Yagya Stage & Altar Setup Guide

Grounded in AWGP's Yug Yagya Paddhati: Visual guide for hosts to prepare the divine seat (Devasthapan), seating arrangement, floor safety, and atmospheric ventilation.

Key Stage Preparation Guidelines:

  • Altar Table — 3 × 2 feet sturdy wooden table covered with a clean white or saffron cotton cloth.
  • Floor & Carpet Safety — Spread aluminum foil or heat-resistant mat beneath the Yagya Kund area to protect wooden/carpet flooring.
  • Ventilation — Open adjacent windows slightly or turn on kitchen exhaust fan to maintain clean airflow.
  • Seating Arrangement — Arrange clean floor mats (Asan) facing East or North for host family members.
  • Water & Napkins Nearby — Keep a pitcher of fresh drinking water and paper towels accessible near the altar table.
  • Microphone & Audio (For Large Venues) — Standard cordless mic setup if hosting in a clubhouse, temple hall, or park gazebo.
Altar Table Setup

Standard Altar Table & Yagya Kund Layout

Gayatri Yagya Item Checklist

Grounded in Pujya Gurudev Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya's Vedic Yagya Science (Yug Yagya Paddhati): Essential herbal materials and sacred oblations for environmental purification, mental tranquility, and spiritual elevation.

  • Table around 3x2 feet — for stage with clean cotton cloth
  • Fresh Flowers — for decoration and for sacred puja offerings
  • Water Bowls with spoons (2) — for achaman and ritual water
  • Kumkum / Sandalwood powder — for dev pujan & tilak
  • Kalash and (Shrifal) dry coconut — with shell (without husk) for sthapana
  • Incense sticks (Agarbatti) — 1 pack with holder
  • Pure Ghee (Clarified Butter) — 16 oz (pure unused ghee)
  • Light Lamps (Deepak) — 1 main diya, 5 for final aarti with cotton batties
  • Kheer (Semi-solid rice pudding) — for sacred hawan oblation and divine prasad
  • Aluminum foil — for covering the yagya kund surroundings and floor protection
  • Betel nut (Supari) — 1 for Ganesha/Sarvadev puja, 1 for Purnahuti
  • Havan Samagri — pure herbal powder mixture for oblations
  • Bowls for Havan Samagri (4) — for participants to hold samagri
  • Kalawa (Colored sacred thread) — red/yellow mauli for wrist
  • Prasad & Fresh Fruits — banana, apple, grapes, sweets, etc.
  • Paper Towels / Napkins — for keeping hands and altar clean
  • Steel spoon and bowl for Ghee — for pouring ghee into Yagya Kund
  • Plate for puja items (1) — broad steel or brass plate
  • Small Plate for Sarva-deva puja (1) — for invoking deities
  • Matchstick / Lighter — for igniting incense & deepaks
  • Grain Rice (Akshat) — 1 cup unbroken raw rice
  • Cardamom (Elaichi) & Clove (Laung) — for purnahuti oblation
  • Dry Mango Wood / Samidha Sticks — clean dried wood for yagya fire
Vedic Yagya Altar Setup

Sacred Gayatri Yagya Altar Arrangement

Deep Yagya (Lamp Yagya) Item Checklist

Formulated by Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya (AWGP): An inspiring, smoke-free Vedic ceremony featuring 24 Gayatri Deepaks representing the 24 divine virtues of the Gayatri Mantra. Ideal for apartments and indoor venues.

  • Table around 3x2 feet — with clean cotton cloth for lamp altar
  • Fresh Flowers — for altar decoration and offerings
  • Water for Kalash and one Bowl (2) — fresh drinking water
  • Kumkum / Sandalwood powder — for tilak
  • Kalash and (Shrifal) Fresh coconut — for divine invocation
  • Incense sticks (Agarbatti) — 1 pack with holder
  • Pure Ghee or Mustard Oil — 16 oz for lighting 24+ deepaks
  • Light Lamps (Deepak) — 1 main lamp, 5 for aarti, and 24 cotton batties for collective deepaks
  • Aluminum foil — for covering the table surface beneath the 24 lamps for safety
  • Kalawa (Colored sacred thread) — for wrist tying
  • Prasad & Fresh Fruits — sweets, dry fruits, seasonal fruits
  • Paper Towels, Steel spoon and bowl for Ghee
  • Plate for puja items, Small Plate for Sarva-deva puja
  • Grain Rice (Akshat), Matchstick / Lighter
Deep Yagya 24 Lamp Arrangement

