Home Pooja Request and Priority Guidelines

Home pooja requests are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with the following priorities:

1. First Priority: Kanni Swamis (first-time pilgrims)

2. Second Priority: Swamis performing the pooja for the first time

3. Third Priority: Swamis who have not hosted a pooja in the past three years

Swamis making a request are expected to meet the following requirements(No Exceptions):

• Attend at least three events and volunteer either before or after the Mandala Pooja Mahotsavam begins.

• Start the vratam (fasting) regardless of their temple choice (MTS or Sabarimala).

• Perform the Irumudi ceremony at MTS.

• Sponsor at least one Mandala Pooja and ensure your presence at the temple during the event.

The house pooja schedule will be finalized by the coordinator based on the availability of the Guruswami. Only one pooja will be hosted per day. Temple poojas conducted outside Meenakshi Temple will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Participation and Volunteering

• Ensure at least three Swamies familiar with the pooja process volunteer for setup.

• All Maligaipurams should attend the full pooja instead of focusing on prasadam preparation.

• Educate children on the significance of the pooja and involve them actively.

Coordination for Padi Pickup and Return

• Coordinate with us for the pickup and return of the Holy Padi box and pooja items.

• Clean all pooja items before returning them to the next host.

Pooja Preparation and Setup

• Purchase all pooja items in advance.

• Keep decorations minimal to maintain focus on the pooja.

• Minimize water/beverage consumption in the pooja area.

• Coordinate on the Ashtothrams for deities, including the Family Deity.

Pooja Timing

• Plan for a 2 to 2.5-hour house pooja. Sahasranaamam or Ashtothram will be chosen based on the pooja timing.

• Ensure the pooja is completed within the allotted time, as some swamies may need to travel back.

Essential Pooja Items:

• Turmeric powder

• Betel leaves/nuts

• Sandal powder, kumkum, viboothi

• Mango leaves

• Flowers, plantain leaves (5)

• Tender coconuts with shell (6+5 backup)

• Rose water (2)

• Tulasi leaves for mala and pooja

• Sesame oil for lamps, ghee for padi lamps (2 lbs)

• Regular wicks (50+ count)

• Garlands for deity pictures(Can be handmade at home)

• Camphor (regular, not smokeless), green camphor, cardamom seeds, cloves, jaggery

• Panchapathram and udharani, Kalasam pot, stainless steel bowls for Theertham

• Ayyappa photo, Akal Vilakku, bells, Thubakal for Deepa Arathana (all available in Holy Padi box)

• Follow the ghee preparation instructions provided on our website Ghee Preparation Instructions.

Communication

• Contact us at least a week in advance for any clarifications or to discuss logistics.

Prasadam Distribution

• Prepare prasadam adhering to dietary restrictions (no garlic, onions, or frozen food).

• Use utensils dedicated to vegetarian cooking only.

• The menu will be coordinated and confirmed in collaboration with the host.

• Follow a strict diet for Annadhanam, including 1 sweet and 2-3 dishes, avoiding extravagance.

• RSVP and coordinate meals with a focus on simplicity and devotion.

• Prasadam should be cholesterol and sugar-free, keeping the health of devotees in mind.

• Prasadam can be distributed in to-go boxes and disposable plates.

• Focus on prasadam distribution at the end of the pooja.

Bhajans and Devotional Songs

• Coordinate bhajan songs prior to the pooja. Bhajans will rotate, with a preference for children to lead.