The process of making an offering of foodstuffs to Krishna will evolve for everyone. The basic principle is to acknowledge that the Lord has given so many nice ingredients, and that we have prepared them in a way to reciprocate with Krishna. The offering itself can be very simple.
Ekādaśi is the 11th day after the full moon and the new moon. On that day, to fast from grains and beans promotes and protects our spiritual progress. It is one of the Holy Days that are considered the Mother of Devotion.
Tulasī Devī has her form in the topmost spiritual realm of Goloka Vṛndāvana, where she acts in many ways to make the most perfect arrangements for Krishna’s wonderful pastimes with His eternal associates. She appears in this world as a plant, and her very presence invites auspiciousness.
“Pañca-tattva” means “Five Truths.” There are five transcendental personalities who comprise the Pañca-tattva. They are recognized and honored by the mantra, śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya prabhu-nityānanda śrī-advaita gadādhara śrīvāsādi-gaura-bhakta-vṛnda. The first three of these personalities, Śrī-Kṛṣṇa Caitanya, Nityānanda Prabhu, and Śrī Advaita Ᾱcārya, are Viṣṇu-tattva, and are worshipable by the living entities. The other two tattvas, śakti-tattva and jīva-tattva, represented by Gadādhara and Śrīvāsa, are worshipers of the Supreme Lord. However, these two tattvas are in the same transcendental category as the Viṣṇu-tattvas because they eternally engage in the loving service of the Lord.
Devotees of the Lord are often recognized by different signs. Along with the obvious robes, the distinguishing marks of a devotee will be Tulasī wood neck beads, the small tuft of hair called a śikhā, and the clay markings, called tilaka, that designate the body as a temple of the Lord.
An altar is an important part of worshipping the Lord at home or in a Temple. A simple home altar can be set up horizontally or vertically. It does not have to be elaborate. It is good to start with nicely framed pictures, and it should be easy to clean. When you start to offer some things to the Lord, be very simple, as it is nice to make a commitment that is within reason and that can be maintained on a regular basis.
