Hindu forms of worship
For Hindus, worshipTo show devotion to God and/or religion through actions - for example, prayer. is a significant part of daily life. Worship expresses devotion and love to the gods and goddesses. Hindus believe they have atmanThe essence of a being. Can refer to body, mind or soul, depending on context, but usually indicates the soul that is reborn., a soul, which connects all living things to BrahmanIn Hindu belief, the absolute reality that is the true essence of all existence, God.. Devotion to the gods and goddesses, known as bhaktiExpressing love for the divine through adoration and rituals., is a way of connecting with Ultimate RealityHindus believe that Brahman is the Ultimate Reality – the source of all life in the universe and the basis of all reality and existence. Brahman is uncreated, infinite and all-embracing.. Daily worship is often done at a shrineTomb or monument to a saint or other holy person. at home, and sometimes at the mandirThe word many Hindus use for a place of worship - a shrine or special place in the home or a building used by the community for worship and other events..
There are some key ideas that Hindus use when worshipping. The four most important concepts are havanHindu worship rituals based around making offerings to a sacred fire, to the fire god, Agni, while chanting from the Vedas. , pujaThe word most Hindus use for an act of daily worship., arti (arati)An act of worship and of adoration, using diva lamps made from cotton wool and ghee (purified butter). and darshanMeaning ‘sight/viewing’. In Hinduism the aim of worship is to experience seeing a deity, and a deity seeing the worshipper and, because of this, blessing them. .
- Havan – fire worship. The god of fire, called Agni, is worshipped by Hindus using fire. Hindus burn offerings such as rice while reciting prayers and mantraA sacred (holy) prayer or word which often is chanted or sung rather than just spoken..
- Puja – ritual of prayer and devotion. Puja is the general term for Hindu worship and devotion to gods and goddesses. This worship may take place at home or in the mandir.
- Arati – receiving the blessing of the deities. Arati is a common worship ceremony where Hindus receive the blessings of the deity / deitiesIn Hinduism, deity is one god or goddess. Deities is the word for gods and goddesses many Hindus believe are different aspects of the one Supreme Spirit, (Brahman).. Worshippers waft their hands over a flaming gheeClarified, purified butter. lamp and then over their faces.
- Darshan – ‘to see’. Hindu worshippers believe they see and are seen by the deities during worship. They sing hymns, called bhajanThe Hindu word for songs in praise of the divine. Some are general and others are about particular gods and goddesses. or kirtans, and repeat holy phrases and mantras. Prayer beads (known as japa) may also be used.
Question
What is arati?
Arati is the Hindu ceremony in which a person receives a blessing by warming their hands over a candle lamp and then over their face.
