Hinduism - Worship

1. Hindu worship is known as puja.

2. Hindu worship can be carried out at a shrine at home or in a temple or mandir.

3. There is no special day of worship, though days of the week may be associated with specific gods.

4. Hindus have a shrine or special worship room in their homes.

5. The Hindu place of worship is called a mandir.

6. A mandir is a home for a god and the image, or murti, of the god to whom the mandir is dedicated is displayed in the mandir.

7. Mandirs are highly decorated with many pictures, statues and garlands.

8. Shoes are removed and hands are washed before worship begins.

9. Hindu worship can be conducted sitting or standing.

10. Darshan is when a Hindu lies down in front of an image of the god, puts their hands together and prays.

11. This shows that the Hindu knows they are in the presence of a god.

12. Hindu worship involves the five senses and the five elements, light, fire, earth, air and water.

13. The images, or murtis, are washed.

14. Offerings of food and flowers are made to the god.

15. Incense is burnt during worship.

16. A bell is rung to awaken the god.

17. An arti lamp is lit, it is moved in a circular motion in front of the image.

18. It is then taken to worshippers who pass their hands over the lamp to help them to feel closer to the god.

19. Tilak is a mark, made with red powder, on the forehead when worshipping.

20. Worship involves repeating the name of the gods and mantras.

21. Prayers and scriptures may be read or sung during puja.

22. Some Hindus may use prayer beads, or mara, during prayer - there are 108 beads and they are kept in a bag.

23. The gayatri mantra is the main Hindu prayer.