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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.)
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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.
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