Article of the Month - Oct 2024

This article by Prakriti Anand (Prakriti is currently pursuing her PhD in Ancient Indian History from the University of Delhi. She has worked with organizations in the spheres of heritage, art, and history and wants to continue contributing to the field of culture.

(Viewed 2157 times since Oct 2024)

Laddis (string lights) are about to be taken out from their resting place, leaves, and flowers are soon to be needled into garlands, and colors and petals are about to be spread on the floor in beautiful Rangoli arrangements. The time of festivities is here, and one of the most awaited Hindu festivals, Diwali is almost knocking on our doors. Some of us have begun the preparations already while some are in planning mode.

What to buy this Diwali? How to decorate the home on Diwali? How to arrange the Pooja ghar for Diwali? The questions are many and an online search does not seem to narrow down our list of Diwali essentials. Well, worry not. While you continue to brainstorm for the perfect festive decor, we are here with a list of 10 essential Diwali items for your Pooja ghar- the ritual space where you will welcome Lakshmi-Ganesha and receive yearlong blessings of wisdom and wealth. So let us start- 

Icons of Lakshmi-Ganesha

Beautiful statues of Lakshmi-Ganesha are an absolute essential for the Diwali Pooja. You can go with small statues of brass, bronze, stone, or wood for the altar or you can pick wall hangings or large statues as spiritual decor for a larger space. Choose the idols based on the material, size, and rituals you will be doing for the Pooja. Lakshmi-Ganesha murti in metals, marble, and stone are a good option, especially if you wish to perform Sthapana on Diwali and worship them for a long time.

Diya or Lamps

Another Diwali essential, a lamp made with ritually pure materials is considered auspicious for use in Pooja. You can go for simple aarti or diya to be placed on the pedestal in front of the god. Or you can choose an Annam lamp or hanging lamps for decorating the place of worship, which will give your Diwali Pooja a spiritually rich aura.


Dhoopdani or Incense Burner

A traditional incense burner in your Pooja ghar is an artistic and auspicious object. You can burn Loban, Dhoop, Kapoor, sandalwood powder, and other fragrant and spiritually enriching items in an incense burner to make the ambiance of your Pooja ghar positive and cleanse your home of any negative energy. Handcrafted incense burners are not just an object of utility in place of worship, they are also examples of skills of Indian artists, who blend usefulness with aesthetics.


Throne or Temple for Deity 

The idols of your deity or the newly welcomed icons of Lakshmi-Ganesha will need a place to reside in your home. A handcrafted wooden temple is a masterpiece for the Pooja ghar, which can be used for all rituals, and storing the articles of worship and will be an aesthetically enriching addition to your space.

For smaller spaces, a metal deity throne, made with pure brass and decorated with auspicious symbols is a good choice. For even more limited spaces, wall-hanging temples are a great option, which fit into small interiors, while bringing a sacred beauty to the home and giving your deity a dedicated residence.


Ashtalakshmi Kalash for Kalash-Sthapna

The ritual of Kalash-Sthapna during Diwali is an ancient and powerful practice, that invites Sri Lakshmi to reside in the auspicious Kalash or pot. An Ashtalakshmi Kalash, made with pure metals is ideal for the Sthapana, as it is empowered by the presence of the eight aspects of Lakshmi, who bless the devotee with eight kinds of wealth, bestowing upon them a fulfilled and perfect life.

Pooja Thali

Gathering all the useful ritual items in one place can be a hassle at the last minute. Traditional Pooja thalis are crafted with dedicated spaces or bowls for Kumkum, Akshat (unbroken rice), Bhoga or Prasad (food offering), Jala (water), and ritual lamps, to make the festive worship smooth and auspicious. Go for simple Thaalis or elaborate Pooja plates such as Ashtamangal or Lakshmi Pooja thali as per your need and ensure that the worship is done seamlessly with all the essential items prepared and placed in one place.


Sri Yantra

For the Sadhakas of Kamala and Sri Lakshmi, the Diwali night is a powerful, once-in-a-year occasion, where they can evoke the presence of Devi in the most auspicious Sri Yantra. If you are planning to perform Sri Yantra Pooja, get the Yantra from a trusted source to ensure the purity of the material and crafting, because the results of the rituals with a Yantra, to a great extent depend upon the perfection of design and sacredness of the metal used. 


108 Coins for Lakshmi Pooja 

A powerful ritual article for Diwali Pooja is the 108 coins, inscribed with images of Lakshmi and Kubera and other auspicious symbols. It is believed that worshipping with these coins and placing the coins with money, can bring luxury, wealth, and spiritual upliftment in life. People prefer gold and silver coins but you can also purchase handmade brass coins for the purpose of Pooja and yield benefits of the coins.

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Havan Kunda 

Havan performed for Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati or Ishta Devata is also an essential part of many devotees’ Diwali Pooja routine. The day of Deepawali is considered supremely positive and perfect for performing any special ritual, including Havan for personal benefits or for special results. You can pick a handmade brass or copper Havan Kunda for conducting a Yajna on Diwali or if you are a devoted practitioner of Vedic rituals, you can buy a complete Agnihotra set as a sacred purchase this Diwali.


Abhisheka Patra For Panchamrita-snana

For the rituals involving the offering of water, milk, honey, or Panchamrita-snana (consecration) of the deities, you need a sacred Abhisheka Patra in your Pooja space. You can choose a brass or bronze Abhisheka Patra crafted to ease the process of anointing the deities with various purifying liquids. Based on the ritual, simple and elaborately crafted and embellished Abhisheka Patras are available online, which you include in your festive Pooja routine for a superior experience. 


Wrapping Up 

Buying ritual and Pooja items online does not have to be a confusing experience. With Exotic India Art, you get sacred metals and ancient sculpting in your ritual objects and Pooja decor. Sourced from the workshop of craftsmen who have learned to work with the material and designs from their forefathers, our collection of ritual and Puja items is a trusted treasure for our customers, who seek purity and perfection for their deities. Head over to our website where everything- from the idol of Hindu gods and goddesses to the decoration for your home temples, a vast selection of handcrafted items waits for you, ready to transform your house into a heavenly sanctum this Diwali!

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