Archana

means worship. It is mentioned in the scriptures as being an element of self-discipline and self-training in continuous attachment not to materiality but to the supreme Reality. In the Uddhava-Gita (Chapter X1V, verse 34), a dialogue between Lord Krishna and sage Uddhava, archana is one of the list of twelve practices for bodily and mental purity. In more general terms archana is, in fact, a special ritual, which is a shortened version of the temple pooja. The name, birth star and spiritual lineage of a person are chanted to God. This brings about personal blessings and divine help. At the time of archana one gives a tray of pooja items to the temple priest - a garland of flowers, bananas and a coconut, betel leaves and erica nuts, vibhuti, incense, camphor, rosewater and some money for the priest. He chants the name, star and lineage aloud when receiving the offerings. At the time the pooja is performed, 108 names of the deity are chanted specifically for the named person. In this way divine blessings are strongly invoked. The priest returns part of the offerings as prasadam. Therefore, the spiritual name Archana has the special quality of being in direct contact with the Divine, thereby continually inviting the grace of God.