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Sherab
29 July 2009, 07:59 PM
This is where you post images of your shrine.

NO DISCUSSIONS, JUST IMAGES. If you have a comment, PM (private message) the user who made the post.

If the image is very large, post a direct link, or attach the image. Do not use the bb code tags: [img] to post the photo, it will stretch the page.

If you need a place to upload the photo, try photobucket.com , or other sites such as flickr.

Thank you, and post away!

PS. Satay, if you feel it is fit, pin this thread.

Sherab
29 July 2009, 08:01 PM
Here is my shrine, from my other topic:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8020020.jpg

Here is Star's murti of Ganesha:

http://i29.tinypic.com/sgjrzp.jpg

Namaste.

devotee
29 July 2009, 09:19 PM
Thanks, Sherab ! It surely is going to be a wonderful thread.

OM

Sherab
30 July 2009, 09:19 AM
Thanks, Sherab ! It surely is going to be a wonderful thread.

OM

Anytime. i am also trying to keep the post count low so that people can share their images, and find them easily.. and if you add something new, feel free to show us! I will be getting a ganesha murti soon :)

sunyata07
02 August 2009, 11:34 AM
Thanks for starting the post, Sherab! Feels a lot nicer to share pics of my shrine when others are willing to do the same. Click here (http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt116/Nogitsune07/003.jpg) to see the pic.

Spiritualseeker
02 August 2009, 04:35 PM
Sunyata very nice. I want your Ganesha. Which deity is that on the far left? Is it lakshmi or am I mistaken

Sherab
02 August 2009, 04:38 PM
Sunyata very nice. I want your Ganesha. Which deity is that on the far left? Is it lakshmi or am I mistaken

Saraswati

sunyata07
02 August 2009, 05:47 PM
Thanks, SS. And, yes Sherab is correct, it's Sri Saraswati.

Spiritualseeker
02 August 2009, 06:36 PM
Im posting pics of my shrine in a moment

Spiritualseeker
02 August 2009, 07:26 PM
First two pics

Spiritualseeker
02 August 2009, 07:28 PM
individual pics

Sherab
03 August 2009, 05:50 PM
individual pics

beautiful, SS :)

And here;s my upates. I added an image of shiva in meditation, a picture of a 5 faced ganesha, and another of lakshmi. I still want a ganesha murti.

image: http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8090023.jpg

Here's my full shrine set up: http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8090022.jpg

The Ganesha murti will be on the table, but for puja, will be lowered a bit down to the chair.

Once i get a nirmada lingam, they will change places reguarly.. ganesha first, then the lingam, etc.

namaste!!

Sherab
05 August 2009, 04:36 PM
Namaste all! here are the new editions of my shrine!

Included here are pics of me framing and printing the images, as shown here:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8110024.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8110025.jpg

here are the images, framed:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8110026.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8110027.jpg

and my new shrine set up:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8110028.jpg

sunyata07
05 August 2009, 05:09 PM
Nice shrine, Sherab! It's pretty extensive - I wish I had that much room for my shrine. I have to make do with a corner in my room...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1...0/P8110027.jpg

^ Which deity is this, if you don't mind my asking?

Eastern Mind
05 August 2009, 05:16 PM
I did try to post a picture of mine from India , but the camera my daughter uses is high resolution, and HDF wouldn't accept it because it was over the limits. If someone is a geek and knows how to edit something down with a photo program, maybe I can email it or them as attachments to you, then you can post them on here for me.

Aum Namasivaya

Star
05 August 2009, 05:28 PM
Namaste,

EM, I'd be more than happy to help resize, you can send it via PM if it allows attachments that size, otherwise PM me and I'll send you my email addy (would post it here, but I think this part of the forum is on public view, isn't it?).

And Sunyata, I couldn't see your picture, told me "page not found". :(

Star
05 August 2009, 05:53 PM
Here is EM's picture:

http://i31.tinypic.com/3309pqs.jpg

Eastern Mind
05 August 2009, 06:06 PM
Vannakkam:

It would be nice if that was my shrine room. Still need to get a picture, now that I have a method of posting, thanks to Star. Who can identify this place? Hint: from my pilgrimage in April.

Nandri, Star.

Aum Namasivaya

Star
05 August 2009, 06:09 PM
Hehe thanks to the email I know where it is now, though I won't say it, that'd be cheating! ;P

Sherab
05 August 2009, 06:13 PM
Nice shrine, Sherab! It's pretty extensive - I wish I had that much room for my shrine. I have to make do with a corner in my room...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1...0/P8110027.jpg

^ Which deity is this, if you don't mind my asking?

Sunyata, that is a south indian rendition of Murugan, as karttikeya.

Sherab
05 August 2009, 06:15 PM
Vannakkam:

It would be nice if that was my shrine room. Still need to get a picture, now that I have a method of posting, thanks to Star. Who can identify this place? Hint: from my pilgrimage in April.

Nandri, Star.

Aum Namasivaya

I have no idea at all. my guess is that its in Kolkata or maybe Bangalore... Am i close? :P Probably not...

Spiritualseeker
05 August 2009, 06:16 PM
Namaste all! here are the new editions of my shrine!

Included here are pics of me framing and printing the images, as shown here:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8110024.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8110025.jpg

here are the images, framed:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8110026.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8110027.jpg

and my new shrine set up:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8110028.jpg

Namaste,

I am jealous my friend.

I am purchasing a Nataraja statue tonight it is bronze and 10inches tall.
I also want nayarana

Sherab
05 August 2009, 06:19 PM
Namaste,

I am jealous my friend.

I am purchasing a Nataraja statue tonight it is bronze and 10inches tall.
I also want nayarana

Wow! That statues going to look great. The images are mainly for inspiration, the focal point of my shrine will be ganesha murti and a shiva lingam for puja.

as for vishnu, he is cool too :)

Please post images of your shiva statue bro. :D

Spiritualseeker
05 August 2009, 06:41 PM
Namaste,

Thanks brother. I just purchased it! Unfortunatelly it is not Actual bronze but resin but its okay because its 10inches. That is good enough for me. It will be around the same size of my Lord Ganesha murti. When it arrives Iwill show you pictures.

Heres link to the one i bought http://store.krishna.com/Detail.bok?no=6416&bar=

Sherab
05 August 2009, 06:44 PM
Namaste,

Thanks brother. I just purchased it! Unfortunatelly it is not Actual bronze but resin but its okay because its 10inches. That is good enough for me. It will be around the same size of my Lord Ganesha murti. When it arrives Iwill show you pictures.

Heres link to the one i bought http://store.krishna.com/Detail.bok?no=6416&bar=
Wonderful!!

I really like the selection of murtis that store has.

namaste :)

Spiritualseeker
05 August 2009, 06:48 PM
If i was rich I would buy every single murti they have there lol.

Star
05 August 2009, 06:53 PM
Oh my! They have such gorgeous murthis there...I might have to order a couple of them once I get my birthday present money! :D

Spiritualseeker
05 August 2009, 06:59 PM
Star your spoiled with the love of the Gods.

I cant wait to show all of you some pics. I have plans for my shrine.

Eastern Mind
05 August 2009, 08:29 PM
I have no idea at all. my guess is that its in Kolkata or maybe Bangalore... Am i close? :P Probably not...

Bangalore is closer. Very famous large temple.

Sherab
05 August 2009, 08:38 PM
Bangalore is closer. Very famous large temple.

