Understanding Hindu Worship Traditions: Hunger, Cleanliness, and Spiritual Practices

This article explores the various practices and beliefs surrounding Hindu worship. Specifically, we focus on the traditions that require adherents to be hungry before bathing and worshipping. We'll also delve into the scientific and spiritual explanations behind this practice and discuss the different types of worship in Hinduism.

Common Practices in Hindu Worship

It is commonly believed that for a devotee to perform Hindu worship, they should clean themselves on an empty stomach and complete the ritual before having food. This practice stems from the belief that offering prayers in a clean and empty state of mind and body helps in expressing gratitude and love towards the divine. It also ensures that there is no physical impurity that might interfere with the worship.

The process of digestion begins the moment food enters the body, and it is believed that undertaking worship in this state is disrespectful to the divine as it negates the purity of the moment. Therefore, many adherents wait until after the worship to consume food, allowing the body to cleanse and re-energize.

The Agni of the Body: Bhootaagni and Jataraagni

Agni, in the context of Hinduism, refers to a kind of fire, both physical and spiritual. There are two types of agni within the human body:

Bhootaagni: This refers to the hunger and thirst that creates the desire for food. It is the fire of the physical body that requires sustenance. Jataraagni: This is the spiritual hunger, the fire of the soul that seeks the divine. It is the drive for inner peace and enlightenment.

These two forms of agni cannot coexist within a person simultaneously. The endeavor is to bring about a balance between the physical and spiritual needs.

NivEdana: Offering Food as an Evening Ritual

NivEdana is a spiritual practice where food is offered to the gods before being consumed. This ritual is understood as a form of worship that honors the source of nutrition and expresses gratitude for sustenance. It is not a mandatory rule but a custom that has been practiced by some sanATanaDharma traditions.

While there is no strict rule, it is common for devotees to follow the practice of having a liquid diet if they are not able to fast completely. This is especially true for children and the elderly, who may have medical conditions that do not allow them to fast without significant health risks. The flexibility in this practice allows for adherents to adhere to their personal health and physical conditions.

Two Types of Bhakti: Pandita Bhakthi and Paamara Bhakthi

Hindu worship can be broadly classified into two types of Bhakti, or devotion:

Pandita Bhakthi: This type of devotion requires knowledge and understanding of rituals and mantras. It involves the meticulous performance of rituals and adherence to specific protocols. Those who practice Pandita Bhakthi often wake up early, take a bath, and perform puja (worship) with specific rituals, invoking gods, and following a set schedule. They are disciplined and focused, understanding the deep spiritual science behind the practices. Paamara Bhakthi: This is a more flexible and personal form of devotion. It allows for individual convenience and creativity. People who practice Paamara Bhakthi may offer prayers in their own way and at their own time, following their personal beliefs and traditions. Examples include Shabari, Tulsidas, Ramadas, and Kannappa, who are celebrated for their unwavering devotion.

Both forms of Bhakti are equally valid in reaching the divine, and both can lead the devotee to the same destination, which is union with the divine. The differentiation lies in the path chosen, not the destination.

The Science Behind Cleanliness in Worship

The practice of fasting before worship is also rooted in the belief that a clean body and mind receive the divine energy better. The body's natural digestive processes, which begin immediately after consuming food, can make one drowsy and physically impure. Offering worship in a state of alertness and purity is considered more fruitful as it allows one to receive the vibrations and energies of the mantras and rituals more effectively.

Furthermore, taking a bath after the worship can wash away the positive energy that has been received, hence the tradition of bathing before initiating the puja. This practice is based on the belief that a clean body and mind are essential to maintaining the purity of the ritual.

Conclusion

The customs and beliefs surrounding Hindu worship, including the practice of fasting and taking a bath before worship, are deeply rooted in both spiritual and scientific understandings. These practices help to create a sacred space for the devotee and ensure that the worship is performed with reverence and respect.

By understanding the various types of Bhakti and the reasoning behind these practices, one can appreciate the rich diversity and depth of Hindu traditions. Whether one follows Pandita Bhakthi or Paamara Bhakthi, the ultimate goal of reaching God remains the same, and the journey is one of personal expression and spiritual growth.