Unit 1 - Places and forms of Worship

1. B576 – Hinduism 2 The word ‘Puja’ means worship. Items on the Puja try help Hindus to show their love and devotion to God. The items on the Puja tray also help Hindus to praise God for the elements: fire, water, air and earth. • Unit 1 - Places and forms of Worship • You should have explored the ways in which Hindus use symbols and artefacts in their worship. There should be a consideration of the ways in which these symbols and artefacts might support and influence the beliefs and attitudes of worshippers. • The practice of Puja (Worship) in the home, and the objects used in worship; • the hall, dome, ritual objects and representations of God found in the mandir; the different ways in which the mandir is used by the community; • the role of the priest • Worship • While worship at the temple is important for many Hindus, the real focus of worship is in the home. • Most Hindu homes have a shrine. Worship is an expression of devotion to their chosen deity. • Worshippers usually bathe, put on clean clothes (no shoes), ring the bell to wake the gods, light incence sticks and wipe the pictures of the gods and the murtis (statues) with water. • The foreheads of each god is marked with kumkum powder and sweets, fruit, water and possibly leaves and flowers are offered to the gods. • Then arti is performed. This involves lighting the diva and moving the hands above the flame before moving them over the forehead to show that the blessing of god is being received. • Puja • Puja is a daily routine for Hindus. • Puja is an act of daily worship. • 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. • At the end of Puja, any food offered to the god is shared out amongst the worshippers. • This food is known as prashad.

2. The Puja Tray The Mandir The mandir is a Hindu place of worship. Each mandir is primarily dedicated to one god and may have images, or murtis, of other deities within it. At the entrance of the mandir is a place for the worshippers to leave their shoes. • Worship in the Mandir • The mandir is a place for private as well as public worship. People can drop in anytime to pray – on their way to work, if they have had a bad day, etc. Some people go to the mandir as part of their everyday routine whilst others go much more infrequently. • People will worship communally for important festivals. When this happens they will sing devotional songs (this is called bhajan).

3. They will also offer the arti lamp (with five wicks) to the gods then pass their hands over the flame and then over their heads. This symbolizes sharing the light and presence of the gods, and is a way of asking for help to reach enlightenment. • During communal worship Hindus will light a small fire using clarified butter in front of the murtis (images of the gods). Fire is a symbol of the god Agni and a reminder of the way sacrifices are burnt. The offering of fire is called havan. The importance of the Mandir • The Mandir is the most prominent building in the village. Often it is the centre of an Ashram or community. • The temple is likely to be alongside a river, with steps that reach down into the water. • The Mandir is a special place to encounter god. • Many temples are associated with places where gods have appeared. • They are not for big congregations, but for individuals or small groups. • The idea is that once you have gone through the gateway is to leave the world behind and seek the truth. • It is designed to produce a certain state of mind. The Temple Priest – Key points • The temple priest is called the pujari (one who performs puja). • They are often called or named purohit • They are often addressed as pandit (or pandit-ji), out of respect for their learning • They are usually brahmanas (by birth and/or qualities) • Priests are expected to follow strict rules regarding inner and outer purity in order to retain the sanctity of the temple • Most are men but some groups accept women as priests

4. Plan of a Mandir The plan of a typical North Indian temple. South Indian temples are more complex, and are usually surrounded by a number of concentric walls each with a number of elaborate gateways (gopurams). External Features of a Mandir: The external represents the nature and qualities of God – it is meant to be heaven on earth. Garbha-griha – ‘Womb house’ This is the inner sanctum where gods are housed. Shikara – a tower like structure above the images of the deities. It represents the highest aim This draws the eye upwards, which represents every Hindus aim = to achieve Moksha. This is sometimes called Vimana. • Mandap or Mandapa • Hallway with pillars often ornately decorated. It is here that shrines are often of the consort of the main deity. • E.g: If the temple was to Vishnu, his consort is Lakshmi The Temple is a symbol of the universe. The design and plans = regions of the Earth and Sky. It is the home of the Gods. In Hindu Mythology the home of the Gods is the mountains – Shiva and Parvarti live there. So the shape of the temple is meant to be like a mountain – Beautiful and splendid. E.g: If the temple showed worship to Shiva the vehicle would be Nandi the bull.