Hindu Worship “ Puja ”
LQs: ◼ Can I explain what puja is and why it is important for Hindus? ◼ Can I explain the important items on a puja tray and what they symbolise?
Question How would d you describe e God? 1. 1. Because God is difficult to describe, Hindu’s often use their 5 senses to help them understa tand God. If God could ld be understo tood by touch, 2. 2. what t woul uld God be like? (Give a reason).
Objects of Worship ◼ Many objects of worship used during Puja at the shrine appeal to the five senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. ◼ This is to involve the whole person in the worship. How many senses does a rose use?
What Is Puja? Puja is made at least Puja is an act Puja is a daily once a day, usually in of daily routine for the morning. worship. Hindus. At the end of It is a simple Puja, any form of worship food offered using to the god is Mantras shared out (prayers) and amongst the making worshippers. offerings. This food is known as prashad.
Hindus can worship IN MANY PLACES at Work!
The Shrine – The Murtis Murtis = Statues of the Gods
The Mandir – The Hindu Temple The Shrine at Home
: H ow and why might a Hindu use objects like this in worship?
Hindu Worship (Puja) • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbxlh8o RNWU • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o- s0mN5P8jo
Worship Using The Puja Tray The image of the god is “awakened” by the lighting of a flame (Agni) and by the sound of the prayer (Mantra), the or the playing of ringing music of the (Raga) bell.
The Bell • The bell is rung to help focus the mind during worship. Q. Which noise do you think sounds holy or peaceful?
The Aum Symbol • The Sacred word ‘Aum’ is a sound symbol for Brahman. • This word is chanted over and over again during worship.
Food Offerings • Food offerings, called ‘Prasad’ are placed on the shrine. The family shares this food after worship. Q. Why might food be important in worship?
Prayer Beads • Prayer beads are often held during worship. Q. Which object makes you feel peaceful to touch?
Incense The scent of ghee or incense fills the room. Why? To remind that Brahman is everywhere . Incense is burned and Arti performed before the image (Murti).
Arti lamp An arti lamp with five wicks, each of which represent s one of the five elements, earth, air, fire, water and ether. Hindus believe that fire can be used to communicate with God and transfer his blessings.
Arti = “flame” ceremony
Mandala or Rangoli patterns • Hindus focus and meditate upon Mandalas or Rangoli whilst worshipping. Why? • The middle signifies Brahman.
Statues • Images or statues of a god (called Murtis ) are placed on the shrine. • This painting is of the Goddess Lakshimi. Q. What might you use to “see” God
The Picca (or Tilak) mark is placed on the forehead
The five elements The five elements are referred to in Hindu worship
Puja Tray Activity: Label the parts of the puja tray and expain how each object is used during Puja worship
Murti The murti (image) is a picture or statue of one or more of the gods that the family has specifically chosen to worship. The murti helps the person to focus on their god and the abilities or role of their god. The murti is washed regularly.
Murti Bell Light The murti (image) is a picture The bell is rung at the start The light is moved around Incense or statue of one or more of the of puja to let the deity know the shrine symbolising the Incense sticks are lit to gods that the family has worship is about to start. presence of their god. First purify and cleanse the air specifically chosen to worship. Hindus feel it unreasonable they pass their hands over where the prayers are being The murti helps the person to to expect something as the flame then over their said and to create a holy focus on their god and the great as a god to be sat head, this symbolises being atmosphere. abilities or role of their god. The around waiting for humans covered with the presence murti is washed regularly. to worship them. of god. Water Kum Kum Powder Offerings This is used for purification. Worshippers make a paste Offerings of food such as Water is offered to the gods from this powder and use it and worshippers will take rice, nuts, sweets and fruit; to mark their forehead. This are seen as symbolic gifts three sips before saying is a sign of their devotion of love from the worshipper their mantra. Some shrines and the blessings and to their deity have water from the Ganga protection of their god. (River Ganges).
Puja Worship After performing puja all five senses have been awakened to begin the day Think about each element on the puja tray. Which sense do you think each element on the puja tray awakens e.g. Bell - hearing
Puja Tray Sense Puja Tray Helps to… Touch Sandalwood paste Show God’s blessing Smell Taste Hearing Sight
Fire Bell Mark on the Flowers forehead Murti Image of a God Awaken the Agni gods Offerings and Incense decoration Burned before the Picca murti
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