How about Chennai? other then that, i have no guesses... :(

namaste

sunyata07
06 August 2009, 02:53 PM
Heres link to the one i bought http://store.krishna.com/Detail.bok?no=6416&bar=

Lovely Nataraja murti! I'm really tempted to get one as well, but I've spent all my money on buying puja items last month... :(

Spiritualseeker
06 August 2009, 02:57 PM
lol one thing at a time brother. I spend too much on stuff. I need to start saving.

Eastern Mind
06 August 2009, 03:14 PM
How about Chennai? other then that, I have no guesses... :(

namaste

lol ... Maybe if you read the journal of this soul's pilgrimage it would help. Go to the 'pilgrimage' thread on here started by EM. But be careful, as hopefully it'll make you want to go. Best wishes.

Aum.

Sherab
06 August 2009, 03:27 PM
lol ... Maybe if you read the journal of this soul's pilgrimage it would help. Go to the 'pilgrimage' thread on here started by EM. But be careful, as hopefully it'll make you want to go. Best wishes.

Aum.

thanks EM. I'm not very good with indian cities, toy know im a young "gora" boy.. hahaha

namaste ji

Spiritualseeker
10 August 2009, 07:39 AM
Namaste,

my nataraja statue is due to arrive today :)

sunyata07
10 August 2009, 10:24 AM
That's great. Do try and post another picture of your shrine when you have installed your murti of Lord Shiva! I'd love to see Him beside Lord Ganesha and Buddha. :)

Sherab
10 August 2009, 03:27 PM
My flower to lord ganesha:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8150029.jpg

namaste

Spiritualseeker
10 August 2009, 07:13 PM
Namaste,

That is beautiful Sherab. May he accept all your offerings.


Sunyata here it is :)

Spiritualseeker
10 August 2009, 07:17 PM
OM Namah Sivaya! SHiv Shiv Shiv

Sherab
10 August 2009, 07:32 PM
Hey bro!

I had a bookshelf just like that, and still do :) Very lovely murtis bro, im jealous :)

Spiritualseeker
10 August 2009, 07:41 PM
Namaste,

Thank you! Maybe soon you will get one. Lord Siva is already within your heart :)

Sherab
10 August 2009, 07:59 PM
Namaste,

Thank you! Maybe soon you will get one. Lord Siva is already within your heart :)

haha namaste ji,
thank you.

Im putting in a second job application at a store this weekend - i know where i want to work, and ill get the job.

sunyata07
11 August 2009, 10:11 AM
Wow, it's actually a lot taller than I expected! Very nice. I'll have to try and save up for that very murti - it's the nicest Nataraja I've seen online that I could possibly afford. :)



My flower to lord ganesha:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1...0/P8150029.jpg (http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l1/Sherab0/P8150029.jpg)

namaste


Beautiful flower for our beautiful Lord Ganesha, Sherab. I've tried looking for red flowers that I could use in everyday worship, but I usually have to make do with yellow or white flowers.

Sherab
11 August 2009, 10:51 AM
Wow, it's actually a lot taller than I expected! Very nice. I'll have to try and save up for that very murti - it's the nicest Nataraja I've seen online that I could possibly afford. :)



Beautiful flower for our beautiful Lord Ganesha, Sherab. I've tried looking for red flowers that I could use in everyday worship, but I usually have to make do with yellow or white flowers.
This one just happened to be laying outside the doorstep, with no such plant that gives off that flower - it seemed misplaced but timely, earlier in the stroll down at the park( before coming home) I was singing a bhajan :)

Namaste

Spiritualseeker
11 August 2009, 07:59 PM
Wow, it's actually a lot taller than I expected! Very nice. I'll have to try and save up for that very murti - it's the nicest Nataraja I've seen online that I could possibly afford


Namaste,

I was quite shocked to see the size of it. I am very pleased. I hope you do get one. It seems like Siva is really here right now. OM namah Sivaya

Star
12 August 2009, 01:13 PM
deleted

Sherab
12 August 2009, 01:52 PM
Star jee, namaste~

How is the quality of the puja items?

Star
12 August 2009, 03:44 PM
Pretty good really, I couldn't have been any more pleased! The packaging is flawless (everything is wrapped in tons of newspaper sheets and tape) and nothing got damaged, and like I said delivery was surprisingly fast (I've had trouble with DHL from the UK to Portugal taking 3 weeks...with UPS India to the UK took 3 days!). The items are really really nice too, the only issue I've had was with removing some of the stickers in some items. Otherwise they're beautiful! I've even had someone think they were made of gold... :P

Sherab
12 August 2009, 03:50 PM
Pretty good really, I couldn't have been any more pleased! The packaging is flawless (everything is wrapped in tons of newspaper sheets and tape) and nothing got damaged, and like I said delivery was surprisingly fast (I've had trouble with DHL from the UK to Portugal taking 3 weeks...with UPS India to the UK took 3 days!). The items are really really nice too, the only issue I've had was with removing some of the stickers in some items. Otherwise they're beautiful! I've even had someone think they were made of gold... :P
beautiful! Thank you. you can soak the sticker part in some window cleaner and it'll come right off :) a trick my mataji showed me

Eastern Mind
12 August 2009, 04:06 PM
Thanks Star: Who needs computer skills whaen there are youth around?

Just so you know, my wife uses our shrine room far more than I do. Mainly I go kind of sporadically, and when making garlands for temple. I left it messy so you would get a sense of it in use.


Aum Namasivaya

Sherab
12 August 2009, 04:08 PM
Thanks Star: Who needs computer skills whaen there are youth around?

Just so you know, my wife uses our shrine room far more than I do. Mainly I go kind of sporadically, and when making garlands for temple. I left it messy so you would get a sense of it in use.


Aum Namasivaya
Namaste EM,

When i get a car, ill drive down there and teach you a few computer skills if you take me to your local temple :)

Eastern Mind
12 August 2009, 04:33 PM
Sherab: If I am correct on remembering where you are, that would be 5 long days, or 3 VERY long days driving. You should go to the Baltimore Murugan temple though. Don't know how far that would be, but certainly heckuva lot closer. They just got a new cart for parading Murugan, and just finished their annual festival. Real Murugan bhakti going on there. They are the only temple in NA that I know of that does traditional kavadi.

But if per by chance you did pass this way, I would definitely take you. Anybody on here, as a matter of fact.

I partly jest re computers. I rarely need help, just didn't have the right program.

Aum namasivaya

Sherab
12 August 2009, 05:10 PM
Sherab: If I am correct on remembering where you are, that would be 5 long days, or 3 VERY long days driving. You should go to the Baltimore Murugan temple though. Don't know how far that would be, but certainly heckuva lot closer. They just got a new cart for parading Murugan, and just finished their annual festival. Real Murugan bhakti going on there. They are the only temple in NA that I know of that does traditional kavadi.

But if per by chance you did pass this way, I would definitely take you. Anybody on here, as a matter of fact.

I partly jest re computers. I rarely need help, just didn't have the right program.

Aum namasivaya

thanks for the info EM :)

namaste

Spiritualseeker
12 August 2009, 07:04 PM
Namaste,

beautiful shrine EM. If you dont mind me asking is your wife also a convert to Hinduism?

Spiritualseeker
12 August 2009, 07:21 PM
Also anybody know of a cheap Puja kit in the states?

Sherab
12 August 2009, 07:42 PM
Also anybody know of a cheap Puja kit in the states?

