Worship Flashcards
Give examples of using 5 senses in Hindu worship
Hearing- chants, mantras, music, songs
Taste- prasadi will be given
Touch- water, flowers,aarti, prayer beads
Sight- statues, pictures, shrine, flowers
Smell- incense
What is hindu worship all about?
It is all about engaging the senses and doing things, not about following an ordered service.
Why do Hindus use idols in their worship?
Hindus believe that God is everywhere present in the idol, pictures or statues. It is a way of directing focus and keeping concentrated at all times. It is also a channel to direct prayers to god who is unseen and distant.
Define puja
Puja is the nearest word in Hinduism to “worship”. It actually means paying respect of homage to god through various actions that express the wish to please the chosen deity and offer service to them and hope for the blessing of god in return.
Is there a difference between puja at home and in a temple?
At home, the ritual is more basic and in the temple is it more elaborate and dramatic.
Name some objects found on a shrine in the home
Pictures and statues of gods and goddesses
Small copper vessel containing water from Ganges
Red kum kum powder, turmeric, sandalwood paste
Flowers and leaves
Food offerings
Incense
Small ghee lamp
Arti lamp
A small bell
What are the actions involved in puja and their meaning
Before puja, a hindu would bathe ,become clean and dress in clean clothes.
The deity is invited to be present in the image by special prayers and bell ringing.
Incense sticks are lit and so is a diwa( ghee lamp)
Prayers are sung And offerings are made
The deity is washed and dressed
Garlands are sometimes dressed on the deity
A paste is made and applied to the image and the persons forehead
The Arti ceremony is performed. The lamp with five flames is rotated in front of the deity image and then the devotees symbolically accept the light and blessing of god by passing their hands over the flame and placing it over their eyes, forehead and head. To destroy evil.
The prasadi is distributed to those present.
What is the purpose of puja?
All the items used in puja relate to the five elements of earth, air, fire ,wind and water and the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. These are the basic ingredients of life. All the actions of puja are performed for the specific purpose of bringing the presence of the deity into the home and a good state of mind. It also helps to concentrate on the inner self in order to seek wisdom and understanding.
What is a hindu temple called?
Mandir
Explain what is meant by a havan
This is a fire sacrifice that is performed on special occasions using at the temple. The fire is the god Agni and offerings of rice and ghee are offered to this fire.
Why is the basic shape of a temple meant to be like a mountain?
In hindu mythology mountains are the dwelling places of the gods so in the Himalayas, Kailash is both the centre of the world and the home of Shiva and Parvati.
What is the basic purpose of the mandir?
To house the deities
Why do the temples have large towers?
The tower like structure represents the highest level of liberation , moksha and the tower leads the eye upwards towards liberation.
Explain what a hindu would usually do when entering a mandir
Removal of shoes
Ring the bell to let God know they have come to worship
Offerings brought and placed before the Gods
Prayers performed to call the deity and Arti performed
Arti light given to the God and offered to the worshippers
People put money on the Arti light and pass their hands over their head
Prayers are sung
Prasadi is distributed
Water distributed
People may say their own prayers
Bow down
Socialise in other parts of the mandir
Explain prayer beads
108 mara beads may be used to focus on the names of god
Name some hindu artefacts
Prayer beads Musical instruments Arti lamps Coconut Rakhi Sacred thread Garlands
