Prayers and Chants
15 Grade 5 Religious Education (HRE) questions on Prayers and Chants, with worked marking schemes. 15 questions are available on this topic in full.
Question 1
6 marksHindus use both mantras and bhajans in their worship.
(a) State the difference between a mantra and a bhajan. (2 marks)
(b) Explain two reasons why singing bhajans together as a community is valuable. (4 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) A mantra is a short sacred word or phrase repeated for meditation/prayer, while a bhajan is a devotional song of praise sung to a deity — 2 marks. (b) Any two, each explained: brings the community together in shared worship; expresses love and devotion joyfully; helps people remember teachings about the Divine; creates a peaceful, uplifting atmosphere — 2 marks each.
Question 2
1 markThe famous Gayatri Mantra is a prayer that mainly asks the Divine for which of the following?
A. Wealth and gold
B. Wisdom and enlightenment of the mind
C. Victory in battle
D. Rain for the crops
(1 mark)
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6 marksOm (Aum) is the most sacred sound in Hinduism.
(a) State two occasions when Hindus chant Om. (2 marks)
(b) Explain why Om is considered so important to Hindus. (4 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Any two: at the beginning of prayers; before and after chanting mantras; during meditation; at the start of religious ceremonies; when reading scriptures — 1 mark each. (b) Om is believed to be the original sound of creation / the sound of the universe; it represents the Supreme Reality (Brahman); chanting it calms the mind and connects the worshipper to the Divine — 2 well-explained points x 2 marks.
Question 4
1 markA short sacred word or phrase repeated many times during meditation and prayer in Hinduism is called what?
A. A murti
B. A mantra
C. A diya
D. A mandir
(1 mark)
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6 marksA mantra is a sacred word or phrase repeated during prayer and meditation.
(a) Give one example of a Hindu mantra. (2 marks)
(b) Explain two benefits a Hindu gains from reciting mantras regularly. (4 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Any one: Om / Aum; the Gayatri Mantra; 'Om Namah Shivaya'; 'Hare Krishna' — 2 marks (accept any genuine mantra). (b) Any two, each explained: calms and focuses the mind; brings the worshipper closer to the Divine; builds concentration and inner peace; strengthens devotion and self-discipline — 2 marks each.
Question 6
6 marksAnita wants to say her evening prayers at the family shrine. Describe three things she should do to prepare herself and the shrine so that her prayers are respectful. (6 marks)
(6 marks)
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1 markMany Hindu prayers and chants come from the oldest and most sacred scriptures of Hinduism. What are these oldest scriptures called?
A. The bhajans
B. The Vedas
C. The mantras
D. The Puranas
(1 mark)
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6 marksThe Gayatri Mantra is one of the most respected prayers in Hinduism.
(a) State one thing the Gayatri Mantra asks the Divine for. (2 marks)
(b) Explain two situations in which a Hindu might recite this or other prayers. (4 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) It asks the Divine for wisdom, light and enlightenment of the mind/intellect — 2 marks. (b) Any two, each explained: during morning or evening worship; before studying or an exam to seek clear thinking; at religious ceremonies; in times of difficulty for strength and guidance — 2 marks each.
Question 9
1 markA string of beads that Hindus use to count the number of times a mantra is repeated during prayer is called what?
A. Japa mala
B. Tilak
C. Prasad
D. Kalash
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 10
1 markHindus regard one sacred sound as the most important of all sounds, often chanted at the start of prayers. Which sacred sound is this?
A. Namaste
B. Prasad
C. Amen
D. Om (Aum)
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 11
1 markHindu families often begin a meal or an important task with a short prayer. The main purpose of such a prayer is to do what?
A. Make the food taste better only
B. Show off to visitors
C. Thank the Divine and ask for blessings
D. Pass the time before eating
(1 mark)
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1 markWhen Hindus greet one another with folded hands and the word 'Namaste', they are showing which of the following?
A. Respect for the Divine present in the other person
B. A goodbye at the end of the day only
C. A request for food
D. A sign that prayers have failed
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 13
1 markDuring aarti, worshippers sing devotional songs while circling a lighted lamp before the deity. These devotional songs of praise are called what?
A. Mantras
B. Bhajans
C. Vedas
D. Avatars
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 14
1 markBefore beginning her prayers, Anita sits quietly, closes her eyes and calms her mind. Why is a calm and respectful attitude important when saying Hindu prayers?
A. It helps the worshipper focus fully on the Divine
B. It makes the prayer finish faster
C. It is needed so the lamp does not go out
D. It is only to please other people watching
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 15
1 markRavi's grandfather uses a japa mala of 108 beads while repeating a mantra. The main purpose of the beads is to help him do what?
A. Tell the time of day
B. Decorate his wrist for a festival
C. Keep count of the number of repetitions
D. Measure the length of the prayer room
(1 mark)
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