In Hinduism, upachara ( Sanskrit: उपचार; service or courtesy) [1] refers to the offerings and services made to a deity as part of worship.
Krishnananda Agamavagisha states in the Brihat Tantrasara [2] that the main worship is conducted with 5, 10, 16 or 18 articles. These are
This is the most basic mode. It includes
Alongside the 5 articles mentioned above, it also includes 5 additional items which are
This is most prevalent mode. Apart from the articles mentioned in the previous list (except Madhuparka), it includes 7 additional items which are
It includes all articles mentioned in the previous list except Punarachamaniya, Tambula & Stotra, it includes 5 additional items which are
Some texts include all abovementioned articles(without omitting any) alongside additional articles like shayya(bedding) & chhatra(umbrella). Additional items offered in case of female deities include lac, collyrium & vermilion. Some deities are offered articles which aren't offered to other deities. For example, alcohol is offered to Kali.
In Hinduism, upachara ( Sanskrit: उपचार; service or courtesy) [1] refers to the offerings and services made to a deity as part of worship.
Krishnananda Agamavagisha states in the Brihat Tantrasara [2] that the main worship is conducted with 5, 10, 16 or 18 articles. These are
This is the most basic mode. It includes
Alongside the 5 articles mentioned above, it also includes 5 additional items which are
This is most prevalent mode. Apart from the articles mentioned in the previous list (except Madhuparka), it includes 7 additional items which are
It includes all articles mentioned in the previous list except Punarachamaniya, Tambula & Stotra, it includes 5 additional items which are
Some texts include all abovementioned articles(without omitting any) alongside additional articles like shayya(bedding) & chhatra(umbrella). Additional items offered in case of female deities include lac, collyrium & vermilion. Some deities are offered articles which aren't offered to other deities. For example, alcohol is offered to Kali.