Symbols
Vedas
Karma Kanda
Dharma
Why do we?
100
This sacred syllable, often chanted in meditation, symbolizes the universe and ultimate reality.
What is OM ?
100
Rig, Sama, Yajur, Artharva
What are the (four) types of Vedas ?
Vedas are classified as Shruthi, which means it was revealed to the sages. NO AUTHOR
100
This type of karma refers to actions to fulfill ones desires righteously
Kamya Karma
100
Define Dharma
Morals, Values, Good conduct, Duty
The essential nature of any object or being
Following this will lead to an integrated personality
100
Why do we apply TILAK?
Mark of auspiciousness & Symbol of Blessing
Position of tilak on forehead represents the third eye, the eye of knowledge and inner wisdom
Forehead and spot between eyebrows- energy center
Tilak cools the forehead and prevents energy loss
Bhasma has medicinal value and protects from ill health
200
This sacred part of a Hindu temple is typically located in the innermost chamber, where the main idol or deity is housed, and is the focal point of worship and prayer.
What is the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum)?
200
This kanda/section of Vedas aim to establish a routine; targets to clear the impurities of the mind
Karma Kanda
200
This type of karma refers to actions to fulfill daily duties
Nitya Karma
200
Two Kinds of Dharma
Sa̅ma̅nya Dharma - Universal values to be followed by all people in life irrespective of nationality, age or profession
Varna̅shrama Dharma: Specific duties given to each individual with respect to age , gender, profession etc
200
Why do we light a lamp?
❖ Light = Knowledge
❖ Flame = Intelligence
❖ Wick = Ego
❖ Oil = Vasanas (Negative Tendencies)
❖ Lamp = Body
300
In Hindu worship, these 16 steps of ritual purification and offering are part of a comprehensive process to ensure proper devotion and honor to the deity, with each step symbolizing a different aspect of reverence.
What is the Shodasha Upachara (16 steps of Puja)?
300
These are the three sections or kandas of Vedas
What are Karma Kanda, Upasana Kanda, Jnana kanda?
Sage Veda Vyasa is credited with compiling the Vedas
300
This type of karma refers to actions to fulfill duties in outside world
Kartavya Karma
300
Two of the four indicators of dharma, as prescribed by Vedas, one is heard, another is remembered
What are Shruti and Smriti ?
(The other two are sadacharya or good conduct as accepted by the society and one's own inner joy)
300
Why do we ring a bell?
❖Ringing of the bell produces a reverberating, auspicious sound “OM”
❖To view the all-auspicious Lord, there should be auspiciousness within and without
❖We ring bell during arati - Creates auspicious environment via sound
400
In Hindu temple rituals, this act involves the formal consecration of an murti, wherein it is infused with divine energy, making it a living embodiment of the deity it represents.
What is Prana Pratishta?
400
This kanda aims to imbibe the True knowledge of the Self and remove the ignorance that we are limited by the material world
Jnana Kanda
400
This type of karma refers to actions as required by special occasions like birth, wedding, death)
Samskara Karma
400
List some Sa̅ma̅nya Dharmas
Dhrti (Fortitude), Kshama̅ (Forgiveness), Dama (Control of organs of action), Asteya (Non stealing), Shaucha (Purity)
- Shama (Control over organs of perception), Dhi (Discriminatory Intelligence), Vidya̅ (Knowledge), Satyam (Truthfulness), Akrodha (Non anger)
400
Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating?
Naivedya vs. Prasad - Naivedya is our offering to the Lord and Prasad is Lord's blessing to us
Prasada Buddhi
Attitude of cheerful acceptance
No waste or rejection
No criticisms on quality
500
What does the Conch and Gadha that Lord Vishnu holds symbolize?
Shanka or Conch - Calls to a life of noble values
Maze or Gadha - Warnings given by the Lord
Chakra or Discuss - Destroys the Ego
Padma or Lotus - Reward of Self Knowledge
500
This kanda aims to teach worship (ista devata) and meditation to overcome the restlessness of mind
Upasana kanda
500
These are actions prohibited by the Vedas
Nishiddha Karma
500
ĀSHRAMA DHARMA / STAGES OF LIFE
Four stages of Life
Student Life or Brahmacharya
Householder’s Life or Grhastha
Retired Life or Vānaprastha
Renunciate Life or Sanyāsa
500
Why do we fast?
Sanskrit word : Upavasa
Upa : near; Vasa : to stay
Close mental proximity to God
Self-imposed form of discipline
Tapas (discipline)
Vrata (vow)
Mental attitude during fasting