Essence of worship - Pathram - Pushpam - Phalam - Thoyam...

Stressing on the significance for sincerity, purity of mind and devotion in worship, Lord Sri Krishna says in Bhagawadgeeta (9th canto sloka # 26)

Patram pushpam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati
tad aham bhakty-upahritam ashnami prayatatmanah

That means whoever offers Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, that I accept, offered with pure-mind and devotion.

In these Houses-of-God, it is not intricacies of their design, elaborateness of the ritual, nor the splendour of gold and wealth exhibited, nor even the number of devotees attending, that contribute to their essential success. Ultimately it is the sincerity and devotion (bhakti) that counts in divine worship.

The very language and diction of the above stanza clearly sound the note that the material objects that one might offer are of no value to the Lord of the Universe, but it is the devotion and love that prompt the offerings that are accepted by the Deity.

Be it "a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water” it is but an insignificant thing that you offer; be it a golden temple, or be it a dry leaf, "whosoever with devotion offers" whatever be the offering, Lord Sri Krishna assures "THAT I ACCEPT."

For, when lovingly given, it becomes "a devout gift" and when it is offered by a sincere "pure minded” devotee, the Lord has to accept it.

Same is the case with Lord Shiva who gets pleased with a drop of water on his head (Shiva Linga) and worship with a leaf (Pathra) known as Bilva Pathra with sincerity, purity of mind and true devotion. It falls in the category of simplest forms of worship of Lord Shiva who is symbolized in the most modest form.

In the episode of Sri Krishna Thulabharam (Bhagavatha Purana) we come across Rukmani Devi the prime queen of Lord Sri Krishna exhibiting her true devotion could win back Lord Sri Krishna offering a Thulasi Dala. The episode conveys a message that how humble offering to the God is much greater than offering of material wealth. 

Therefore, on the whole, it is clear that an offering can be efficient, only when it is accompanied by the two required conditions; (a) "offered with devotion" and (b) "by the pure-minded." the quintessence of worship.

To the extent these features are absent all offerings are mere economic waste and superstition breeding false-beliefs. If properly done, it can serve as a good vehicle to tread the spiritual path of self development.

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu