Short answer
A pooja offers worship to a deity with flowers, lamp, incense and naivedyam. A homam (havan) makes offerings into a consecrated fire with mantras, the fire carrying them to the deity. Homams take longer and often need more pandits: Ganesh pooja takes 1 to 1.5 hours, Ganapathi homam 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Pujas to book
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a pooja and a homam?
A pooja offers worship to a deity with flowers, lamp, incense and naivedyam. A homam (havan) makes offerings into a consecrated fire with mantras, the fire carrying them to the deity. Homams take longer and often need more pandits: Ganesh pooja takes 1 to 1.5 hours, Ganapathi homam 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Can a homam be done in an apartment?
Yes, with a small metal homa kundam on a brick or sand base, a ventilated room and water nearby.