Different Forms of Worship in Hinduism (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))
Revision Note
Written by: Glenn Millington
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Types of Worship in Hinduism
Types of Worship and their Significance
In Hinduism, there are many different types of worship, and each type has a different purpose
The main aim of worship though is to show bhakti meaning loving devotion to God
There are four main types of worship and they are puja, aarti, darshan and havan
Type of Worship | What does it entail? | What is the significance? |
|---|---|---|
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 |
| 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 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 |
Differences in Worship: Shaivism & Vaishnavism
Shaivism & Vaishnavism
There are different groups of Hindus, whose beliefs and puja ceremonies are shaped by whether they prefer to worship Shiva or Vishnu who are part of the Trimurti
Shiva is the destroyer and Vishnu is the preserver
Brahma, the third god of the Trimurti, is the creator and is not often worshipped in mandirs
The worshippers of Shiva and Vishnu both believe in the main concepts in Hinduism but they focus their worship towards different gods
Shaivism
Hindus who prefer to worship Shiva are called Shaivites
They focus on the importance of Shiva and practise raja yoga
This kind of Hinduism is called Shaivism
Shaivas focus on Shiva’s dancing form, Nataraja
Shaivas are often ascetics who are trying to gain liberation from the cycle of samsara
They practise astanga yoga, and often worship in the form of meditation
They believe that the atman and Brahman are one and therefore there is only one reality
Vaishnavism
Vaishnavas are Hindus who follow Vishnu and want to show Vishnu that he is the most special deity
They focus their worship on the ten incarnations of Vishnu, which include Rama and Krishna
This kind of Hinduism is called Vaishnavism
Vaishnava worship is based on scriptures, and focuses on bhakti (personal devotion) through saying mantras and repetitive prayers known as japa
Vaishnavas believe that Vishnu is within them as the antaryami, and their aim in life is to serve Vishnu
Vaishnavas believe that the atman is separate from the Supreme Being
The Importance of Worship in Hinduism
Importance of Worship
For Hindus, worship is a significant part of daily life
Worship is important to seek blessings, guidance, or specific outcomes, as well as fostering a sense of inner peace and spiritual growth
Worship expresses devotion and love to the gods and goddesses
Hindus believe they have atman, a soul, which connects all living things to Brahman
Devotion to the gods and goddesses, known as bhakti, is a way of connecting with Ultimate Reality
The importance of worship is shown by the fact that Hindus are able to worship anywhere
During puja Hindus will use all of their five senses meaning that they are all consumed in the event that is taking place
Worked Example
Which one of the following is not a form of Hindu worship?
[1 mark]
A Darshan
B Havan
C Maya
D Puja
Answer:
C - Maya (1 mark)
Examiner Tips and Tricks
It is important to remember that within Hinduism there are many different types of worship
How worship takes place will depend on many factors including the significance of the event, the place of worship and the beliefs of the worshipper
The manifestation of one god in many forms means that the focus of worship can differ between Hindus who may worship a particular deity because of a particular reason or may have a deity that is important within their family unit
Any responses to evaluation questions should be mindful of the subjective nature of worship for many Hindus and try to ensure balance within the response
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