Different Forms of Worship in Hinduism (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))

Puja

Puja worship involves giving respect to Brahman, through the puja ceremony

Hindus can show respect for Brahman by worshipping any of the thousands of different deities in Hinduism

However, a Hindu will most likely worship one or two specific deities that are important to them and their family

Since Hindus believe that God is omnipresent he should be present in stones, animals and statues

Hindus believe that there is no distinction between an idol and the God, for they are one and the same

So, when a Hindu is worshipping a deity, it is treated exactly the same as if God were before them

Aarti

Aarti worship is one of the main ceremonies

During the worship, an aarti lamp is passed around in front of worshippers

Hindus then waft their hands over the flame and then over their heads to gain blessings from God

In Hinduism aarti represents daily activities, which revolve around God, the centre of our life

Looking at God while performing aarti reminds us to keep God at the centre of all activities

It also helps to strengthen the understanding that material things are less important. The lighted wick provides light and chases away darkness, just as the individual can keep away the influence of the material world

Darshan

• Darshan means to be seen by God

• In this ceremony Hindus touch the feet of their preferred deity to show honour and respect

• Worshippers hope that they will be blessed by the god

• During this form of worship, mantras are chanted using prayer beads, also called malas

• They show the importance of the chosen deity to the worshipper

• Worshippers also sing hymns, which Hindus called bhajan or kirtan

Whilst performing Darshan some Hindus experience an internal transformation, others find a sense of healing and still, others feel an overwhelming sense of love and acceptance

Darshan teaches humility while simultaneously showing that everyone is divine

Havan

• Havan is a traditional fire sacrifice that used to be made to the god Agni

• Ritual animal sacrifice used to take place but this no longer happens

• Havan symbolises offerings made to the deities and the idea of giving something up for Brahman

• Havan is used during Hindu weddings today, where couples walk seven steps around a fire

Havan is seen by many Hindus as helping purification by removing negative energy because the smoke during the ceremony cleanses the atmosphere

The chanting of mantras creates a meditative state which helps relaxation and reduces stress

The offerings that are made into the sacred fire symbolise letting go of material attachments

The sacred fire is viewed as a messenger carrying prayers and offerings to the higher realm