Jodhaa
24 September 2012, 08:06 AM
Namaste!
I had the good fortune of being able to visit my first completed Hindu Temple! (my home temple is in flux as it is still being built). The HTGC was incredible. There are two sections of the temple divided by a hallway and auditorium. One side is the Sri Ram Temple with Hanuman, Lakshmi, Radha Krishna, Ganesha, Ram Darbar, and Sri Venkateswara. The other side is the Durga, Shiva, Ganesha Temple (Yes, Ganesh is on both sides, interestingly enough). Another interesting thing about the Durga/ Shiva /Ganesha temple is that there are two forms if Shiva represented in different shrines. One is Shiva Lingam, the other is Sri Nataraja. I thought it was interesting since I had read somewhere that Nataraja isn't often depicted in temples.
The architecture was awesome. I have to say while the place was very conducive to meditation and prayer the deities are what I would describe as "Intense". Most were made from what looked to be black stone or marble and they were covered in gold and flowers. The two exceptions to this were Maha Durga and Radha Krishna - They seemed to be made of white marble and had painted features. Does anyone know if there is a reason for this stylistic difference? Is it a South/North Indian difference? Walking into the Rama Temple I instantly new I was in a holy place because the weight of the air changed. It was very surreal. I'd never had that experience before. I don't know if it was all in my mind or not, but one moment the air was normal and the next it became heavy - not in a bad way - it was just different. It was a signal that I was entering a holy place. I went to the Sita-Rama-Lakshman shrine and said a prayer and thanked Rama for putting up with all my doubts and questions. I felt good walking away so I think he heard me.
I spent most of my time with Maha Lakshmi and Maha Durga. I prayed and meditated for a bit and then walk around just looking and greeting the various deities. My only complaint is that the statue of Lakshmi was literally pushed up against what I assumed was a supply closet for the priest, as he kept going in and out to grab certain things while I was there. I felt a little like I was in his way and it was a little distracting.
The statue of Maha Durga was breathtaking. I really don't know how to describe it. You just have to go.:)
I went Twice actually. I went there upon arrival to Chicago on a Friday and then again on Sunday. (I had to visit again). Friday was extremely quiet. Sunday was bustling! Upon leaving on Sunday I suddenly remembered my Temple Token that I had from Indianapolis. I was already outside the temple so I took the coin and pressed it against the large carved door of the Temple and thanked God for allowing me to visit. I didn't have time to visit the Balaji Temple in Aurora - it was another 40 minutes West and I had a long drive home to Indiana that day. I will have to make a special trip in the future.
I will say the Indianapolis Temple will likely have a very different feel when it is complete. It is interesting to note the difference in the interiors. I can't wait for it to be completed!
Thank you for listening to me ramble! If you have other questions, let me know!
Peace!
I had the good fortune of being able to visit my first completed Hindu Temple! (my home temple is in flux as it is still being built). The HTGC was incredible. There are two sections of the temple divided by a hallway and auditorium. One side is the Sri Ram Temple with Hanuman, Lakshmi, Radha Krishna, Ganesha, Ram Darbar, and Sri Venkateswara. The other side is the Durga, Shiva, Ganesha Temple (Yes, Ganesh is on both sides, interestingly enough). Another interesting thing about the Durga/ Shiva /Ganesha temple is that there are two forms if Shiva represented in different shrines. One is Shiva Lingam, the other is Sri Nataraja. I thought it was interesting since I had read somewhere that Nataraja isn't often depicted in temples.
The architecture was awesome. I have to say while the place was very conducive to meditation and prayer the deities are what I would describe as "Intense". Most were made from what looked to be black stone or marble and they were covered in gold and flowers. The two exceptions to this were Maha Durga and Radha Krishna - They seemed to be made of white marble and had painted features. Does anyone know if there is a reason for this stylistic difference? Is it a South/North Indian difference? Walking into the Rama Temple I instantly new I was in a holy place because the weight of the air changed. It was very surreal. I'd never had that experience before. I don't know if it was all in my mind or not, but one moment the air was normal and the next it became heavy - not in a bad way - it was just different. It was a signal that I was entering a holy place. I went to the Sita-Rama-Lakshman shrine and said a prayer and thanked Rama for putting up with all my doubts and questions. I felt good walking away so I think he heard me.
I spent most of my time with Maha Lakshmi and Maha Durga. I prayed and meditated for a bit and then walk around just looking and greeting the various deities. My only complaint is that the statue of Lakshmi was literally pushed up against what I assumed was a supply closet for the priest, as he kept going in and out to grab certain things while I was there. I felt a little like I was in his way and it was a little distracting.
The statue of Maha Durga was breathtaking. I really don't know how to describe it. You just have to go.:)
I went Twice actually. I went there upon arrival to Chicago on a Friday and then again on Sunday. (I had to visit again). Friday was extremely quiet. Sunday was bustling! Upon leaving on Sunday I suddenly remembered my Temple Token that I had from Indianapolis. I was already outside the temple so I took the coin and pressed it against the large carved door of the Temple and thanked God for allowing me to visit. I didn't have time to visit the Balaji Temple in Aurora - it was another 40 minutes West and I had a long drive home to Indiana that day. I will have to make a special trip in the future.
I will say the Indianapolis Temple will likely have a very different feel when it is complete. It is interesting to note the difference in the interiors. I can't wait for it to be completed!
Thank you for listening to me ramble! If you have other questions, let me know!
Peace!