CENTRE FOR FOUNDATION STUDIES

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA

COURSE TITLE ISLAM AND OTHER RELIGION

COURSE CODE RKF 0443
SECTION 811
TITLE HINDUISM
DATE OF SUBMISSION
INSTRUCTOR USTAZ KASIM BIN RAMLI
GROUP’S MEMBERS NUR SHAKIRA BINTI 183350
MOHD ANSOR
MUHAMMAD LUQMAN 183334
‘AFIF BIN JOHARI
ASIF FIKRI BIN AZMI 183289
PROGRAMME MEDICINE & NURSING
 DECLARATION
We certify that this assignment is entirely our own work except where we have given fully
documented references to the work of others and that the materials in this assignment has not
previously been submitted for assessment in any formal course of study.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Introduction 3
Prayers in Hinduism
Pilgrimage in Hinduism
Marriage in Hinduism
Conclusion
References

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 INTRODUCTION

Hinduism, major world ​religion​ originating on the Indian subcontinent and ​comprising
several and varied systems of ​philosophy​, belief, and ​ritual​. Although the name Hinduism is
relatively new, having been coined by British writers in the first decades of the 19th century,
it refers to a rich ​cumulative​ tradition of texts and practices, some of which date to the 2nd
millennium or possibly earlier. If the ​Indus valley civilization​ (3rd–2nd millennium) was the
earliest source of these traditions, as some scholars hold, then Hinduism is the oldest living
religion on Earth. Its many ​sacred​ texts in ​Sanskrit​ and ​vernacular​ languages served as a
vehicle for spreading the religion to other parts of the world, tough ritual and the visual and
performing arts also played a significant role in its transmission. From about the 4th century,
Hinduism had a dominant presence in ​Southeast Asia​, one that would last for more than
1,000 years.

In the early 21st century, Hinduism had nearly one billion adherents worldwide and was the
religion of about 80 percent of ​India​’s population. Despite its global presence, however, it is
best understood through its many distinctive regional ​manifestations​.

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 PRAYER IN HINDUISM
Nur Shakira Binti Mohd Ansor

Definition

Prayer in Hinduism can be called as puja. Worship, or puja, is the central action of practical
Hinduism. Scholars describe Hindu worship as a preeminently transactional event; through
worship, humans approach deities by respectful interactions with their powers. At every
level, from elaborate temple rituals to simple home practice, worship consists of offerings
made and blessings received; reverence is rendered and grace pours down. The purpose of
many rituals is to promote auspiciousness (kalyana, mangala, shri)—a pervasive Hindu
concept indicating all kinds of good fortune or well-being. If a Hindust repeteadly perform
puja and mantra, it can brings him/her to a higher level.​ ₍₁₎​ ​It can be performed by anyone
except those who have incurred impurity due to menstruation or the death of a family
member.​(2)

Venue ​(3)

Hindust can choose wheter they want to perform puja in temple or at home.

1) Temple (​mandir)

Visiting a temple every day or even regularly is not mandatory. ​Different parts of the building
have different spiritual or symbolic meaning:
-The central shrine is the heart of the worshipper.
-The tower represents the flight of the spirit to heaven.

2) Home (shrine)
A shrine can be anything; a room, a small altar or simply pictures or statues of deity.

Time ​(5)

Puja is usually performed daily at each household shrine. Meanwhile, priests perform puja at
sunrise, noon, sunset, and midnight at the temple.

Important Elements In Puja​ ​(1)

1) Prasada: “blessing” or “grace” and sometimes more literally as “blessed leftovers.”

