Right way to Pray

[EverChanging]

Is there a right or wrong way to pray to or perform devotions to Hindu gods? I ask because I may be interested in doing this after research, but I have not come by much in the way of instructions for how to do devotions.

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vannakkam,

Devotion is kind of a huge subject on Hinduism. It can be physical, verbal, mental... It can be reciting a specific sloka praising the deity or chanting a bhajan or doing a mantra japa, the most common at templ and at home is however puja. It is kind of an welcoming/offering ceremony that can be more or less elaborate, depending on the person.

For start you can just offer your salutations by joining your hands in namaskar and offer a flower and some incense to your chosen.

Aum Namah Shivaya

 

[Shantanu]

Is there a right or wrong way to pray to or perform devotions to Hindu gods? I ask because I may be interested in doing this after research, but I have not come by much in the way of instructions for how to do devotions.

Why have you set up a second thread on the same topic here in Hinduism DIR?

 

[Vinayaka]

Is there a right or wrong way to pray to or perform devotions to Hindu gods? I ask because I may be interested in doing this after research, but I have not come by much in the way of instructions for how to do devotions.

In my opinion, there is no right way or wrong way. There are certain traditions we follow, and that varies. An example is taking a shower and being clean before praying (I mean the longer sadhanas) , at home or at temple. Stuff like that we do, but right versus wrong not really.

 

[SomeRandom]

Is there a right or wrong way to pray to or perform devotions to Hindu gods? I ask because I may be interested in doing this after research, but I have not come by much in the way of instructions for how to do devotions.

I don't think there is a right or wrong way. And you can get books of certain songs with English translations.
There are traditions I suppose. Starting out ringing a bell, offering sweet fruits, nuts and flowers, pouring milk and then water on a Lingam, eating the food offered reverently, singing songs and praying sincerely.
But there are many different ways to go about this.
The only rules we observe in our house is not to eat meat beforehand. And if you do, then shower and wash your hair. (Mainly this "rule" was because as a kid I would often really really want to eat eggs. Even on temple days. So since my parents assumed it was biology telling me what I needed they best not ignore such cravings.)

 

[EverChanging]

Why have you set up a second thread on the same topic here in Hinduism DIR?

The first was inquiring about sources for devotions, some of which I have found browsing online. This thread is about practical advice -- how to actually perform the actions that may go along with some of the prayers and whether there is a right or wrong way of going about it. They are distinct.

 

[sayak83]

Is there a right or wrong way to pray to or perform devotions to Hindu gods? I ask because I may be interested in doing this after research, but I have not come by much in the way of instructions for how to do devotions.

In its simplest
Om Namah Shiva (Om I bow to Siva)
Om Sri Krishna or Hare Krishna (Hail Krishna)
works just fine.

 

[Aupmanyav]

"A quick puja has the same structure as acts ordinary people would perform for a quick reception, hospitality and affectionate interaction with a beloved guest. First the deity is greeted, acknowledged by name and welcomed, sometimes with a diya (earthern lamp/candle) or lighted incense stick, (*). The devotee proceeds to connect with the spiritual manifestation by meditating (a form of darshan), or chanting hymns and mantras, then personal prayers follow. After prayer is finished, (**) the spiritual visitor as guest is affectionately thanked and greeted goodbye. A quick meditative puja is sometimes offered by some Hindus without an idol or image. According to Fuller, Hindu texts allow flexibility and abbreviated puja according to occasion, needs and personal preferences."
Puja (Hinduism) - Wikipedia
* Aup adds; flowers, offering something sweet to be eaten later by the devotee as a blessing - prasada, pleasure of the deity
** Aup again: a mark on the forehead - Tilaka, with Red paste, Yellow sandal and saffron paste, ash from the puja lamp or 'Gopi Chandan', fine soil from some water bodies in India, according to the deity a person worships, the deities have their preferences

A bath and no non-vegetarian food before puja are generally considered appropriate.

 

[Shantanu]

The first was inquiring about sources for devotions, some of which I have found browsing online. This thread is about practical advice -- how to actually perform the actions that may go along with some of the prayers and whether there is a right or wrong way of going about it. They are distinct.

Who is your chosen deity for devotions?

