Key takeaways
- Before booking any puja, you have every right to ask clear questions, and a genuine Acharya will welcome them.
- Ask about identity and location, the ritual itself, the sankalp, dakshina and inclusions, participation, and what happens if plans change.
- Good answers are specific, written and unhurried; vague answers, pressure and guarantees are red flags.
- Families abroad should also ask about time zones, payment methods and receipts.
- We answer every question on this list openly, before you decide.
- No genuine Acharya promises guaranteed results.
Booking a puja is an act of faith, but faith does not mean you should stop asking questions. Especially when booking online or from abroad, clear answers protect you from disappointment and let you focus on devotion.
This checklist lists the questions every devotee should ask before booking any puja, havan or anushthan, with anyone. Alongside, we share our own answers, so you know exactly what to expect from us.
1. Questions About Who and Where
| Ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Who will perform the ritual? | You should know the Acharya's name and experience |
| Where exactly will it be performed? | A real, verifiable place, such as a named temple or office |
| What is your connection to the temple? | Clarity about association, without exaggeration |
| Can I speak to the Acharya directly? | You should be able to talk to the person responsible |
| How many pandits will take part? | Larger anushthans often involve several pandits |
Our answer: Rituals are performed by Acharya Ashish Sharma (and pandits working with him where the ritual requires), who has served in the tradition of Maa Baglamukhi for more than 25 years. His office is near Maa Baglamukhi Temple, Nalkheda, District Agar Malwa, Madhya Pradesh – 465445. You can speak with him directly by phone or through the online form.
Read more: Meet Acharya Ashish Sharma
2. Questions About the Ritual Itself
| Ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which ritual do you recommend, and why? | The recommendation should fit your situation |
| What exactly will be done, step by step? | You should understand the vidhi |
| For an anushthan: what jaap count, over how many days? | Clarity about scale and duration |
| Which mantras and texts will be used? | Tradition and authenticity |
| What samagri is used, and who arranges it? | Avoids surprise costs |
| On what date and muhurat, and why? | You should know the timing and reason |
Our answer: During a free consultation, Acharya ji explains which ritual, if any, is appropriate, what it involves, the jaap count for an anushthan, the samagri, and the proposed date and muhurat. Sometimes the honest recommendation is a simple home practice instead.
Read more: Puja vs Havan vs Anushthan · What Is a Baglamukhi Anushthan?
3. Questions About Your Sankalp
| Ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What details do you need for the sankalp? | Names, gotra, place, intention |
| What if I don't know my gotra? | A clear, traditional answer |
| Can family members be included? | Whose names will be recited |
| Will my details be kept private? | Your personal situation is sensitive |
Our answer: We need full names, gotra if known (the Kashyap gotra is commonly used if not), your city, and your intention in your own words. Family members can be included. Your details are kept confidential.
Read more: What Is Sankalp? Why Your Name, Gotra and Intention Matter
4. Questions About Dakshina and Inclusions
| Ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What is the total dakshina? | A clear figure, before you commit |
| What does it include? | Pandits, samagri, havan, prasad, video |
| Are there any additional costs? | No surprises later |
| Is the amount given in writing? | A record for both sides |
| Do I receive a receipt? | Especially important for payments from abroad |
Our answer: The dakshina and what it includes are explained clearly before you decide, and confirmed in writing by SMS or email. There are no hidden costs, and you receive a record of your payment.
Read more: How Much Does a Baglamukhi Puja Cost? · Paying for a Puja From Abroad
5. Questions About Participation and Updates
| Ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Can I attend in person? | If you plan to travel |
| Can I join live by video? | For families abroad |
| Will I receive photos or video? | A record of the ritual |
| Will prasad be given or sent? | Know what to expect |
| At what time, in my time zone? | Avoid missing it |
Our answer: You can attend in person, or join by video where arranged, and receive photos or video as agreed during booking. We confirm the time in IST and help you work out your local time.
Read more: Joining a Havan by Live Video · Time Zones and Muhurat
6. Questions About Changes and Concerns
| Ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What if I need to change the date? | Life happens |
| What if there is sutak (a birth or death) in the family? | Tradition pauses rituals |
| Whom do I contact with a concern? | A clear point of contact |
| What is your policy if the ritual cannot go ahead? | Fairness for both sides |
Our answer: If plans change, or sutak occurs, tell us as early as possible, and we will advise on rescheduling according to tradition. Concerns can be raised directly with Acharya ji by phone or through the online form.
