Home Puja Preparation
Puja Samagri List
A practical guide to common Hindu puja items, what they are used for, and which samagri to prepare for Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, and Rama Navami.
Family traditions differ by region and lineage. Use this page as a preparation checklist, then follow your family custom or priest guidance where it differs.
Required vs optional
See which items are common and which depend on family tradition.
Puja-specific lists
Jump directly to Ganesha, Satyanarayana, Varalakshmi, or Rama Navami samagri.
Substitutes included
Use practical notes when a specific item is unavailable at home.
Common Puja Samagri
These items appear across multiple puja checklists and are useful to keep ready for home worship. The exact quantity and item choice can change by puja, family practice, and availability.
Altar Setup
| Item | Quantity | Appears in |
|---|---|---|
![]() Mauli Thread / Ribbon | 1 piece | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
| 1 platform | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja | |
![]() Raw Rice | 6 cups | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Vastra (Cloth) Offering | Varies by puja | Satyanarayana Vrat, Rama Navami Puja |
Lamp & Aarti
| Item | Quantity | Appears in |
|---|---|---|
| 1 stand | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja | |
| Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja | |
| 4 wicks | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja | |
| 1 set | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja | |
| Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja | |
![]() Matches / Lighter | 1 box/lighter | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Oil / Ghee | 10 tbsps | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
| 1 bell | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
Water & Purification
| Item | Quantity | Appears in |
|---|---|---|
| Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja | |
![]() Cardamom | Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Cloves | 2 to 3 cloves | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Coconut | Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Coins | Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Flowers | Varies by use | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
| 1 piece | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja | |
| 1 setup | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja | |
| Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja | |
![]() Water | as needed | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Sacred Leaves | 5 leaves | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Water Cup | 1 small cup | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Rama Navami Puja |
Archana & Offerings
| Item | Quantity | Appears in |
|---|---|---|
![]() Betel Leaves / Banana Leaf | Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
| 3 tablespoons | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja | |
| 3 tablespoons | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja | |
![]() Turmeric Rice | 1 cup | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
| 1 tsp | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam |
Naivedyam & Prasad
| Item | Quantity | Appears in |
|---|---|---|
![]() Ghee | Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Honey | Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Milk | Varies by use | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Rice / Vermicelli | 1/2 cup | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Sugar | 1 tsp | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Sugar / Jaggery | Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Tamboolam | 1 set | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Apples | 1 to 2 pieces | Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Bananas | Varies by puja | Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Fruits | Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam |
![]() Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 cup | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam |
![]() Grapes | 1 small bunch | Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Laddu | 2 to 5 pieces | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam |
![]() Lime (Chunam) | 1 pinch | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Oranges / Sweet Lime | 1 to 2 pieces | Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Payasam / Kheer | 1 small bowl | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam |
![]() Pomegranate | 1 piece | Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Cashews (optional) | Varies by puja | Satyanarayana Vrat, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Jaggery | 1/2 cup | Ganesha Puja, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Raisins (optional) | Varies by puja | Satyanarayana Vrat, Rama Navami Puja |
Abhishekam Prep
| Item | Quantity | Appears in |
|---|---|---|
![]() Curd | 1 tbsp | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Panchamrutam | 1 set | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Wiping Cloth | 1 cloth | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam, Rama Navami Puja |
| Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Varalakshmi Vratam |
Other Puja Items
| Item | Quantity | Appears in |
|---|---|---|
![]() Gandham bowl | 3 tablespoons | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Rama Navami Puja |
![]() Yajnopaveetam (Sacred Thread) | Varies by puja | Ganesha Puja, Satyanarayana Vrat, Rama Navami Puja |
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ganesha Puja Samagri
Items commonly prepared for Ganesha Puja, including altar setup, archana items, lamp preparation, water offerings, and naivedyam.