 

[DeviChaaya]

Because we are such a vast and all encompassing umbrella of traditions there is no right or wrong way to practice bhakti (devotion). If you want to offer flowers, you can, if you want to offer food, you can. Commonly it is believed, however, that you should not try the food that you are offering to the deity before hand however there are several stories and references that say you can. In the Vaisnava (Visnu worshipping) tradition there is a story of either Rama or Krishna coming to a widow's (I think) home and before offering Him food she would first taste it to make sure it was suitable for her Beloved. There is also the tale of a Nayannar (poet saints devoted to Shiva) who was a hunter and would offer only the choicest meats to Shiva. He would even carry the water to bathe the lingam in his mouth. In the Goddess tradition... well, what Mother wants subpar food from Her children? She will, of course, accept it but I am certain She would also be overjoyed to have a dish served to Her that you have personally tasted to test if it is palatable.

All in all there is no right or wrong way.

 

[Aupmanyav]

In Satyanarain Katha, a princess in dire straights collects undigeted grains from cow-dung and prepares the offering for the Lord. It i happily accepted. "Bhav ke bhukhe hain Bhagawan".
(Deities hunger for the intention behind one's offerings).

Vidura's wife offered the peel of bananas to the Lord Krishna and he gladly accepted them. He ate uncooked rice brought by his poor friend Sudama, could not wait for it to be cooked.

 

[Vinayaka]

The first was inquiring about sources for devotions, some of which I have found browsing online. This thread is about practical advice -- how to actually perform the actions that may go along with some of the prayers and whether there is a right or wrong way of going about it. They are distinct.

Always offer with your right hand. Flowers should be released with a gentle 'roll' of your fingers, with palm upward.

Prostrate before and after, head towards the deity. Never sit with feet pointed towards the deity.

Is that the kind of practicality you mean?

 

[Jainarayan]

Vidura's wife offered the peel of bananas to the Lord Krishna and he gladly accepted them. He ate uncooked rice brought by his poor friend Sudama, could not wait for it to be cooked.

I love those two stories.

 

[Jainarayan]

Commonly it is believed, however, that you should not try the food that you are offering to the deity before hand however there are several stories and references that say you can. ...

In the Goddess tradition... well, what Mother wants subpar food from Her children? She will, of course, accept it but I am certain She would also be overjoyed to have a dish served to Her that you have personally tasted to test if it is palatable.

I could never quite get my head wrapped around the not taste-testing the food before offering it. I can understand not serving yourself a plate or bowl of it first, but to check it before offering is good hospitality, imo. And the deities are our guests.

 

[Aupmanyav]

I have never prostrated myself, but kneeled in Hanuman fashion. Again it all depends on 'Bhava' (intention). The salutation, prayer should come from the heart. Lord Hanuman is considered 'manas-putra' (spiritual son) of Lord Shiva.

 

[EverChanging]

Always offer with your right hand. Flowers should be released with a gentle 'roll' of your fingers, with palm upward.

Prostrate before and after, head towards the deity. Never sit with feet pointed towards the deity.

Is that the kind of practicality you mean?

Yes.

 

[Vinayaka]

Yes.

I'll try to think of a few more things then.

- Avoid candles.
- Always use fresh water, change it daily,
- Fresh flowers.
- Cut fruit, so devas can smell odors.
- Step into your shrine area right foot first.
- If possible, back out.
- Flame, incense, offer it in in 3 circles, clockwise.
- Never smell flowers before offering.
- Dress modestly, loose clothing


This stuff is just guidelines of protocol, not rules hard and fast.

 

[sayak83]

Always offer with your right hand. Flowers should be released with a gentle 'roll' of your fingers, with palm upward.

Prostrate before and after, head towards the deity. Never sit with feet pointed towards the deity.

Is that the kind of practicality you mean?

How about a left handed person who eats with his left hand etc.?

(actual question from a left handed friend of mine)

 

[Vinayaka]

How about a left handed person who eats with his left hand etc.?

(actual question from a left handed friend of mine)

Sayak, I'm just trying to assist the OP, not looking for debate on our customs.

However, as to your question, I've seen it both ways, and believe it depends on context. I know people who eat with their left hands over here in Canada, but I also know some lefties who switch when they're in a crowd who stares at them, just to avoid the hassle.

 

[Islington]

How about a left handed person who eats with his left hand etc.?

(actual question from a left handed friend of mine)

For your friend and from a left-handed person (everything seems to be swapped within me! ;p) - I couldn't find any satisfying reason for not offering with left hand. Let us... just think that the deity will appreciate the extra-effort one left-handed devotee puts with using the right hand.

@EverChanging just a hour ago I was reading a text about puja. Let me share it here, maybe you can find some answers in here?

Word of advice, though, to each devotee his own puja. Don't overthink this.