Rites of worship are prescribed by the Agamas:

Nitya mandatory
Naimittika situational, periodic, or occasional
Kaamya desire-fulfilling.

There are strict set of rules to follow and any infraction makes pujari a Brahma RAksasa
(demon).

Guru supervises and enforces these rules.

Upacara (worship) has sixteen plus components. There are many internal variations.

Central steps of puja include:
1) aacamana water sipping for purification;
2) Ganapati prarthana prayers to Ganesha to remove obstacles;
3) sankalpa declaration of intent;
4) ghanta ringing bell, inviting devas and dismissing asuras (demons);
5) aavaahana inviting the Deity ;
6) mantras and dhyana meditating on the Deity;
7) svagata welcoming;
8) namaskara obeisance;
9) arghyam water offerings;
10) pradakshina circumambulation;
11) abhisheka bathing the murti (the deity);
12) dhuupa incense offering;
13) diipa offering lights;
14) naivedya offering food;
15) archana chanting holy names;
16) aarati final offering of lights;
17) praarthana personal requests;
18) visarjana dismissal of the deity, farewell.

Also central are pranayama (breath control), guru vandana (adoration of the preceptor),
nyaasa (empowerment through touching) and mudra (mystic gestures).

Puja offerings also include pushpa (flowers), arghya (water), tambula (betel leaf) and
chandana (sandalpaste).

Atmartha puja: Karana Agama, v. 2, states: Atmartha cha parartha cha puja dvividhamuchyate,
"Worship is two-fold: for the benefit of oneself and for the benefit of others."

Atmartha puja is done for oneself and immediate family, usually at home in a private shrine.
Parartha puja: "Puja for others."
Parartha puja is public puja, performed by authorized or ordained priests in a public shrine or
temple.

There are variations in procedure and ritual observances.
1. AAVAAHANA, Avahana invocation of the deity; holding the thumbs against the root of
the ring fingers (Mudra)
2. AAsana, Asana the manner of sitting forming part of the eightfold observances of ascetics.
Offering a seat to the deity.
3. Paadya, padya Offering water to wash the feet.
4. Arghya Worthy of a hospitable reception; water given to a guest; objects of worship.
Copper, silver and gold vessels are desirable to hold water.
5. AAcaamana Rinsing the mouth with water: water for that purpose. ceremonial sipping of
water.
6. Snaana, Snana Religious lustration of idol with water.
7. Vastra Raiment; offering garment for the idol
8. Bhuusaa Ornament and decoration of idol.
9. Gandha Fragrance or Sandalwood paste applied to the idol.
10. Puspa Offering flowers to the idol.
11. dhuupaa, Dhupa Incense or making smoke from aromatic gum or resin.
12. Diipa, Dipa Lamp; waving lamp
13. Aksata Offering unhusked barley-corns
14. Naivedya Offering victuals to a deity.
15. Taambuula, Tambula Betel leaves and nut.
16. Pradaksinaa, Pradaksina Turning the right side towards the idol; circumambulation from
left to right, as a mark of respect.