Altar Setup
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Ganesha Idol | 1 idol | Main Altar |
![]() Mauli Thread / Ribbon | 1 piece | Main Altar |
| 1 platform | Main Altar | |
![]() Raw Rice | 6 cups | Main Altar, Archana Materials |
Lamp & Aarti
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 stand | Ritual Items | |
| 10 pieces | Naivedyam, Upachara Items | |
| 4 wicks | Oil Lamp (Diya) - Left, Oil Lamp (Diya) - Right | |
| 1 set | Dhoopam and fragrance offering | |
| 2 diyas | Main Altar | |
![]() Matches / Lighter | 1 box/lighter | Upachara Items |
![]() Oil / Ghee | 10 tbsps | Oil Lamp (Diya) - Left, Oil Lamp (Diya) - Right |
| 1 bell | Ritual Items |
Water & Purification
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Cardamom | 1 to 2 pods | Water Pot (Kalasha) |
![]() Cloves | 2 to 3 cloves | Water Pot (Kalasha) |
![]() Coconut | 1 whole coconut | Water Pot (Kalasha) |
![]() Coins | 1 coin | Water Pot (Kalasha) |
![]() Flowers | Varies by use | Water Pot (Kalasha), Puja Materials |
| 1 piece | Water Pot (Kalasha) | |
| 1 setup | Water offerings and purification | |
![]() Water | as needed | Water offerings and purification |
![]() Sacred Leaves | 5 leaves | Water Pot (Kalasha) |
| a small pinch | Water Pot (Kalasha) | |
![]() Water Cup | 1 small cup | Naivedyam |
Archana & Offerings
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 5 pieces | Naivedyam | |
![]() Betel Leaves / Banana Leaf | 5 to 10 leaves | Offerings, tamboolam, and setup |
![]() Durva Grass | 21 durva blades | Puja Materials |
![]() Grated Coconut | 1/2 cup | Naivedyam |
| 3 tablespoons | Puja Materials | |
| 3 tablespoons | Puja Materials | |
![]() Patra Puja (21 Leaves) | 21 patra leaves | Puja Materials |
| 1 tsp | Archana Materials | |
![]() Turmeric Rice | 1 cup | Puja Materials |
Naivedyam & Prasad
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Fruits | 5 types of fruits | Naivedyam |
![]() Ghee | Varies by use | Snanam Items, Naivedyam |
![]() Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 cup | Naivedyam |
![]() Honey | 2 tsps | Snanam Items, Naivedyam |
![]() Jaggery | 1/2 cup | Naivedyam |
![]() Laddu | 2 to 5 pieces | Naivedyam |
![]() Lime (Chunam) | 1 pinch | Naivedyam |
![]() Madhuparkam | 1 small bowl | Naivedyam |
![]() Milk | Varies by use | Snanam Items, Naivedyam |
![]() Modak | 3 pieces | Naivedyam |
![]() Payasam / Kheer | 1 small bowl | Naivedyam |
![]() Rice / Vermicelli | 1/2 cup | Naivedyam |
![]() Rice Flour | 1 cup | Naivedyam |
![]() Sugar | 1 tsp | Snanam Items |
![]() Sugar / Jaggery | 1 cup | Naivedyam |
![]() Tamboolam | 1 set | Naivedyam |
Abhishekam Prep
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Curd | 1 tbsp | Snanam Items |
![]() Ganesh Idol Small | 1 idol | Abhishekam Prep |
![]() Panchamrutam | 1 set | Abhishekam Prep |
| 1 plate | Snanam Items | |
![]() Wiping Cloth | 1 cloth | Snanam Items |
Other Puja Items
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Gandham bowl | 3 tablespoons | Puja Materials |
![]() Yajnopaveetam (Sacred Thread) | 1 thread | Puja Materials |
Satyanarayana Vrat Samagri
A practical checklist for Satyanarayana Vrat, including Vishnu worship items, katha and prasadam preparation, kalasha, and aarti setup.
Altar Setup
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Mauli Thread / Ribbon | 1 piece | Main Altar |
| 1 platform | Main Altar | |
![]() Raw Rice | 6 cups | Main Altar, Archana Materials |
![]() Satyanarayan Idol | 1 idol | Main Altar |
![]() Vastra (Cloth) Offering | 2 pieces | Puja Materials |
Lamp & Aarti
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 stand | Ritual Items | |
| 10 pieces | Naivedyam, Upachara Items | |
| 4 wicks | Oil Lamp (Diya) - Left, Oil Lamp (Diya) - Right | |
| 1 set | Dhoopam and fragrance offering | |
| 2 diyas | Main Altar | |
![]() Matches / Lighter | 1 box/lighter | Upachara Items |
![]() Oil / Ghee | 10 tbsps | Oil Lamp (Diya) - Left, Oil Lamp (Diya) - Right |
| 1 bell | Ritual Items |
Water & Purification
