Prepare a worship plate (stainless steel, silver or
any other metal) by placing on it small vessels (cup-like, preferably
metallic) of kumkum (vermilion), turmeric, one packet of
camphor, sandal paste, a dozen agarbatti sticks (incense sticks) and a
match box. The incense we burn collectively stands for the desires we
have for various things in life. The vermilion or red powder stands for
our emotions.

Prepare another plate, 12" or 24" diameter, metallic
or wicker and put a variety of fruits (bananas, apples, oranges, etc.)
and a couple of varieties of leaves and flowers. The flower that we
offer to the deity stands for the good that has blossomed in us. The
fruits offered symbolize our detachment, self-sacrifice and surrender.

You will need an aarati plate. This can be a small
plate with a few vertical wicks soaking in oil or ghee or an aarati
receptacle with a few wicks soaking in oil or ghee.

You will also need a small cup of akshata (raw
unbroken rice).

Covered dishes of your favorite prasaadam or sweets
may be placed in front of the altar on the cloth covered ground. A
metallic vessel large enough to contain a couple of mugs of water should
be filled with water and placed in front of the altar. You will need a
smaller vessel, preferably a metallic straight-walled tumbler into which
water will be poured during the service.

A dispenser (called uddharana or a simple metallic
spoon) to dispense water from the tumbler will be needed. You will need
a piece of cloth, white for a male deity and colorful cloth for a
Goddess.

Now you are ready to begin. Light the lamps and a
couple of incense sticks. Keep them safely in the vicinity such that
they present no hazard. Direct the agarbatti smoke towards the altar
such that the smoke does not cause discomfort with chanting by the
assembled.

You must realize that in a few moments you will be
invoking and receiving a godhead and therefore the principal mood should
be one of joy and devotion, but the mind should be relaxed. Make sure
nothing starts until you are certain that a pleasant, sincere,
reverential, relaxed environment is created to fill yourselves with joy
as you begin to surrender to the Godhead through worship.