Why do Hindu priest wake up the gods?

Answer 1

In Hinduism there are a number of deities who are worshiped, and there are many rituals associated with that worship. One is "waking up the gods." Of course, Hindus understand that human beings cannot wake up a deity, since deities are not human like you and me. But this is a symbolic act. It stands for the love and devotion the worshiper feels for the god or goddess. One of the first activities is to encourage the deity to awaken and greet the day, allowing the worshiper to say the morning prayers and show the deity gratitude. Believing Hindus, and not just priests or gurus, will lovingly dress the statue of their deity (which to them is not a statue at all, but a representation of their god, an image that is appropriate for rendering devotion), put a garland of flowers on it, and offer food. In fact, this food, called "prasadam" is so important that many religious Hindus will not eat until their god or goddess has "eaten"-- there is a home altar, for example, and the offering is placed upon it and prayers are said.