The six steps puja and worship in Hindu religion has deep
symbolism attached to it. According to Upaharaprakashika, the six step puja and
worship includes padya (washing of the feet of the deity), gandha (offering
perfume, sandal and saffron to besmear the body of the deity), pushpa (offering
flowers), dhoopa (burning incense), deepa (lighting a lamp) and naivedya
(offering sweet things).
The last step naivedya is intended to achieve a complete dissolution
of the conditioned self into the universal self. This ultimate offering, called
naivedya (making oneself the offered thing), is the essence of the full-hearted
devotee. The tambula (the rolled betel leaf) is a cover of all elements, as it
has leaves (earth), clove flower (akasha), pungent taste (air), a heat-generating
power (fire) in the Khadira and fruit (betel nut), and water of lime. This is offered
to achieve ‘all-ness.’
External worship aims at a transformation of the devotee
into a deity. It is an internalization of the external world. It brings new
meaning to what one experiences through one’s sense organs and brings a
complete harmony of being with the five elements on one hand, and the para
vidya (the supreme knowledge of the nature of pure consciousness) on the other.