Temple Rites

Sloka 106

What Is the Inner Importance of Puja?

The traditional ceremony of worship, called puja, is a sacred act of the highest importance for the Hindu. It is how we call on God Siva and the Gods and express our heartfelt love, devotion and surrender.

Sloka 107

What Is the Special Rite Called Archana?

Archana is a shortened form of temple puja in which the name, birth star and spiritual lineage of a devotee are chanted to the God by the priest to ask for special, individual, family or group blessings and assistance.

Sloka 108

What Is the Nature of Image Worship?

Through the ceremony of puja, we worship and draw close to God Siva and the Gods, who by their infinite powers spiritually hover over and dwell within the image, or murti. We revere the holy image in the temple or shrine as their temporary body.

Sloka 109

Who Are the Priests of Siva Temples?

Holy priests, called Adisaivas, are the hereditary pujaris who care for the temple and conduct its varied rites and rituals as humble servants of God Siva. They are trained in the complex arts of worship, generally from a young age.

Sloka 110

What Does the Pujari Do During Puja?

During the puja, through chants, hand gestures and mystical ritual, the priest calls upon the Deity. All observances are precisely detailed in the Agama texts. Every act, every spoken syllable is rich in secret meaning.