Hindu practices permit devotees who follow the religion to exhibit their commitment to the faith and this incorporates venerating in temples and at holy places. Hindu practices could likewise include showing respect to the wider community, for example, charity work and pilgrimage.

Inside the temple, it is vital to revere the divine beings, and numerous parts of the mandir are effectively utilized for worship, for instance, the bells and statues. Every Hindu temple has a presiding Brahmin, who lives inside the temple grounds.

He must care for the sculptures of the gods in the temple, by washing them and dressing them every day. He will likewise 'take care of the divinities by offering Prashad, at their feet. This food is then shared with devotees in the temple or poor people.

Most Hindu devotees pray to their Gods and Goddesses in their homes, at a sacred altar. The altar will contain significant ritual articles that are used for puja. A true Hindu devotee needs several sacred things for the rituals and Pujas. Some of them are-

1. Peacock Lamp

In Hindu culture, the lighting of brass peacock lamps has profound importance since brass is viewed as a promising part of the Panchaloha, or the five metals, a compound that has hallowed importance and thus has been since utilized for making Hindu temple symbols and statues. It also acts as a dispeller of darkness. When the fire is lit, darkness is eliminated.

Likewise, the light being offered to the God or Goddess disperses the darkness lurking inside the devotee. The lit lamp is viewed as an auspicious part of Hindu rituals. It is accepted to avert fiendish powers and usher in happiness and delight. While the lit lamp is significant for all Hindu ceremonies and celebrations, it is key for Karthigai.

2. OM

It is the most hallowed syllable symbol and mantra of Brahman, which is a definitive reality, awareness, or Atman (Self within). It is known as the Shabda Brahman (Brahman as sound) and is accepted to be the early stage sound (Pranava) of the universe. When said out loud, Om (or Aum) seems like a three-section word. The An addresses creation, U is a manifestation, and M is obliteration.

3. Shiva’s trident

With the presence of the three devatas of the Hindu pantheon, the Trishool is the destroyer of the physical world which hauls humankind away from the spiritual association. It symbolizes holiness and great deeds and is said to eliminate the difficulties of past, present, and future.

4. Deepalakshmi

A significant component in Hindu customs, Deepalakshmi is a portrayal of Goddess Lakshmi, holding a light or a 'Deepa' (diya) in her hands. Holding a lamp that can be lit, a Deepalakshmi symbolizes luck and prosperity, and the light that guides one amid darkness and difficulty.

5. Abhisekha Patra

Abhishek Patra is a utensil used to put the presiding divinity for an everyday shower and an outlet is there which spills out the water down which could be gathered in some other utensil while the Abhishek is going on.

FAQS

Q1. Why are rituals so important in Hinduism?

In Hindu culture, rituals usher spirituality into human existence and instill sensations of commitment and religiosity. While confronting questionable circumstances, rituals assist us with focussing, managing nervousness, or feeling more certain. They add importance and happiness to our lives. 

Q2. What are some of the common rituals in Hinduism?

The most widely recognized rituals performed in all Hindu families are puja, meditation, quiet prayers, yoga, recitation of sacred texts from Bhagavad Gita or bhajans, perusing sacred books, taking an interest in Satsang, performing altruistic work, visiting a temple, and reciting the name of their beloved God.

Q3. What is the purpose of a puja?

The English equivalents of ‘Puja’ are homage, reverence, worship, respect, etc relating to religions, deities, and God the system of worship was designed to please a particular deity for obtaining some blessings and rewards. This Puja is for the fulfillment of human desires, wants, and freedom from suffering, off-springs, marriage, rise in status and position, health, wealth, and other desires.

Puja means and includes meditation (dhyana), austerity (tapa), chanting, often with Japa beads (mantra), scripture reading (svadhyaya), offering food (thaal), and/or prostrations (panchanga or ashtanga pranam, dandavat). And Puja is usually concluded with a light offering, an aarti to awaken the god or goddess. The Puja system emerged to get the protection of unknown powers from natural calamities, hazards, and disasters.