are again closed in the night.

 

The Puja was in the main room of the house where we used to receive

visitors and stay most of the times during the day. I have seen some

houses where they have a miniature cot, mattress etc.for the deity.

He/She is put to sleep in the morning with an appropriate lullaby.

Then in the morning the deity is woken up with Suprapadham.

 

Jai MAA !!!

 

, Eleathea Barraclough

<eleathea> wrote:

>

> Jai Maa!

>

> One way to handle this kind of situation is to have one's altar in a

floor

> cabinet that has doors. I've seen a fair number of people do this,

either

> because they need to keep their altar hidden at times, or because

they want to

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the very useful suggestion, Ekta.

I will keep an eye out for an appropriate cabinet.

 

, Ekta/Eleathea Barraclough

<eleathea> wrote:

> One way to handle this kind of situation is

> to have one's altar in a floor

> cabinet that has doors.

> [....]

> The floor cabinets can be bought at Walmart or

> Target and are very inexpensive.

> The bottom level can be used for spiritual books,

> chanting books, puja

> supplies, etc. The other levels can be

> decorated with all the murtis and

> pictures [....]