The origins of Pada Puja are deeply rooted in the history of Vedic tradition.

The wondrous gift of entanglement is the sacred secret contained within the ceremony of Pada Pooja. When we melt into a deep mood of gratitude and devotion, we receive the beautiful return flow of divine compassion and the uplifting of our consciousness.

There are many kinds of pujas for specific situations and occasions, but the fundamental elements remain the same. Every puja welcomes the Divine as an honored guest. The sequence of the puja contains all the elements of hospitality and appreciation for the presence of a beloved and distinguished visitor. During the puja, devotees welcome the guest and present offerings of flowers, water for washing (symbolized by a small cup or spoonful), clean clothing (represented by a piece of fabric), scented oil and food. They also burn incense and light lamps to delight the senses and brighten the occasion.

Pada puja is a specific form of gratitude. It is a ritual to express our thanks to a revered spiritual teacher. The word pada means foot or feet in Sanskrit. Pada puja means to give thanks at the feet of the one we are honoring.