Hindu Worship

Worship (puja) involves Murthis (idols/photos/images/kalasha of god/goddesses), prayers and chanting of mantras and use of diagrams of the universe known as yantras. Worship of the Murthis is the most important part of Hindu worship. This can be done either at home or in the temple.

Worship is primarily an individual act; it involves making personal offerings to the deity. Worship involve repeating the names of gods and goddesses (istadevatas), and repeating mantras. Water, fruit, flowers and incense are offered to god.

Every home have a shrine or personal worship place called a puja room where offerings are made and/or prayers are chanted. The puja room can be anything from a room, a small altar or simply a Murthi of the deity.

Visiting and worshipping temples is an integral part of Hindu worship.

Hindu religious rites can be generally classified into three categories:

1. Nitya: These are rituals that are performed daily. These consist in offerings made at the home shrine or performing puja to the family deities.

2. Naimittika: These are rituals that occur only at certain times during the year. Some of them are celebration of the festivals in temples, offering thanksgiving etc.

3. Kamya: Kamya are pilgrimage. They are optional; but highly desirable.

Pilgrimage allows a devotee to see and be seen by the deity. It is an important part of Hindu Worship. Rivers, temples, mountains, and other sacred sites are pilgrimage places.