PUJA

Hinduism Paper

There are many reasons for performing, along with various derivations, of puja rituals. Puja is performed to aid in seeking God’s help in times of need, or to assist in communicating more closely with God. These rituals can also serve as thankfulness and sign of reverence for when God has appeared in one’s life. The prime objective within puja rituals, however, is the showing of unconditional love towards God without ulterior motive. It is more or less an outward sign of wholehearted reverence towards God. It is a means for approaching the sacred. According to Eck, the term puja is the general term for rites of worship and honor. (Pg. 47) Puja is often understood as the combination of the words purusha and janam, which each mean indwelling spirit and new awakening, respectively. This helps to represent the idea that puja is the communication between the self, and God. Puja rituals are not the results, but the only the means for facilitating communication with God. Because of this, it is important to understand that these rituals are not done repetitiously and monotonously, but that a great deal of understanding is involved and required for the underlying meanings and importance of these rituals. The first step in the puja ceremony is to invoke the presence of God. The sacred image of God is brought to life by the chanting of mantras, prayers, and hymns. During the process of inviting the spirit of God, a priest will begin to feel an inward connection of spirit. This is the communication with God that the puja aims to begin to achieve, and when one begins to approach the sacred. After invoking the presence of deities, they are treated with tantamount respect. among the many ways that this respect is shown is through the washing and redressing of the idols. While visiting the HTCS, i was able to witness a group of idols being ceremonially washed, cleansed, and then redressed. During this entire process, the priests carrying out the ritual