In Hinduism

Ganapatya (worship of Ganesha)

Source: Google Books: Ganapati: Song of the Self

Ghaṇṭapūjā (घण्टपूजा) refers to the “worship of the bell”, representing one of the possible preliminary rites (upacāra) of a pūjā (deity worship).—Each act in a pūjā is not only physical and/or mental, but also symbolic, cosmic, and spiritual. Sprinkling, sipping, and bathing are symbolic of purification, of the worshipped as well as of the worshipper and the surroundings. Various offerings [viz., ghaṇṭapūjā] symbolize the surrendering of one’s latent tendencies (vāsanā) as expressed in thoughts, words, and deeds.

context information

Ganapatya (गाणपत्य, gāṇapatya) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Ganesha is revered and worshipped as the prime deity (ishta-devata). Being a minor though influential movement, Ganapatya evovled, llike Shaktism and Shaivism, as a separate movement leaving behind a large body of literature.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Source: ACHC: Smarta Puja

Ghaṇṭapūjā (घण्टपूजा) refers to the “worship of the bell” representing one of the various preparatory rites performed before pūjā (ritualistic worship of a deity) which aim at the purification of the devotee.—The worshipper washes the bell (ghaṇṭa), then rings it with his hands imitating the shape of a bell. The ringing of the bell is taken as signifying the arrival of gods and departure of demons. The devotee worships the bell (ghaṇṭapūjā) by offering sandalwood paste, unbroken rice (akṣata) and a flower. The bell is then kept on the left hand side in front of the devotee, while the conch is kept on the right hand side. The bell is going to be used at several stages of the ritual, e.g. at the time of offering a bath, incense and waving the ārati lamp. On these occasions it is held in the left hand.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Puja, Ghanta.

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