hindu practices Flashcards
what is the story of Gajendra
A king was turned into an elephant and in a river he was attacked by a crocodile who would have killed him but Vishnu and Garuda swung down after he recalled mantras in his old life and cut off the head of the crocodile and took him to the vaikuntha
how does the story of Gajendra influence Hindus today
influences Hindus to worship as human effort and devotion to God will help them achieve moksha as well as Gods grace
what are ways the holy books teach hindus to find and worship God
Upanishads-yoga and meditation
Bhagavad gita-path of knowledge
where can hindus find God and worship
in homes , shrines or any outdoor sacred places
what is a murti
an image of God
what are rules in mandirs(temples) and ways of worship
take off shoes before entering
ways include
chanting mantras walking round murti(image of God)
presenting gifts
prepare food and offerings
what is bhakti
1 of the yogas
showing love and devotion to God and is one of their most important duties as it offers promise of moksha
what does bhakti encourage
showing love by focusing on deity and making simple offerings like a leaf or flower
what is puja
giving respect and honour by making offerings like rice flowers fruit or rice and saying prayers in front of the murti
the general term for hindu worship
what is the main worship ceremony
arati-lamp is lit and passed around deity
with songs and prayers
then flame is passed round on tray so they can pass hands over it and touch eyes to recieve blessing from deity
tray represents elements with the 4-5 diff lights
what is darshan
kiss steps of shrine and then ask for deitys blessing in return
what is a way hindus chant mantras
japa which is counting beads on strings calling different names of deity
what is singing hyms
kirtan or bhajan
what is havan
fire sacrifice to God Agni on special occasions as symbol of animal sacrifice ritual
what is a sadhu
a wandering holy man like a guru who have special part in kumbh mela pilgrimage to lead pilgrims into the water