| Puja
(pooja) is a
religious ritual which most Hindus perform every morning after bathing
and dressing but prior to taking any food or drink. Puja is seen as a
way of relating humans to the domain and actions of the divine, and can
be performed for anything considered divine, from
Vishnu
to a holy tree.
Puja takes many forms, the simplest of which is
darsan, gazing upon an image. The image is not believed to be
divine itself; rather, it embodies the divine energy of the deity
and provides a connection to the
Hindu god or goddess. |
 |
Puja also
usually includes providing an offering to the object of puja, such
as flowers or food, and possibly lighting a candle or incense.
The ritual may be observed in silence or accompanied by prayers.
Hindu priests chant prayers in Sanskrit or another language while
performing puja. Puja may be performed by an individual
worshipper or in gatherings. Sometimes a
puja is done for the
benefit of certain people, for whom priests or relatives ask
blessings. |
