The materials may be used by a single teacher or in collaboration with teachers of different disciplines. Focusing on Hindu religious objects found in an art museum, the unit suggests connections between art and world studies themes. In addition, these highly symbolic objects provide much material for discussion of the creation of images, whether in two or three dimensions, in speech, or in music. In this way, study of the objects provides a springboard for creativity in art, language arts, and music. In addition to the written materials, this packet contains a video and three posters of Hindu deities.
Videos There are three video segments on one tape.
The first segment, which is narrated, is repeated in an open-captioned version. It provides an introduction to the concept of puja, giving a useful overview of the practice of puja and how objects are used in puja ceremonies. The second is a short segment that shows a woman worshiping at her household shrine in India. It offers a more detailed look at the practice of puja in a Hindu home. The third segment focuses on people worshiping at an outdoor shrine to the goddess Chandi in Puri District in Orissa.