Nope, but me and Star both made puja kits from stuff from rudrakash-ratna.com . You just have to know what you want/need, and to get it from there.

Eastern Mind
12 August 2009, 07:45 PM
Namaste,

beautiful shrine EM. If you dont mind me asking is your wife also a convert to Hinduism?

Yes, my wife was also an adoptive. (I make a distinction between adoptive, and convert.)

I just followed her along into it, not having a clue what I was doing. She couldn't get rid of me. You know how us men are.

Aum

Spiritualseeker
12 August 2009, 07:46 PM
Lol that is beauty EM. I hope you and your wife Realize Lord Siva in this lifetime together.

Eastern Mind
12 August 2009, 08:25 PM
Lol that is beauty EM. I hope you and your wife Realize Lord Siva in this lifetime together.

I just hope to progress a bit, maybe get a decent birth, and have the opportunity to renounce the world, and go after the Self. But even that may be asking a lot. But we are a patient lot, we Hindus.

Aum Namasivaya

saidevo
12 August 2009, 10:54 PM
A good resource for pictures of Hindu gods:
http://www.hindugallery.com/

For Indian music and philosophy:
http://www.geocities.com/vc_sekaran/

sunyata07
14 August 2009, 07:04 AM
Thank you for the picture of your shrine, EM and to Star for posting it! It's beautiful, and looks like it is prayed at a lot. :)

I've extended my own shrine to include Lord Shiva and Mother Durga along with my first Ganesha murti:

http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt116/Nogitsune07/005.jpg

Eastern Mind
14 August 2009, 07:53 AM
sunyata: Nice mala. Where did you get it?

When I see a mala in a store, the first thing I do is count the beads. If its fake, its not 108. Store owners get a little curious. The guy at the narmada lingam store here was sort of surprised whe I asked if I could roll it on the floor.

There's something oddly funny about the intercultural humour in all that. If you play dumb, and ask a store owner (especially western) what this (Ganesha murthi, for example) you'd be surprised at the naivety.

Aum Namasivaya

Spiritualseeker
14 August 2009, 08:18 AM
Namaste,

Beautiful Sunyata. I was thinking of possibly putting Lord Muruqa pic in my shrine. Still contemplating it.

EM i know exactly what you mean. I was checking out a mala at this oriental store it is 108, but I am not sure if i want to spend any money on it hehe.

sunyata07
16 August 2009, 12:22 PM
I got it from the yogabasics website. I've used it before to buy my first mala, so I knew it was one I could trust. Why would you roll it on the ground? To get a feel for the beads themselves? Actually, I found that doing japa with the rudraksha mala was quite tricky at first - the beads were so knobbly compared to my old sandalwood mala! :)

SS, I don't think it would do any harm to add to your shrine (but I talk from my intuition here, and not experience! :)), especially if you have room. I think you mentioned wanting to get a Lord Murugan murti though at some point. A murti would be something you should consider a little longer I think, as it would need to be bathed and looked after. So if you have a spare photo frame and a good printer, why not?

Spiritualseeker
16 August 2009, 02:53 PM
Namaste,

I think your right. To be honest I have been thinking of maybe no longer doing puja and just focusing on yogic practices. I think maybe because I am not too deep in my practice to perform Puja with a single minded effort. Plus the responsibility of clothing the statues. I dont think my belief or faith is good enough for that. So maybe I should just spend more time in meditation and using the techniques from Paramahansa Yogananda's course. What do you think?

Eastern Mind
16 August 2009, 04:20 PM
Why would you roll it on the ground?

lol

Sorry for the confusion. It was about the narmada lingams. You roll then on the ground to see if they wobble a bit to prove they weren't just cut on a lathe.

Aum Namasivaya

yajvan
21 August 2009, 06:13 PM
hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

Namasté

images of a shrine ( for me) is His Creation.


http://www.wallpaper.net.au/wallpapers/landscapes-scenery/Sunrise-Myrtle-Beach-South-Carolina-1-1024x768.jpg


praṇām

sunyata07
22 August 2009, 04:54 AM
Namaste yajvan,

That is a beautiful sentiment. I agree there is no greater shrine than our natural world.

Eastern Mind
22 August 2009, 10:32 AM
Yajvan: Agreed!

Isn't it nice that this technology of the internet can allow you to 'see' such sights. In the old days (some of our youngsters couldn't relate) you had to browse libraries, purchase expensive photography books, or subscribe to National Geographic. There are sites of photos that would take you days to browse.

Aum Namasivaya

Hiwaunis
27 August 2009, 10:50 PM
Yajvan: Agreed!

Isn't it nice that this technology of the internet can allow you to 'see' such sights. In the old days (some of our youngsters couldn't relate) you had to browse libraries, purchase expensive photography books, or subscribe to National Geographic. There are sites of photos that would take you days to browse.

Aum Namasivaya

Pranam,
How do you put pictures of your shrine here?

Namaste,

Spiritualseeker
28 August 2009, 06:24 AM
Namaste,

If you have a camera such as a digital one you can take a pic of your shrine and then upload it into your computer. When you do that, then make a post of the pic by going down the page and click on manage attachment. From there you can browse your pics on your computer and place it in the post.

You can also do the same with a cellphone. Take a pic and instead of sending it to another persons phone with a text message simply change the address instead of placing numbers change it to accepting letters and send it to your email. Then you can get your email and download it there and then follow the steps above once it is downloaded to your computer.

-juan

Hiwaunis
11 October 2009, 07:18 AM
Pranam,
I live in a small one bedroom apartment. I turned the living/dinning area into my meditation area. It is a work in progress. It's nice to be in and look at however, most of the time my eyes are closed.

Now if I can just get the pics to upload.

Namaste

Hiwaunis
11 October 2009, 08:04 AM
Pranam,
This is a view of my North wall.

Hiwaunis

Hiwaunis
11 October 2009, 08:18 AM
Pranam,
This is a view of my South wall.

Hiwaunis

Hiwaunis
11 October 2009, 08:25 AM
Pranam,
This is a view of my East wall. This is where most of my meditation takes place.

Hiwaunis

sunyata07
11 October 2009, 08:27 AM
Namaste Hiwaunis,

Thank you for the beautiful pictures. I think it's wonderful you've been able to change your living area into an area of meditation and prayer. Must be very calming to come home to in the evenings. What deity is that a picture of in the right hand side of your North wall? - there's a bit of a shine in the picture.

Hiwaunis
11 October 2009, 08:28 AM
Pranam,
This is a view of my West wall.

Hiwaunis

Hiwaunis
11 October 2009, 08:37 AM
Namaste Hiwaunis,

Thank you for the beautiful pictures. I think it's wonderful you've been able to change your living area into an area of meditation and prayer. Must be very calming to come home to in the evenings. What deity is that a picture of in the right hand side of your North wall? - there's a bit of a shine in the picture.


Pranam,
Yes, it is very peaceful. It's like living in a Temple without the other people.
The picture on the right hand side of my North wall is Durga Devi. I love her soooooo much.

Namaste,
Hiwaunis

Star
11 October 2009, 12:19 PM
Namaste Hiwaunis :) What a beautiful shrine!!

Eastern Mind
11 October 2009, 05:43 PM
Hiwaunis: Yes, its nice. Cleaner than a temple too. (At least the Indian ones.)

Hiwaunis
12 October 2009, 01:36 PM
Namaste Hiwaunis :) What a beautiful shrine!!

