Rituals in Hinduism

Lecture Notes by Clinton Bennett, PhD

Dharma and Karma and its relation to worship/rites of passage

Rites can be a way to Moksha--Karma Marga and Bhakti Marga

Bhramanism and early emphasis on rites and rituals

Samskaras - life cycle rites marking transitions

The purpose is to sanctify each transition of an individual’s life
Birth - Namakarana- name giving ceremony
Shaving of child’s head after the first year or after a sacrifice made by the mother to the gods for having kept the child healthy through the vulnerable years.

Upanayana - sacred thread ceremony performed by members of the "twice born" caste: initiates them into "twice born" state.
thread worn at all times to keep one free from impurity.
Also initiated into the Gayatri prayer by the Brahman, who is supposed to be his guru.
In some Vaishnava sects or other sects, one receives a "mantra" or "naam"

Vivaha - the rite that is symbolic of ritual climax
It stands midway between the impurity produced at birth and one’s death
It is one’s religious duty to be married
Through marriage one pays one’s debts to the ancestors. Through the production of progeny.
Very expensive
Can take almost a whole week

Phera - final seal where the couple walks seven times around the fire and say their vows
Antyeshti Samskara: funeral sacrament
To enable the departed soul(Preta) to leave the world and attain the status of an ancestor (Pitri)--not to remain a ghost and trouble the living

Cremation - to remove the pollution produced by death

Pindas - rice ball offering that are made by the Brahmin
Pindas are made to give a new spiritual body to the departed to help them move on
Shraddha- done annually on the day of death
Most rituals performed by a priestly Brahmin or a non-Brahmin priest
Complex rituals can be performed to bring blessings to the family

Guru Dakshina

Puja (worship)

Temple, Domestic, Congregational

Congregational: Kirtana--hymn singing, i.e. Bhakti

Temples and their deities

Installation of a deity by consecration of inner sanctuary - or womb chamber. Outer 'yantra' (sacred shape) with decorated columns (external pool for ablutions). Abobe womb chamber often representation of Himalayas. Guardian Pillar.

Symbols of gods are present

Lingam and Yoni (symbols of Shiva - Shakti).

Temple priests: Pujaris--serve the deity

Deities are awakened, bathed, fed, anointed, decorated and retired

Arati - waving of oil lamp, sounding of bells, prayers, hymns, chants, offerings of grain, fruit, incense

Prasada--offerings taken home

Special days of deities: processions

Hindus go to the temple to obtain Darshan--sight or experience of a deity; to pray, to make petitions, or to make or fulfil a vow

Household/domestic worship (often led by women).

bathing of deities

decoration

burning of sacred lamp and incense / women's rituals for health of husband.family.

Special days of deities

Congregational: Bhajans and state of trance

Katha: recitation of a work of scripture

Satnarayana Katha

Audience invited

Pilgrimages to holy sites or cities

Rishikesh, Benaras, Hardwar

Sometimes take place during a special festival or birthday of deity

Festivals: Ram Avami, Hanuman Jayanthi, Janamashtmi, Navaratri - nine nights of Durga Puja

Raksha Bandhan: emphasize bond between sister and brother

Dassahra: Triumph of Ram over Ravana (Ramayana).