Protocols in Sanatan Dharma

28 Grade 8 Religious Education (HRE) questions on Protocols in Sanatan Dharma, with worked marking schemes. 28 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   Before entering the temple for darshan, Deepak's father reminds him to remove his shoes and wash his hands and feet. Why are these protocols observed at the mandir?

   A. To show off new clothes to others

   B. To maintain physical and ritual cleanliness before approaching the deity

   C. To save time during the prayer

   D. Because shoes are not allowed to be owned

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   After the puja, the priest distributes sweets and fruit that have been offered to the deity and blessed, which devotees receive respectfully with their right hand. This sanctified food is known as:

   A. Tilak

   B. Prasad

   C. Diya

   D. Murti

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   Before entering a Hindu mandir, Devi's family removes their shoes and washes their hands. This observance of cleanliness and proper conduct in a place of worship reflects the importance Sanatan Dharma places on:

   A. Renunciation

   B. Purity (shaucha) and respect

   C. Fasting

   D. Pilgrimage

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   1 mark

   During worship at home, Meena's mother performs aarti by circling a lamp before the deity while the family sings. What does the offering of the lit lamp in aarti symbolise?

   A. A request for more food

   B. The offering of light and devotion to the divine

   C. A warning to leave the room

   D. The end of the school term

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   6 marks

   Describe three dietary protocols observed by many practising Hindus.

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Up to 2 marks per explained point (max 6): many are vegetarian and avoid meat as an expression of ahimsa (non-violence); beef is especially avoided because the cow is sacred; some avoid onion and garlic believed to disturb the mind; food is first offered to God (as prasad) before eating; fasting is observed on certain holy days. Any three explained.

6. Question 6

   6 marks

   Before entering a Mandir, a Grade 8 learner notices worshippers removing their shoes, ringing a bell, and offering items such as flowers and a lamp during the prayers.

   (a) Give TWO reasons why worshippers remove their shoes before entering the Mandir. (2 marks)

   (b) Identify TWO items offered during Puja and state the significance of EACH. (4 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Any TWO: to show respect and reverence for the sacred space/deity; to keep the place of worship physically and ritually clean (purity). (1 mark each = 2 marks) (b) Any TWO items with significance (2 marks each): - Diya/lamp (Aarti): light symbolises knowledge dispelling ignorance/darkness. - Flowers: symbolise devotion, purity and the offering of beauty to God. - Incense (agarbatti): purifies the surroundings and represents a pleasing offering. - Prasad/food: offered to God and shared as a blessing (grace). (4 marks)

7. Question 7

   1 mark

   When receiving prasad or a holy offering, the correct protocol is to receive it using:

   A. One finger only

   B. A stick

   C. The left foot

   D. The right hand or both hands

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   1 mark

   The offering of food, flowers, incense and water to a deity during worship is generally referred to as:

   A. Aarti alone

   B. Puja

   C. Yoga

   D. Kirtan

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   4 marks

   (a) What is 'Namaste'?

   (b) Give two reasons why it is an important protocol among Hindus.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Namaste is a respectful greeting made by joining the palms together and bowing the head slightly (2 marks). (b) 1 mark each: it recognises/honours the divine spark in the other person; it shows respect and humility; it is a hygienic form of greeting; it promotes peace and good relations. Any two.

10. Question 10

    6 marks

    Rohan visits a Hindu Mandir for the first time with his friend. Before entering, his friend asks him to remove his shoes and behave respectfully.

    (a) Give TWO protocols a worshipper should observe when entering and worshipping in a Mandir. (4 marks)

    (b) State ONE reason these protocols are observed. (2 marks)

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Any TWO of: remove shoes before entering; wash hands/feet or maintain cleanliness; dress modestly; cover the head where required; ring the temple bell on entering; offer prayers/aarti respectfully; do not turn one's back rudely to the deity; maintain silence/calm. (2 marks each = 4 marks) (b) Any ONE: to show reverence and respect to Paramatma/the deity (murti); to keep the sacred place pure and clean; to create a calm atmosphere for worship and concentration. (2 marks)

11. Question 11

    1 mark

    The sacred sound or symbol chanted at the beginning of most Hindu prayers is:

    A. Om (Aum)

    B. Shalom

    C. Halleluyah

    D. Amen

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    1 mark

    Before offering worship (puja) at home, a devotee is expected to first:

    A. Eat a heavy meal

    B. Take a bath and wear clean clothes

    C. Wear their shoes

    D. Play loud music

    (1 mark)

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13. Question 13

    3 marks

    State three ways in which observing religious protocols helps a young Hindu grow spiritually.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    1 mark each (max 3): it instils discipline and self-control; it deepens devotion and closeness to God; it builds respect for elders and others; it develops values such as cleanliness and orderliness; it strengthens identity and belonging to the community; it promotes inner peace.