Pranam,
Thank you.

Namaste,

Hiwaunis
12 October 2009, 01:38 PM
Hiwaunis: Yes, its nice. Cleaner than a temple too. (At least the Indian ones.)

Pranam,
LOL.......Thank you.

Namaste,

Abominable Snowman
29 October 2009, 04:02 PM
To comemorate my ancestors I have a statue of Sutekh...

http://www.somaluna.com/images/products/STA054/portrait.jpg

I also have a statue of Kali Ma...

http://images.exoticindiaart.com/brass/tenarmed_black_kali_or_mahakali_zl64.jpg


She is draped in orange flowers, I also have a black bowl, a skull of a dog, my mala is usually draped around Kali as well. I have my notebook along with the Upanishads, Krishnamurti's Notebook, Rg Veda and other scriptures. An incense burner, and a small gong.

Spiritualseeker
29 October 2009, 06:17 PM
Namaste,

Very nice. That icon always scares me. But I know much of it is metaphoric.

sunyata07
08 November 2009, 11:50 AM
Namaste AS,

Nice statue of Seth! Long before I ever became interested in Hinduism and Buddhism, I have always loved Egyptian mythology. After I learned about Lord Shiva, I have always wondered about the strong similarities the Egyptian god Seth had with Shiva's destructive aspect, Rudra. And yet, the Egyptians did not demonise Seth like they might have in some cultures; they greatly respected and worshipped him as the power principle of destruction. He even became the patron god of the Ramesside pharaohs!

Is that your actual murti of Maa Kali? It's very nice! I always think that full brass or metal murtis of the Mother Goddess are very hard to come by. To be honest, I myself am not sure I would want to keep a murti of Kali in my shrine, unless I could devote a whole room to it and keep it very clean. The vibrations off that particular aspect of Devi are supposed to be intense. Not something I'd leave on my bedroom shelf, say, which is all I could use where I'm living.

SS, I also used to be very scared of Kali. I still am sometimes. But as she shares pretty much every name she has with Maa Durga (who I pray to from time to time), I don't think I am half so frightened of her anymore. It's almost like exposure therapy. After a while, the fear just leaves. I don't think I can even properly disciminate between the two forms anymore.

Abominable Snowman
08 November 2009, 03:50 PM
Nice statue of Seth! Long before I ever became interested in Hinduism and Buddhism, I have always loved Egyptian mythology. After I learned about Lord Shiva, I have always wondered about the strong similarities the Egyptian god Seth had with Shiva's destructive aspect, Rudra. And yet, the Egyptians did not demonise Seth like they might have in some cultures; they greatly respected and worshipped him as the power principle of destruction. He even became the patron god of the Ramesside pharaohs!

A lot of this true. In earlier periods Sutekh (Seth, Set) was highly respected and seen as one of the most powerful Gods in the pantheon. In fact it was him alone that could slay Apep and keep Ra safe on their nightly voyage. But in later periods he did become very demonized and lost a lot of the prestige he once had, I'm not sure why exactly tho.


Is that your actual murti of Maa Kali? It's very nice! I always think that full brass or metal murtis of the Mother Goddess are very hard to come by.

Yes, it is, not a personal picture but it is a picture of my murti. They are hard to come by and very expensive however to be honest I am looking for a Kali murti that looks more like this...

http://images.exoticindiaart.com/sculptures/goddess_kali_ri61sm.jpg

I want something more ethnic art looking, you know? Like something made out of ganges clay and has actual hair and the like.


To be honest, I myself am not sure I would want to keep a murti of Kali in my shrine, unless I could devote a whole room to it and keep it very clean. The vibrations off that particular aspect of Devi are supposed to be intense. Not something I'd leave on my bedroom shelf, say, which is all I could use where I'm living.


I keep my shrine spotless, I use it everyday and it's in my bedroom in a corner which only I go to and have told others who visit my apartment not to touch it under any circumstances. I have a lot of respect towards Maa Kali and also on my altar I have a picture of Dhumavati and Durga so my shrines is off limits to say the least, lol.

sambya
13 November 2009, 10:28 AM
namaste all ,

sending here the pics of my deities . the first three here shows my kali maa sri anandamayi , dressed as krishna on the account of phalaharini kalika puja . this is the day when lord krishna assumed the form of kali to save sri radha from her husband's wrath .-----

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3567154286/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3567154278/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3567154282/






next are some of my shalagram shilas ----

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3467255425/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3468084060/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3467177297/





next is a pic of shalgram jaladan ceremony which is done in summer season --

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3464436393/





my family radha madhav deities on the festival of dolayatra( bengali assamese and oriya name for what is called as holi in north india )-----

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3351195910/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3351198370/




my shalagram shila sri radha damodar ji dressed as jagannath during rathayatra festival --------

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3144230190/





pictures of the annual family durga puja celebrations in the earthen murti of devi built from ganga clay and immersed in ganga after the ceremony gets over ----

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/2998982484/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/2994907721/

sambya
13 November 2009, 10:39 AM
besides the deities that i have already posted above i would like to post some other pictures of famous deities ---

radharaman of shantipur , bengal

the ancient deity initially installed by king indradyumna of puri by the name of dolgovinda.later it was brought to bengal by king of yessore vasanta ray during the siege of puri.later during the time of mughal emperor akbar yessore was attacked by raja man singh who served as his minister.in order to protect this deity its high priest gave it to his spiritual guru mathuresh goswami.this mathuresh goswami was the great grandson of advaita acharya ,the main associate of chaitanya.he had it brought to shantipur and installed it in the new name radharaman, where it remains to this day.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3066208728/


radha vamsidhari ji of shantipur on rasalila festival

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3066208746/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3066208754/


two fifty years old radh govinda ji at lunch
the presiding deities of a household temple in rural bengal , india , sits down for lunch in a similar manner as any traditional bengali , after which they shall be escorrted back to the main temple for an arati
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3140112549/


radharani at mayapur

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3566378555/

madanmohan in calcutta

This deity was originally installed in a village in Bengal where the famous vaishnava saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu personally came to visit him . Later as the fame of the deity spread far and wide he was carried by the Malla dynasty king to his capital at Vana-Vishnupur . There a terracotta temple was constructed in his honor with lavish carvings . Legend has it that when the 'bargi' or Maratha raiders attacked Bengal and the Malla king was about to be defeated , a strong man of fine features was seen in the battlefield who lifted up the huge Dalmadal cannon in one hand and fired it to drive the enemy away . Folklore attribute this heroic task to none other than Madanmohan himself who is said to have defended the king . Later in the begining of 19th century a descendent of the king was in terrible debt and mortgaged the deity to the Gokul Mitra of Calcutta for the required sum . When the king was unable to repay back the money , the deity of Madanmohan had to be left with Gokul Mitra who was the richest Bengali at that time . he built a new deity of Radha and got it installed beside Madanmohan in his newly constructed temple at Bagbazaar . And the malla king had no choice but to order for a replica of the original deity to be built and have it installed in his terracotta temple in his capital Vana-Vishnupur where it remains to this day . http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3641021259/

the silver throne of sri madanmohan with original stained glass work in the rear , imported from europe , in imitation of catholic churches .
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32009945@N04/3641842172/


prannam to all....

