Welcome to the Hindu Temple of Atlanta Riverdale, GA

Welcome to theWelcome to the

Hindu Temple of AtlantaHindu Temple of Atlanta

Riverdale, GARiverdale, GA

Hinduism: In a NutshellHinduism: In a Nutshell

Hindu Temple of AtlantaHindu Temple of Atlanta

Riverdale, GARiverdale, GA

Hinduism – Quick FactsHinduism – Quick Facts Third largest religion in the worldThird largest religion in the world No single founderNo single founder Hinduism invites everyone, irrespective of the Hinduism invites everyone, irrespective of the

cultural background, to validate the truth of the cultural background, to validate the truth of the spiritual concepts for themselves. spiritual concepts for themselves.

The earliest records of the religion are in the Rig The earliest records of the religion are in the Rig Veda, the oldest known human literature. Some Veda, the oldest known human literature. Some portions of the Rig Veda have been dated to portions of the Rig Veda have been dated to before 6000 BC. before 6000 BC.

Withheld the ravages of invasion, plunder, and Withheld the ravages of invasion, plunder, and domination by foreign invaders for more than domination by foreign invaders for more than 1,000 years.1,000 years.

A Way of Life A Way of Life

Who is a Hindu?Who is a Hindu? Anyone who believes in the basic Anyone who believes in the basic

principles of Hinduism and applies principles of Hinduism and applies them to everyday life.them to everyday life.

There is one God, who has become There is one God, who has become everything in this Universe. everything in this Universe.

The aim of life is to realize God. The aim of life is to realize God. Every path to God is true. Everyone Every path to God is true. Everyone

has to choose a path to God has to choose a path to God according to one's own temperament. according to one's own temperament.

Hinduism – ConceptsHinduism – Concepts Monotheistic Polymorphic Monotheistic Polymorphic One God, Many One God, Many

FormsForms Brahman – Ultimate – The SupremeBrahman – Ultimate – The Supreme Aim: Become One with Brahman – Many Aim: Become One with Brahman – Many

PathsPaths Making it Easy for UsMaking it Easy for Us

• To remove hurdles - "Ganesha"To remove hurdles - "Ganesha"• To bless with good understanding – Knowledge - To bless with good understanding – Knowledge -

"Saraswathi”"Saraswathi”• To worship as mother - "Kali“, “Devi” To worship as mother - "Kali“, “Devi” • To worship God as a child - "Krishna“To worship God as a child - "Krishna“

All Forms/Names to Suit the Devotees All Forms/Names to Suit the Devotees The Ultimate The Ultimate One God [Brahman] One God [Brahman]

Hinduism – The Basic TenetsHinduism – The Basic Tenets

• Dharma Dharma Path of Righteousness Path of Righteousness An individual’s ethics, duties and obligations An individual’s ethics, duties and obligations

Foundation of LifeFoundation of Life

• Samsara Samsara Worldly Life - Reincarnation/rebirth Worldly Life - Reincarnation/rebirth• Karma Karma Actions – Law of Cause and Effect – Actions – Law of Cause and Effect –

Selfless Action is IdealSelfless Action is Ideal• Moksha Moksha Salvation from the Cycle of Samsara Salvation from the Cycle of Samsara

(Rebirth) attained through a variety of paths)(Rebirth) attained through a variety of paths)• Bhakti Bhakti Devotion to God Devotion to God• Jnana Jnana Enlightenment, knowledge Enlightenment, knowledge

The Caste SystemThe Caste System Originally the caste system had a Originally the caste system had a

qualitative basis and all castes were qualitative basis and all castes were treated equally and considered essential treated equally and considered essential for a society.for a society.

Brahmin – Priests, TeachersBrahmin – Priests, Teachers Kshatriya – Kings, Warriors, AdministratorsKshatriya – Kings, Warriors, Administrators Vaishya – Merchants, Farmers, CattlemenVaishya – Merchants, Farmers, Cattlemen Shudra – Artisans, Laborers, and othersShudra – Artisans, Laborers, and others Caste System became degraded when Caste System became degraded when

made hereditary.made hereditary.

