Puja thali

Puja thali (in Hindi: पूजा थाली; IAST: pūjā thālī; in English: Prayer plate) or Puja plate is a tray or large container on which the entire puja materials are accumulated and decorated.[1] In Hindu religious occasions, festivals, traditions and rituals, puja thali maintains an auspicious role. Puja thali may be made of steel, gold, silver, brass or any other metal; it may be rounded, oval or any other shaped or with little engravings and other decorations.

Puja Materials
Puja Thali

The following materials must be in a puja thali :

Along with these Ghanta (bell), Conch (Shankha), Mangal kalasha (holy pitcher) with holy water, Ghee, Camphor, Betel-leaves, Tulsi, Milk, Fresh fruits, Sandalwood-paste, Kumkum, Murti (earthen images) of deities and gold or silver coins (as needed).[2]

Variation

In Diwali occasion, more than one diya might be arranged on thali; in Rakshabandhan, one rakhi is needed. Bael-leaves, datura flowers are essential in thali for Mahashivratri festival.[3] Thus in different occasions and festivals, puja thali decoration varies with importance of the rites.

Navratri puja thali

Traditions

In Rakshabandhan, a sister prays for her brother for his well being; in hindu wedding ceremony, the thali is used to pray for the bride and groom to welcome his/her into new house.[4] Puja thali decoration becomes a subject of arts and crafts, but ethnic style must be maintained. Nowadays, decorated and well-prepared puja thalis are also available in markets. Designs of traditional Rakhi Puja Thali.

Decorated Puja thali in Puja place

References
  1. "Diwali Puja thali" (HTML). festivals.iloveindia.com. 1 August 2007.
  2. "Diwali Puja thali" (HTML). festivals.iloveindia.com. 1 August 2007.
  3. "Har Har Mahadev" (HTML). Dainik bhaskar.com. 24 August 2007.
  4. "New wife Welcome". Jagran.com. 1 August 2007. Archived from the original (HTML) on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
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