prithvi
13 November 2009, 11:36 AM
hey photography one of my hobby..love it.. so here some snaps taken by me..hope u all like it

so starting with ganesha...shri ganesh karoh lol

http://i27.tinypic.com/167qwko.jpg


http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/4416/img3665s.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/2s63v45.jpg

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/5876/img3669.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/2gtauex.jpg

prithvi
13 November 2009, 11:42 AM
Jai Mata Di :)


http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/4595/img3817ub.jpg


http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/6682/img3821c.jpg
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/6131/img3822p.jpg


http://i35.tinypic.com/23wrynn.jpg

prithvi
13 November 2009, 11:43 AM
http://i33.tinypic.com/j17twg.jpg

Onkara
13 November 2009, 03:27 PM
Namasté Prithvi
Beautiful photographs, I don't think I have ever been so close :D

Thanks for sharing.

yajvan
13 November 2009, 07:40 PM
hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

Namasté

Where is this shrine? It spills outside my room. Ākāśa, the openness for things to exist; viṣṇu who keeps everything in balance, śiva in the sun and the energy to create and un-create; sūrya in the rays; sarasvatī in the flowing of the waters.
And who brings the dawn ? uṣa (Usha). The 'nourishment' by pūṣan to the eyes, viewing the dawn. And who does all of this creation ? prajāpti who brings the cosmic urge (spanda, or viśva-vīrya) to Self express, expand.


http://kennj.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/sunrise-ocean-view-beach-2-thumb.jpg

Hiwaunis
15 November 2009, 12:02 AM
Jai Mata Di :)


http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/4595/img3817ub.jpg


http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/6682/img3821c.jpg
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/6131/img3822p.jpg


http://i35.tinypic.com/23wrynn.jpg



Pranam,
I absolutely love these pictures of Shri MataJi! You have done an excellent job!
Jai Mata Di!

prithvi
26 December 2009, 08:48 AM
thanks for likeing the pics bro's..... :)

well here r more...as me in trip to golden temple and Vaishno devi.... :)

so shareing some pics now....sorry as net is little slow in my bro laptop...so when i reach home frm there i will upload remaining pics,if i miss some.....


well taken @ night time from a hotel gallery,where we stay.

Way to mata da bhavan....these steps total distance to bhavan is some 12/13 kmhttp://img524.imageshack.us/img524/8032/img4641o.jpg



temple near to hotel...
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/3555/20091226192402.jpg


close up----
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/6779/img4671u.jpg

prithvi
26 December 2009, 08:50 AM
5 pic per post....yup..... so ctnd...........


well these pics taken on early morning... to much fog and cold huuuuu thandi lol

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9086/20091226193645.jpg


http://i47.tinypic.com/2qwjw9s.jpg


still 5 km ..chalte rahooooo ........
http://i48.tinypic.com/6jovup.jpg


Helicopter service from Katra to Sanji Chhat.
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/9948/20091226194829.jpg


http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4769/20091226195649.jpg

prithvi
26 December 2009, 08:51 AM
oh these steps......
http://i46.tinypic.com/10ia1qu.jpg


http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8593/20091226193815.jpg


http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/6493/20091226201214.jpg


founded a friend :d


http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/2060/20091226200842.jpg


Bhairav nath mandir---ofcourse visited after darshan of mata
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8496/20091226200039.jpg

prithvi
26 December 2009, 09:32 AM
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/3748/20091226205707.jpg


Now Mata da Bhavan,snap taken taken from bhairav mandir
"Jai Mata Di"


http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/6066/200912261yyyy90636.jpg


http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/7636/20091226191021.jpg


zoomed....more close
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/1205/20091226203542.jpg


more zoomed..... so see jyot inside it(gufa) which has been close now i think..as darshan has been allowed to taken from the other side, through a tunnel which has been made way back....


http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5481/img4728s.jpg

wcrow
07 April 2010, 12:03 PM
I was wondering, for those of you who have many Murthi's on your home shrine (say, more than 3), do you do puja to them all everyday when you do a daily puja?

sambya
07 April 2010, 01:38 PM
I was wondering, for those of you who have many Murthi's on your home shrine (say, more than 3), do you do puja to them all everyday when you do a daily puja?

it depends on a number of factors . say , you have ritually consecrated(prana-pratishtha) deities in your home altar . then each of them requires seperate attention and puja . this holds true for self manifested deities like shalagram vishnu shilas and narmada banalingams of shiva . as they are considered direct manifestations of god they are also given the same treatment as to a installed image . offering of food , flowers , arati , incense , mantrams etc remains a must for such deities . however with shalagrams and banalingams there is a curious rule ------ if you have two shalagrams or two banalingams then you must do puja to them seperately . however if you have more than two , then you can keep them together and do one puja for all of them together .

if the deity is not ritually installed such strict rituals involving naivedyams or mantrams may not be followed . however many hindus do not like keeping deities in home without doing a little puja . hence they opt for pictures of gods instead .

its not advisable to ritually install a diety and then neglect him . it brings about many undesirable effects and most importantly obstructs spiritual growth to the self . in india people who have installed deities at home often appoint brahmin priests to do the daily puja and pay him a salary .

wcrow
07 April 2010, 02:37 PM
it depends on a number of factors . say , you have ritually consecrated(prana-pratishtha) deities in your home altar . then each of them requires seperate attention and puja . this holds true for self manifested deities like shalagram vishnu shilas and narmada banalingams of shiva . as they are considered direct manifestations of god they are also given the same treatment as to a installed image . offering of food , flowers , arati , incense , mantrams etc remains a must for such deities . however with shalagrams and banalingams there is a curious rule ------ if you have two shalagrams or two banalingams then you must do puja to them seperately . however if you have more than two , then you can keep them together and do one puja for all of them together .

if the deity is not ritually installed such strict rituals involving naivedyams or mantrams may not be followed . however many hindus do not like keeping deities in home without doing a little puja . hence they opt for pictures of gods instead .

its not advisable to ritually install a diety and then neglect him . it brings about many undesirable effects and most importantly obstructs spiritual growth to the self . in india people who have installed deities at home often appoint brahmin priests to do the daily puja and pay him a salary .

But say if you had three pictures or statues of deities that you feel an affinity for, and you do a daily puja (collectivly) for all three, but then had pictures of deities that you did worship for less often - and "left out" of a daily puja. Would this be ok?
Does the "average" hindu have thier Ishta-devas or favourite deity pictures or statues specially consecrated?

sambya
08 April 2010, 02:49 AM
no . an average hindu doesnt always have his ishta devata ritually installed . actually having a consecration ceremony done depends on a number of factors . for example shastras mention of the large punya to be gained on having a shiva lingam installed at the banks of ganga or on conducting daily shalagram worship . so a person can install a shva lingam or arrange for shalagram seva at his home , lured by these 'punya phala' . a singinificant proportion of temples in india are installed by these desires to earn punya .

then there are others who just want to have their loved ishta devata at their home and nothing else . for this he might go for ritual consecration .

having photographs or paintings at home is the easiest and they do not require any particular mode of worship . you can just place flowers in front of all the photographs and then pray to your ishta devata . un-installed deities and photographs do not require any fixed rules of worship .

most hindus keep their ishta devata at the center .

there is another concept like kula-devata or griha-devata which means the tutelary deity of the clan or the family . he is usually offered the topmost position among the dieties . he is passed down via generations in a family . no auspicious work starts without his grace and puja . typically in a big joint family ishta devatas might vary with each individual but the griha devata retains the no 1 position among them .

