Hindu practices glossary Flashcards
Puja
Hindu term for worship. Literally meaning ‘to give respect’
Bhakti
The practice of showing love and devotion to Brahman or a deity
Murti
A statue or image of a deity used in worship
Shrine
A sacred space usually in the home used for worship
Mandir
Hindu term for a temple
Arati cermony
Main ceremony in Hindu Mandir-showing love
Havan ceremony
Fire sacrifice on special occasions to fire deity Agni
Darshan
To view/look: looking at murtis of deities and contemplating them
Japa / Mantra
The act of chanting short phrase repeated over and over
Bhajan / Kirtan
Hymns/sung prayers narrative songs
Guru
Particularly knowledgeable holy teacher
Ashram
Holy house where gurus teach their followers
Sadhu
Travelling guru
Sannyasin
Near death guru who spends final days as ascetic
Swami
Guru who specialises in holy scriptures
Pilgrimage
Journey to a sacred place
Pilgrim
Person who goes on a pilgrimage
Circumambulation
Walking around holy site, whilst praying/chanting
Celibacy
Giving up sexual activity as sign of commitment to God
Penance
Doing something to rid self of bad karma
Varanasi
Holy city on the river Ganges that is holy because has relations with shiva
Ghat
Platform on the river Ganges where ceremonies take place
Kumb Mela
A 12 year pilgrimage that visits 4 sites
Haridwar
1st gathering of Kumbh Mela on the river ganges
Ujjain
2nd gathering of Kumbh Mela on river shipra