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
供奉者应每日随其资财之所及，以檀香、乌施罗根、龙脑、红花粉与沉香熏香之水，配合真言为主圣像沐浴；并诵唱诸吠陀圣颂，如名为“金热”的阿努瓦迦、摩诃补鲁沙圣明、补鲁沙颂，以及娑摩吠陀的“罗阇那”等歌咏。
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.