Eastern Mind
08 April 2010, 07:29 AM
Vannakkam wcrow:

Another thing some do, although it wouldn't be consecration, is take their small deities to a temple where there is a shrine of the same deity, or better yet, the presiding deity in the temple is the same. They then ask the priest just to place the home murthi beside the larger temple one, for a period of time, especially for an abhishekham. In this way some of the vibration or aura of the temple 'rubs off' onto the home murthi. I've never heaerd of this done with pictures, though.

Aum Namasivaya

sambya
08 April 2010, 11:47 AM
Vannakkam wcrow:

Another thing some do, although it wouldn't be consecration, is take their small deities to a temple where there is a shrine of the same deity, or better yet, the presiding deity in the temple is the same. They then ask the priest just to place the home murthi beside the larger temple one, for a period of time, especially for an abhishekham. In this way some of the vibration or aura of the temple 'rubs off' onto the home murthi. I've never heaerd of this done with pictures, though.

Aum Namasivaya


yes that is aslo done by many people . i have seen some of them getting a small puja done to the new diety by the priests of the big temple(of the same god usually) . however such puja is not ritual consecration . thanks esatern for suggesting this practice........

wcrow
08 April 2010, 12:10 PM
Thankyou both for your insight, and for answering my questions.

Ramachandra
13 July 2010, 06:56 AM
One small element of my home altar: Sri Ramachandra Paddukas


http://pics.livejournal.com/tulsidas/pic/00001crq


But before posting something else I would like to ask people who were brought up in Hinduism (indians) whether it is ok to show images of your home Deities to public? Because I know that many Hindus do not want to disclose their ishta-devatas and show home idols to those who are non-family members. Do we loose something when we show off our Deities?

Jay Sri Raam!

Ramakrishna
13 July 2010, 06:40 PM
But before posting something else I would like to ask people who were brought up in Hinduism (indians) whether it is ok to show images of your home Deities to public? Because I know that many Hindus do not want to disclose their ishta-devatas and show home idols to those who are non-family members. Do we loose something when we show off our Deities?




Namaste Ramachandra,

I've never heard of anything like that. I plan on posting a picture of my shrine here whenever I get around to it.

Beautiful padhukas by the way!

Jai Sri Krishna

Ramachandra
16 July 2010, 05:41 AM
@ Ramakrishna: सीताराम, thank you... Well, the thing is that at least Ishta-Devata should not be openly revealed to everybody, this is what many Gurus state. You can reveal only to your close spiritual friends or family, because your relationships with Him are a kind of intimate ones. But if you keep your Ishtam on the altar, and show your altar to other people, it means you reveal Him to everybody... Quite a difficult question for me...

Sahasranama
11 August 2010, 12:05 AM
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/7640/picture13rw.jpg

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/7703/picture14e.jpg

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/8965/picture16.jpg

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/2016/picture18tn.jpg

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/6259/picture19.jpg


This is my small shrine that I use for morning meditation, japa and prayers. I have build a larger shrine downstairs for the entire family.

Eastern Mind
11 August 2010, 06:51 AM
Vannakkam Sahasranama: If that's your small one, I can't imagine the big one.

Aum Namasivaya

sunyata07
13 August 2010, 02:52 PM
Namaste Sahasranama,

EM has taken the words out of my mouth. Beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing.

OM Shanti

Sahasranama
30 November 2010, 05:30 AM
Some updates:

617618

Sahasranama
30 November 2010, 05:32 AM
619620

Sahasranama
30 November 2010, 05:32 AM
621622

sm78
30 November 2010, 06:52 AM
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/2016/picture18tn.jpg

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/6259/picture19.jpg


This is my small shrine that I use for morning meditation, japa and prayers. I have build a larger shrine downstairs for the entire family.

How do you proceed with worship of so many shaligrams plus the bana lingas and other murtis? Do you do puja one after the other? All the shaligrams together? Just curious.

Sahasranama
30 November 2010, 07:28 AM
I do weekly puja of the shalagramas, banalinga in panchayatan fashion all together with a golden laxmi and navaratna to represent Surya and the marble Ganesh murti. I have not done prana pratishta for all the murtis, because some of the murtis are hollow from the inside, the garuda is made of paper mache. For daily worship I only offer a flower with some names, like the twelve names for ganesha, eigh names of shiva etc. etc. When I dont have flowers, I just chant the names and ring a bell.

ps. the background is black, because it's painted with blackboard paint.

Adhvagat
03 December 2010, 05:52 PM
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5189/shivaimpression.jpg

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2884/shivak.jpg

Divine Kala
04 January 2011, 09:48 PM
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n228/Kyoki_Kala/053.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n228/Kyoki_Kala/054.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n228/Kyoki_Kala/055.jpg

My shrine; I have two Nataraja murtis, a Durga murti, a Kali murti and, as you can see, a lingam. I don't know how to perform pooja so I light the lamps instead.

satay
05 January 2011, 10:16 AM
Namaste Divine Kala,




My shrine; I have two Nataraja murtis, a Durga murti, a Kali murti and, as you can see, a lingam. I don't know how to perform pooja so I light the lamps instead.

Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing pictures of your shrine.

I have a request. I can't tell from the pictures but is all of your murthis sitting on the floor? If they are, please move them to a higher level. Use a small table or bookshelf or cabinet or whatever... Do not place the murthis on the same level that you walk on.

Divine Kala
05 January 2011, 07:55 PM
Namaste Satay

They are definitely not on the floor. They are on a bench-like structure between my two wardrobes.

dharma66
30 January 2011, 04:58 AM
Here's what we setup for our monthly Maha Mrityunjaya meeting.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5053/5400194923_6b8ab0812c.jpg

Muad'Dib
09 February 2011, 01:53 AM
It's simple, but it's home.

Ramakrishna
17 February 2011, 08:26 PM
Namaste all,

Here is my college shrine. Very simple, but I'm pretty content and it gets the job done. I'll probably print out some pictures of deities and add them later.

Jai Sri Ram

sunyata07
18 February 2011, 11:22 AM
Namaste all,

Here is my college shrine. Very simple, but I'm pretty content and it gets the job done. I'll probably print out some pictures of deities and add them later.

Jai Sri Ram


Nice. I think I prefer simpler shrines, anyway. :)

Is that Sri Hanuman beside the Ganesha murti?

Om namah Shivaya

Ramakrishna
20 February 2011, 11:34 PM
Nice. I think I prefer simpler shrines, anyway. :)

Is that Sri Hanuman beside the Ganesha murti?

Om namah Shivaya

Namaste Sunyata,

Yes, that is Lord Hanuman next to Maha Ganapati.

Next time I go home I will take a picture of my family shrine. It is much bigger than this one :)

Jai Sri Ram

murugan
24 February 2011, 03:40 AM
Below are my favorite Gods

Lord Murugan

http://www.tiruchendurmurugantemple.com/galleryuploads/enlargimage/pic34.jpg

Lord Ganasan

http://www.tiruchendurmurugantemple.com/galleryuploads/enlargimage/pic5.jpg

Avie J
13 April 2011, 02:35 PM
Here are a couple of photos of my murtis :)

Avie J
13 April 2011, 02:38 PM
Here are some more pics :o

Water
14 April 2011, 11:38 PM
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-stwzm-2R0Tg/TafKhGoB3KI/AAAAAAAAAFI/2n-qXOjAi94/s288/SriHanuman.jpg

I have spent quite some time sitting beside this small bronze image reading the Ramayana and then mentally reviewing what I had read. :)

I think the "proper" use of this particular image is to face the door of your home to greet guests and ward away Shani.