This term refers to the returned portion of a worshiper’s or pilgrim’s offering, which
is understood as having value added by the intangible process of a deity’s
consumption​. Prasada to be used for offerings is hawked by vendors on the road to a
temple, but this food does not truly become graced until it has been given as an

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 offering and received back. Many foodstuffs are used as prasada; bananas, coconuts,
raw fruits are particularly common, as are various candies and milk products. Fresh
flowers are often included on an offering tray and may also be returned as prasada.
What all these have in common is contact with the deity’s power in the process of
worship and service.
2) Darshan: An image is always enlivened by the worshiper’s delighted gaze at the deity.
This engages the deity’s awareness of the worshiper, and a channel of grace is
formed. Sound and scent also alert deities to humans in their presence. Ringing bells,
blowing conch shells, singing or playing instrumental music, burning incense, and
pouring clarified butter onto smoldering coals are among the activities intended to
alert the deity of the devotee’s presence. Worshipers commonly prostrate themselves,
symbolically offering respect and their own bodies.
3) Seeing the deity: Worship is by no means confined to temples. It may be performed at
a home altar, a wayside shrine, or anywhere a devotee decides to mark off a sacred
space. Actions at home may be far less elaborate than those at temples, more
routinized as part of daily household life, and are performed without priestly
expertise.

Rituals ​(2)

1) Inviting the chosen god to visit the place of worship, which is indicated to him by
specifying the directions, the time and the place name. This is generally performed
either by a mediating priest or the worshipper himself. Once it is done, it is assumed
that the deity has agreed to come and arrived at the designated place as requested.
2) The worshipper then washes his feet with a symbolic gesture and offers him a seat
with utmost respect. The worshipper next offers him water to drink by placing a glass
in front of the idol or dropping water with a small spoon or ladle. Once he is seated, as
a mark of utmost reverence, love and self-surrender, he once again washes his feet
with ceremonial water.
3) After that, the idol is bathed with water, milk, honey, etc., and massaged with various
perfumes and scented pastes such as turmeric powder, sandal paste and curd mixed
with ghee to the accompaniment of various mantras which usually end with
“samarpayami,” meaning, “I have offered.”
4) After the bathing ceremony, the deity is offered new clothes to wear during the
ceremony, which is symbolically represented either by a peace of cotton thread in
simple ceremonies or real clothes in more organized ones.
5) The worshipper then makes him a series of offerings namely pushpam (flowers),
phalam (fruit), gandham (sandal paste), dhupam (incense), deepam (light), naivedyam
(food), jalam (water), mantram (recitation of sacred verses) and mantra-pushpam (a
sacred flower).

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 6) Next, ​waving lighted lamps (​aarti) ​before an image of deity is one important type of
puja. The worshipper circles the lamp three times or more in a clockwise direction
while chanting a prayer or singing a hymn.
7) Puja also include a circumambulation (​paradakshina)​ of the deity’s statue (​murti) f​ or
a few times and it must be in odd number.
8) Puja continues with more prayers and supplication, expressing deep devotion and
gratitude. In more elaborate ceremonies of Hinduism, the deity is entertained with
songs, music and dance, and on occasions taken out in a public procession. He is also
made a number of customary offerings and gifts such as clothes, incense, flowers,
perfumes, light, ornaments, food items, money.
9) Last step is the Tirtha and Prasada, partaking of the consecrated water and food
offering of the puja by all who have been a part of the puja or witnessed it.

Additional Information About Puja

1) One should remove one's shoes before entering a Hindu temple in order to pay
appropriate respect to the deity within the temple. ​(4)
2) Hindus believe that if proper care is not taken of a temple's images, the deity will
abandon the temple.​ ​ (5)

Few Rules To Be Followed During Puja​ ​(6)

1) Never face your back towards the idols of Gods and Goddesses.
2) While worshipping any God to fulfill a wish, always make a donation (dakshina).
While donating take a resolution to stop any of bad habits.
3) Always consider a woolen mat for prayer.

