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| Visitors at Bhaktivedanta Manor, one of the most popular temples in the UK. it is renowned for its high standard of puja (deity worship). |
Ten Types of Worship
Puja – ritual worship, especially of the deity Arti – the greeting ceremony with lamps, etc. Bhajan or Kirtan – hymns and chants (often during arti) Darshan – taking audience of a deity or holy person Prasad – offering and eating sacred food Pravachan – talk or lecture on the scriptures Havan – the sacred fire ceremony Japa/Meditation/Prayer – internal practices of worship Parikram/Pradakshina – circumambulation Seva – active service, to the deity, holy people, etc.Scriptural Passages
"If one offers me with love a leaf, fruit, flower, or water, I will accept it."
Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-gita 9.26
Visiting the temple
At about six in the morning, I do my own puja at home. Later, on my way to work, I briefly visit the temple for darshan. I ring the bell as I enter the temple room and pay my obeisance to the murtis. I say some prayers for God's protection and put a few coins in the donation box. I then sip some charanamrita (holy water) and one of the priests gives me some prasada [sanctified food].
On Sundays we sometimes go for the early morning arti at 4.30 a.m. After that we worship Tulsi by circumambulating her and having kirtan. Then I join the other devotees for japa meditation on our beads. Later, after the priests have dressed the deities in their day outfits, the curtains open and we greet them with a short arti. After this comes guru-puja, in which we offer flowers to the spiritual master.Then one of the priests sings a short bhajan and gives a lecture. Sometimes at the end I ask questions about spiritual life. After breakfast I do some service, often by helping set up for a wedding. During the wedding there is a sacred-fire ceremony.
Also Read:
Focuses of Worship 3 Main Focuses of Worship Food and Prasada Customs and Practices Worship
