Puja is a religious ritual practiced in Hinduism and involves both daily practices as well as complicated rituals that occur in the temple. The term puja is derived from the word “flower,” and this is reflected in the fact that the rituals involve offering flowers or fruit to a deity. In essence, the deity is treated as an individual of royal status, as they are treated with a ritual bath, ornate clothing, and three meals during the day the ritual is conducted. The nuances of the rituals vary by region and sect of Hinduism, but one constant feature includes “arati,” a form of individual worship conducted in private where the worshipper circles three times around a lamp while reciting a prayer.
Throughout her autobiography, Sen describes details about ritualistic moments, as when she notes: “In front of us was a naked sage seated in a yoga posture next to a dying fire and some fruit and flowers. We prostrated ourselves in obeisance to him…. In reply to our questions, he told us: “ I used to go out, but my legs have been paralyzed for the last eight years. My disciples fetch water and bathe me” (Sen 69). While Sen does not label this moment as a part of puja, she provides evidence that alludes to it, including the flowers, fruit, and the sage’s requests. This suggests that Sen has a deep respect for religious rituals as well as the rites her husband practices. Knowledge of puja further makes this encounter more generalizable: while details such as the fact that she attends the Durga temple where Swami Bhaskaranandas lives characterize this as an individual experience, the details suggest that this would have been a typical practice in the daily life of a Hindu. It is important to note that while Sen displays this adherence to Hindu rituals, she does not appear to be doctrinally devout during her life as a single adult or individually pursue these practices.
"Puja." Encylopaedia Britannica, 27 February 2021, https://www.britannica.com/topic/puja.