How to Build a Hindu Alter

Incense is an important part of a Hindu altar.

Daily Hindu worship, or "puja," is an important part in the day of a devout Hindu. Puja takes place at a Hindu altar often located in a special room of a home. There are various items to add to a Hindu altar, but the core items necessary are found on every altar. Whether Lord Krishna or Lord Ganesh, the god one chooses will be the focus of the altar for daily puja.

Things You'll Need

• Image of a god (murti)
• Small oil lamp
• Handheld bell
• Fruits and flowers
• White tablecloth
• Matches
• Incense
• Incense holder
• Vermilion powder
• 2 stainless steel plates
• 3 small metal cups
• Metal serving spoon
• 2-foot-high bench or stool
• Akshata (rice for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Set a bench or stool no taller than two feet against a wall. Cover it with a white tablecloth.

2. Put your chosen murti, or picture of a god, on top of the altar, leaning it against the wall.

3. Place a stainless steel plate with fruits and flowers in front of the murti, six inches away.

4. Stick a few incense sticks in the incense holder. Take three small metal cups, putting vermilion powder in one, water in another and akshata in the last one.

5. Take a stainless steel plate and on it, place the incense holder, three small metal cups, the metal serving spoon and handheld bell. Place the plate next to the plate of fruits and flowers.

6. Put the small oil lamp next to or in front of the two plates, no closer than 6 inches to the murti. Place the matches next to the lamp. Your Hindu altar is now complete, ready for puja.

Tips & Warnings

• You may use more than one murti, depending on your preferences.

References

• NGfl Cymru: The Hindu home shrine
• Rudrja Centre: Set up a Hindu Puja AltarRudraksha Ratna

Resources

• Courierpostonline.com; Hindusim, other faiths use home shrines; Bob Smietana; May 13, 2011
• The Pluralism Project: Home Altar