Gayatri 24-Lamp Deep Yagya Mandala

Special Advantage:

Deep Yagya produces no smoke, making it 100% safe for homes with sensitive smoke detectors, retirement homes, and indoor event venues.

Punsvan Sanskar (Pre-Natal Blessing) Item Checklist

Official AWGP Yug Sanskar Paddhati: Performed during 3rd–5th month of pregnancy to invoke divine blessings for physical, mental, and moral development of the unborn child, instilling noble subconscious impressions (samskaras).

How Preparation Works: This Sanskar is conducted alongside either a Gayatri Hawan (Fire Yagya) or Deep Yagya (Lamp Yagya).
  • Fresh Kheer (Rice Pudding) — 1 bowl of freshly prepared sweet rice pudding for sacred oblation (Aahuti) & mother's blessing
  • Yellow Thread (Pitam Sutra) — 1 roll of clean yellow cotton thread for waist protection ritual
  • Fresh Sprouts / Wheat Grass / Charu — small bowl of sprouted grains representing vital life energy (Prana-Urja)
  • Small Spoon & Bowl — for offering Charu / Kheer to expecting mother
  • Fresh Fruits & Sweets — bananas, apples, pomegranate, and dry fruits for prasad
  • Flower Garlands (2) & Loose Flowers — fresh marigold/rose flowers for altar & mother's welcoming
  • Kalash & Shrifal (Dry Coconut) — with water, 5 mango leaves, and unbroken rice
  • Kumkum, Sandalwood Paste, & Akshat — for tilak and auspicious dev pujan
  • Deepak (Ghee Diya) & Incense (Agarbatti) — 1 main lamp with pure ghee and cotton wicks
  • Standard Yagya Kund & Samagri — if performed with Gayatri Hawan (mango wood, ghee, herbal samagri)
Purpose of Punsvan:

Punsvan Sanskar instills positive divine samskaras (thoughts & mental strength) in the unborn child while showering divine energy and health upon the expecting mother.

Namkaran Sanskar (Naming Ceremony) Item Checklist

Official AWGP Yug Sanskar Paddhati: Conducted on the 11th or 12th day after birth to give the newborn child a sacred identity and divine vibration. Includes Madhu-Prashan (honey/ghee tongue touch) and ceremonial name writing on rice.

How Preparation Works: This Sanskar is conducted alongside either a Gayatri Hawan (Fire Yagya) or Deep Yagya (Lamp Yagya).
  • Silver / Bronze Thali & Silver Spoon — for holding honey/ghee honey licking (Jatkarma/Namkaran)
  • Pure Organic Honey (Madhu) & Ghee — 1 small spoon each for symbolic tongue touch blessing
  • Unbroken White Rice (Akshat) — 1 plate of clean raw rice to write newborn's chosen name
  • New Soft Cloth / Blanket for Baby — fresh white, yellow, or pink cotton cloth
  • Kalash with Water & Shrifal (Coconut) — 5 mango leaves, betel nut, & coin
  • Kumkum, Chandan, & Kalawa — red mauli thread for baby and parents' wrists
  • Fresh Flower Petals — marigold & rose petals for showering blessings (Pushpa-Vrishti)
  • Sweet Prasad (Kheer or Ladoo) — for distribution among family and guests
  • Light Lamp (Ghee Diya) & Incense — for Mangal Aarti
  • Gayatri Hawan Materials — if combined with Yagya (kund, wood, samagri, ghee)
Symbolic Writing:

During the ritual, the father or mother gently writes the chosen sacred name upon a plate of raw rice using a gold ring or index finger while whispering the name into the child's right ear.

