Pooja Items and Their Symbolic Meanings

Pooja is a ceremonial worship performed by the Hindus that involves making an offering to an image of a God. It can take form in anything from daily rites to an elaborate temple ritual and is often performed to celebrate a momentous occasion or host or honour a special guest.

Many items can be used in a pooja ceremony, and below we’ll explore some of these pooja items and the symbolic meanings they hold.

Murtis (Statues)

Murtis are statues of deities or saints in the Hindu religion which embody qualities that we aspire to. They help worshippers to think about the Gods during the Pooja ritual and by showing your love and respect to murtis, you are showing your love and respect to the Gods.

Padukas (Sandals)

Indian scripture states that God’s grace flows through the feet, which is why the sandals worn by great beings are beloved and held with great reverence.

Diyas

A diya, or a lamp, symbolises wisdom and knowledge, and is a very significant offering to make during Pooja. When one has wisdom and knowledge, they have a deeper understanding of the meaning of life and the existence of our minds and souls. When you light a diya, you help to emit positivity into the atmosphere as well as represent the burning of your ego and your desires and enlighten your spiritual knowledge.

Leaves

Many components of Pooja and the act of worshipping within Hinduism have a deep connection with nature and the earth around us. The banana tree is believed to be Brihaspati himself and is thus regarded as a holy tree, with its leaves being used as offerings. Mango leaves are also used as offerings as well as being used in heavy crowds to create free-flow oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide in the air.

Flowers

The natural colours, fragrances and beauty of flowers are said to help attract heavenly vibrations, making them a powerful asset during Pooja worship. Garlands (phool mala) are also used in pooja to show love and dedication towards the lord, as well as promote peacefulness of the mind that helps one devote their entire mind and heart to Gods.

Sacred Items and Jewellery

Jewellery and other sacred items can be worn during the pooja to help keep sacred symbols of Hinduism near you at all times, both during worship and in everyday life. Items that have close proximity to the Guru’s form or the centres of our ashrams are also highly valued.

Tilaks

The tilak is a mark worn on the forehead between the eyebrows and is said to have spiritual as well as health benefits. By being applied where the Ajna chakra of our body lives, also known as the third-eye chakra, it helps bring forward positive energy and thoughts as well as regulating the energy that flows throughout the body. It also helps provide relief from headaches and colds and provides an instant calming effect when applied.

Kalash

A Kalash is a copper vase which is filled with holy water and adorned with a coconut and mango on top of it during pooja worship. It’s a symbol of wisdom, prosperity and immortality and is often used to celebrate both marriage and childbirth. This is because it represents the earth and the womb, helping to promote fertility and the giving of life.