Archana is one of the most important pujas that devotees
perform in a Hindu Temple and this is most popular in South
India . An archana can be performed on any day. Most people perform
it on birthdays, auspicious occasions etc. Archana is basically offering
flowers to Hindu deities with the chanting of mantras – usually 108 or 1008
names of the deities. It is performed before the deity in a temple by the
priest.
Archana is performed for peace and prosperity. Some people
perform it on their birth Nakshatra or rashi in all months. Some people perform
it on particular dates that is important to them.
Archanas are offered in all Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, Muruga
and Devi temples.
Some of the popular archanas are – Ashtottara Nama Archana –
chanting of the name of the god 108 times and offering flowers.
Trishati Namarchana – this is chanting of the name 300
times.
Chaturshati Namarchana – this is chanting of the name 400
times.
Sahasra Namarchana is chanting the 1000 names.
After the Archana is performed, the priest offers the puja items on a banana leaf to the devotee. This usually contains flowers, chandan and leaves. If the archana is offered to Sri Krishna then a devotee will also get a small banana and makkan.
If the Archana is offered to Shiva, then one will get Bhasma instead of Chandan.
In Devi temples, it will be red vermilion, wet sand or black kajal.
After the Archana is performed, the priest offers the puja items on a banana leaf to the devotee. This usually contains flowers, chandan and leaves. If the archana is offered to Sri Krishna then a devotee will also get a small banana and makkan.
If the Archana is offered to Shiva, then one will get Bhasma instead of Chandan.
In Devi temples, it will be red vermilion, wet sand or black kajal.