Hare Krishna
Deity worship: What do the different items of worship represent?
Deity worship is a scientific process; there is meaning to everything we do and offer.
During the arati (worship) ceremony, the various items offered to the Deity represent these elements:
...1. The flower and the cloth represent the earth element
2. The water represents the water element
3. The ghee lamp represents the fire element
4. The yak-tail fan (chamara) and peacock feather fan (vyajan) represent the air element
5. The sounds of the conch and the bell represent the ether element
6. The emotional involvement in the songs sung during the arati and the mantras chanted by the pujari represent the mind element
7. The intellectual focus on the purpose of the arati represents the intelligence element
8. The obeisances offered represent the ego element
9. The pujari offering arati represents the assembled worshipers.
If you have not yet started Deity worship, please start it immediately. This will be a big step towards Krishna’s unconditional call of total surrender (Bhagavad-gita 18.66).
Replies