Remember the COVID-19 Pandemic? When everything was shut down and no one could go out? Forget about Chaar Dhaam—one could not even visit a temple in the same locality! This was exactly the situation of an elderly couple in Pune who found themselves in great confusion and were worried. 

Their daughter was constantly having trouble finding a suitable partner, and every proposal seemed to fail. They had visited temples, consulted priests, and performed rituals, but nothing had changed. 

A local temple priest suggested an "online puja" conducted over video call during the pandemic. They agreed, doubtful but desperate. To their astonishment, their daughter found a compatible match a few months later, and the process also felt spiritually rewarding. And now, they conduct all their pujas from home. After all, it is always about the intention of the devotee that God acknowledges. 

The Idea of Online Puja: What Difference Does It Make?

India has a history of spiritual ceremonies, mantras, and rituals. Pujas have traditionally been used by people to welcome divine grace into their lives, from housewarmings to Navratri. But with the rise of technology, urban migration, and changing lives, many people are starting to wonder: "Can a puja performed online really be effective?"

And here comes the idea of online puja services, which became very popular after COVID, but are now becoming more than just a convenience for thousands of people. This holy transformation has been made easy, accessible, and highly customised by platforms like Apna Jyotish Dham.

Myth 1: “It Doesn't Count If You're Not There in Person.”

One of the most widespread misconceptions is that the puja is pointless unless you are seated directly next to the priest or the havan kund. The Vedic texts, however, place more emphasis on Sankalp, or sacred intent. In order to spiritually connect you with the ritual's energy, a priest will invoke your name, gotra (lineage), and purpose during a puja. Because the divine responds to your inner commitment rather than merely your physical location, this invocation is so essential that your presence becomes symbolic. 

The Sankalp and Gotra establish the spiritual connection that allows you to benefit from the ceremony wherever you are. If your sankalp is strong, the energies will align whether you attend via video from Canada or sit in a temple in Varanasi. Offerings produced with devotion rather than location are accepted by the sacred fire, the Agni. Apna Jyotish Dham allows you to participate, chant, feel, and surrender in real time, rather than merely watching a screen.Spiritual services are merely adjusting to better serve seekers in the digital age.

Myth 2: “Pujas Done Online Are a Scam.”

Some critics claim that internet pujas are unreal.  However, the desire behind the service is where the truth lies. Every ceremony at Apna Jyotish Dham is performed by recognised priests who have received extensive training in the particular vidhi (process) of each puja and are steeped in tradition.

The prayers are carried out with the same attention to detail and care as any temple worship, whether it's a Lakshmi Puja for fortune, a Sunderkand route for serenity, or a Mahamrityunjaya Jaap for health. Rituals are shown in full transparency, mantras are read live, and holy yantras and divine prasad can even be brought right to your home.

Myth 3: “Pujas performed offline are always more genuine.”

Participating in a ceremony and visiting temples have their own appeal, but this does not imply that the puja is more genuine. In reality, unless you are actively participating from beginning to end, how can you be certain that each ritual in a temple is performed correctly?

A level of transparency that may be absent from offline pujas is made possible by online ones. You can request recordings, read feedback, and see exactly what is being done for you. More comfort is frequently offered by that visibility and confidence.

Myth 4: “Online pujas are dishonest and only serve as a means of profit.”

In reality, this is among the most widespread misconceptions. Many people believe that a puja must not be authentic just because it is not taking place in front of them. But let's take a moment to think. Are you constantly there for the whole time, even at offline temples or pandals? Are you certain that all of the rituals are being performed as promised?
Transparency is actually made easier with online pujas. You can watch live images and videos and you can even get updates as the ceremonies are taking place. And what else? In contrast to offline rituals, you can read reviews and testimonials from other devotees. Verified feedback and shared experience, rather than blind belief, are the foundation of trust.

Myth 5: “Online pujas only require payment; there is nothing else to perform.”

This is not at all the case. Online or offline, a true puja is never merely a transaction. It's a spiritual process, and the devotee's participation and purpose are crucial to its success.

Most reputable online puja services, including Apna Jyotish Dham, walk you through what you need to do as part of the process, such as fasting, chanting mantras, or performing particular rituals at home while the puja is performed on your behalf. Not a button you click and forget, it's a reciprocal spiritual relationship.

The Truth: Faith Is Not Limited by Physical Boundaries

Remember, we have always engaged in a kind of "remote devotion." We are spiritually engaged beyond our senses when we fold our hands in front of a deity in a temple, repeat mantras from a phone app, or listen to bhajans on YouTube. Online puja is no different—except it is just more organised. 

This is not just a choice—it is a blessing, especially for those who, for some reason, cannot visit a temple. It can be anybody—NRIs, the elderly, and anyone unable to travel because of work or health constraints.

So—Is Puja Online Effective?

Yes—as long as it's done through the right channels and with the right intent. Many people have utilized online pujas in difficult circumstances and found not only relief but also peace of mind.