A simple pūjā kit for the tīrtha

For snāna, saṅkalpa, offerings and bringing Gaṅgā-jala home

A tīrtha-yātrā traditionally includes a holy bath, a saṅkalpa stating who you are and why you have come, an offering to the deity, and gifts. A small kit lets you do this simply wherever you are.

• For snāna: a change of clothes, a small towel, a plastic bag for wet clothes, and a dhoti or sari if you prefer traditional dress for the bath. Do not use soap or shampoo in the river. • For saṅkalpa: a little akṣata (unbroken rice), a small copper or steel lotā, kuśa grass or a ring of it if your family uses one, and a note of your gotra and the names of those you are praying for. • For offerings: a small packet of kumkum and haldī, incense, a few cotton wicks, flowers bought on the spot, and some coins for dāna.

• Gaṅgā-jala: carry clean, sealed bottles or a small copper or brass vessel with a tight lid. Most airlines and trains have rules on liquids — check before you travel and pack it in checked luggage if needed. • Respect temple rules: many temples do not allow outside flowers, oil, coconuts or sweets inside, or accept offerings only through their own counters. Offer only what is permitted, buy prasāda from official counters, and never throw plastic, flowers in plastic bags, or idols into rivers.

Take home only what you need, and share prasāda generously — that too is part of the yātrā.

Change of clothes for snāna · Akṣata, lotā, gotra note · Sealed Gaṅgā-jala containers · Offer only what the temple allows

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