Places of Worship

Shrines and Temples

•For the Hindu followers their place of worship can be a simple structure or an elaborate one - called a mandir

•Inside there are usually many shrines dedicated to the various gods and goddesses

•One must take their shoes off before entering and a bell might be rung

•Incense is usually burned

Preparation

• Each morning the priest adorns the shrine, surrounding the image with fresh flowers, fruit, incense, candles, lamps, and other decorations.

Important!

• Hindus believe that although an image cannot contain God, deeper understandings can be achieved by meditating on a representation of Krishna, Vishnu, Brahma, or other deities.

Outside…

• Traditionally, the outside walls of a mandir are decorated with sculptured representations of an array of mythic and worldly happenings. 

• In fact, some older temples are literally carved out of rocks and caves. 

• Other buildings can be simple unadorned buildings.

Indonesia

Ottawa, Canada

Rituals

•The devotees will enter and walk up to the god/ess they choose to worship

•An offering is offered to the god or goddess such as money or fruit

•A priest may read from the sacred texts but usually people worship individually

•Because worship is an individual act - most homes will have a shrine room dedicated to the chosen god or goddess

Shrine Room

Richmond, TO

When to Pray

•There is often a picture of the god/ess, flowers, an offering dish incense and coloured powders.

•Worship is done daily at morning time and at night

BAPS Mandir, Toronto

BAPS Mandir, Toronto

BAPS Mandir, Toronto

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr-EEXSXbLg

Worship at home..

• Unlike the members of many other religions, Hindus may maintain their spiritual devotion without visiting their house of worship. 

• Still, the mandir serves an essential role in the spiritual life of a Hindu.  It is a place where the world is left behind for awhile, a place of ritual, devotion, and cleansing.

Purification Process

Similar to the Muslims there is a purification process involved

Hindu woman drying her hair