Hindu Worship Puja Puja 30 Jan22 RE Lesson

Hindu Worship “Puja” Puja

30 -Jan-22 RE Lesson Aims: n n To know what puja is and to understand why it is important for Hindus To explain the important items on a puja tray and what they symbolise

Because God is difficult to describe, Hindu’s often use their 5 senses to help them understand God.

Objects of Worship n n 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.

What Is Puja? Puja is a daily routine for Hindus. Puja is made at least once a day, usually in the morning. It is a simple form of worship using Mantras (prayers) and making offerings. This food is known as prashad. Puja is an act of daily worship. At the end of Puja, any food offered to the god is shared out amongst the worshippers.

Hindus can worship IN MANY PLACES at Work!

The Shrine – The Murtis = Statues of the Gods

The Mandir – The Hindu Temple The Shrine at Home

Think about how and why a Hindu might use objects like this in worship.

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 playing of music (Raga) or the ringing of the 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 are referred to in Hindu worship

Puja Worship To know what puja is and to understand why it is important for Hindus To explain the important items on a puja tray and what they symbolise

Puja Tray Activity: Complete the Puja Tray activity sheet or draw it in your home learning book and then label the parts of the puja tray and explain 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. Bell Incense The bell is rung at the start of puja to let the deity know worship is about to start. Hindus feel it unreasonable to expect something as great as a god to be sat around waiting for humans to worship them. Offerings This is used for purification. Water is offered to the gods and worshippers will take three sips before saying their mantra. Some shrines have water from the Ganga (River Ganges). Incense sticks are lit to purify and cleanse the air where the prayers are being said and to create a holy atmosphere. Offerings of food such as rice, nuts, sweets and fruit; are seen as symbolic gifts of love from the worshipper to their deity Water Light The light is moved around the shrine symbolising the presence of their god. First they pass their hands over the flame then over their head, this symbolises being covered with the presence of god. Kum Powder Worshippers make a paste from this powder and use it to mark their forehead. This is a sign of their devotion and the blessings and protection of their god.

Puja Worship After performing puja all five senses have been awakened to begin the day