Khan Academy: Hinduism and the Practice of Faith

Religion pervades many aspects of Hindu life, and religious observance is not limited to one location, time of day, or use of a particular text. It assumes many forms: in the home, at the temple, on a pilgrimage, through yogic practices, dance or music, at the roadside, by the river, through the observation of one's social duties and so on. The general term used to describe Hindu worship is puja -- the most common forms of worship taking place in the home at the family shrine and at the local temple. A key concept in the worship of Hindu deities is the act of making eye contact with the deity (darshan).