E Alston 2005 Hinduism – Beliefs and Practices How do Hindus worship? L.O’s: to know about the aspects of worship and that shrines are special places.

E Alston 2005 Review from last lesson Most Hindus believe that there is one god. One god is represented in different ways, just like we have different representations to different people. Hindus will pray to different deities for different things. AUM symbol – special sign for God, usually said or chanted during worship.

E Alston 2005 Hindu Worship There are 2 main places of worship for a Hindu: at home and in a mandir. Home - They usually have a shrine somewhere In their house – what is a shrine? In many Hindu homes, there is a room or part of a room set aside as a shrine, with a statue or picture of the God or Goddess.

E Alston 2005 Place of Worship – The Mandir Mandirs are Hindu temples and are often dedicated to a particular God/Goddess. It is seen as God’s home on earth and a statue stands in the innermost sacred part of the temple. Hindus are not obliged to go to temples to worship and can worship at their shrines in their homes.

E Alston 2005 How Hindus worship Puja, or worship, is performed in a Temple or at a shrine in the home. It is often involves making an offering to a God of flowers, fruits, milk, sweets, incense or money.

E Alston 2005 ‘Puja’ As part of this, the shrine (murti) has to be purified through the singing of hymns and mantras. It is also washed with water. Those worshipping have a tilak mark placed on the forehead, using Kum Kum paste. Offerings of flowers, fruits and nuts are made to the deity.

E Alston 2005 Puja Incense sticks are lit to make a pleasant smell that soothes. A bell is rung to wake the deity. Arti is then performed – the five lights on the Arti lamp represent the elements of earth, wind, fire, water and ether (‘upper air’). The lamp is lit and waved in front of the Murti (statue/image of deity).

E Alston 2005 Puja The worshipper’s pray for their deity’s blessing and food that has been offered to their deity is shared out amongst them. Other aspects to Hindu worship: 1.Meditation 2.Performing yoga 3.Reading the holy texts 4.Use of prayer beads.