Shodashopachara Puja of Durga

Shodashopachara (Sixteen fold worship)  is something I have been hearing a lot. It is an elaborate form of worship.

1. Dhyana, Aavaahana: The first step is to invite the deity (Aavaahana)  and then we concentrate on the qualities of the deity - Dhyana. Avahana Mudra is formed by joining both palms and folding both thumbs inwards.
2. Aasana : The deity is offered a mat to sit on.
3. Paadya : Water is offered to wash the feet of the deity.
4. Arghya : Water is offered to wash the hands of the deity.
5. Aachamana : Taking three gulps of water.  By drinking water three times, the throat and other parts pertaining to speech faculty become smooth and the speech also becomes soft.
6. Madhuparka : A drink made of honey , yogurt and clarified butter is offered to the deity.
7. Snaana : The deity is then bathed with water, milk, yogurt and clarified butter.
8. Vastra, Upaveeta : The deity is offered clothes to wear. Along with clothes, jewelry is also offered.
9. Gandha : The deity is offered Kumkum which she will apply on her forehead. Kajal is offered for her eyes. Sandal wood paste is applied to the deity as perfume.She is then shown the mirror. She is then offered whole turmeric and unbroken rice.
10. Pushpa : 108 or 1008 flowers are offered , while reciting the 108 or 1008 names of Durga as mentioned in the Devi Mahatmayam.  Along with flowers, Vilva leaves are also offered.
11. Dhoopa : Coconut husks are lit, and on the smoldering husks resins from trees (dhuna) is added, and this along with incense sticks is offered.
12. Deepa : Lamp lit with mustard or sesame oil is offered to the deity.
13. Naivedya : Cooked bhog is offered. Food for Durga can be cooked by Brahmin men who have been initiated (had diksha). Along with this seasonal fruits are offered. Then a ripe coconut is offered to the Goddess.
14. Taamblooa : 'Tamboola' means betel leaf. The deity is then offered betel leaf, as it will help the deity digest the food. Along with this money or gifts as Dakshina are offered. Books from which mantras will be chanted are also worshiped.
15. Aarati : Oil lamps and burning camphor is shown to the goddess. 
16. Mantrapushpa, Pradakshina :  Mantras are recited and by going round (pradakshina), we acknowledge the presence of the deity in all directions. After this the priest asks for forgiveness from the deity, for any rituals that may have been skipped or for any mistakes.