​​

All home pooja slots for this Mandala season have been reserved by devotees. We encourage those interested to consider sponsoring a pooja at MTS Ayyappa Sannithi. If you are hosting a home pooja, please follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth and spiritually uplifting experience.

General Guidelines:

1. Attend and Volunteer: The host should attend at least three events and volunteer before or after the Mandala Pooja Mahotsavam.

2. Participate in Vratham: The host and participating Swamis must observe Vratham (fasting) regardless of whether the pooja is at MTS or Sabarimala.

3. Padi Coordination: Coordinate with the team for Padi pickup and return.

4. Purchase Pooja Items: Acquire all pooja items in advance (see the list below).

5. Volunteer Swamis: Ensure at least three Swamis familiar with pooja setup volunteer to help.

6. Minimal Decorations: Keep decorations simple and focused on the pooja.

7. Annadhanam: Follow a simple, nutritious diet for Annadhanam (1 sweet, 2-3 dishes).

8. Involve Maligaipurams: All family members, including Maligaipurams, should attend the full pooja rather than focusing on Prasadam preparation.

9. Prasadam Distribution: Ensure Prasadam is distributed after the pooja.

10. Invite Devotees: Only invite devotees who are spiritually involved in the pooja.

11. Involve Children: Educate and involve children in the pooja to instill its importance.

12. Wait for Future Requests: Wait at least two years before hosting another home pooja to allow opportunities for others.

13. Host Requirement: Only hosts who have taken Irumudi at MTS should host a home pooja.

14. Pooja Item Maintenance: Clean all pooja items and return them in proper condition for the next host.

15. Deity Placement: Display specific idols/pictures (Lord Ganesha, Subramanya, and Ayyappa) and Kula Deivam.

16. Prepare Ghee: Follow the ghee preparation instructions on our website:
    Ghee Preparation Instructions

17. Pooja Duration: Plan for a 2–2.5 hour pooja. Sahasranamam or Ashtothram will be decided based on timing.

18. Limit Beverages: Minimize water and beverage consumption in the pooja area.

19. Coordinate Bhajans: Prepare bhajan songs ahead of time.

20. Contact in Advance: Reach out at least one week in advance for clarity on pooja details.

21. Single Pooja Per Day: Only one home pooja can be hosted per day.

22. Temple Poojas: Poojas conducted outside the Meenakshi Temple will be evaluated individually.

Required Pooja Items:

• Turmeric Powder

• Betel Leaf/Nut

• Sandal Powder/Kumkum/Viboothi

• Mango Leaves

• Fruits and Flowers

• Plantain Leaves (5) and Tender Coconuts (6), plus 5 additional as backup

• Rose Water (2 bottles)

• Tulasi Leaves for pooja and mala

• Sesame Oil for big lamps

• Incense Sticks and Camphor (regular, not smokeless)

• Green Camphor, Cardamom Seeds, Cloves, Jaggery

• Acshadai (made on-site)

• Ghee (2 lbs) for lamps

• Wicks (1–2 packets)

• Garlands for deity pictures (sized according to frames)

• Thubakal, Panchapathram, and Kalasam Pot (available in the Holy Padi box)

• Framed Ayyappan Photo, Bell, Akal Vilaku for Padi

• Quarter Coins (10)

• Stainless Steel Plates (6-inch, 8 count and 10-inch, 2 count)

• Flower Vase (4 count)

• Trays for fruits and Archana flowers

• Small Prasadam Bags for distribution

• Jewels for Ayyappa Photo

• Tarp for devotees to sit on

Hosting Process:

1. Request a Home Pooja: Use the Contact Us page or coordinate with the organizing group to request a pooja. Preferably, pooja should be scheduled on weekends, excluding Saturday mornings (reserved for weekly MTS Ayyappa Pooja).

2. Host Etiquette:

   • Present Dakshina to the Swami performing the pooja.

   • Use utensils designated for vegetarian cooking only.

   • Coordinate transportation for Guruswamy and Mami.

   • Keep to the allotted time as visiting Swamis may have to travel a considerable distance.

   • Use Sahasranamam chanting or Bhajans during pooja.

3. Holy Padi: The Holy Padi and altar should be picked up by the Swami hosting the pooja. Ensure proper coordination for the next host.

4. Sankalpam Form: Fill out and keep the Sankalpam Form ready for a smooth pooja.

5. Holy Padi Box: Verify and confirm all items in the Holy Padi box are passed on to the next host.

Food Guidelines for Home Pooja:

1. RSVP and Invitation: Ensure RSVPs are collected and invitations sent.  

2. Health-Conscious Food: Prepare meals keeping in mind cholesterol and sugar-free needs.

3. Prasadam Preparation: Must be done at home. Swamis can only consume food prepared in devotion.

4. Prohibited Foods: Avoid garlic, onion, and frozen food in any form.

5. Same-Day Cooking: All food for the pooja must be prepared on the same day, as leftovers or pre-prepared food is not suitable for Prasadam.

6. Moderation: Avoid extravagance in food presentation, which may distract from the devotion.

7. Bhajans: Encourage children's participation in bhajans.

8. Setup Volunteers: Swamis residing near the host should arrive early to assist with the setup.

9. Wicks and Lamps: Keep wicks soaked in oil and ready for lighting.

10. Deity Placement: Ensure the deities face east or north.

11. Tarp: Lay a tarp for devotees to sit.

12. Patham Abhishekam: Provide water at the entrance for Patham Abhishekam.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out through the Contact Us page. 

​

Swamy Saranam Ayyappa!