14. Question 14

    1 mark

    A common greeting protocol among Hindus is joining the palms together and saying 'Namaste'. This gesture mainly expresses:

    A. Farewell only

    B. Anger

    C. A business agreement

    D. Respect and honouring the divine in another

    (1 mark)

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15. Question 15

    1 mark

    During temple worship, the priest waves a lamp with lighted wicks in a circular motion before the deity while devotees sing. This ritual offering of light is called:

    A. Aarti

    B. Havan

    C. Prasad

    D. Tilak

    (1 mark)

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16. Question 16

    1 mark

    Priya visits a temple and sees devotees ringing a bell as they enter. The ringing of the bell is mainly meant to:

    A. Announce one's presence to the deity and focus the mind

    B. Warn of danger

    C. Call people for lunch

    D. Signal the end of school

    (1 mark)

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17. Question 17

    1 mark

    In Sanatan Dharma, touching the feet of parents and elders is a protocol that shows:

    A. Ownership

    B. Punishment

    C. Disrespect

    D. Respect and seeking blessings

    (1 mark)

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18. Question 18

    1 mark

    After puja, the blessed food distributed to worshippers is called:

    A. Kirtan

    B. Prasad

    C. Aarti

    D. Havan

    (1 mark)

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19. Question 19

    6 marks

    Explain three reasons why the cow is treated with special respect in Sanatan Dharma.

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Up to 2 marks per explained point (max 6): the cow is a symbol of motherhood/nourishment because it gives milk; it is associated with Lord Krishna who was a cowherd; its products (milk, ghee) are used in worship and rituals; it represents non-violence (ahimsa) and gentleness; it provides for the family without demanding much in return. Any three explained.

20. Question 20

    1 mark

    Which of the following foods is generally avoided by many practising Hindus as part of dietary protocol?

    A. Milk

    B. Beef

    C. Vegetables

    D. Fruits

    (1 mark)

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21. Question 21

    1 mark

    When entering a Hindu temple (mandir), which of the following is the expected protocol?

    A. Shouting loudly

    B. Removing one's shoes

    C. Wearing shoes inside

    D. Bringing meat offerings

    (1 mark)

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22. Question 22

    4 marks

    State four protocols a Hindu believer should observe when visiting a mandir (temple).

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    1 mark each (max 4): remove shoes before entering; wear clean and modest clothing; maintain silence/speak in low tones; ring the bell on entering; bow before the deity/fold hands; offer flowers or fruits; walk clockwise around the shrine (pradakshina); receive prasad respectfully with the right hand.

23. Question 23

    1 mark

    A Hindu family removes their footwear before entering the prayer room at home. This protocol mainly shows that the space is regarded as:

    A. Sacred and clean

    B. Dirty

    C. An office

    D. A playground

    (1 mark)

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24. Question 24

    1 mark

    A worshipper walking clockwise around a deity or shrine as a sign of reverence is performing:

    A. Havan

    B. Aarti

    C. Pradakshina (circumambulation)

    D. Tilak

    (1 mark)

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25. Question 25

    1 mark

    The lamp lit and waved before a deity during worship as a mark of reverence is known as:

    A. Mandir

    B. Prasad

    C. Aarti

    D. Tilak

    (1 mark)

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26. Question 26

    4 marks

    Ravi wants to lead prayers at home. Outline four things he should do to observe proper worship protocol before and during the puja.

    (4 marks)

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27. Question 27

    1 mark

    The animal regarded as sacred in Sanatan Dharma and therefore protected is the:

    A. Goat

    B. Pig

    C. Snake

    D. Cow

    (1 mark)

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28. Question 28

    1 mark

    The mark applied on the forehead of a devotee, often with kumkum or sandalwood paste, is called the:

    A. Diya

    B. Tilak

    C. Aarti

    D. Prasad

    (1 mark)

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