Hindu Worship Puja LQs: Can I explain what puja is and why it is - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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

1. 1.

How would d you describe e God?

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

2. 2.

If God could ld be understo tood by touch, 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 a daily routine for Hindus. Puja is an act

• f daily

worship. Puja is made at least

• nce a day, usually in

the morning. It is a simple form of worship using Mantras (prayers) and making

• fferings.

At the end of Puja, any food offered to the god is shared out amongst the worshippers. 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

: How 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 playing of music (Raga)

• r the

ringing

• f 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

Incense is burned and Arti performed before the image (Murti).

The scent of ghee or incense fills the room. Why? To remind that Brahman is everywhere.

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

• n 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

The murti (image) is a picture

• r 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.

Incense

Incense sticks are lit to purify and cleanse the air where the prayers are being said and to create a holy atmosphere.

Bell

The bell is rung at the start

• f 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.

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

• f god.

Offerings

Offerings of food such as rice, nuts, sweets and fruit; are seen as symbolic gifts

• f love from the worshipper

to their deity

Water

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).

Kum 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 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

Bell Flowers

Agni

Incense

Picca Fire

Mark on the forehead Awaken the gods Offerings and decoration

Burned before the murti

Murti

Image of a God