Annaprashan Sanskar (First Solid Food Sacrament) Item Checklist

Official AWGP Yug Sanskar Paddhati: Performed around 6 months of age emphasizing Aahar Shuddhi (purity of food). Sacred Kheer is first offered to Yagya Bhagvan before feeding the infant, accompanied by the traditional Vriksha/Vocation milestone test.

How Preparation Works: This Sanskar is conducted alongside either a Gayatri Hawan (Fire Yagya) or Deep Yagya (Lamp Yagya).
  • Silver Bowl & Silver Spoon — for feeding the first sacred grain to the baby
  • Fresh Kheer (Rice Pudding) — smooth, semi-solid sweet rice boiled in pure milk, cardamom, & tulsi leaf
  • Gold Ring or Clean Tulsi Leaf — used to touch & feed the first drop of Kheer to the infant
  • Flat Tray for Aptitude Test — large tray to place symbolic life items for baby to pick
  • Symbolic Aptitude Objects — Sacred Book (Gita/Ramayana), Pen/Notebook, Currency/Gold Coin, Tool/Toy, & Clean Soil
  • New Clothing for Baby — traditional clean attire (Kurta/Pajama or Frock)
  • Kalash, Shrifal (Coconut), & Mango Leaves — for altar invocation
  • Kumkum, Chandan, Kalawa, & Akshat — for tilak and blessings
  • Ghee Diya, Incense, & Hawan Items — for accompanying Gayatri Yagya
Symbolic Career Test:

The tray items symbolize future inclinations: Book (Wisdom), Pen (Scholarship), Currency (Wealth), Tool (Creation), and Soil (Property/Real Estate).

Mundan Sanskar (Tonsure Ceremony) Item Checklist

Official AWGP Yug Sanskar Paddhati: Ceremonial first hair cutting performed in the 1st or 3rd year to purify past birth impressions (samskaras), stimulate healthy brain cell development, and promote physical vigor.

How Preparation Works: This Sanskar is conducted alongside either a Gayatri Hawan (Fire Yagya) or Deep Yagya (Lamp Yagya).
  • Fresh Curd (Yogurt), Ghee, & Warm Water — small bowl for moistening baby's hair prior to cutting
  • New Scissors or Barber Blade (Unused) — clean, sanitized tools for ceremonial lock cutting
  • Yellow or Red Cloth / Towel — clean cloth to wrap and collect the initial shaved hair locks
  • Dough Ball (Wheat Atta) — to enclose shaved hair before ceremonial water immersion or burial
  • Turmeric Paste (Haldi) & Chandan — to apply on child's scalp immediately after tonsure for cooling & healing
  • Fresh Flowers & Flower Petals — for worship and showering blessings
  • Kumkum, Akshat, & Kalawa — for protective wrist threads & tilak
  • Sweet Prasad (Ladoo / Kheer) & Fruits — for distribution
  • Standard Yagya & Hawan Materials — yagya kund, ghee, samagri (if accompanied by Hawan)
Soothing Scalp Care:

Applying a soothing paste of fresh turmeric (haldi) mixed with sandalwood (chandan) or ghee on the baby's scalp provides natural antiseptic protection and cooling comfort after shaving.

Vidyarambh Sanskar (Learning Initiation) Item Checklist

Official AWGP Yug Sanskar Paddhati: Conducted around age 4–5 to initiate the child into formal education, wisdom, and arts under Goddess Saraswati's divine grace. The child writes the sacred symbol 'ॐ' or 'श्री' on rice or slate.