Lakshmidevi
02 June 2011, 11:38 PM
Namaste,

Sorry to keep bringing up slightly older threads. These are all so good though :). I'm really enjoying looking through the photos of everyone's beautiful shrines!

I'm attempting to attach my photos.... I hope I did this right.

Jainarayan
05 June 2011, 03:17 PM
Here is mine. I hope it's proper and respectful. Any corrections and criticisms are welcome.

Onkara
06 June 2011, 02:41 AM
Here is mine. I hope it's proper and respectful. Any corrections and criticisms are welcome.

Beautiful! A wonderful murthi of Sri Lakshmi.

Jainarayan
06 June 2011, 09:35 AM
Ah, thank you! :)

I did not expect to get a murthi like that one, I thought I'd find one like the others. I walked away from the shelf it was on, but then doubled back as she called to me.

Unfortunately my cat (who is just one year old) has taken a liking to the flowers. I have to keep picking them up and refilling the vase. He'll soon get bored, I hope.

sunyata07
07 June 2011, 04:34 PM
Beautiful shrine, Minotaur. Thank you for sharing your picture with us.

Om namah Shivaya

Jainarayan
07 June 2011, 05:37 PM
Thank you. I enjoyed creating it and using it. :)

Aeryck
13 June 2011, 11:36 AM
I thought that my first post would be to add some pics of my mandir/shrine setup. This is totally unadorned right now, and the upper Sri Sri Gaura Nitai shrine I hand made myself.

Hiwaunis
20 June 2011, 06:51 PM
Here are some more pics :o

Pranam Avie J,
I really like your Maa Saraswati. I think she is very beautiful.

Hiwaunis

Aeryck
24 June 2011, 02:47 PM
I have decided to update the layout of my shrine. I still have lots of lights to add as well, but this is generally how it's going to look.

ScarletRose
06 July 2011, 03:03 AM
The first is my shrine, the second is my meditation setup.The frames on the shrine is handmade. I think the light behind the Nataraj in the meditation setup looks like a sun. These are what I could setup so far, I hope to improve it.

Eastern Mind
06 July 2011, 08:41 AM
The first is my shrine, the second is my meditation setup.The frames on the shrine is handmade. I think the light behind the Nataraj in the meditation setup looks like a sun. These are what I could setup so far, I hope to improve it.

Vannakkam Scarlet Rose: Since I am a lover of Nataraja, I love this shrine. The lights behind him in the second picture reminded me of the circle of flame he dances inside. Such a mystic sight.

At our annual festival here at my temple, tomorrow morning at 6AM it is the Nataraja event ... abhishekham for Him. Wishing you could be there.

Aum Namasivaya

Jainarayan
15 July 2011, 12:10 PM
Two questions:

1. I want to put a cloth cover on the table top of the shrine. What is a good and auspicious color? I know saffron is sacred, as Sri Krishna and Sri Ganesha wear saffron dhotis. White is purity for Maa Saraswati, and Maa Lakshmi wears a red sari.

2. I'm torn between sending for some brass murthis, or using printed images corresponding to the murthis. Which way would you go? I think the brass murthis are more traditional, but I love the vibrant colors of print images. Those in the thumbnail are what I have currently. The are 2.5" x 3.5" in simple frames.

These are what I'm considering. Sorry the pics are so large. They came off the website.

http://www.indiangiftsportal.com/myshop/images/products-big/tokenz-smfprd040.jpg http://www.indiangiftsportal.com/myshop/images/products-big/tokenz-smfprd005.jpg http://www.indiangiftsportal.com/myshop/images/products-big/tokenz-smfprd027.jpg http://www.indiangiftsportal.com/myshop/images/products-big/tokenz-smfprd058.jpg

Oh, and how could I forget this:

http://www.indiangiftsportal.com/myshop/images/products-big/tokenz-smfprd031.jpg

sunyata07
15 July 2011, 04:19 PM
Namaste Minotaur,

My first answer was saffron, too. White is certainly another good colour you could use, although it would stain more easily if you were going to conduct puja over it on a regular basis. Yellow would be another viable colour, I think.

Those brass murtis are lovely! I have the Maa Kali one on the upper right (couldn't find Maa Durga on the website I was using :( ), as well as another version of the Hanuman murti below. It's really your call, seeing as it'll be your shrine and no one else's, so it's best that you decide. Why not use both? I also love the print pictures of the deities. The most recently updated version of my shrine has both variation between murtis and framed photos of the Devas. With Shiva, for example, I have a print picture of Him seated in mediation before a shivalingam in the photo; I also have an actual shivalingam placed before this photo so I can worship it. So you can have the best of both worlds, if there's room.

Om namah Shivaya

Jainarayan
15 July 2011, 05:20 PM
I was thinking the same thing about the white. I have a tray under the incense holder that catches most of the ashes from the joss stick. But some invariably fall on the table top.

Those murthis come from Indian Gifts Portal http://www.indiangiftsportal.com/ You really have to hunt using the search function, but they have some nice stuff. They have diyas of all kinds, puja items of all kinds. You could create a small home temple with the things they have.

Unfortunately, coming from India, the shipping is just about as much as the total of the items. But there are just no Indian or Hindu stores in the area.

I've always wanted a statue of Nataraja. I will probably definitely get that one, at least. And maybe the one of Maa Durga and Maa Kali. The prints I have are actually quite nice, and I like the combination of prints and murthis. Thanks for the tips. :)

Ramakrishna
15 July 2011, 10:59 PM
Namaste Minotaur,

I would also go with saffron. As for the murtis, perhaps you could buy the murtis of the particular deities that you are the most devoted to. If you plan on doing puja more often to one particular deity, I would get that murti because at least for me personally, puja is more effective when done with a murti. I mainly use pictures for personal prayer and just prayer throughout the day, but murtis are more suitable for puja and you can also do abhishekam. But I agree that if there is room and you are willing to do so, then go for both the murtis and the pictures.

Jai Sri Ram

Eastern Mind
16 July 2011, 05:47 AM
Vannakkam: Mystically, the reason murthis are better is that they hold energy. You want an electric flow? try metal. then try paper. There are also particular murthis designed with 5 metals which are even better. I don't know why, but it has something to do with ancient knowledge of metals and energy conduction.

Crystal is excellent too. The ruby Nataraja at Chidambaram is an example.

Aum Namasivaya

Jainarayan
16 July 2011, 07:58 AM
Namaste Ramakrishna & EM, and thanks. :)


Namaste Minotaur,

I would also go with saffron. As for the murtis, perhaps you could buy the murtis of the particular deities that you are the most devoted to. If you plan on doing puja more often to one particular deity, I would get that murti because at least for me personally, puja is more effective when done with a murti. I mainly use pictures for personal prayer and just prayer throughout the day, but murtis are more suitable for puja and you can also do abhishekam. But I agree that if there is room and you are willing to do so, then go for both the murtis and the pictures.

Jai Sri Ram

So saffron it is. I'l go to the fabric store and get it in the right size. I'm ashamed to say I don't do a puja (yet), but rather I say prayers at my shrine in the morning, sometimes leaving an offering of fruit (I always have fresh flowers on the altar); in the evening I light a lamp with prayers and incense.