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Cardamom | Varies by use | Water Pot (Kalasha), Naivedyam |
![]() Cloves | 2 to 3 cloves | Water Pot (Kalasha) |
![]() Coconut | 1 coconut | Water Pot (Kalasha) |
![]() Coins | Varies by use | Water Pot (Kalasha), Navagraha |
![]() Flowers | Varies by use | Water Pot (Kalasha), Puja Materials, Navagraha |
| 1 piece | Water Pot (Kalasha) | |
![]() Milk / Water | 1 to 2 cups | Naivedyam |
| 1 setup | Water offerings and purification | |
![]() Water | as needed | Water offerings and purification |
![]() Sacred Leaves | 5 leaves | Water Pot (Kalasha) |
| 1 conch (optional) | Puja Materials | |
| Varies by use | Water Pot (Kalasha), Ganapati Setup | |
![]() Water Cup | 1 small cup | Naivedyam |
Archana & Offerings
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 5 pieces | Naivedyam | |
![]() Betel Leaves / Banana Leaf | Varies by use | Offerings, tamboolam, and setup |
| 34 nuts | Navagraha | |
![]() Coconut Offering | 5 coconuts | Naivedyam |
| 3 tablespoons | Puja Materials | |
| 3 tablespoons | Puja Materials | |
| 1 tsp | Archana Materials | |
![]() Turmeric Rice | 1 cup | Puja Materials |
![]() Turmeric Roots | 17 pieces | Navagraha |
Naivedyam & Prasad
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Apples | 1 to 2 pieces | Naivedyam |
![]() Bananas | Varies by use | Naivedyam |
![]() Fruits | 5 types of fruits | Naivedyam |
![]() Ghee | Varies by use | Snanam Items, Naivedyam |
![]() Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 cup | Naivedyam |
![]() Grapes | 1 small bunch | Naivedyam |
![]() Jaggery / Sugar | 0.75 cup | Naivedyam |
![]() Laddu | 2 to 5 pieces | Naivedyam |
![]() Lime (Chunam) | 1 pinch | Naivedyam |
![]() Milk | Varies by use | Snanam Items, Naivedyam |
![]() Oranges / Sweet Lime | 1 to 2 pieces | Naivedyam |
![]() Payasam / Kheer | 1 small bowl | Naivedyam |
![]() Pomegranate | 1 piece | Naivedyam |
![]() Rice / Vermicelli | 1/2 cup | Naivedyam |
![]() Satyanarayana Vrat Prasad | 1 bowl | Naivedyam |
![]() Sugar | 1 tsp | Snanam Items |
![]() Sugar / Jaggery | 1 cup | Naivedyam |
![]() Tamboolam | 1 set | Naivedyam |
![]() Wheat Flour / Semolina (Rava) | 1 cup | Naivedyam |
Abhishekam Prep
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Curd | 1 tbsp | Snanam Items |
![]() Honey | 1 tsp | Snanam Items |
![]() Panchamrutam | 1 set | Abhishekam Prep |
![]() Satyanarayan Idol Small | 1 idol | Abhishekam Prep |
| 2 plates | Snanam Items, Ganapati Setup | |
![]() Wiping Cloth | 1 cloth | Snanam Items |
Other Puja Items
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Dates | 17 pieces | Navagraha |
![]() Gandham bowl | 3 tablespoons | Puja Materials |
![]() Yajnopaveetam (Sacred Thread) | 2 threads | Puja Materials |
Varalakshmi Vratam Samagri
Items used for Varalakshmi Vratam, including kalasha decoration, toram, vayanam, archana, naivedyam, and household prosperity offerings.
Altar Setup
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Devi Alankarana Items | as available | Main Altar |
![]() Devi Cloth / Vastram | 1 cloth or shawl | Main Altar |
![]() Mauli Thread / Ribbon | 1 piece | Main Altar |
| 1 platform | Main Altar | |
![]() Raw Rice | 6 cups | Main Altar, Archana Materials |
![]() Varalakshmi Face / Mukham | 1 face/mukham | Main Altar |
![]() Varalakshmi Idol | 1 idol | Main Altar |
Lamp & Aarti
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 stand | Ritual Items | |
| 10 pieces | Naivedyam, Upachara Items | |
| 4 wicks | Oil Lamp (Diya) - Left, Oil Lamp (Diya) - Right | |
| 1 set | Dhoopam and fragrance offering | |
| 1 diya | Main Altar | |
![]() Matches / Lighter | 1 box/lighter | Upachara Items |
![]() Oil / Ghee | 10 tbsps | Oil Lamp (Diya) - Left, Oil Lamp (Diya) - Right |
| 1 diya | Main Altar | |
| 1 bell | Ritual Items |
Water & Purification
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Varies by use | Water Pot (Kalasha), Naivedyam | |
![]() Cardamom | 1 to 2 pods | Water Pot (Kalasha) |
![]() Cloves | 2 to 3 cloves | Water Pot (Kalasha) |
