Ritual and Worship Pilgrimage/Locations: Pilgrimage is an important aspect of Hinduism. It's an undertaking to see and be seen by the deity. Indian women making offering to Shiva on the Ganges, Calcutta, India Indian women worshipping Shiva on the Ganges Popular pilgrimage places are rivers, but temples, mountains, and other sacred sites in India are also destinations for pilgrimages, as sites where the gods may have appeared or become manifest in the world. Kumbh Mela Once every 12 years, up to 10 million people share in ritual bathing at the Kumbh Mela festival at Allahabad where the waters of the Ganges and Jumna combine. Hindus from all walks of life gather there for ritual bathing, believing that their sins will be washed away. The bathing is followed by spiritual purification and a ceremony which secures the blessings of the deity. River Ganges The river Ganges is the holiest river for Hindus. Varanasi This city, also known as Benares, is situated on the banks of the Ganges and is one of the most important pilgrimage centres. It is said to be the home of Lord Shiva where legend has it that his fiery light broke through the earth to reach the heavens. A Hindu who dies at Varanasi and has their ashes scattered on the Ganges is said to have experienced the best death possible.

Ritual and Worship Locations: Mathura, It is most famous as the place of Krishna's birth, which tradition dates to some five thousand years ago Its main temple is the Keshava Deo Mandir, where Radha and Krishna are worshipped. The entire area, encompassing many holy sites and twelve sacred forests, is called Vraj. Most important is Vrindavan, the village where Krishna lived. Kanyakumari

Ritual and Worship Locations: Kanyakumari One of the most important Shakta holy sites, is situated on the southernmost tip of India. The main temple is dedicated to Parvati, the eternal consort of Shiva. At the Bay of Bengal, where the Arabian and Indian oceans meet, many pilgrims come to bathe.

Ritual and Worship Locations: Puri The Smartas are the fourth largest Hindu tradition, after the worshippers of Vishnu, Shiva and Shakti respectively Most members of this community follow Shankaracharya (788–820 CE), who established four main "maths" (seats) in the "four dhamas," the four holiest places in India. The current Shankaracharya resides in the main seat at Puri, in the state of Orissa on the east coast. The city is also central to Vaishnavas for its 900-year-old temple of Jagannatha, the Lord of the Universe, who is served by 6,000 priests. It is also famous for the annual Ratha-yatra (chariot festival), attended by thousands of pilgrims.

Ritual and Worship: Holy Places: There are seven principle holy rivers. Of the seven, the Ganges (Ganga), Yamuna, and Sarasvati are most important. According to different opinions, the Sarasvati is now invisible, extinct or running underground, and meets with the Ganga and Yamuna at Prayaga. The Seven Holy Rivers: Ganga – North India Yamuna – meets Ganga in North Godavari – South India Sarasvati – underground river Narmada – Central India Sindhu the Indus, now in Pakistan Kaveri – South India Most rivers are personified as goddesses. Certain spots on the seashore are also holy. Some lakes and ponds are also considered especially sacred Hills and mountains have special significance within Hinduism. Most important are the Himalayas, The Vindhya Mountains separate the North from the Deccan (South) and are mentioned repeatedly in the Epics and the Puranas. Another popular pilgrimage site is the cave of Vaishno Devi, north of Amritsar. Pilgrims climb many steps up to the cave, which is dedicated to three goddesses – Lakshmi, Kali and Sarasvati. Perhaps India's most famous hill is Govardhana, which was raised by Lord Krishna to protect the inhabitants of Vrindavana from the wrath of Indra. Wishes on Ganges

Ritual and Worship: Holy Places: Hills and mountains have special significance within Hinduism. Most important are the Himalayas, The Vindhya Mountains separate the North from the Deccan (South) and are mentioned repeatedly in the Epics and the Puranas. Another popular pilgrimage site is the cave of Vaishno Devi, north of Amritsar. Pilgrims climb many steps up to the cave, which is dedicated to three goddesses – Lakshmi, Kali and Sarasvati. Perhaps India's most famous hill is Govardhana, which was raised by Lord Krishna to protect the inhabitants of Vrindavana from the wrath of Indra.

Ritual and Worship Other Forms: Bhajan/Kirtan Bhajan means adoration and refers to devotional hymns, usually sung in small groups or by the entire congregation. Kirtan means glorification and more specifically indicates the repetition of mantras to the accompaniment of musical instruments. Bhajan and kirtan are particularly central to bhakti (devotional) movements and are often performed during the arti ceremony. Common instruments are drums, (such as tablas and mridangas), hand- cymbals and the harmonium. Darshan Darshan literally means "seeing," though it is better translated as "audience." Devout Hindus generally present themselves before the deity in a temple or before a holy person to receive their blessings. They pay respects through pranam, bowing the head and folding the hands (though some may make obeisance by prostrating themselves). Many Hindus will visit a temple each morning to "take darshan. Prasad Regularly offering food to the deities is technically an integral part of puja, Visitors to the temple conclude their darshan by accepting morsels of prasada (sacred food) offered to the deity.

Ritual and Worship Other Forms: Pravachan A philosophical lecture based on a verse, or verses, from one of the scriptures such as the Bhagavad- gita. This is delivered by a priest or guru and often followed by questions and answers or a general discussion. Personal study of sacred books (see Sacred Books) is also an important spiritual practice. Havan Havan is translated as "fire sacrifice" or "sacrificial fire." It is also called "homa" or "agnihotra." This procedure is undertaken particularly on festive occasions and for rituals such as initiation and marriage. Some Hindus practice it daily as part of their regular worship. Particularly notable is the ancient chant "svaha", recited as the grains are tossed into the flames. For some groups, such as the Arya-Samaj, this ancient practice, is central to their worship. Japa and Meditation Japa refers to the quiet or silent recitation of a mantra (such as om namo shivaya or the well-known Hare Krishna mantra). This is generally performed on a mala, a string of 108 beads. The beads are usually made of Tulsi wood (for Vaishnavas) or Rudraksha beads (for Shaivites). Another popular form of meditation is the recitation of the Gayatri mantra, traditionally observed by brahmanas at dawn, noon, and dusk. Prayer is also an important part of worship, and Hindus may either recite standard prayers, or simply express their heartfelt devotions. It is customary to offer words of glorification before asking for some boon or blessing.

Ritual and Worship Other Forms: Circumambulation Circumambulation is another form of offering respect and worship and is generally performed in a clockwise direction. In or around many temples there is a walkway for circumambulation of the deity, sometimes performed whilst chanting on japa beads (see above) or singing. Pilgrims circumambulate holy spots, entire sacred towns or even the whole of India – often barefooted out of respect for sacred ground. Seva Active service to the deity is considered a form of worship, and in many temples the priests are constantly engaged not only in puja but many associated functions. Lay members also offer their services by helping in cleaning, cutting vegetables, etc. Many traditions consider service to holy people, even in apparently mundane matters, a means of winning the Lord's blessings. Service to holy places, through sweeping the land or serving pilgrims, is also considered meritorious.