How Hindus worship

• What is Bhakti(And why does it cause Hindus to worship)

  • Bhakti means loving devotion to God 
  • It is one the most Important duties for Hindus 
  • One way that they can show Bhakti is through worship 
  • It is one of the four paths of yoga and engages the emotions to reach union with God
• Examples of how Hindu's worship

  • Puja 
  • Arati 
  • Bhajan or Kirtan 
  • Japa 
  • Darshan 
  • Havan
• What is Puja

  • Puja is worship which happens in a temple , at a shrine , in the open air , or at home 
  • Puja means giving respect and honour  
  • Prayers are usually said in front of the chosen deity , represented by the murti , and offerings of flowers , fruit , money and rice are made 
  • Puja often involves arati
• What is Arati

  • Arati is the name for the main worship ceremony 
  • Arati is an offering of light to the deity through a murti 
  • An arati lamp is lit and passed round the deity with prayers and songs 
  • Then the flame is handed round on a tray so that worshippers can pass their hands over it and touch their eyes and head to receive the blessing of the deity
• What is Bhajan or Kirtan

  • Bhajan or Kirtan are devotional songs or hymns to God 
  • They may be sung during worship
• What is Japa

  • Japa is a way of chanting mantras  
  • This involves counting through the different names the deity is known by
• What is Japa

  • Japa is a way of chanting mantras  
  • This involves counting through the different names the deity is known by
• What is Darshan

  • In Sanskrit, Darshan means viewing a holy image with respect and receiving a blessing  
  • Darshan is where Hindus will often touch or kiss the steps of a shrine or the feet of a deity 
  • They will ask for a blessing in return 
• What is Havan

  • Havan is a fire sacrifice performed on special occasions (including wedding ceremonies) to the god Agni 
  • The fire is lit with small pieces of wood and ghee (purified butter) 
  • Rice is offered and prayers are said while the fire burns