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….

Stepwise-wise directions, Puja must be commenced only after performing ablutions . Begin by reciting “ Aum Shri Ganeshya Namah ” (1) Follow this by repeating “Aum” thrice. Now take a sip of holy water and invoke the god to purify you by repeating Aum Shri Ganeshya Namah thrice and wash hands Now the puja can begin……