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      Murtis and how they are used in puja

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe how murti may be used in puja.

      Key learning points

      1. Many Hindus see Brahman through different deities.
      2. Many Hindus use murtis or images of deities to focus their worship.
      3. Murtis show different qualities of the deity they represent.
      4. Puja is personal to each individual.

      Keywords

      • Deity - a god or goddess

      • Murti - a physical representation of a deity, usually a statue

      • Quality - a special characteristic of someone or something

      • Puja - rituals of worship performed by Hindus

      Common misconception

      Hindus worship images and murtis.

      Hindus use murtis and images to focus their worship or to align with the energy of a murti.

      Teacher tip

      You could visit a local mandir to see what murtis they have there.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Brahman is known as ...

      the Supreme Teacher
      Correct answer: the Ultimate Reality
      the Eternal Guide

      Q2.
      What sound is considered important and sacred in Hindu Dharma?

      hum
      Correct answer: aum
      lum

      Q3.
      What is the purpose of lighting a diva lamp during puja?

      to brighten the room
      to heat up the mandir
      Correct answer: to symbolise the presence of light over darkness

      Q4.
      What kinds of items are typically offered during puja?

      Correct answer: food, flowers and incense
      money, clothes and aftershave
      musical instruments, perfume and chimes

      Q5.
      Where does puja take place?

      Correct answer: home or mandir
      home or mosque
      home or gurdwara

      Q6.
      In Hindu cosmology, Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the preserver and Shiva is ...

      the healer
      the protector
      Correct answer: the transformer or recycler

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A murti is understood as an aspect of ...

      Jesus
      Shiva
      Correct answer: Brahman

      Q2.
      What does the word puja mean?

      celebrating a holiday
      Correct answer: honouring or offering
      eating food

      Q3.
      Why might a Hindu choose a specific murti for puja?

      because it is easier to worship multiple deities at once
      Correct answer: to focus on specific qualities of Brahman
      to make puja shorter

      Q4.
      What do Hindus worship?

      images
      no visuals
      Correct answer: murtis

      Q5.
      Match each deity to what they are commonly prayed to for by Hindu people.

      Correct Answer:Saraswati,success and wisdom in studies

      success and wisdom in studies

      Correct Answer:Lakshmi,wealth and prosperity

      wealth and prosperity

      Correct Answer:Ganesha,removing obstacles in new ventures

      removing obstacles in new ventures

      Q6.
      Match each deity to the qualities of Brahman they represent.

      Correct Answer:Ram (Rama),honesty and loyalty

      honesty and loyalty

      Correct Answer:Hanuman,strength and courage

      strength and courage

      Correct Answer:Radha,love and devotion

      love and devotion


      To help you plan your 6 religious education lesson on: Murtis and how they are used in puja, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...