Hindu temples are places of worship where devotees offer prayers and rituals to various deities. In Hindu temples, there are some common items that are used for worship, such as water, flower, kumkum and vibhuti. These items have different meanings and significance in Hinduism. In this article, we will explore the significance of these items and how they are used in Hindu temples.
Water (Theertha)
Water is considered as a sacred and purifying element in Hinduism. Water is also known as theertha, which means “holy water” or “sacred water”. Theertha is used for various purposes in Hindu temples, such as:
- Abhisheka: This is the ritual of bathing the deity with water or other liquids, such as milk, honey, ghee, etc. Abhisheka is done to cleanse, refresh and adorn the deity. It is also a way of expressing devotion and gratitude to the deity.
- Arghya: This is the ritual of offering water to the deity in a small vessel or a conch shell. Arghya is done to honor and welcome the deity. It is also a way of seeking blessings and protection from the deity.
- Prasada: This is the ritual of distributing water or other food items that have been offered to the deity to the devotees. Prasada is done to share the grace and energy of the deity with the devotees. It is also a way of expressing gratitude and solidarity among the devotees.
Water used for worship in Hindu temples is usually taken from a sacred source, such as a river, a lake, a well or a tank. Some temples have their own water bodies that are associated with legends or miracles. For example, the Kumbakonam Mahamaham tank in Tamil Nadu is believed to be filled with water from all the holy rivers during the Mahamaham festival every 12 years. Some temples also have special water that has healing or miraculous properties. For example, the Tirupati Venkateswara temple in Andhra Pradesh has three water sources that are named after different gods: Markandeya Theertham (relating to longevity), Agneya Theertham (redeems sins) and Yama Theertham (avoids hell).
Water used for worship in Hindu temples is also infused with positive energy and vibrations. Some temples have specific rituals or mantras that are recited to energize the water. For example, the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi has a ritual called Ganga Aarti, where priests perform a fire ceremony on the banks of the Ganga river every evening to invoke its divine power. Some temples also have specific substances or objects that are added to the water to enhance its potency. For example, the Linga Bhairavi temple in Coimbatore has a substance called Devi Kumkum that is added to the water to make it more receptive to Devi’s grace.
Flower (Pushpa)
Flower is another sacred and beautiful element in Hinduism. Flower is also known as pushpa, which means “blossom” or “flower”. Pushpa is used for various purposes in Hindu temples, such as:
- Archana: This is the ritual of offering flowers to the deity along with chanting their names or attributes. Archana is done to praise and glorify the deity. It is also a way of expressing love and devotion to the deity.
- Alankara: This is the ritual of decorating the deity with flowers or garlands. Alankara is done to adorn and beautify the deity. It is also a way of expressing respect and reverence to the deity.
- Pradakshina: This is the ritual of circumambulating the deity or the temple with flowers in hand or on head. Pradakshina is done to show gratitude and obedience to the deity. It is also a way of seeking guidance and support from the deity.
Flowers used for worship in Hindu temples are usually chosen according to their color, fragrance, shape and symbolism. Different flowers have different meanings and significance in Hinduism. For example, lotus is considered as a symbol of purity, wisdom, prosperity and enlightenment. Jasmine is considered as a symbol of love, devotion, beauty and fragrance. Marigold is considered as a symbol of auspiciousness, joy and celebration. Different deities also have different preferences for flowers. For example, Shiva likes bilva leaves, Vishnu likes tulsi leaves, Lakshmi likes lotus flowers and Saraswati likes white flowers.
Flowers used for worship in Hindu temples are also considered as offerings of the devotees’ vasanas or desires. Vasanas are the subtle impressions or tendencies that are stored in the mind and influence the actions and reactions of a person. By offering flowers to the deity, the devotees are surrendering their vasanas to the deity and seeking their purification and liberation. Flowers are also considered as mediums of communication and connection with the deity. By offering flowers to the deity, the devotees are expressing their feelings and emotions to the deity and seeking their grace and blessings.
Kumkum (Sindoor)
Kumkum is a red-colored powder that is used as a religious and social symbol in Hinduism. Kumkum is also known as sindoor, which means “vermilion” or “red”. Kumkum is used for various purposes in Hindu temples, such as:
- Tilaka: This is the ritual of applying kumkum on the forehead or other parts of the body. Tilaka is done to mark the devotees as followers of a particular sect or tradition. It is also a way of expressing identity and affiliation to the deity.
- Shringara: This is the ritual of applying kumkum on the hair parting or on the nose of married women. Shringara is done to indicate the marital status and fidelity of women. It is also a way of expressing love and devotion to their husbands.
- Abhaya: This is the ritual of applying kumkum on the palms or feet of children or elders. Abhaya is done to indicate the protection and blessing of the deity. It is also a way of expressing respect and care for them.
Kumkum used for worship in Hindu temples is usually made from natural ingredients, such as turmeric and lime. Turmeric has many health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties. Lime has many spiritual benefits, such as enhancing positive energy, warding off negative energy and attracting prosperity. Kumkum made from natural ingredients is also considered as more conducive for spiritual growth and well-being.
Kumkum used for worship in Hindu temples is also associated with various deities, especially Shakti or the feminine energy. Kumkum represents the blood or life force of Shakti. Kumkum is offered to various forms of Shakti, such as Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati, etc. Kumkum also represents the power and potential of Shakti within every person. By applying kumkum on the forehead, especially between the eyebrows, the devotees are activating their third eye or ajna chakra, which is the seat of intuition, wisdom and enlightenment.
Vibhuti (Bhasma)
Vibhuti is a gray-colored ash that is used as a religious and spiritual symbol in Hinduism. Vibhuti is also known as bhasma, which means “ash” or “residue”. Vibhuti is used for various purposes in Hindu temples, such as:
- Tripundra: This is the ritual of applying vibhuti in three horizontal lines on the forehead or other parts of the body. Tripundra is done to mark the devotees as followers of Shaivism or the worship of Shiva. It is also a way of expressing detachment and renunciation from worldly attachments.
- Vibhuti Pada: This is the ritual of applying vibhuti on the feet or toes of deities or gurus. Vibhuti Pada is done to indicate the reverence and surrender to them. It is also a way of expressing humility and gratitude to them.
- Prasada: This is the ritual of distributing vibhuti that has been offered to deities or gurus to the devotees. Prasada is done to share the grace and energy of them with the devotees. It is also a way of expressing solidarity and harmony among them.
Vibhuti used for worship in Hindu temples is usually made from sacred substances, such as cow dung, wood, herbs, flowers, etc. These substances are burned in a sacred fire or yajna with mantras and offerings. The ash that remains after burning these substances is collected and purified with water and other rituals. Vibhuti made from sacred substances is considered as more powerful and sacred than ordinary ash.
Vibhuti used for worship in Hindu temples is also associated with various deities, especially Shiva or the masculine energy. Vibhuti represents the destruction or transformation of Shiva. Vibhuti is offered to various forms of Shiva, such as Nataraja, Linga, Bhairava, etc. Vibhuti also represents the transcendence and liberation of Shiva beyond all dualities and limitations. By applying vibhuti on the body, especially on the forehead, chest and arms, the devotees are aligning themselves with Shiva’s qualities, such as courage, wisdom, compassion and bliss
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