How Preparation Works: This Sanskar is conducted alongside either a Gayatri Hawan (Fire Yagya) or Deep Yagya (Lamp Yagya).
  • Wooden Slate (Patti) & White Chalk — OR new notebook & pen for child's initial letter writing
  • Maa Saraswati Photo / Idol — placed on clean altar table
  • Unbroken Rice (Akshat) & Yellow Flowers — sacred offerings for Saraswati Pujan
  • White or Yellow Altar Cloth — clean cotton cloth for table setup
  • Child's Books & Stationery — school text books, notebooks, pens, and crayons to place at altar for divine blessings
  • Sweets (Besan Ladoo / Kheer) — yellow sweets for offering to Saraswati and distribution
  • Kumkum, Sandalwood Paste, & Kalawa — for tilak and sacred wrist thread
  • Incense Sticks & Ghee Diya — for Saraswati Vandana & Aarti
  • Gayatri Hawan Materials — yagya kund, samagri, ghee, samidha wood (if Hawan is performed)
Writing 'Om' or 'Gayatri':

The ritual begins with the child guiding a pen or chalk to write the sacred symbol "ॐ" (OM) or "श्री" (Shree) on raw rice or slate under the guidance of parents and priest.

Yagyopaveet Sanskar (Sacred Thread / Upanayan) Item Checklist

Official AWGP Yug Sanskar Paddhati: Known as the 'second birth' (Dwija), bestowing the 3-ply cotton Janeu thread representing three sacred debts (Pitru, Rishi, Dev Rin) and initiating the person into Gayatri Sadhana and moral self-discipline.

How Preparation Works: This Sanskar is conducted alongside either a Gayatri Hawan (Fire Yagya) or Deep Yagya (Lamp Yagya).
  • 3-Ply Sacred Threads (Janeu) — 2 sets of pure cotton yellow/white Janeu strands
  • Yellow Cloth / Unstitched Dhoti & Dupatta — traditional sacred attire for initiate (Vatu)
  • Ceremonial Wooden Stick (Danda) — Palash, Bilva, or smooth Bamboo stick for Vatu
  • Kusha Grass Ring (Pavitri) & Kusha Mat — for spiritual purity & sitting
  • Begging Bowl (Bhiksha Patra) & Rice Grains — bowl & raw rice/fruits for symbolic Bhiksha begging ritual
  • Yellow Mustard Seeds (Sarson) & Akshat — for Rakshavidhan protection ritual
  • Sandalwood Paste (Chandan) & Sacred Ash (Bhasma) — for Tripund / Tilak
  • Kalash with Water & Shrifal (Coconut) — 5 mango leaves, betel nut, & coin
  • Pure Ghee (16 oz), Samidha Wood, & Havan Samagri — for Gayatri Yagya oblation
  • Kumkum, Kalawa, & Fresh Flower Garlands — for welcoming and honor
  • Sweets & Fruits Prasad — for distribution after ritual completion
Symbolic Meaning of 3 Threads:

The 3 strands of Janeu represent three fundamental debts (Pitru Rin - ancestors, Rishi Rin - teachers, and Dev Rin - divine nature) and the duty to lead a righteous, disciplined life.

Janmdivas & Vivah Divas (Birthday & Anniversary) Item Checklist

Official AWGP Yug Sanskar Paddhati: Celebrated by lighting lamps (Akhand Jyoti) instead of blowing candles, symbolizing expanding divine light, reviewing life goals, taking noble resolutions (Sankalp), and planting trees (Vriksha Ganga).

How Preparation Works: This Sanskar is conducted alongside either a Gayatri Hawan (Fire Yagya) or Deep Yagya (Lamp Yagya).
  • 1 Large Central Deepak (Pradipa) — brass or clay diya representing Akhand Jyoti (Divine Light of Life)
  • Small Deepaks (Matching Age or Years of Marriage) — e.g., 25 small diyas with ghee & cotton wicks for a 25th birthday/anniversary
  • Flower Garlands (2) — fresh marigold or rose garlands for birthday person or anniversary couple
  • Kalawa (Red/Yellow Sacred Thread) — for tying sacred resolution thread (Sankalp Sutra)
  • Kumkum, Chandan, & Akshat — for auspicious forehead tilak
  • Kalash with Water & Shrifal (Coconut) — decorated with 5 mango leaves
  • Fresh Sweets (Kheer / Ladoo) & Fruits — for offering to divine and sharing with loved ones
  • Aarti Plate & Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) — for final devotional blessing
  • Gayatri Hawan Kit — yagya kund, ghee (16 oz), herbal samagri, camphor, & mango wood
  • Plant Sapling (Vriksha Ganga) — optional AWGP tradition to plant a tree/shrub on birthday/anniversary for environmental seva
Vedic Birthday vs. Candle Blowing:

In Vedic tradition, instead of blowing out candles, we light lamps (Deepak) to symbolize expanding divine light, wisdom, and longevity in life.

