There is another specific Puja where Deities representing the Five elements of Nature, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether are worshiped daily .
This is to be performed in the morning.
As this Puja has Five Deities, this is called the Panchayatana Puja.
This was made popular by Adi Sankaracharya.
There is a misconception that only those who worship Siva alone can perform this.
it is wrong.
The reason for the prevalent view is that people mistake the term 'Smartha' means those who worship Siva.
Smartha is One who follows the Smriti, that which is retained by Memory, as against Sruthi that which heard(Vedas)
We have a hot of Smritis,
Narayan Smriti,
Smarta Smriti.
Manu Smriti,
Sukra Smriti. Bruhaspati Smriti.
All those who follow either of these my perform the Panchayatana Puja.
Sankaracharya systematized the worship into Six Systems, The Shan Mathas(read my post on this)
In the Panchayatana Puja,Subrahmanya is not included, but it may be included by having a small Silver Spear(Vel) or a small Silver Snake Idol.
The Sankalpa depends on one's desires.
The best sankalpa is praying for the welfare of all beings, living and non Living.
The mantras for each Devata may be Astothra .
Sahasranama is time-consuming.
The Five elements and the represented Murthis.
Akasa -Ether/Space-Vishnu.
Agni-Fie-Ambika.
Vayu, Air-Aditya.
Prithvi, Earth-Siva.
Jala, Water -Ganapati
Here on may find the Vedic representation of the principles of nature.
This may sound slightly different as Aditya represents Vayu, while Vishnu who is normally associated with Prithvi is seen representing Space as Vishnu is an Amsa of Parama Purusha who represents Space as well![]()
