Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 43
Arcana-vidhi: The Method of Deity Worship
Vedic, Tantric, and Mixed
दत्त्वाचमनमुच्छेषं विष्वक्सेनाय कल्पयेत् । मुखवासं सुरभिमत् ताम्बूलाद्यमथार्हयेत् ॥ ४३ ॥
dattvācamanam uccheṣaṁ viṣvaksenāya kalpayet mukha-vāsaṁ surabhimat tāmbūlādyam athārhayet
Once again he should offer the Deity water for washing His mouth, and he should give the remnants of the Lord’s food to Viṣvaksena. Then he should present the Deity with fragrant perfume for the mouth and prepared betel nut.
FAQs
In 11.27.43, the Bhagavatam describes that after offering ācamana to the Lord, the remaining water is offered to Viṣvaksena, and then fragrant mouth-perfume and tāmbūla (betel) are offered as part of respectful arcana.
Because Viṣvaksena is honored as the Lord’s principal attendant/guardian of worship, and offering him the remnant acknowledges proper devotional etiquette and protection of the sacred ritual.
Even in simplified home worship, one can cultivate reverence and order—offering items thoughtfully, respecting remnants as sacred, and honoring the Lord’s associates with proper devotional etiquette.