“यजमानस्य नाम गोत्रं च उच्चार्य संकल्पपूर्वकं यज्ञः क्रियते, सः पुण्यफलप्रदः भवति।”
(Gṛhya Sūtras)
– “When a priest takes the name and gotra of the yajman while doing the sankalp, the yajna (ritual) brings spiritual merit to that yajman — even if they are not physically present.”
In today’s digital world, everything goes online — work, shopping, learning, and even religious practices. It is not really possible for every devotee to visit places like Omkareshwar Temple and Mahakaleshwar Temple Jyotirlinga to perform their pooja personally. That’s why Many people now book online pujas (rituals) through platforms like Shivaseva.com, even when they are not physically present. The concept of online puja has gained significant traction, allowing devotees to participate in sacred rituals from the comfort of their homes. This brings up a common question:
Is online puja valid and accepted in Hinduism?
Yes, online puja is fully valid in Hinduism when performed with proper rituals and faith — as per the Vedas and Dharma Shastras. The efficacy of a puja is rooted in the sincerity of intent, the correctness of rituals, and the devotion of the participant.
The physical presence of the devotee is not mandatory. What matters is the intention and the correct performance of the ritual.
What Makes an Virtual Puja Service Valid?
In Hindu tradition, the person who arranges and pays for the puja, such as buying puja samagri (items) or giving dakshina (offering), is called the Yajman. need not always be physically present. What matters is the Sankalp—a solemn vow taken by the priest on behalf of the Yajman.
Even if the puja is performed at a temple, the priest’s home, or virtually through an online platform, it is still religiously valid for the Yajman if:
- The priest performs Sankalp in the yajman’s name and gotra (lineage),
- The yajman has taken the responsibility of arranging or sponsoring the puja,
- The puja is done with correct procedure and devotion.
Scriptural Endorsements supporting remote Puja –
This concept is supported in ancient scriptures like the Grihya Sutras and the Bhavishya Purana. Ancient scriptures affirm the validity of such practices. Here are two important shlokas:
Gṛhya Sūtras
“यजमानस्य नाम गोत्रं च उच्चार्य संकल्पपूर्वकं यज्ञः क्रियते, सः पुण्यफलप्रदः भवति।”
“When the yajman’s name and gotra are recited in sankalp, the yajna brings blessings to the yajman.”Bhavishya Purana
“श्रद्धया देवतायज्ञं यो करोति यथाविधि, तेन यज्ञेन सन्तुष्टा देवता फलदायिनीः।”
“When a ritual is done properly and with faith, the deities are pleased and bestow blessings.”
These verses affirm that faith + correct ritual = valid worship — even from a distance.
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🔱 What is Sankalp, and Why Is It Important?
Sankalp is the sacred vow taken by the priest on behalf of the yajman before starting the puja. It includes:
“शुभे शुभमुहूर्ते, श्रीविष्णोः प्रीत्यर्थं, अमुक गोत्रोत्पन्नः श्री अमुक नाम यजमानस्य, स्वास्थ्य, समृद्धि, सकल-कामना सिद्ध्यर्थं इदं कर्म करिष्ये।”
Meaning: At an auspicious time, for the blessings of Lord Vishnu, this ritual is being performed for [your name] of [your gotra], for health, prosperity, and wish fulfillment.
This vow is what spiritually connects you to the puja, no matter where you are.
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🧘♂️How Online Puja is done at Shivaseva.com
At Shivaseva.com, online pujas are performed by experienced Vedic priests who follow every ritual step-by-step. Here’s how it works:
- Selection: You book a puja on the platform for a specific deity or purpose (health, peace, success, etc.).
- Details Submission: You provide necessary details your name, gotra, city, and purpose of the puja.
- Sankalp: On the puja day, the priest performs Sankalp by reciting your name, gotra, and reason for the puja.
- Ritual Execution: The entire ritual is performed at a temple or the priest’s home and is often live-streamed or recorded for you.
- Documentation: Photos or videos of the ritual are shared with the Yajman.
- Prasad Delivery: After completion, prasad and puja items can also be delivered to your home (if applicable).
Your physical absence does not make the puja invalid — your Sankalp connects you spiritually and this seamless process ensures that the sanctity of the ritual is preserved, even in a virtual setting.
Online Puja Services in Omkareshwar and Ujjain
Omkareshwar, one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas, has embraced the digital transformation by offering online puja services. Devotees can now partake in various rituals remotely, ensuring their spiritual needs are met without geographical constraints.
Conclusion:
So, is online puja valid in Hinduism?
Yes. When done with proper rituals, sankalp, and sincere faith — online puja is completely accepted and brings the same blessings as a traditional one. Scriptural validations affirm that the essence of a ritual lies in the devotion and correctness of its performance, not merely in physical presence.
Platforms like Shivaseva.com make it easier to stay connected to your faith, even when you are far from home. With this platform facilitating online puja in Omkareshwar and other sacred sites, spiritual practices have become more accessible, allowing individuals to maintain their religious commitments irrespective of location.
Technology is just a medium. Faith is the true power and Online puja is a beautiful union of tradition and modern living. Participate in online pujas and stay connected to your faith
Har Har Mahadev