Grih Pravesh Sanskar (Housewarming Yagya & Pujan) Item Checklist

Official AWGP Yug Sanskar Paddhati: Auspicious housewarming Yagya to purify atmospheric vibrations, dispel subtle negative energies, invoke Ganesha & Vaastu Devas, and feature the traditional kitchen milk boiling ritual.

How Preparation Works: This Sanskar is conducted alongside either a Gayatri Hawan (Fire Yagya) or Deep Yagya (Lamp Yagya).
  • Main Entrance Toran (Bandhanwar) — fresh Mango leaves & Marigold flower garland to hang at front door
  • Copper/Brass Kalash with Coconut (Shrifal) — filled with clean water, 5 mango leaves, betel nut, & coin for ceremonial entry
  • Milk, Raw Rice, Sugar, & New Vessel — for kitchen stove ceremonial milk boiling ritual (overflowing prosperity)
  • Rangoli Colors / Powder — for decorating main threshold and altar floor
  • 5 Ghee Deepaks (Lamps) — for lighting 5 cardinal directions and front door
  • Conch Shell (Sankh) & Prayer Bell (Ghanti) — for divine sound vibration & energy cleansing
  • Yagya Kund with Foil Protection — portable hawan kund and aluminum foil to protect wooden floor/carpet
  • Havan Samagri, Pure Ghee (16 oz), & Samidha Wood — for purifying home atmosphere
  • Kumkum, Haldi, Chandan, Akshat, & Kalawa — for Ganesha & Vaastu Pujan
  • Betel Nuts (Supari - 5) & Dry Coconuts (3) — for Navgrah, Vaastu, & Purnahuti
  • Sweets (Kheer / Ladoo) & Fresh Fruits — for Prasad distribution
  • Altar Table (3x2 ft) with Yellow/Red Cloth — for Vaastu & Ganesha sthapana
Kitchen Milk Boiling Ritual:

Boiling milk in a new pot on the stove until it gently boils over symbolizes abundance, happiness, and eternal prosperity filling every corner of the new home.

Vedic Vivah Sanskar (Sacred Marriage) Item Checklist

Official AWGP Yug Sanskar Paddhati: Sacred spiritual partnership (Dharmik Patni/Pati) for joint spiritual growth and social service, formalized through Varmala exchange, Saptapadi (7 vows around Yagya fire), and Gathbandhan.

How Preparation Works: This Sanskar is conducted alongside either a Gayatri Hawan (Fire Yagya) or Deep Yagya (Lamp Yagya).
  • 2 Fresh Flower Garlands (Varmala) — for bride and groom garland exchange
  • Mangalsutra, Sindoor, & Wedding Rings — sacred marital symbols
  • Gathbandhan Dupatta / Shawl — ceremonial cloth for tying nuptial knot
  • Laja (Puffed Rice / Murmura) — 1 bowl for Laja Hom (brother's offering to sacred fire)
  • Kalash, Shrifal (Coconut), & 5 Mango Leaves — for Varun & Mangal Pujan
  • Kumkum, Chandan, Akshat, & Kalawa — for tilak and sankalp
  • Pure Ghee (32 oz) & Havan Samagri — for Vivah Yagya fire
  • Dry Wood (Samidha) & Camphor (Kapoor) — for Yagya fire
  • 7 Flat Stones / Betel Nuts — representing 7 steps of Saptapadi
  • Sweets, Prasad, & Fresh Fruits — for family & guest blessings
  • Aarti Lamps & Incense Sticks — for final Mangal Aarti
Saptapadi Vows:

The seven sacred steps around the Yagya fire symbolize mutual respect, nourishment, health, prosperity, happiness, harmony, and lifelong friendship.

