Religion

RITUAL IN HINDUISM

As in the case of all the other religions, RITUALS occupy an important place in Hinduism. They are classified as

  • Daily rituals, ( Nithya,) 

  • Occasional rituals, (Nimithika,)  and

  • Optional rituals,( Kamya.)

       cow

The daily rituals include BATH, (Snana,), morning PRAYER, (Sandhya Japa,), recitation of Gayatri Japa, (Most sacred prayer of the Hindus seeking light and auspicious thinking (Thought process,) in all matters, in all experiences and under all circumstances. And the evening Prayer, ( Sandhya Japa,) 

Worship of IDOLS ( Statues,) at Home and in Temples are prescribed and described as specific rituals in the AGAMAS.( Hindu ritual texts.) These RITUALS are sixteen in number called as UPACHARAS, ( OR ACTS OF WORSHIPPING THE DEITY.) 

THESE ARE

  • Dyane –(Meditation.)

  • Asana   _ (Offering a seat.)

  • Avahana _(Invocation)

  • Padya – (Washing the feet.)

  • Arghya- (Offering hospitality.)

  • Snana-  (Absolution)

  • Vastram- (Garments)

  • Yajnopavita –(Holy thread)

  • Gandha_ (Sandal paste.)

  • Pushpa- (Flowers)

  • Dhupa_ (Incense.)

  • Deepa- (Offering lights.)

  • Nai Vedya- (Food offering)

  • Tambula- (Offering betel)  

  • Niranjana- (Waving lighted camphor.)

  • Pradakshina- (Circumambulating)

  • Namaskara- (Prostration.)

NOTE: 
The occasional duties include Tampana (Offering of water) And   “ Upavasa- “ or fasting on Holy Days.

COW: Cow is regarded as most sacred animal in Hinduism. The basis of the concept is partly economic and partly religious. Hindus consider cow a symbol of innocence, love and service, which are the highest of virtues.