Hinduism worship

• Importance of worship to Hindus:

  • Builds a bond Brahman
  • Ask for forgiveness or praise
  • Brings community together
• Worship- is any action that is taken to show recognitions of the divine
• puja- paying respect and honour through prayers being said infront of chosen deity, worshipper offer flowers, fruit, rice and money - can be done at home or temple
• Arati - flame being passed round on a tray , where worshippers can pass their hands over the flame, and touch their eyes and hands to receive the blessing of the deity. The tray includes four or five lights representing the element of fire, earth, air, wind and water
• Darshan- Hindus touch and kiss the steps of a shrine or the feet of the deity or offer a greeting to show a sign of respect and honour, in return they ask for the deity to bless them In return. They sing hymns known as bhajan and kirtan and chant mantras. Japa is one of the chanting mantras, where they often use a string of beads as a way to focus the mind as they count through the different names by which the deity is known
• Havan- the fire sacrifice which is performed on special occasions to the god Agni. Fire is lit with small pieces of wood and ghee and rice is offered and prayers are said while the fire burns. This is the symbol of the rituals of animal sacrifice in ancient scriptures. this is also done during Hindu marriages