A Day of Service to the Deity
Deity worship means caring for the Lord as a person. By serving the Deity we understand ourselves to be His servant, with practical service to offer. Krishna is a person, and when we care for Him He reciprocates with us by purifying our heart and bringing us closer in our relationship with Him.
Here’s what a typical day of service to the temple Deity might entail:
The Lord is awakened early in the morning; then He receives a snack and is worshiped with a traditional ceremony known as Arati.
Then He is massaged with oil, bathed with water, dried with a towel, dressed, and ornamented with jewelry, flowers, flower garlands, and Tulasi leaves.
Then the Lord receives breakfast and His next Arati.
At noon He is offered lunch and an Arati, after which He takes a nap. On awakening, He receives a snack and another Arati.
In the evening He receives His evening meal and another Arati. Then He is dressed in His night clothes, offered another arati, and laid to rest in His bed.
Deity worship at home often includes some of the above items but is usually much less extensive. At home, one offers the Deity whatever level of service one can maintain as a daily practice.