**What Not to Do During Worship (Puja):** In Hinduism, specific rules have been established for worship rituals, and adhering to them is essential. Certain flowers are not offered to particular deities; while some deities cherish Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves, the use of Tulsi is strictly prohibited in the worship of others. If one offers forbidden items to the deities, they may become displeased; furthermore, performing worship in violation of these rules may prevent you from receiving the full spiritual benefits, or the entire ritual may prove futile. Let us explore what one should refrain from doing during the time of worship.

During worship, you must ensure that the idols or images of the deities are not broken or damaged. Worshipping or keeping damaged idols is considered inauspicious and incurs spiritual faults.

Do not offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Ganesha or Lord Shiva during worship. Additionally, the Ketaki flower should not be offered to Lord Shiva (Mahadev).

When performing worship, offer only fresh flowers to the deities. Do not use stale or withered flowers during the ritual, as they are strictly prohibited. Similarly, only fresh water should be offered to the deities.

While performing worship, you should face the North, East, or the Northeast (Ishana) direction. One should not worship facing South, as the South direction is traditionally associated with the ancestors (Pitrs).

Once the *Aarti* (ritual lamp ceremony) begins during worship, one should not leave the area in the middle of it. You should depart only after the *Aarti* has concluded; otherwise, it is considered a transgression.

During worship, no lamp—including the *Aarti* lamp—should be lit using the flame of another already burning lamp. Doing so is believed to lead to financial loss and may have a negative impact on one's health. Instead, light the lamp using a matchstick.

When lighting a lamp during worship, ensure that it does not go out midway through the ritual. The extinguishing of the lamp is considered inauspicious. Therefore, take precautions regarding air currents or drafts during the time of worship.

Whenever you perform worship, sit upon a mat (*Asana*) made of *Kusha* grass or a woolen blanket. Sitting directly on the bare ground to worship is prohibited. Once the worship ritual is complete, the mat should be put away.

During worship, one should neither harbor anger nor utter abusive or harsh words toward anyone. A calm and pure state of mind is essential for the practice of worship. The auspicious fruits of worship are nullified by falsehoods, slander, hatred, and similar negative acts.

Wear clean clothes for worship; impure garments should be discarded. Objects made of leather must not be used during worship. Footwear, such as shoes and slippers, should be kept away from the place of worship.

Worship is not performed during the afternoon hours, as this time is reserved for the rest of the deities. Additionally, one should remain mindful of *Rahukal* (inauspicious periods) while performing worship.

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