Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 30
Arcana-vidhi: The Method of Deity Worship
Vedic, Tantric, and Mixed
चन्दनोशीरकर्पूरकुङ्कुमागुरुवासितै: । सलिलै: स्नापयेन्मन्त्रैर्नित्यदा विभवे सति ॥ ३० ॥ स्वर्णघर्मानुवाकेन महापुरुषविद्यया । पौरुषेणापि सूक्तेन सामभी राजनादिभि: ॥ ३१ ॥
candanośīra-karpūra- kuṅkumāguru-vāsitaiḥ salilaiḥ snāpayen mantrair nityadā vibhave sati
O adorador deve banhar a Deidade todos os dias, tão opulentamente quanto seus recursos permitirem, com águas perfumadas com sândalo, uśīra, cânfora, kuṅkuma e aguru, recitando mantras; e deve também entoar hinos védicos como o anuvāka Svarṇa-gharma, a Mahāpuruṣa-vidyā, o Puruṣa-sūkta e cânticos do Sāma Veda como o Rājana e o Rohiṇya.
The Puruṣa-sūkta prayer, beginning om sahasra-śīrṣā-puruṣaḥ sahasrākṣaḥ sahasra-pāt, is contained within the Ṛg Veda.
FAQs
In 11.27.30, Kṛṣṇa teaches that the Deity should be bathed daily with mantra-recitation, using pleasantly scented water—performed according to one’s resources.
In the Uddhava Gītā, Kṛṣṇa compassionately summarizes practical bhakti disciplines—especially arcana (Deity worship)—so Uddhava and devotees can steadily fix the mind on the Lord through daily service.
Worship “according to your means”: keep a simple, clean practice—offer water, a small fragrant item if available, and chant a short mantra with attention and devotion.