Pure Cotton – Red Color – Pooja Asan 20″×20″

“Puja mat” is a term commonly used to refer to a mat or rug that is specifically used during religious or spiritual rituals, particularly in Hinduism. These mats serve several purposes during puja (worship) and other religious ceremonies:

1. Clean and Sacred Surface: A puja mat provides a clean and sacred surface on which devotees can sit or kneel while performing their prayers and rituals. It serves as a designated area for the worshiper to be in direct contact with the floor while maintaining cleanliness.
2. Tradition and Customization: Puja mats often have traditional designs and symbols that are significant to the particular form of worship or deity being honored. These designs can vary based on regional and cultural preferences.
3. Cushioning: Depending on the type of surface on which the puja is performed (e.g., a hard floor), a mat can provide some cushioning and comfort to the worshiper during long rituals.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: Many puja mats are made with vibrant colors and intricate patterns to enhance the overall aesthetics of the worship space. These mats contribute to the ambiance and sacredness of the ritual.
5. Non-Slip Surface: Some puja mats are designed with non-slip features to ensure that worshipers can maintain stability and focus during their prayers.
6. Ease of Cleaning: Puja mats are often easy to clean, as cleanliness is essential in Hindu worship. They can be cleaned regularly to maintain their sacredness.
7. Various Materials: Puja mats can be made from various materials, including cotton, silk, wool, or synthetic fibers. The choice of material may depend on personal preferences and cultural traditions.
8. Size and Shape: Puja mats come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different spaces and types of worship. Some are rectangular, while others are circular or square.

The specific design and usage of puja mats can vary from one region to another within India and among different Hindu communities. They play an important role in creating a dedicated and respectful space for worship and meditation during religious ceremonies.

The term “puja mat” or “prayer mat” is commonly used throughout India to refer to mats or rugs used during religious and spiritual ceremonies, especially in Hinduism. However, the names for these mats can vary from region to region and may include local terms. Here are some regional names for puja mats in India:

1. Asana: In many parts of India, including North India, the word “asana” is used to refer to a mat or cushion used during religious rituals and prayers.
2. Chatai: In some regions of North India, particularly in Hindi-speaking areas, a puja mat may be called “chatai,” which refers to a woven mat.
3. Aasan: Similar to “asana,” “aasan” is used in various regions to denote a mat or cushion used for sitting during worship.
4. Kusha Aasan: In some parts of India, especially during Vedic rituals, mats made of kusha grass are used and referred to as “kusha aasan” or “kusha mat.”
5. Pooja Pattu: In South India, particularly in Tamil-speaking regions, a puja mat may be called “pooja pattu,” where “pattu” means cloth.
6. Asanam: This term is used in Telugu-speaking regions of South India to refer to a prayer mat or cushion.
7. Asanapattu: In Malayalam-speaking regions of Kerala, “asanapattu” is used to describe a mat used during worship.
8. Jai-namaz: In some Muslim-majority regions of India, the term “jai-namaz” is used for prayer mats, which can also be used for non-Muslim religious ceremonies.
9. Puja Gadi: In Bengali-speaking regions of West Bengal and Bangladesh, “puja gadi” may be used to describe a mat used for worship.
10. Sasan/Saasan: In Gujarati-speaking areas, especially in Gujarat, the term “sasan” or “saasan” is used to refer to a mat used during religious rituals.

These names reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of India, where different languages and regions have their own terms for similar items used in religious and spiritual practices.