Puja and Samskara

“There is no doubt that this author has done an excellent job and I agree with him …… The importance of such a book is highly valued in the field sociology because it covers every aspect of Hindu society. It also shows their spiritual, moral and psychological approach to life. Nagoya Studies in Indian Culture & Buddhism, 23 ”..is an accessible and valuable addition to the growing collection of archival material about Indian rituals. It should be useful to both scholars and upper-level students. — Religious Studies Review, Vol 30, No. 2, 3, April/July 2004. The entire book is the result of a fine collaboration among three scholars. – –Prabuddha Bharata December 2003 is an accessible and valuable addition to the growing collection of archival material about Indian rituals. It should be of value to both scholars and upper level students. — Religious Studies Review, Vol 30, No. 2, 3, April/July 2004. — Prabuddha Bharata, December 2003
Two representative Hindu rituals from contemporary India are covered in this book: Puja (offering of service) and Samskara, which deals with initiation rituals at significant occasions in life. Samskara rituals are performed by the family at important junctures in an individual’s lives, from birth through death. Instead of being performed according to the life cycle of an individual within a family, puja rites are more closely related to the annual rituals associated with the cult to whom the individual or their family belong. People can request priests to perform puja rituals at a temple or perform them at home. Puja and Samskara is not uncommon for Indians. Although Puja rites can be performed anywhere, including in temples and private homes, as well as on streets corners, most Hindu families still practice the major Samskaras. It is however difficult for those who live outside India to understand how these rites work. This book contains a lot of photos that allow readers to get a good understanding of the rituals and the place it plays in the overall structure of religion.