Re: can someone explain the puja symbols ?
Originally Posted by
ThouArt
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.
The yellow in water must be due to turmeric(haldi?). It is a good disinfectant, and considered auspicious.
Originally Posted by
ThouArt
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!
Colors are used to represent guNa or quality.
White and Yellow typically represent mode of goodness or stability(Sattva)
Red represents mode of passion or creativity( Rajas)
Black and Dark colors like blue represent mode of ignorance or involution(Tamas)
Guard your Dharma, Burn the Myth, Promote the Truth, Crush the superstition.
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