![]() Coconut | 1 coconut | Water Pot (Kalasha) |
![]() Coins | 1 coin | Water Pot (Kalasha) |
| 1 conch or 1 small water vessel | Ritual Items | |
![]() Flowers | Varies by use | Water Pot (Kalasha), Puja Materials |
| 1 piece | Water Pot (Kalasha) | |
![]() Mango Leaves / Sacred Leaves | 5 leaves | Water Pot (Kalasha) |
| 1 setup | Water offerings and purification | |
![]() Water | as needed | Water offerings and purification |
| Varies by use | Water Pot (Kalasha), Ganapati Setup |
Archana & Offerings
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Betel Leaves / Banana Leaf | Varies by use | Offerings, tamboolam, and setup |
| 3 tablespoons | Puja Materials | |
| 3 tablespoons | Puja Materials | |
![]() Turmeric and Kumkum | 1 small set | Naivedyam |
| 1 tsp | Archana Materials | |
![]() Turmeric Rice | 1 cup | Puja Materials |
Naivedyam & Prasad
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Appam / Kudumulu | traditionally 12 pieces | Naivedyam |
![]() Apples | 1 to 2 pieces | Naivedyam |
![]() Bananas | 2 to 5 pieces | Naivedyam |
![]() Bangles | 1 set | Naivedyam |
| 1 piece | Naivedyam | |
![]() Dakshina / Coin | as per tradition | Naivedyam |
![]() Fruits | Varies by use | Naivedyam |
![]() Ghee | Varies by use | Snanam Items, Naivedyam |
![]() Gram Flour (Besan) | 1 cup | Naivedyam |
![]() Grapes | 1 small bunch | Naivedyam |
![]() Laddu | 2 to 5 pieces | Naivedyam |
![]() Milk | Varies by use | Snanam Items, Naivedyam |
![]() Oranges / Sweet Lime | 1 to 2 pieces | Naivedyam |
![]() Payasam / Kheer | 1 small bowl | Naivedyam |
![]() Pomegranate | 1 piece | Naivedyam |
![]() Rice / Vermicelli | 1/2 cup | Naivedyam |
![]() Slaked lime paste (Chunam) | 1 pinch | Naivedyam |
![]() Soaked Chana | 1 small portion | Naivedyam |
![]() Sugar | 1 tsp | Snanam Items |
![]() Sugar / Jaggery | 1 cup | Naivedyam |
![]() Tamboolam | 1 set | Naivedyam |
![]() Vayanam Items | 1 prepared tray | Naivedyam |
Abhishekam Prep
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Curd | 1 tbsp | Snanam Items |
![]() Honey | 1 tsp | Snanam Items |
![]() Panchamrutam | 1 set | Abhishekam Prep |
| 2 plates | Snanam Items, Ganapati Setup | |
| Small Varalakshmi Idol / Snanam Form | 1 idol | Abhishekam Prep |
![]() Wiping Cloth | 1 cloth | Snanam Items |
Festival-Specific Items
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Mangalyam / Sacred Auspicious Thread | 1 piece | Puja Materials |
![]() Varalakshmi Toram / Sacred Thread | 1 toram with 9 knots | Puja Materials |
Other Puja Items
| Item | Quantity | Used for |
|---|---|---|
![]() Sandalwood/Gandham bowl | 3 tablespoons | Puja Materials |
Substitutes and Practical Notes
Flowers and leaves
Use fresh flowers when possible. If a specific leaf is unavailable, follow your family tradition or offer a simple flower with devotion.
Water vessels
A panchapatra is traditional, but a clean small cup or lota with a spoon may be used for home worship when needed.
Naivedyam
Fruit, cooked prasadam, or a simple sweet can be offered depending on the puja and your household practice.
Altar space
A clean raised surface, cloth, and organized plate are usually more important than an elaborate setup.
Puja Samagri Questions
Do I need every item on a puja samagri list?
Not always. Some items are essential to the structure of the puja, while others vary by family tradition, region, and availability. When something is unavailable, many families use a clean, respectful substitute and continue the puja with devotion.
What are the most common puja items for home worship?
Common items include a diya or lamp, cotton wicks, flowers, akshata, kumkum, turmeric, a small water vessel, spoon or uddharini, naivedyam, incense, camphor, and a clean altar space.
Why do samagri lists differ between pujas?
Each puja has a different deity, occasion, and ritual structure. A Ganesha Puja may include durva grass, Varalakshmi Vratam may include toram and vayanam, and Satyanarayana Vrat emphasizes katha and prasadam.









































































