apuja

Apuja is a term occasionally used in English to refer to puja, the Hindu ritual of worship. It is not a distinct practice, but a transliteration variant of the Sanskrit pūjā. Pūjā denotes reverence, honor, or worship given to deities, sacred figures, or revered objects.

In Hindu practice, pūjā is a structured ritual performed at home or in temples. It commonly includes offerings such as flowers, fruit or food (naivedya), water for cleansing, incense, and light from a lamp. These offerings are accompanied by mantras or prayers and often conclude with arati, the devotional waving of light before the image or symbol of the deity.

Rituals vary by tradition and region. Domestic pūjā (ghar pūjā) is common in households and may be daily or on special days, while temple pūjā follows priestly protocols and festival calendars. Major festivals such as Diwali, Durga Puja, and Navaratri feature elaborate pūjā ceremonies, as do rites marking beginnings or life events.

Pūjā is central to many Hindu practices and also appears in other Indian religious communities in similar forms. The term broadly encompasses acts of devotion, offerings, and ritual worship across diverse traditions.