Upasana

Uapasana in Sanskrit literally means "Sitting near" but normally the term is used in Hinduism to denote a prescribed method for approaching a Deity or God or getting close to a deity(s). In Vedas some Upasanas are prescribed where one meditates on all pervading Brahman as some aspect of creation such as fire, water, directions, food, mind etc. In other words, Upasana can be described as a systematic practice of a prescribed method of worship for pleasing and winning the attention of the deity or it can be a deity less practice of austerities involving meditating upon some aspect of nature as told in some Vedic Upasanas. Normally such prescription of worship or meditational methods is taken from Hindu scriptures. Most often scriptures are Puranas and Vedas. A devotee would consult the scriptures or any person who knows them thoroughly, to get a prescribed form of worship (Upasana) for his deity of choice or Ishta Devata and follow it faithfully or dutifully.

Once the deity is pleased, it is said to grant the wishes of devotee either directly appearing in front of the devotee and asking what he or she wants or silently reading mind of devotee and granting his or her wishes without making any appearance unless one of the wishes of devotee is to see the deity personally.

"The seeker of knowledge does not achieve his end merely by a study of scriptures. Without "upasana" there cannot be attainment for him, this is definite." -- Sri Ramana Leela, "Ramana Gita" I.22, quoted in Sri Krishna Bihkshu, "Sri Ramana Leela" (Pingali Surya Sundaram tr. 2004), p. 80.