Hindu Sacred TextsHindu Sacred Texts Vedas – Knowledge / Wisdom – Spoken “Sruthi”Vedas – Knowledge / Wisdom – Spoken “Sruthi”

Dating Back to Dating Back to 1500-500BCE 1500-500BCE Collection of Hymns, PrayersCollection of Hymns, Prayers Spoken Word – Passed on through GenerationsSpoken Word – Passed on through Generations

Ancient, sacred texts were written in Sanskrit, Ancient, sacred texts were written in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India.the language of ancient India.

Upanishads are stories and parables told by Upanishads are stories and parables told by gurus (teachers) to their studentsgurus (teachers) to their students

The Mahabharata is a story of a war between The Mahabharata is a story of a war between two royal families. The Bhagavad Gita is a very two royal families. The Bhagavad Gita is a very popular part of this text.popular part of this text.

The Ramayana is a story of the God Rama and The Ramayana is a story of the God Rama and the rescue of his wife Sita from Ravana, the evil the rescue of his wife Sita from Ravana, the evil demon kingdemon king

The VedasThe Vedas

Hymns, Rites, Interpretation, and Hymns, Rites, Interpretation, and Philosophical InstructionPhilosophical Instruction

Rig – ~10,552 versesRig – ~10,552 verses Yajur – ~2,000 verses – Cadenced Yajur – ~2,000 verses – Cadenced

intonationintonation Sama - ~2,000 verses – melodious Sama - ~2,000 verses – melodious

chantingchanting Atharvana - ~6,000 versesAtharvana - ~6,000 verses

Hinduism: The Nine BeliefsHinduism: The Nine Beliefs

1.1. Divinity of the VedasDivinity of the Vedas2.2. One, all-pervasive Supreme Being – Brahman -- One, all-pervasive Supreme Being – Brahman --

who is both Omnipresent and Transcendent.who is both Omnipresent and Transcendent.3.3. Universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, Universe undergoes endless cycles of creation,

preservation, and dissolution.preservation, and dissolution.4.4. Karma, the law of cause and effect by which Karma, the law of cause and effect by which

each individual creates his own destiny by his each individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words, and deeds.thoughts, words, and deeds.

5.5. Soul incarnation, evolving through many births Soul incarnation, evolving through many births until all karmas resolved, and moksha, spiritual until all karmas resolved, and moksha, spiritual knowledge and liberation from cycle of rebirth is knowledge and liberation from cycle of rebirth is attained.attained.

Hinduism: The Nine Beliefs (Cont’d)Hinduism: The Nine Beliefs (Cont’d)

6.6. Divine beings exist in unseen worlds and temple Divine beings exist in unseen worlds and temple worship, rituals, sacraments as well as personal worship, rituals, sacraments as well as personal devotionals create a communication with Gods.devotionals create a communication with Gods.

7.7. Guru – Spiritually awakened master, to know Guru – Spiritually awakened master, to know the Transcendent Absolute.the Transcendent Absolute.

8.8. All life is sacred, to be loved and revered, All life is sacred, to be loved and revered, practice ahimsa, “non-injury”.practice ahimsa, “non-injury”.

9.9. No one single way to salvation, all religious No one single way to salvation, all religious paths are facets of God’s Pure Love and Light, paths are facets of God’s Pure Love and Light, deserving tolerance and understanding.deserving tolerance and understanding.

Ganesha: Remover of Obstacles Ganesha: Remover of Obstacles 'Ga' symbolizes Buddhi 'Ga' symbolizes Buddhi

(intellect) and 'Na' (intellect) and 'Na' symbolizes Vijnana symbolizes Vijnana (wisdom). (wisdom).

Considered the master Considered the master of intellect and wisdom. of intellect and wisdom.

Provides prosperity and Provides prosperity and fortune. fortune.