7. Questions About Outcomes
| Ask | What a genuine answer sounds like |
|---|---|
| Will this puja guarantee a result? | "No. It is an act of faith. Results are not guaranteed." |
| How soon will I see results? | "No one can promise a timeline." |
| Should I also seek practical help? | "Yes. Devotion works alongside doctors, lawyers and advisers." |
Our answer: We never promise guaranteed results or timelines, and we always encourage practical help alongside devotion.
Read more: Why We Never Promise Guaranteed Results
Good Answers vs Worrying Answers
| You ask | A good answer | A worrying answer |
|---|---|---|
| Who will perform it? | A named Acharya you can speak to | "Our team of pandits" with no names |
| Where? | A specific, verifiable place | "At a powerful temple" with no details |
| What is included? | A clear, written list | "Everything needed", without specifics |
| What will it cost? | A total figure before booking | A small figure that grows later |
| Can I watch? | "Yes, where arranged" or "We'll send photos" | "It is secret, you cannot see it" |
| Will it work? | "Results are not guaranteed" | "It will definitely work, within days" |
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if you hear or see:
- Guarantees of outcomes or fixed timelines
- Fear: "You are cursed", "Something terrible will happen"
- Pressure to pay immediately, or "today only" offers
- Offers to harm or control another person
- Vague answers about who, where, what and how much
- Ever-increasing costs for new, unexplained rituals
- No verifiable address, or refusal to let you speak to the Acharya
- Requests for unrelated personal or banking details such as passwords or OTPs
Read more: How to Choose an Authentic Pandit for Baglamukhi Puja
Special Questions for Families Abroad
- Which payment methods do you accept, and in which currency?
- Will I receive a written confirmation and receipt?
- What time will the ritual be in my city?
- How will I join or receive updates, and on which app?
- Can you send prasad abroad? (Ask, as this depends on courier and customs rules.)
Read more: How to Book a Puja in India from the USA, Canada or UK
A Sample Message to Send
If you are not sure how to begin, you can copy and adapt this message:
"Namaste. I would like to know whether a Maa Baglamukhi Puja or Havan would be appropriate for my situation. Could you please tell me: who will perform it and where; what exactly will be done; the date and time (and the time in my city); the total dakshina and what it includes; and how I can join or receive updates? Thank you."
A genuine Acharya will reply with clear, specific answers, and will be happy to talk before you decide.
Your Printable Checklist
Before you book, tick off:
- I know who will perform the ritual and where
- I understand which ritual and why
- I know the date, muhurat and my local time
- I have shared my sankalp details
- I know the total dakshina and what it includes, in writing
- I know how I will join or receive updates
- I know whom to contact if plans change
- No one has promised me a guaranteed result
- I did not feel pressured or frightened
If every box is ticked, you can book with confidence.
About Acharya Ashish Sharma
Acharya Ashish Sharma has served in the tradition of Maa Baglamukhi for more than 25 years. He is Sanskrit-trained and connected with this tradition since birth, and his office is near Maa Baglamukhi Temple, Nalkheda. He performs traditional Maa Baglamukhi Puja, Havan and Special Anushthan, and offers personal spiritual guidance according to each devotee's situation, for families in India and around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to ask a pandit so many questions?
Yes. A genuine Acharya welcomes questions and answers them clearly and patiently.
How do I know an online puja is genuine?
Check that you know who performs it and where, that the ritual and dakshina are explained in writing, that you can speak to the Acharya directly, and that no one uses fear or promises guarantees.
What should be included in the dakshina?
It depends on the ritual. Ask whether it includes the pandits, samagri, havan, prasad and photos or video, and get it in writing.
Can I see the puja being performed?
Many Acharyas, including us, offer live video or photos where arranged. Ask before booking.
What if something comes up and I need to change the date?
Tell the Acharya as early as possible; a genuine Acharya will advise on rescheduling according to tradition.
What is the biggest red flag?
A promise of guaranteed results, especially combined with fear or pressure to pay quickly.
Do you answer all these questions before booking?
Yes. All of these are answered during our free consultation, before you decide.
Is the consultation free?
Yes, with no obligation to book.