It is My command that each of My disciples should offer adoration to the image of the Lord that has been depicted on paper. Each disciple worship the Lord each morning after bathing. My devotees should perform Pradikshina (repeated encircling of God in a clockwise direction) and then prostrate before God in the 8-fold manner (Sashtang-dandvat-pranam). They should then pray to the Lord to protect them from Kusang (immoral people).

My devotees must never perceive this to be a mere drawing on a piece of paper or question how it could protect them from Kusang. You all must believe with true sincerity that the Murti given to you is the Lord Himself.

Lord Shree Swaminarayan, Vachanamrut Gadhada
First Section 48

Introduction

At a very young age, you will have been given a set of Murtis for worshipping. You must perform Pooja to these Murtis everyday. You can only eat, drink and perform the rest of your daily activities, after performing Pooja.

Pooja is a personal appointment that you have with the Lord each morning. During this time, you should ask for forgiveness for any sins that were knowingly or unknowingly committed during the previous day.

This is the time to ask for spiritual strength, wisdom and guidance from the Lord for the new day.

The time of Pooja is the most important period in the day for you to converse with our beloved Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. Therefore, it must be performed properly, without haste. Offer your worship with love and devotion to the merciful Lord.

In the Shikshapatri Sloks 50 , 51 , 52 , 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, Lord Shree Swaminarayan states the main stages of performing Pooja.

Bathing

If you want the Lord to accept your worship, you must first become pure, both physically and mentally. Therefore, you must clean your teeth, bathe and wear fresh, clean clothing before performing Pooja. Whilst performing this daily routine, you must chant the divine name of the Lord and sing kirtans.

Clothing

The clothes you wear should be appropriate for the ritual that you are performing. This is a very auspicious occasion because the Lord Himself is coming to accept your worship. Therefore, male devotees should wear a white dhoti (loincloth) and drape a white shawl around them. Female devotees should wear a sari or other appropriate clothing and cover their heads as a sign of respect. It is not acceptable to perform Pooja with a towel wrapped around your waist or to wear your normal clothing.