A unique feature of Sanatan Hindu Dharma is the deep thinking behind acquisition of Chaitanya through every action in human life. The various sanskars (ceremonies done to imbibe different impressions) from birth till death, Dharmik-kruti (Religious rituals), and rituals after death such as Shraddha are all beneficial for God-realisation, while rituals like Puja, yadnyas and other ritualistic worship can help us actually realise God. Paja is the simplest ritualistic worship that can be regularly performed in every house. We can easily acquire Chaitanya through this act. If the pujak is able to generate maximum sättvikta in him before the Paja, then he will be able to acquire Chaitanya through the Puja. The pujak's individual preparation helps increase his sättvikta.

Before the Paja why should a man wear sovale-uparna, in- stead of a shirt and pant and a woman should wear a nine-yard saree, instead of a six-yard saree, why should the pujak wear dark clothes, why should the uparna be draped on the left shoulder, why should women cover their heads with the saree - spiritual answers to these and other such questions if studied through this Holy text, will help us realise the importance of individual preparation for worship. Understanding the importance of a certain action helps in performing that action with faith, with the result that such an action is more fruitful. Many are aware about applying kumkum (vermillion), gandh (sandalwood paste), shendur (orange colour powder), bhasma (Holy ash from a yad-nya) before Paja, but they do not know how and where to apply them. This text also gives scientific guidance on such Topics.

The important Principle in Spirituality is 'God exists where there is Bhav. Preparation before Paja and actual Paja helps in developing devotion and Bhav. The shell of an oyster is very im- portant till the formation of a pearl; but once in possession of that pearl, the shell no longer has any importance. After developing Bhav or at a higher spiritual level, following ritualistic worship meticulously is not very necessary. In the next stage, performing Poja is also not necessary, since such a seeker is constantly in communion with God. But till we reach that level, we should focus on preparation before the Paja and the actual Paja as an important aspect of following Dharma.

We pray at the Holy feet of Sri Guru, that through this text may we realise the importance of individual preparation before the Puja and act accordingly and may we acquire maximum Chaitanya.

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