Step-wise direction to perform Durga Puja - Excluding Kalash-puja or Ghatsthapana :: First perform ‘Atma Puja’ for self-purification. This is done by the chanting of the following mantras-”OM APAVITRAH PAVITRO VA SARVAVASTHAM GATOAPI VA, YAH SMRAIT PUNDARIKA AKSHAM SA VAHY ABHYANTARAH SHUCHIH.” Explanation: Whoever contemplates upon Vishnu gets automatically purified, both mentally and physically….