What was the nature of worship in the Early Vedic period? What were the new features of Vedic religion in the Later Vedic Age?

Nature of worship in the Early Vedic period —

1. People worshipped the forces of nature as gods and goddesses. Indra, the god of thunder and rain, was the most important. Agni—the god of fire, Surya—the Sun god, Varuna—the god of water, Vayu—the god of wind, Soma—the god of plants, Prithvi—the Earth-god, Yama—the god of death and Usha—the goddess of dawn, were important gods.
2. Yajnas or sacrifices were common rituals.
3. Since gods had no definite shape, there were no statues and temples.
4. The mode of worship was through chanting of the Rig Vedic hymns, and making offerings of sacrifices, grain, ghee and milk.
5. Priests conducted the rituals.
6. People usually prayed for good health and cattle and for the birth of sons.

Nature of worship in the Later Vedic period —

1. Prajapati (later known as Brahma) became an important god.
2. Complicated prayers, elaborate rituals and sacrifices became more important in worshipping the Gods.
3. Religion became ritualistic and expensive.
4. The brahmanas gained power and rose in prominence as only they were allowed to perform rituals.