His grace is invoked His grace is invoked before the undertaking before the undertaking of any taskof any task

Brahma, Vishnu, ShivaBrahma, Vishnu, Shiva TrimurthiTrimurthi are three are three

aspects of God, as aspects of God, as Brahma, Vishnu and ShivaBrahma, Vishnu and Shiva

Brahma - the Brahma - the Source/Creator/Source/Creator/GGenerator enerator

Vishnu - the Vishnu - the Preserver/Indwelling-Preserver/Indwelling-Life/Life/OOperator perator

Shiva - the Shiva - the Transformer/Transformer/DDestroyer-estroyer-CreatorCreator

Similar to interpretations Similar to interpretations of the Trinity in of the Trinity in ChristianityChristianity

KrishnaKrishna Eighth avatar Eighth avatar

(incarnation) of Vishnu(incarnation) of Vishnu

Known for His pastoral Known for His pastoral childhood as well as His childhood as well as His youth and life as a youth and life as a heroic warrior and heroic warrior and teacher teacher

Non-Hindu religions that Non-Hindu religions that originated in India have originated in India have their own versions of their own versions of Him.Him.

Lakshmi: Goddess of WealthLakshmi: Goddess of Wealth Goddess of wealth, Goddess of wealth,

light, wisdom and light, wisdom and fortune, as well as fortune, as well as luck, beauty, and luck, beauty, and fertility. fertility.

Representations are Representations are also found in Jain and also found in Jain and Buddhist monuments.Buddhist monuments.

Also considered the Also considered the Mother of the Universe Mother of the Universe and Vishnu's Shakti and Vishnu's Shakti (strength) (strength)

Saraswati: Goddess of KnowledgeSaraswati: Goddess of Knowledge

First goddess First goddess worshipped in the worshipped in the Hindu religion.Hindu religion.

Goddess of Knowledge Goddess of Knowledge

and music, arts, and and music, arts, and speech. speech.

Also Goddess of Also Goddess of thoughts of truth and thoughts of truth and forgiveness. forgiveness.

Originated as a river Originated as a river goddess. Her name is goddess. Her name is Sanskrit for "she who Sanskrit for "she who has lakes or pools."has lakes or pools."

A Few Questions AnsweredA Few Questions Answered

Why Do Hindus worship the cow?Why Do Hindus worship the cow?

Hindus don’t worship cows. We Hindus don’t worship cows. We respect, honor and adore the cow. By respect, honor and adore the cow. By honoring this gentle animal, who honoring this gentle animal, who gives more than she takes, we honor gives more than she takes, we honor all creatures.all creatures.


Are Hindus idol worshippers?Are Hindus idol worshippers?

Hindus do not worship a stone or Hindus do not worship a stone or metal “idol” as God. We worship God metal “idol” as God. We worship God through the image. We invoke the through the image. We invoke the presence of God from the higher, presence of God from the higher, unseen worlds, into the image so unseen worlds, into the image so that we can commune with Him and that we can commune with Him and receive His blessings.receive His blessings.


Are Hindus forbidden to eat meat?Are Hindus forbidden to eat meat?

Hindus teach / practice vegetarianism Hindus teach / practice vegetarianism as a way to live with a minimum of as a way to live with a minimum of hurt to other beings. But in today’s hurt to other beings. But in today’s world not all Hindus are vegetarians.world not all Hindus are vegetarians.


Do Hindus have a Bible?Do Hindus have a Bible?

Our “Bible” is called the Our “Bible” is called the Veda. Veda. The The Veda, Veda, which means “wisdom,” is which means “wisdom,” is comprised of four ancient and holy comprised of four ancient and holy scriptures which all Hindus revere as scriptures which all Hindus revere as the revealed word of God.the revealed word of God.


Why do many Hindus wear a dotWhy do many Hindus wear a dot

near the middle of their forehead?near the middle of their forehead?

The dot worn on the forehead is a The dot worn on the forehead is a religious symbol. It represents divine religious symbol. It represents divine sight and shows that one is a Hindu. sight and shows that one is a Hindu. For women, it is also a beauty mark.For women, it is also a beauty mark.

The Chinmaya MissionThe Chinmaya Mission Established in India in 1953 by devotees of His Established in India in 1953 by devotees of His

Holiness Swami Chinmayananda.Holiness Swami Chinmayananda. Under his guidance, these devotees formed the Under his guidance, these devotees formed the

nucleus of a spiritual renaissance movementnucleus of a spiritual renaissance movement The Current Head: Holiness Swami Tejomayananda. The Current Head: Holiness Swami Tejomayananda. Goal: Make available the ageless wisdom of Vedanta, Goal: Make available the ageless wisdom of Vedanta,

the knowledge of the one Reality, and provide the the knowledge of the one Reality, and provide the tools to realize that wisdom in one’s life. tools to realize that wisdom in one’s life.

