” Bathing has special importance in our spiritual tradition. Not only do we take a bath or shower before worship at the altar, but we also offer a series of baths to the deity during puja.
Let us learn about the best way to bathe before worship, there are specific instructions that we should follow as we bathe before worship. You might wonder, what are those mantras. So let’s learn the appropriate mantras! ”
Bathing is not just about removing the dirt from our bodies but also, in many cultures and religions, it is considered as an act of washing oneself to have potent symbolic meanings and ritual powers.
Let’s start each bath with the “Gayatri Mantra”.
“Om Bhur Bhuvaḥ Swaḥ
Tat-savitur Vareñyaṃ
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yonaḥ Prachodayāt”
Always remember that there is no inappropriate time to pray for an increase in wisdom!
Let us remember the five nectars with which we bathe our beloved deities: milk – the infinity of unlimited consciousness; yogurt – the individual form of pure consciousness; ghee – clarified butter meaning illumination; honey and sugar, the nourishment and sweetness of our true dedication. This is the bath which we offer, and we receive the prasad!
Take a look at this relevant link, too!