ThouArt
05 July 2006, 05:34 PM
Namaste:
As a new Hindu I have attended a few pujas and have been unable to find out what many of the parts of a puja symbolize. For example, I don't know what the water (yellow in color) symbolizes and why it is drunk. I understand the placement of the helmet, the fire (it symbolizes our spiritual cleansing, doesn't it?). Also, there is often two or as many three colored powders: yellow, red, and gray/white; while at temple the other day I noticed several men had the grayish lines with the red dot in the center on their forehead (my assumption is the symbol of Lord Shiva but I did not see any women with such a design on their foreheads.
I feel very left out and reluctant to perform ritual not knowing what I am doing and why. I enjoy performing the rituals and feel uplifted and a part of the religious community when I am able to participate. My desire to understand what is going on is very important to me. Many times I ask a temple member or swami what things mean but am not given any answers.
Thank you for helping me out and being patient! I appreciate it!:o
As a new Hindu I have attended a few pujas and have been unable to find out what many of the parts of a puja symbolize. For example, I don't know what the water (yellow in color) symbolizes and why it is drunk. I understand the placement of the helmet, the fire (it symbolizes our spiritual cleansing, doesn't it?). Also, there is often two or as many three colored powders: yellow, red, and gray/white; while at temple the other day I noticed several men had the grayish lines with the red dot in the center on their forehead (my assumption is the symbol of Lord Shiva but I did not see any women with such a design on their foreheads.
I feel very left out and reluctant to perform ritual not knowing what I am doing and why. I enjoy performing the rituals and feel uplifted and a part of the religious community when I am able to participate. My desire to understand what is going on is very important to me. Many times I ask a temple member or swami what things mean but am not given any answers.
Thank you for helping me out and being patient! I appreciate it!:o