Beginner Puja – Day 17 – Q&A

[Guest guest]

Here are a few questions that we gathered on Puja after we officially wrapped up the series.

Lieve Henny wanted to know,”I have acquired some sindoor today and

have tried to apply it as an offering, and this is the question: how

do you avoid getting the stuff all over your clothes and how do clean

your pinky (which I used to apply the dot with) so you won't get your

garland and bell etc. etc. all red ? Or is it just me?”

Henny, I have seen Swamiji keep a paper towel (slightly dampened) near

him when he sits for puja. So he just wipes off the red finger with

the towel. We would all be wise to emulate him.

Berijoy had a question on dancing at Arati

She says, "Ok--tell me--what kind of dancing is this we are supposed to do?"

Dear Berijoy - you are dancing by yourself in front of Shiva. I have

only two words for you "LET GO". Dance as you feel inclined.

Grace wanted to know: "Do we offer the same items in all aratis

whether the puja ahas been to Shiva, Durga, Hanuman, or Ganesh."

Yes Amazing Grace, the offerings during Arati remain the same

regardless of the deity for whom you did the puja.

We still have two open questions – I am waiting on Swamiji, and will

post most likely on this topic after Navaratri :

Grace's and mine - how many conches does one need for Beginner Puja ?

Henny's, "So, if I understand correctly, you do NOT take an extra-long

inbreath (filling up completely to the belly) in order to be able to

recite more mantras on the out-breath? Or does the inbreath

automatically get longer the more mantras you get out?" This is from

her post /message/10652

Sankarji said, “As you start performing Puja you will come up with

more questions. We can put all the questions and answers as a FAQ. I

would call the question and answer sessions "Things you always wanted

to know about Puja, but were afraid to ask".”

And that’s exactly how it is – please keep at your pujas so that you

have lots of questions and we can forward them to Swamiji.

Adieu beloved friends and see you in the next post!

JAI MAA

Nanda

[Guest guest]

Dear Nanda,

 

here's just to thank you for answering my sindoor question. An elegant

solution.

 

I wish you a beauty-full navaratri,

with love,

Henny

 

>