Shodashopachara (Sixteen fold worship) Irrespective of whom we worship, there are sixteen basic steps in Pooja. These steps are common for all Poojas. Therefore everyone should learn these steps. Though the God we worship is not visible to our naked eyes, we have to offer these sixteen sevas (services) to the idol, which is the physical representative of the formless Almighty. This is a mental activity. Such physical actions which help us to successfully perform that mental activity constitute Pooja. Pooja is one of the important means to achieve concentration of mind. Normally, we install the idol in a clean and aesthetically beautiful place. The surrounding gives us a sense of tranquillity and love. It is the tendency of the mind to acquire the qualities of the objects on which it concentrates. When the mind is concentrated on the Almighty, it imbibes the qualities of the Almighty and will eventually become the Almighty Itself. This is the ultimate aim of performing Pooja. But we are in an era where speed is everything. No one has time. It has therefore become difficult to understand the meaning of Mantras. Because it is difficult, we are not even trying to understand. This is wrong. Infact, the sixteen services are not much different from what we do every day in our daily life. To make it clear, let us understand the meaning and significance of the sixteen sevas. 1 Dhyana, Aavaahana: It means 'to invite'. When we want an important person to visit our house, we extend a formal and respectful welcome. This is 'Avaahana'. While inviting, we remember his good qualities. This is called 'Dhyaana'. 2 Aasana We offer a chair to our guest. This is called as Aasana Samarpana 3 Paadya It is a tradition in India to offer water to wash the feet when a guest visits a house. (This practice may not be prevalent in cold regions. According to Yoga Shastra, the Nadis [nerves] terminate in the hands and the feet. It is therefore important to keep the hands and feet clean. Therefore, offering water to wash the legs and hands has been included in Pooja) 4 Arghya Arghya means water to wash the hands 5 Aachamana Taking three gulps of water. This is an important practice among those who follow ancient tradition of Rishis. By drinking water three times, the throat and other parts pertaining to speech faculty become smooth and the speech also becomes soft. 6 Madhuparka We then offer to the guest something to drink. Any drink sweetened with honey is called Madhuparka. 7 Snaana We request the guest to bathe. In the case of an idol, we bathe it with different articles like milk, curd, ghee etc.. We can also bathe the idol with plain water. 8 Vastra, Upaveeta We offer clothes to wear after the bath. 9 Gandha It is an ancient tradition to apply sandal paste (gandha) on the forehead. 10 Pushpa Nowadays only women use flowers. In ancient times even men used to wear flowers just like women. Symbolically, flower signifies our heart. In pooja, we offer different flowers while chanting the 108 or 1008 names of God. 11 Dhoopa Dhoopa means fragrant smoke. According to Ayurveda, inhaling of smoke by burning certain herbs is considered to be good for health. 12 Deepa Deepa means light. To acknowledge the fact that the Almighty is of the form of light, this particular aspect has been included in Pooja. 13 Naivedya Naivedya means offering different kinds of dishes. The practice of offering something to eat is prevalent everywhere. 14 Tamboola 'Tamboola' means betel leaf. According to Ayurveda, chewing the betel leaf with other herbs after food is considered a healthy habit. 15 Aarati We are nearing the end of Pooja. Aarati consists of showing a big flame of camphor light to the deity. This is to remind the person that the Almighty is of the form of light. 16 Mantrapushpa, Pradakshina To experience the original nature of the Almighty 񠩮e., His Mantra form 񠩳 the purpose of offering this service. By going round (pradakshina), we imply that the Almighty is present in all directions. These are the sixteen services. Barring a few which have only spiritual meaning, the rest are very common things we do in our day to day life. Therefore, it is not difficult to mentally perform those while during Pooja. In order to help you understand the purpose and significance of Pooja, these aspects have been explained in common man's language. All these have still deeper meaning. But for our daily sadhana, this is sufficient. Even the concept of Ganapati has been presented very briefly in this article. There is abundant information in texts such as Upanishads, Puranas, Agamas, Tantras and Shastras. There is a secret in Upasana (act of worshipping). If we somehow climb the first step, the Divine will show us the remaining steps in some way. Therefore, you should all try to understand the phenomenon of Ganapati by thinking about it constantly. Certain aspects may be difficult to understand at first. Certain aspects may not appear to be acceptable. Have patience. Contemplate on what you have read. Then the real phenomenon will reveal itself to you. The concept as well as the method of worship have been explained in simple language. May Lord Ganesha make you eligible to receive His blessings. May He bless everyone with peace and prosperity.