__________________________________________________________________________________

(1)https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hinduism/Practical-Hinduism#ref261631

(2)https://www.hinduwebsite.com/puja.asp

(3)http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/worship/worship.shtml

(4)​https://www.lotussculpture.com/my_articles_puja.html

(5)​https://archive.asia.si.edu/pujaonline/puja/where.html

(6)https://rgyan.com/blogs/30-rules-needed-to-be-followed-for-worship/

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 MARRIAGE IN HINDUISM
Muhammad Luqman ‘Afif bin Johari

Part 1: Concepts of Marriage in Hinduism

1
Meaning of Marriage in Hinduism.
Marriage or Vivaha is a join of two individuals for life so they can pursue Dharma (duty),
Kama (possession), Artha (physical desires) and Moksha (ultimate spiritual release). When
marriage happens in Hinduism, it is indicates that the couple will enter a stage (Ashrama) in
their life which called Grihastha (Householder). This indicates that both person will have
responsibilities on their families, education, household, Dharmic life and more. In Hinduism,
marriage is a religious sacrament and not a civil contract. Marriage in Hinduism is also
consists of holy performance based on religious rites with conspicuous utterance of Vedic
mantras in the presence of the members of the society. The primary witness in this marriage
is fire-god, Agni (the sacred fire) and Narayana, the high god.
Importance of marriage
There are several importance in Hindus marriage;
1. To fulfil the Purusharthas (Four basic unit of life) which are Dharma, Artha, Kama
and Moksha.
2. Several important things in the life of a man and woman are associated with marriage
– love, relationship, progeny, and events in life, social status and prosperty.
3. Society respects a married woman which this can lead to the maintenance of woman’s
dignity that towards to healthy society.
2
Age restriction for marriage
There is no age restriction in hindus marriage. However each country have their own law and
act regarding to the suitable age for marriage. For example, based on The Hindu Marriage
Act 1955, the age of valid marriage is 18 for the boys and 15 for the girls, however this age
requirement raised to 21 and 18 respectively through the Child Marriage Restraint Act 1978.
3
Forms of marriage
In Hinduism there are two types of marriage in Hinduism which are:
1. Prashasta Marriage
This marriage is religiously appropriate and follow the vedic virtual. Under this category, it is
to realise that there are four forms of marriage. Firstly, Brahma Marriage which is the

1
Sanatan Sanstha, (2014, July 27). Importance of Marriage Sanskar. Retrieved from https://www.sanatan.org/en/a/306.html
2
Lawmann’s, (1955, May 18). The Hindu Marriage Act 1955. Retrieved from
https://highcourtchd.gov.in/hclscc/subpages/pdf_files/4.pdf
3
Puja Mondal, Traditional Forms of Hindu Marriage. Retrieved from
http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/hindu/traditional-forms-of-hindu-marriage-in-india/4377

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 most appropriate marriage in Hinduism where both families having mutual consent
and wedding ceremony is held. Next, Daiva Marriage where the bride’s father gives
away his daughter to priest as a sacrificial fee. This form of marriage is exclusively
for the Brahmins because the Brahmins can only officiate in the sacrifices as priest.
Arsha Marriage is under this category where the groom exchanging his cow and bull
with bride’s father and this marriage is practised among the priest family. Lastly,
Prajapatya Marriage the bride and groom uttering Sanskrit Mantras and this form of
marriage is related to the Brahmans only.

2. Aprashasta Marriage
This marriage is not follow any vedic rituals. First form under this part is Gandharva
Marriage where a couple live together without having a religious ceremony and
consent between both families are not necessary. Next, Asura Marriage happens when
the bride’s father is bribed by the groom. Moreover, Rakshasa is a marriage when the
bride is forced to be married with a man. This form of marriage was allowed to the
military classes. Lastly, Paishacha Marriage is marriage that happens when a woman
being seduced or raped by man when she is asleep, intoxicated or mentally
disordered. This happen can cause the woman has no choice except by marrying that
man in order to save her dignity.
In general, Prashasta Marriage are the approved forms of marriage and Aprashasta Marriage
are unproved forms of marriage.
Parts 2: Ritual in marriage
Pre-wedding
Generally, marriage in Hinduism can take up to one week based on the region. Before the
engagement ceremony, the parents will find their perfect matches for their daughter/ son or
their children will find their own partner. Then, they will be introduced between each other
and at that time, they will use horoscope matching to make sure that both person are matched.
If so, then, they will proceed to the next step which is engagement ceremony that known by
many names – Sagai, Roka. Commonly, exchanging rings between bride and groom and also
gifts between both families will be happened. This is indicate the acceptance of the match and
welcoming the new family. In addition, the date of the wedding is decided on that day.
After that, several rituals will be held before the ceremony which are:
1. Puja
They pray to Lord Ganesha (God of new beginnings, success and wisdom and remover of
obstacles) to remove all obstacles.
2. Menendi
Henna is applied on bride’s and groom’s hand
3. Sangeet
Fun-filled ceremony where they will perform song, dance and more to celebrate the weddings

