Hindu Worship

Worship• Hindus believe that worship = good karma• Veda scriptures encourage Hindus to worship

One Supreme God (Brahman), but this might be done through focusing on one of his many associated gods

• By worshipping god/goddess thought that wished will be realized and good karma attained

• Hindus worship in temples called mandirs• They are often dedicated to and regarded as the

home of a particular god or goddess

• Buildings designed to represent order of universe

• Temple is object of worship itself – every part being holy and treated with respect

• It will have the sacred symbol Om representing Brahman – source of all existence

• Hindus perform daily prayer (puja) at the mandir of at shrines within their home

PracticesWorship in Mandir• Pandit (priest) leads prayer several times

throughout the day• During worship congregation sits on the

floor facing shrine• Congregation will sign hymns, listen to

songs of praise, listen to lecture based on scripture

• Ritual fire burned• Tray passed in front of God for collection

Worship In home• Most important for most Hindus as this is done

daily• Five daily duties:

– Worship god – Study scriptures – Meditate of teachings of important Hindus – Provide food for those in need– Treat guest with love respect and reverence

• Most Hindus have a shrine in their home consisting of an image of a god or goddess (statue, photo, etc..)

Worship aids

• Hindus were he first to use prayer beads – used to count number of mantras that have been said and when repeating names of gods/goddess

• Mandalas used to represent the geometric designs of the universe– Serve as collections points

for universal forces ad used in meditation