HRT 3M1
Unit 5: Hinduism
Lesson: Rituals
1. Video and Discussion: Puja
 Have students watch video, Puja: Expressions of Hindu Devotion and reflect on the
diverse ways in which worship is practiced and how puja addresses all the senses
 Video is 11 minutes long. Go to Smithsonian Institute:
https://www.asia.si.edu/explore/indianart/videoPuja.asp

Discussion Questions:
o How does engaging all of our senses make worship more meaningful?
o What is the significance and purpose of the images of the deities used during
puja
o How is the practice of puja in the mandir different or similar to a puja at home?
o Recall your own experiences of worship either at home or at church. How are
your senses engaged during this worship? Does it contain elements that are
aimed at stimulating the senses (taste, sight, touch, hearing, smell)? Describe
the ritual? How is it different/similar to puja? Note answers in a Venn diagram
2. Virtual Tour
 A mandir is a primary place of worship where one can worship deities in silent
meditation; it’s a place to catch a glimpse of God and to been by God
 For Hindus in Toronto, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, is also the home of the Canadian
Museum of Cultural Heritage of Indo-Canadians (museum that showcases diversity of
Hinduism and the contributions Hindus have made to many fields)
 From the Mandir, Hindus reach out to others in need. They are dedicated to a life of
charity
 Using BYOD, have students do virtual tour of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Toroto
 Have students note the architecture of the building and the religious artifacts.
 Have students share their impressions of the mandir and suggest what it tells about
Hinduism
3. Journal Reflection
 Write a journal response to the following:
o If you were to create a sacred space in your home, what would it look like?
What objects would you put there? Why? How do you express devotion to
God?
4. Homework
 Complete questions 1-2 on p. 236