Hinduism which finds its roots in India is one of the most ancient
religions and constitutes many ancient religious practices and beliefs. Unlike
most other religious practices, Hinduism acknowledges various deities
resembling various divine forces. A religion which has many folds to it –
Hinduism naturally addresses different worship procedures, numerous religious
practices and a horde of different beliefs which changes with the diversity of
followers. There are many approaches to Hinduism and although each
substantially different from the other, they all intersect at some point.
Let us discuss some
basic procedures of daily worship and processes in Hinduism.
Religious Rites
There are essentially three different categories that cover all the
religious rites in Hinduism.
• Nitya – The daily worship or meditation where devotees pray or make offerings
to a shrine or at home with mantras usually three times a day.
• Naimittika– These are practiced at certain times of the year on special
occasions. These religious rites are performed by devotees offering their
prayers in a shrine and also by celebrating some notable festivals. Famous
Indian religious festivals stemming from Hinduism basically fall under this
category.
• Kamya– This religious rite, although less practiced still holds utmost
importance amongst followers and devotees. Kamya is the pilgrimage to holy
sites of Hinduism like the sacred Ganges River.
Puja or Worship
Puja or worshipping
a deity is one of the most prevalent forms of worship in Hinduism which
basically means praying or paying tribute to deities in one of the many ways.
The intricate process and practice differs owing to the different sects of
Hinduism, but the overall premise is generally similar. The basic concept of
Puja is to enhance the five senses of the worshipper and encourage meditation
in form of devotion to an idol. In general, the worship comprises of 16
essential services to the deity also known as Shodasa-Upachara (16-Services):
1. Dhyana – The
process of meditation to address the deity and focusing on the same.
2. Aavahana – After
establishing focus, devotees invite a deity onto an altar.
3. Aasana – The
deity is then established or seated on the altar.
4. Paadya – Clean
water is used by the worshippers, to wash their deity’s feet properly.
5. Arghya – Clean
water is then offered to the deity to wash hands and rinse their mouth.
6. Achamana – After
the rinsing is done, drinking water is offered to the deity by the devotee.
7. Snaana –
Devotees then bathe their deity in a number of auspicious things. These most
commonly include holy water and milk.
8. Vastra – Clean
clothes are offered and the deity is dressed up in them.
9. Yagnopavitha – A
sacred thread commonly used in Hindu practices is then offered by the
worshippers.
10. Gandha – A
sandalwood paste is applied by the devotees primarily on the forehead of the
deity.
11. Pushpa – The
mantras or recitation of deity’s name along with each flower offering.
12. Dhoopa – The
fragrance of incense that envelopes the area and helps focus on the meditation.
13. Deepa – The
lamp is illuminated to bring worshippers focus to the idol.
14. Naivedya – Then
Prasad or food is offered to the deity, which is later consumed by the
devotees.
15. Taambula –
Offering of betel leaves and betel nuts by the devotees.
16. Pradakshina and
Namaskara – Circling around deity and bidding farewell before leaving.
Other procedures
Hinduism is a diverse religion and there are many other forms of worship
which include certain other practices, dance forms, or singing hymns. Some
believe in counseling with a sacred yogi or saint and some also believe in a
philosophical approach towards divine knowledge.
Some call it as spiritual while others
religious. What do you think?