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 4
4. Haldi
Haldi is turmeric. Turmeric paste is applied on bride and groom usually on face before
washed by sacred water. It is to believed that, applying this can keep the evil eye
away, improve anxiety and purification for the body
Wedding Ceremony
On the day of ceremony, all people will be gathered at Mandap (elevated platform and
decorated with flowers). Whole ceremony is conducted by priest which generally priest acts
as a master of ceremony (MC). At the centre of Mandap, a fire is kindled to signify the
viability of the ceremony, fire is kept as a witness.
The process of the ceremony is shown below:
1. Madhu Parka
Groom is fed by the bride’s father with milk and honey when he arrives at the bride’s house.
Then, before going to Mandap, the groom’s feet is washed by the bride’s father.
It is used as a respectful offering and to show the acceptance of the groom to the family
2. Kanyadaan
The bride’s father gives away the bride to the groom by uttering some words. For example
‘Today, the bride is Laxmi and the groom is Vishnu’
3. Paanigrahana
After the process above, the groom accepts the bride and promise each other while pursuing
the life of dharma and also to remain faithful to each other
4. Vivaha Homa
The couple feed ghee to the fire and prays to the gods for Santati (children), Sampatti (wealth
and prosperty) and Deergharogya (long and healthy lives)
5. Laja Homa
The bride’s brother pours rice on his palm and the couple offers it to the sacred fire together.
This signifies that the couple is willing to sacrifice all their worldly possessions
because there is not anything greater and more rewarding than receiving God’s
blessing
6. Agni Pradakshina
Before doing this, the ends of their garments are tied together in a knot. Then, they make
seven circles around the sacred fire uttering some promise to each other to be eternal
partners and complement each other in life’s journey.
7. Saptapadi
The bride takes seven symbolic steps while pushing a stone along the floor with her left foot
while the groom assists her. They reiterate the aspirations of their married life as each
step signifies a specific promise that the couple make to each other which are as
follows:

1) First step: To respect and honor each other

2) Second step: To share each other’s joy and sorrow

4
​Jasleen Kaur. (2018, July 17). Significance of Haldi Ceremony. Retrieved from
https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/significance-of-haldi-ceremony-in-indian-weddings-3198

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 3) Third step: To trust and be loyal to each other
4) Fourth step: To cultivate appreciation for knowledge, values, sacrifice and
service
5) Fifth step: To appreciate purity of emotions, love, family duties and spiritual
growth
6) Sixth step: To follow principles of Dharma
7) Seventh step: To nurture an eternal bond of friendship and love
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Post-wedding
Post wedding comprises of Vidaai, welcoming the bride to the groom’s house. During this
ceremony, the bride’s family throws back three handfuls of rice and coin over the bride’s
shoulders to signify end of her debt to her parents. After that, the bride enters the groom’s
house by displacing a container filled with rice signifying that she is the bringer of abundance
to her new family. She then dips her feet in a mixture of red vermillion and enters the house.
This ritual is practised as the bride is considered as a form of Goddess Lashmi.
Part 3: Issues in Hindus Marriage
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Polygamy
Dharmashastras made provision for polygamy under special circumstances, not for the
purpose of carnal pleasures, but for procreation and continuation of family lineage. Another
hindu law book, The Baudhayana Dharmashastra prescribes some rules regarding the number
of wives.
There are four castes (varna, viz.) Brâhmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sûdras. Males
belonging to them may take wives according to the order of the castes, viz. a Brâhmana four,
a Kshatriya three, a Vaisya two and a Sûdra one.
Based on the above, we can see that the number of wives are determined by the caste. In
addition, many hindu gods are also depicted as polygamous. For example, Lord Krishna,
incarnation of Vishnu has eight wives which are Rukmimi, Satyabhama, Jambavati and more.
7

