Upachara is a Sanskrit word that means "honorable,"
or "enjoyable".
This term implies the act of demonstrating civility,
decency, or honor to a superior in its literal sense.
The concept has been broadened in the context of worship to
include the items that are generally provided to the god as part of the standard
hospitality that would be extended to any distinguished visitor.
Although different lists exist, one of the most common lists
has sixteen of them: summoning (avahana), offering a seat (asana), water for
washing the feet (padya), thirst-quenching beverages (arghya), water for
rinsing the mouth (achamaniya), bathing (snana), clothing (vastra), affixing
the sacred thread (yajnopavit), fragrant unguents (anulepana) (visarjana).
Giving all sixteen gifts is a lengthy and intricate
ceremony, with the eleventh, the offering of light, also known as arati, being
the most popular.
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