““To give maximum happiness to the maximum To give maximum happiness to the maximum number for the maximum time” number for the maximum time”

Each person’s gain is manifold: personal growth, Each person’s gain is manifold: personal growth, heightened efficiency, contentment, and the ability to heightened efficiency, contentment, and the ability to live with others in peace and harmony.live with others in peace and harmony.

Swami ChinmayanandaSwami Chinmayananda

Born in 1916, he is known as a notable Born in 1916, he is known as a notable spiritual leaderspiritual leader

Especially known for knowledge of Especially known for knowledge of Bhagavad Gita and the UpanishadsBhagavad Gita and the Upanishads

Opened a number of ashrams, schools, Opened a number of ashrams, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics around the worldaround the world

Selected as President of Hindu Religion in Selected as President of Hindu Religion in 19931993

Passed away in August 1993 in San DiegoPassed away in August 1993 in San Diego

What is BalaVihar?What is BalaVihar? Chinmaya Mission has developed a program Chinmaya Mission has developed a program

for children and youth called Chinmaya for children and youth called Chinmaya BalaViharBalaVihar

Children learn religious practices, prayers, Children learn religious practices, prayers, poojas, bhajans, meditation, the significance poojas, bhajans, meditation, the significance of holy days, and spiritual values. of holy days, and spiritual values.

Read/Learn about religious scriptures (e.g., Read/Learn about religious scriptures (e.g., Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita)Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita)

The teachers are dedicated volunteers who The teachers are dedicated volunteers who have been trained to impart religious values have been trained to impart religious values to children.to children.

HTA BalaviharHTA Balavihar Founded in 1991 in a small corner of the Founded in 1991 in a small corner of the

auditoriumauditorium As enrollment grew, classes moved to As enrollment grew, classes moved to

priests’ apartments and trailerpriests’ apartments and trailer Education building constructed because Education building constructed because

enormous growth of BalaVihar and also enormous growth of BalaVihar and also other classes such as music, dance, and other classes such as music, dance, and language classeslanguage classes

2008-2009- 250 students in 17 classrooms2008-2009- 250 students in 17 classrooms 400 students in Alpharetta400 students in Alpharetta 50 students in newly founded Gwinnett 50 students in newly founded Gwinnett

BalaViharBalaVihar

HTA BalaviharHTA Balavihar

Youngest- AlphabetsYoungest- Alphabets 22ndnd- Ramayana- Ramayana 33rdrd- Mahabharatha- Mahabharatha 44thth- Symbolism- Symbolism Oldest- World Religions/Bhagavad GitaOldest- World Religions/Bhagavad Gita Slokams are learned and compiled Slokams are learned and compiled

throughout the whole program, and the throughout the whole program, and the senior class winds up knowing every senior class winds up knowing every slokam in all three booksslokam in all three books

Visiting our Hindu TempleVisiting our Hindu Temple

The Hindu temple is a sacred space The Hindu temple is a sacred space where man and God commune. where man and God commune.

Home of Gods and GoddessesHome of Gods and Goddesses Priests conduct poojas-presenting Priests conduct poojas-presenting

flowers, water, incense, lights, food flowers, water, incense, lights, food and other choice offeringsand other choice offerings

Honoring Gods and the Goddesses Honoring Gods and the Goddesses and invoking their presence and and invoking their presence and blessings. blessings.

In the Temple: One Can BeIn the Temple: One Can Be

Immersed in the joys of devotionImmersed in the joys of devotion In prayerful communionIn prayerful communion Seeking solace for a lossSeeking solace for a loss Singing hymns, chanting mantras Singing hymns, chanting mantras Celebrating a rite of passage.Celebrating a rite of passage. Meditation is appropriate, especially after Meditation is appropriate, especially after

the pooja, and emotion is not out of place. the pooja, and emotion is not out of place. God will receive your devotion, however God will receive your devotion, however

you offer it.you offer it.

A Bustling PlaceA Bustling Place

A unique aspect of Hindu temples is A unique aspect of Hindu temples is the variety of functions going on the variety of functions going on simultaneously ... simultaneously ...

