puja

This term describes a ritualized act of devotion that varies significantly between Hindu and Buddhist traditions. In Hinduism, it often centers on the invitation and honoring of a specific deity through sensory offerings, whereas in Buddhist contexts, it frequently refers to structured chants, prayers, and ceremonies performed by monks or laypeople.

As a loanword from Sanskrit, the term is used in English primarily within religious, anthropological, or cultural contexts. It is typically treated as a countable noun when referring to specific instances of the ceremony, though it can be used collectively to describe the general practice of worship.