RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Why Do Hindu Temples Appear Not to be Holy?

To the Hindu mind religion and life are not separate, just as God and Nature are one. A Hindu temple includes life and people along with the Gods and gurus. It is not an austere or puritanical monument to a belief, but an expression of life in all of its richness and abundance.

Therefore it includes art work, paintings and sculptures of all kinds. It includes music and dance and the temple itself is a place where various festivals occur. It has a place for animals like elephants, monkeys, cows or peacocks. It has incense, lamps, flowers and generally a water tank for ritual bathing.

Even food and sweets are there. It is a place not only for adults but also for children. It is a place not just for a Sunday service or prayer at a particular time of the day but a place one can come at any time. The Hindu temple is a miniature universe. It includes everything and therefore it does not stand apart from anything like other places of worship may appear to.

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