Archana in one place, a woman Archana in one place, a woman crying for a recent misfortune in crying for a recent misfortune in another, and a joyous baby blessing another, and a joyous baby blessing happening in another.happening in another.

What You Will See …What You Will See …

There are two temples at the Hindu There are two temples at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta, which is rare for Hindu Temple of Atlanta, which is rare for Hindu temples.temples.

The Balaji Temple (Vishnu) was the first The Balaji Temple (Vishnu) was the first built of the two and has the deities of built of the two and has the deities of Ganesha, Durga, Lakshmi, Vishnu, Andal, Ganesha, Durga, Lakshmi, Vishnu, Andal, Navagrahas, and HanumanNavagrahas, and Hanuman

The Siva Temple was recently constructed The Siva Temple was recently constructed and is being embellished by Indian and is being embellished by Indian sculptors. It has Ganesha, Shiva, Muruga, sculptors. It has Ganesha, Shiva, Muruga, Parvathi, and Kanyaka ParameshwariParvathi, and Kanyaka Parameshwari


Please remove your shoesPlease remove your shoes Obey all signs regarding how close to goObey all signs regarding how close to go If sitting, please sit cross-legged (Indian-If sitting, please sit cross-legged (Indian-

style) and do not sit with your feet style) and do not sit with your feet pointing towards the deities.pointing towards the deities.

Refrain from gossip and unnecessary Refrain from gossip and unnecessary talking and treat the priests with respecttalking and treat the priests with respect


Hands pressed together in Hands pressed together in namaskara, greet the Deities at their namaskara, greet the Deities at their shrines, starting with Ganesha, and shrines, starting with Ganesha, and present your offerings. present your offerings.

Prostrating is a traditional expression Prostrating is a traditional expression of worshipful surrender and of worshipful surrender and adoration. Men prostate fully, while adoration. Men prostate fully, while women do so in a kneeling posewomen do so in a kneeling pose

What is a Pooja?What is a Pooja?

A Hindu worship service is known as a A Hindu worship service is known as a pooja, similar to a grand reception for a pooja, similar to a grand reception for a king. king.

There are four parts to the small pooja There are four parts to the small pooja (archana) performed at various times (archana) performed at various times during the day in the temple:during the day in the temple:

1. The sacred flame1. The sacred flame2. The sacred water2. The sacred water3. (Vishnu only) The crown of the Deity3. (Vishnu only) The crown of the Deity4. Prasadam (nuts, fruits)4. Prasadam (nuts, fruits)

What goes on your forehead?What goes on your forehead?

Three different types of powder / Three different types of powder / paste are given to devotees in the paste are given to devotees in the templetemple

Vibhuthi (sacred ash) is given in the Vibhuthi (sacred ash) is given in the Siva TempleSiva Temple

Chandhanam (sandlewood paste) Chandhanam (sandlewood paste) and kumkumam (red powder) are and kumkumam (red powder) are give in both the temples.give in both the temples.

Hindu Prayer before EatingHindu Prayer before Eating

Brahmaarpanam Brahma HavihiBrahmaarpanam Brahma HavihiBrahmaagnau Brahmanaa HutamBrahmaagnau Brahmanaa Hutam

Brahmaiva Tena Gantavyam Brahmaiva Tena Gantavyam Brahma Karma SamaadhinaamBrahma Karma Samaadhinaam

Hindu Prayer before EatingHindu Prayer before Eating

-Prayer Meaning:-Prayer Meaning:““Any means of offering is God, the oblation is Any means of offering is God, the oblation is

God. The fire in which the offering is made is God. The fire in which the offering is made is God. The one who offers is also God. Indeed, God. The one who offers is also God. Indeed, God is gained by such a person who abides God is gained by such a person who abides in God.” in God.”

-In other words, God is the cause of -In other words, God is the cause of everything’s creation and the cause of everything’s creation and the cause of everything. Therefore, every created effect everything. Therefore, every created effect has the cause, God, within it.has the cause, God, within it.

QuestionsQuestions

Enjoy the Rest of Your VisitEnjoy the Rest of Your Visit

Thanks!Thanks!

Documents

Welcome to the Hindu Temple of Atlanta Riverdale, GA