GCSE Hinduism Murti, Darshan, Arti & Prasad Key Points Aarti Aarti is the singing of prayers to God by the devotees who are calling God to their hearts. A lamp or tray of Divos (candles) are light and is moved in a circular clockwise direction (representing cycle of creation) during the ceremony. It is waved in front of the murti of God, accompanied by a song praising the deity. A bell is also rung at the same time. Prashad Prashad is when food or offerings become blessed, once they have been offered to God. Food is usually given in the form of sweets or fruits. After the Aarti it is customary to offer food to the deity, which then is distributed to the devotees as Prashad. Prashad means peace of mind. Darshan Darshan is paying respect to a holy image to receive a blessing. Darshan usually takes the form of Sagun Brahma (section 1), which refers to God with a form. The most common darshan occurs in Mandirs where one has darshan of God in the form of a Murti Murti Although we consider God to be then entire Mandir, the Murti is installed to help Hindus understand and concentrate during their prayers. Most mandirs will perform 5 aartis, 3 thaals, and change the clothes of the murti’s daily. Spiritual leaders will perform a MURTI PRATISHTA to install the murti and make sure that God fully resides within the murti. Practise questions answered What is Prashad ? 2 marks Sacred food or offerings that have been blessed in the Mandir or at home (naivedya) What is Darshan? 2 marks Paying respect to a holy image to receive a blessing Being in the presence of God Describe how offerings are used in Hindu temple worship- 6 marks Offerings made to murti via priest Raw food offered on left and cooked on right Goods are then distributed to worshippers as prashad Prayer accompanies the giving of offerings Offerings may be symbolic Explain the importance of Darshan in Hindu Worship – 6 marks It is the point at which the worshipper is granted “sight” of the god/goddess It is the point at which grace and blessings are received It is the point at which offerings become prashad It is the most important part of temple worship You can’t worship God without a statue – 4 marks Reasons for : Statues provide an invaluable focus for the mind during worship A wide variety of beliefs & associations can be expressed using statuary Reasons against: Statues can be a distraction from effective worship of Nirgun Brahman They are too anthropomorphic (giving human qualities to inanimate objects) .