Chapter 8: Ārātrika

Ārātrika is a ceremony in which the Deities are presented offerings of foodstuffs, or incense, flowers, a waving handkerchief, a fan, and an offering of flames. The Deities worshiped in the Kṛṣṇa temples are Jagannātha-svāmī with Balarāma and Subhadrā, and the Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa Deities. Every temple also has a picture of Lord Caitanya and saṅkīrtana. The program for temple worship is as follows: Early in the morning, before sunrise, there is maṅgala-ārātrika. At 8 a.m. daily, there is dressing and decorating of the altar and offering of breakfast. Then between 11:30 and 12 noon there is an offering of foodstuffs. At 5 p.m. there is the opening of the temple. The temple is closed from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and then dhoop ārātrika and an offering of foodstuffs, or bhoga offering are performed. In the morning, fruits and milk are offered to the Deities, and at noon, there are rice, dahl, chapatis, vegetables, milk, sweet rice and many other varieties. Then there is ārātrika after dusk and, at 9 p.m., an offering of puris, vegetables, milk, sweetmeats, etc. After this final ārātrika, the Deity rests. The throne is decorated profusely with flowers. The Deity's dress and ornaments are changed daily, and as far as possible the Deity platform and the temple room are always kept neat and clean.