What is Panchopachara Puja?
Panchopachara Puja, in Sanskrit पञ्चौपचार पूजा, is a traditional Buddhist and Hindu worship ritual involving five offerings to the deity. This Puja is also performed by Bajracharyas during the worship of deities or mandalas. The word “Panchopachara” comes from “Pancha” meaning five, and “Upachara” meaning service or offering. This simple yet significant form of puja is typically conducted to honor deities, seeking their blessings and protection. It is commonly used in daily prayers and religious ceremonies. This is considered the most simpliest and easiest way to worship in Bajracharya Buddhism.
This is a very straightforward Bajracharya puja ritual. For those interested in more detailed Bajracharya puja rituals, please refer to the comprehensive 16-step Bajracharya Puja.
Essential Items: What you Need for Puja
- Rice (Akshyata): This is a symbol of purity and abundance. Rice is used in various offerings throughout the puja, representing nourishment and gratitude.
- Incense (Dhup): Burning incense creates a fragrant atmosphere that purifies the space. It is believed to attract positive energies and blessings during the ritual.
- Yellow Sina (Tika): This yellow powder is used for marking the forehead. It represents purity and auspiciousness, serving as a reminder of the divine presence.
- Red Sina (Tika): Like yellow sina, red tika is also applied on the forehead but signifies different energies and blessings. It adds to the spiritual significance of the ritual.
- Flowers: Fresh flowers are essential in any puja, as they symbolize beauty, purity, and the transience of life. They are offered to deities as a sign of respect and devotion.
- Naivedya – Samay Baji: Naivedya refers to the food offerings made to the deities. Samay Baji is a special dish prepared for the puja, symbolizing abundance and gratitude.
पञ्चौपचार पूजा स्त्रोता in Sanskrit
ॐ बज्रगन्धे स्वाहा ॥
Offer Sina or Tika ॥
ॐ बज्रपुष्पे स्वाहा ॥
Offer Flower ॥
ॐ बज्रधूपे स्वाहा ॥
Offer Incense or Dhup ॥
ॐ बज्रनैवेद्ये स्वाहा ॥
Offer Naivedya or Food ॥
ॐ बज्र लाजाय स्वाहा ॥
Offer Rice ॥
Panchopachara Puja Strota in English
Om Bajra Gandhe Swaha ॥ (Om Baj-ra Gan-dhe Swa-ha)
Om Bajra Pushpe Swaha ॥ (Om Baj-ra Push-pe Swa-ha)
Om Bajra Dhupe Swaha ॥ (Om Baj-ra Dhu-pe Swa-ha)
Om Bajra Naivedye Swaha ॥ (Om Baj-ra Nai-ved-ye Swa-ha)
Om Bajra Laajaaya Swaha ॥ (Om Baj-ra Laa-jaa-ya Swa-ha)
The Five Offerings: A Deeper Dive
1. Sina or Tika or Tilak – Marking the Divine
The first offering is the application of “Sina” (सि न:) in Newari, or “Tika” or “Tilak,” on the forehead of the deity. This sacred mark symbolizes purity, devotion, and the presence of the divine. Bajracharyas use two colors of Sina: yellow and red. The yellow color is applied with the middle finger, and the red color is applied with the ring finger. The mantra used is:
Sanskrit:
ॐ बज्रगन्धे स्वाहा॥
English:
Om Bajra Gandhe Swaha ॥
Meaning:
This mantra invokes the offering of a fragrant paste, representing divine fragrance and blessings. It symbolizes the spiritual awakening and connection between the worshipper and the deity.
2. Flowers – A Token of Purity
Offering flowers is a symbol of beauty and devotion. Flowers represent purity, freshness, and the fleeting nature of life. They are used to please the deity and invite positive energies into the space. The accompanying mantra is:
Sanskrit:
ॐ बज्रपुष्पे स्वाहा॥
English:
Om Bajra Pushpe Swaha ॥
Meaning:
This mantra is chanted while offering flowers to the deity, acknowledging their divine beauty and purity.
3. Incense – Purifying the Space
Burning incense is a way to purify the atmosphere. Its aromatic smoke is believed to ward off negative energies and bring mental clarity and peace. This act symbolizes the burning away of negative thoughts. The mantra for this step is:
Sanskrit:
ॐ बज्रधूपे स्वाहा॥
English:
Om Bajra Dhupe Swaha ॥
Meaning:
Here, the mantra signifies offering incense to the deity, with the smoke acting as a medium to carry the devotee’s prayers to the divine.
4. Naivedya – Offering Food
Naivedya is the offering of food to the deity, usually consisting of fruits, sweets, or other edibles. This symbolizes gratitude and surrender to the divine. The mantra chanted is:
Sanskrit:
ॐ बज्रनैवेद्ये स्वाहा॥
English:
Om Bajra Naivedye Swaha ॥
Meaning:
This mantra signifies offering food to the deity, representing the devotee’s surrender and offering of nourishment, both physical and spiritual.
5. Akshata – The Sacred Rice
The last offering is Akshata अक्षता, or unbroken rice grains. This symbolizes prosperity, purity, and the eternal nature of the divine. It is a simple yet powerful gesture to honor the deity. The mantra is:
Sanskrit:
ॐ बज्र लाजाय स्वाहा॥
English:
Om Bajra Laajaaya Swaha ॥
Meaning:
This mantra is recited while offering sacred rice to the deity, signifying eternal prosperity and purity.
Optional: Burn light
You may optionally light a flame while reciting a Sanskrit mantra that invokes divine light. Although this is not a formal part of Panchopachara Puja, many Bajracharya rituals incorporate the act of lighting a flame. The mantra is as follows:
In Sanskrit:
नेत्रा विरामा बहुरत्न कोषा नराधिपारर्चित्तपाद पद्मा
ज्ञानं प्रदीपा हतमोह ज्वाला ये दीपमाला रचयन्ति तत्र॥
ओँ आ: हूँ वज्र दीपे हिँ प्रतिच्छ स्वाहा॥
In English:
Netrā virāmā bahuratna koṣā narādhipārchittapāda padmā
Jñānaṁ pradīpā hatamoha jvālā ye dīpamālā racayanti tatra
Oṁ āḥ hūṁ vajra dīpe hiṁ praticcha svāhā
For a more detailed explanation of the burning light ritual, read more…
Conclusion: The Significance of Panchopachara Puja
Panchopachara Puja may seem like a simple ritual, but its symbolism runs deep. Each of the five offerings represents an aspect of life and the universe that devotees offer to the deity in gratitude. By performing this puja, worshippers seek divine blessings for purity, prosperity, peace, and spiritual growth. Through these five simple acts of devotion, the connection between the devotee and the divine is strengthened, and blessings are invited into one’s life.
In essence, Panchopachara Puja allows us to engage in daily acts of devotion and mindfulness, reminding us of the importance of humility, purity, and divine grace.