Satya Narayan Katha & Pujan Item Checklist

Official AWGP Literature: Sacred narrative and prayer ritual honoring Lord Satyanarayan (Truth Personified), teaching that righteous living brings peace to family life, accompanied by traditional Panjiri prasad.

How Preparation Works: This Sanskar is conducted alongside either a Gayatri Hawan (Fire Yagya) or Deep Yagya (Lamp Yagya).
  • Table around 3x2 feet — with clean cloth
  • Fresh Flowers — for Deity Decoration and Archana
  • Water for Kalash and one Bowl (2) — fresh drinking water
  • Kumkum / Sandalwood powder — for Vishnu and Navgrah puja
  • Kalash and (Shrifal) Fresh coconut — with water inside
  • Incense sticks (Agarbatti), Pure Ghee (16 oz)
  • Light Lamps (Deepak) — 1 main lamp, 5 for aarti, 24 for deep yagya completion
  • Aluminum foil, Kalawa (Colored sacred thread)
  • Satya Narayan Special Prasad (Panjiri / Sheera) — roasted wheat flour with sugar/ghee, banana slices, and fresh fruits
  • Paper Towels, Steel spoon and bowl for Ghee
  • Plate for puja items, Small Plate for Sarva-deva puja
  • Grain Rice (Akshat), Matchstick / Lighter
Traditional Panjiri Prasad:

Roasted whole wheat flour (atta) or suji cooked lightly in pure ghee with sugar, chopped tulsi leaves, and sliced banana pieces.

Antyeshti Sanskar (Last Rites Sacrament) Item Checklist

Official AWGP Yug Sanskar Paddhati: The 16th and final sacrament providing a solemn, dignified farewell to the departed soul through sacred mantras, oblations into fire, and prayers for the soul's upward journey (Gati).

How Preparation Works: This Sanskar is conducted alongside either a Gayatri Hawan (Fire Yagya) or Deep Yagya (Lamp Yagya).
  • Ganga Water (Ganga Jal) — small vessel for sacred drops
  • Kalash, Fresh Flowers, & Flower Garlands
  • 5 Pinds (Barley or Wheat flour dough balls) — mixed with Black Sesame (Til)
  • 6 Whole Dry Coconuts (Gola) — for final honor offering
  • White Shawl / Cloth — clean unstitched white cloth
  • Kumkum, Sandalwood Paste, Akshat, & Incense Sticks
  • Havan Samagri — for final coffin offering
  • Samidha Sacred Sticks — Sandalwood, Tulsi, or Mango wood sticks

Maranottar Sraddha Sanskar (Post-Mourning Peace Ritual) Item Checklist

Official AWGP Yug Sanskar Paddhati: Purification and peace ceremony performed after the mourning period to express gratitude to ancestors (Pitrudeva), purify home environment, and distribute food to cows, birds, and nature.

How Preparation Works: This Sanskar is conducted alongside either a Gayatri Hawan (Fire Yagya) or Deep Yagya (Lamp Yagya).
  • Two Broad Bowls, One Steel Plate — with Rice, Jau (Barley), and Til (Black Sesame)
  • 12 Pinds (Dough balls) — mixed with Milk, Curd, and Honey
  • Fresh Flowers & 5 Disposable Plates (Pattal)
  • 12 Roti and Jaggery (Gud) — for sacred offering to cows, birds, and nature
  • Prasad (Kheer) & 3 Dry Coconuts (Nariyal Gola)
  • 10 Blades of Dry Kusha Grass — Table (3 × 2 feet), Water Bowls with spoons
  • Kumkum, Kalash / Shrifal, Incense, Pure Ghee, Diya, Aluminum Foil
  • Betel Nut (Supari), Havan Samagri, Kalawa, Mango Wood, Camphor (Kapoor)

Ready to Host a Sacred Ceremony?

Gayatri Pariwar volunteers conduct Yagyas and Sanskars without charging any priest or ritual fees. Submit your preferred date and ceremony type online:

Submit Yagya Request Form Contact Volunteer Team