3 Ways To Use Pooja Stand Or Pooja Chowki

3 Ways To Use Pooja Stand Or Pooja Chowki

The festive season is often an all-access pass to celebrate life, people, food, and everything in between with divine blessings that pave the way for us all. As a child, I saw my mother and grandmother perfectly juggle their responsibilities in the kitchen and the pooja room, albeit I’ll never be able to say it seemed effortless. On the contrary, the tasks seemed endless and often demanded a lot of focus, which a child like myself couldn’t give very generously. So to me, all that mattered were snacks that I wasn’t allowed to get my hands on, following my parents around as they tied garlands, brought in fresh veggies and flowers, and of course, lit the lamps.

I remember wanting to be more involved in the process. I remember asking my mother if I could try grating coconuts, making sandalwood paste, and mixing all the yummy ingredients into a bowl for the sundal. I say yummy now, and I promise, that was my only thought. 

How does one trust a little one with a delicious sundal not yet offered to the divine? All they need is a moment to dig right into it!

Image source: Drasht!

Now that I have children, I see how they find themselves in the same position. And as for the sundal, well…I do my best to keep them away! However, I can’t speak for those moments they have unsupervised as I walk between the kitchen and Pooja room!

Over the years, I have found ways to include them in the festive preparation process; they must learn more about the how’s before they jump into the whys of it all. For instance, I ask them to help me with the mango leaf thoranam. I simply invite them to fold the leaf a quarter of the way from the stalk and hand it to me to fix to the cord. Another is the kolams. I don’t need them to actively participate in drawing the designs, but splashing the water around to cleanse the surface is a good enough place to start! Also, they get to fill colours in or draw a line or two when they get too persistent. 

But the best is just having them sit down and count the brass items with their grandmother and listen to her many stories as they help her carry plates or small lamps! Right before Golu, they were rather playful with the pooja stand and tried setting flowers and tiny Golu dolls on it. 

I’ll admit, this was a rediscovered piece that I had stashed away for later use but never got around to. So here I am, making the most of a simple pooja stand, determined to find as many ways to use it as possible around the home! The festivities are upon us, after all!

What Is a Pooja Stand?

A pooja stand is a three- or four-legged stand that helps elevate idols and auspicious items in the pooja room. A traditional pooja stand is either made of teak wood or brass. Wooden stands are usually set on four small legs, whereas brass stands are three-legged and circular. While numerous plastic and engineered wood stands are available in the market, nothing is as long-lasting as those made from teak wood or brass and bronze. 

Brass pooja stands are readily available in stores selling brass lamps, platters, and various other idols and artefacts. 

You can also find a vintage pooja stand for your home on our website or visit the Ancient Madurai Studio to browse our stunning vintage collection. 

Now that you know a little about pooja stands and where to find them let’s jump in and explore three ways to use pooja stand or pooja chowki! 

1. Using a pooja stand for idols:

A pooja stand can be used in the Pooja room to elevate idols, statues and religious figurines in a multi-level arrangement! It can be used for abhisheka or the ritualistic bathing of idols. 

It can also be used for everyday Lingam pooja and to elevate incense holders and small loban plates amidst festive arrangements. 

2. Using a pooja stand for divine offerings and arrangements :

A pooja stand can be placed amidst the pooja room layout to hold prasadam or floral offerings to the divine. It can also hold kumkum or turmeric bowls and auspicious rice grains. 

The pooja stand can be used to draw small auspicious kolam designs as an alternative to drawing it on the ground during the festivities to make for more space. 

3. Using a Pooja Sand as a decor element:

A pooja stand makes for a very versatile decor element when adding dimension to basic settings around the home. It can be used to elevate small planters and pots and also stubby candleholders. It can hold bowls of potpourri and oil warmers too!

It can be incorporated into a large table setting as a centrepiece to elevate candelabras and centrepieces. It can also elevate smaller condiment bowls, votive candles, and botanical arrangements!

So there you have it! 

You now know how to make the most of these versatile and utilitarian items, all in time for the festivities! 

Know more ways to style these gorgeous stands? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for an extensive collection of Pooja stands, idols and items? Click here. 

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