Puja - GCSE Religious Studies Definition

Puja is a ritual of devotion and worship in Hinduism, performed to honour and pay respect to deities. It involves a series of ceremonial actions such as chanting prayers, offering food, water, flowers, and incense to a deity's image or statue. The practice of Puja can be performed at home or in a temple, serving as a means for worshippers to express devotion, seek blessings, and connect spiritually with the divine. In the context of GCSE Religious Studies, understanding Puja is essential as it highlights the personal and communal aspects of Hindu worship, while also demonstrating the role of rituals in connecting with the sacred in everyday life.