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      Puja: different Hindu expressions

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain why puja is important in daily life.

      Key learning points

      1. Hindu worship is called puja.
      2. Puja has many symbolic parts to it.
      3. Puja can take place at home or the mandir.

      Keywords

      • Puja - rituals of worship performed by Hindus

      • Symbolic - used to describe an action or object with a deeper meaning

      • Deity - a god or goddess

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

      Common misconception

      Hindus all have the same murti in their puja.

      Hindus use different murti to ask for different aspects in their lives.

      Teacher tip

      The lesson would be enhanced through using Hindu artefacts. For example, the puja tray with objects that pupils could see, touch and smell.

      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.
      What is the Hindu place of worship called?

      church
      synagogue
      Correct answer: mandir

      Q2.
      Which symbol is used to represent creation for Hindus?

      Correct answer: aum
      cross
      dove
      fish

      Q3.
      Hindus believe in one ultimate reality called ...

      Allah
      Murti
      Correct answer: Brahman

      Q4.
      How does the story of Svetakatu help Hindus understand Brahman?

      by teaching Hindus how to behave
      Correct answer: by showing that Brahman is everywhere, even when they cannot see it
      by explaining how salty water came into existence
      by teaching the importance of deities

      Q5.
      The three most important forms of Brahman are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Together they are known as the ...

      Correct answer: trimurti
      murti
      twomutri
      fourmurti

      Q6.
      What does the term omnipresent mean in the context of Hindu Dharma?

      Brahman can be in more than one place at the same time.
      Correct answer: Brahman is present everywhere in the universe.
      Brahman is more powerful than any deity.
      Brahman is only present during worship.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Incense is linked with which sense in puja?

      Correct Answer: smell

      Q2.
      What is the main purpose of puja?

      to celebrate festivals
      Correct answer: to show love and devotion to god
      to socialise with friends

      Q3.
      Why do Hindus clean and collect items before starting puja?

      to make the puja last longer
      to impress guests who come to watch
      Correct answer: to prepare a clean and respectful space for worship

      Q4.
      Put the key parts of puja in the correct order:

      1 - offerings
      2 - preparation
      3 - prayer and meditation

      Q5.
      Match each object with its significance in puja.

      Correct Answer:aum,sound of creation and the universe

      sound of creation and the universe

      Correct Answer:bell,creates a sacred atmosphere

      creates a sacred atmosphere

      Correct Answer:kumkum powder,visible sign of devotion and blessings

      visible sign of devotion and blessings

      Correct Answer:food offerings ,symbolises gratitude and devotion

      symbolises gratitude and devotion

      Q6.
      What do we call food offerings after they are placed in front of the murti?

      Correct Answer: Prasad

      To help you plan your 6 religious education lesson on: Puja: different Hindu expressions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...