8
Divorce
Hinduism does not approve divorce because marriage is not a contract. It is a Samskara
which gives shape to people’s world. However, there are certain cases that allowed someone
to divorce. It it based on The Naradasmriti Dharmashastra (XII 97),
When her husband is lost, or dead, becomes an ascetic, is impotent, or is expelled from caste,
in these five conditions, a woman may remarry." Katyayana adds that if the husband turns
out to be of another caste, or the same gotra, or if he is guilty of foul acts, the wife may
remarry.

5
Hindu Wedding. (n.d) Retrieved from https://www.culturalindia.net/weddings/regional-weddings/hindu-wedding.html
6
Hinduism and Polygamy (n.d) Retrieved from https://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/h_polygamy.asp
7
D Dennis Hudson (2008, August 27). The Body of God. Oxford University Press. Pp.263-4
8
Devdutt Pattanaik. (2017, September 1). Is divorce permitted in Hinduism? Retrieved from
https://www.dailyo.in/lifestyle/hindu-marriage-divorce-puranas-dharmashastra-hinduism/story/1/19280.html

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From years to years, this concept of divorce had been altered and causing Hinduism is
equipped to accommodate notions of separation and divorce

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it is to believe that Hinduism bla…..bla…..bla……

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 REFERENCES
Internet
1. Supriya Banerjee, (2014, January 17). Marriage and it’s importance in Hinduism.
Retrieved from
https://www.importantindia.com/10049/marriage-and-its-importance-in-hinduism/
2. Sanatan Sanstha, (2014, July 27). Importance of Marriage Sanskar. Retrieved from
https://www.sanatan.org/en/a/306.html
3. Lawmann’s, (1955, May 18). The Hindu Marriage Act 1955. Retrieved from
https://highcourtchd.gov.in/hclscc/subpages/pdf_files/4.pdf
4. Puja Mondal, Traditional Forms of Hindu Marriage. Retrieved from
http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/hindu/traditional-forms-of-hindu-marriage-in-india
/4377
5. Jasleen Kaur. (2018, July 17). Significance of Haldi Ceremony. Retrieved from
https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/significance-of-haldi-ceremony-in-indian
-weddings-3198
6. Hindu Wedding. (n.d) Retrieved from
https://www.culturalindia.net/weddings/regional-weddings/hindu-wedding.html
7. Hinduism and Polygamy (n.d) Retrieved from
https://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/h_polygamy.asp
8. Devdutt Pattanaik. (2017, September 1). Is divorce permitted in Hinduism? Retrieved
from
https://www.dailyo.in/lifestyle/hindu-marriage-divorce-puranas-dharmashastra-hindui
sm/story/1/19280.html
9. Practical Hinduism, Britannica Encyclopedia. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hinduism/Practical-Hinduism#ref261631

10. Jayaram V. Symbolism of Puja, The ritual worship of God in Hinduism. Retrieved
from https://www.hinduwebsite.com/puja.asp

11. Religions; Worship (Puja). (2005, September 27). Retrieved from

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/worship/worship.shtml

12. Hindu Puja, How Hindus Worship God. Retrieved from

https://www.lotussculpture.com/my_articles_puja.html

13. Puja. Retrieved from ​https://archive.asia.si.edu/pujaonline/puja/where.html

14. Rgyan Admin. (2016 September, 3). 30 Rules Needed to Be Followed by Hindus For
Worship. ​https://rgyan.com/blogs/30-rules-needed-to-be-followed-for-worship/

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Books
1. D Dennis Hudson (2008, August 27). The Body of God. Oxford University Press.
Pp.263-4

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