The murtis I do have are of Sri Krishna (Ishta deva), MahaLakshmi, Sri Ganesha and the family of Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha. It appears then, that I would do puja to my murti of Sri Krishna, and the pictures and other murtis are fine for the prayers. OK, now to get a small puja set instead.

On this page http://www.hindunet.org/day_as_hindu/puja/shortpuja.htm it says
Each time when you say 'Samarpayami' (literally: I am offering), please offer two akataas to the LORD with love and devotion. What are akataas? I can't find a definition anywhere.

Btw, I would love to see the ruby Nataraja.

Eastern Mind
16 July 2011, 12:06 PM
Btw, I would love to see the ruby Nataraja.

Vannakkam: They only bring it out for special pujas. I didn't see it when I was there. Even seeing the ether lingam is rare. One of the more interesting temples, I would say.

Aum Namasivaya

Arjuni
16 July 2011, 04:13 PM
Namasté,

Minotaur, I think that "akataas" may be a misspelling of "akshatas" - unbroken rice grains, coloured with kumkum or turmeric.

Indraneela
===
Oṁ Indrāya Namaḥ.
Oṁ Namaḥ Śivāya.

Jainarayan
16 July 2011, 04:35 PM
Namaste Indraneela,

Here is the full text, so you may be right:


Each time when you say 'Samarpayami' (literally: I am offering), please offer two akataas to the LORD with love and devotion.

Akshatha is uncooked rice, if possible colored with kumkum , saffron powder, termaric and a little bit of water. Can be prepared well advance for a week and kept near the ALTAR


http://www.hindunet.org/day_as_hindu/puja/shortpuja.htm

Offering only two grains of rice? Or am I that dense? :o

sunyata07
16 July 2011, 04:49 PM
Offering only two grains of rice? Or am I that dense? :o


I think usually it's a pinch of rice, or in this case two pinches of rice between the fingers.

Om namah Shivaya

Jainarayan
16 July 2011, 05:20 PM
OK, thanks. Yeah, I guess I'm that dense. :o

sunyata07
16 July 2011, 05:25 PM
OK, thanks. Yeah, I guess I'm that dense. :o
No. You just want to get it right. It shows how much you care about pleasing God, and that's never something to feel embarrased about. :)

Om namah Shivaya

Jainarayan
16 July 2011, 05:55 PM
I know, you're right. ;)

srinidhi
24 July 2011, 07:23 PM
Nice to see pictures of your home altars! :)

rainbowlotus
16 August 2011, 04:55 PM
These shrines are soo beautiful. I hope to have a beautiful shrine some day

NayaSurya
06 September 2011, 09:48 PM
This video posted today is so wonderfully informative and relevant about our home shrine/temple and practices.

http://himalayanacademy.com/blog/taka/2011/09/06/make-your-home-gods-home/

I wanted to add, his aura is the most amazing I have ever seen.

PARAM
07 September 2011, 05:23 AM
There is too much talk about saffron, but normally it is one of the colours and not the only one.



During Mugal rule in India Marathas were the only power which destroyed Islamic supremacy and Saffron flag was adopted from Samarth Ramdas as Maratha Flag by Chartapati Shivaji.


At that time Maratha rule meant Hindu empire and Maratha flag meant Hindu Flag so saffron was accepted widely. Majority of Hindus are from India, this makes saffron to be symbolized at Hindu flag.



In Hinduism all colours are accepted even invisible colours, in Hindu Nepal it was red Flag with Sun and Moon-Star symbol, Afghan Hindus still use Yellow Flag of their pre Islamic time, old Flag of Hindu Island Bali also have red, white and blue stripes.

Daniellasaur
12 September 2011, 02:12 AM
Hi guys. I'm sorry I have so many pictures, but I thought I would show you all of them in case you are interested. As you can see, I have a whole lot of Ganeshas! I would put one in every room of the house if the rest of my family were not christian. I have my own puja room (my brother's old room who now lives with my father) which I am so thankful for.

This is the Ganesha murti on my bedside table, watching over me as I sleep. I love having Him be the last thing I see before I go to sleep:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804305@N07/6139098529/in/photostream

This is one of 3 Ganeshas I got from my step-father. They reside on my bookshelf in my room, which I think is fitting for the Lord of Knowledge:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804305@N07/6139649400/in/photostream/

Here are the 3 Ganeshas that are on the bookshelf. Unfortunately the lighting wasn't good, but you get the idea:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804305@N07/6139098145/in/photostream/

I love this candle holder. It reminds me that the light of God resides within all!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804305@N07/6139097967/in/photostream/

Lotus incense holder:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804305@N07/6139097815/in/photostream/

6 Buddhas that I got from my step-father. They reside on my alter. And a praying birdie in the background.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804305@N07/6139648700/in/photostream/

don't have a Shiva lingam so I got this round stone from outside. I also made some mandalas as an offering and to remind me of the creative energy of God. And because they are pretty.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804305@N07/6139648520/in/photostream/

I got this picture from a newsletter, cut it out, and framed it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804305@N07/6139097259/in/photostream/


Yes, I know, another Ganesha. This was the first one I ever had, and even though it is small and not very clear, it holds a special place in my heart as it is the one that really got me into Ganesha. The Krishna is a bronze statue which I think is very beautiful and captures the essence of that loving Lord.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804305@N07/6139648120/in/photostream/

This is my favorite Ganesha idol. They face, although hard to see in this picture, is one of such patience and compassion. I don't know how the artist captured Ganesha so well! It stands center-stage on my alter.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804305@N07/6139647880/in/photostream/

The Buddha on the left is the first Buddha I had until I received the other six as a gift. I recently got the small Nataraj statue from a Festival of Nations and I love it! There is something so stirring about Nataraj's dance! Behind is an angel statue that I got form my mother. It is called "Angel of Light" and it reminds me that God shines throughout all religions, and that even people can be carriers of light.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804305@N07/6139096617/in/photostream/

This is the whole shrine in my puja room.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804305@N07/6139647510/in/photostream/

And finally, this is just a few minutes from my house at a big park (st.louis):
It is the best shrine of all!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804305@N07/6139096271/in/photostream/

Eastern Mind
13 September 2011, 11:23 AM
Vannakkam: Wow, I haven't seen so many Ganesha's since ..... oh yeah, this house I am a squatter in.:)

Aum Namasivaya

sunyata07
14 September 2011, 02:14 PM
Nice pictures, Daniellasaur. One can never have too many Ganeshas!

Om namah Shivaya

Divine Kala
29 April 2012, 07:08 AM
So! I moved house in January and I set up my shrine but it wasn't placed according to Vaastu. Today I moved everything around and now the shrine is in the north east. Due to certain constraints I can't follow all the rules but I'm happy!

The house... feels different now. A good different!


http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n228/Kyoki_Kala/IMG_1482.jpg
From a distance! The pictures are of Shiva (on the left), Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha and Skanda in the middle, Durga on the right and the one above it all is of of Kali, Durga and I'm not sure who the one riding the tiger represents... The banner is from my temple.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n228/Kyoki_Kala/IMG_1484.jpg
Up close!

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n228/Kyoki_Kala/IMG_1485.jpg
Okay! On the left in the back is a murti of Nataraja, in front of that is a Shiva Lingam. In the centre is Ganesha. To the right, in the back, is Durga Ma, the little pyramid thing is a Shri Yantra, a murti of Kali (the tall, dark one) and a murti of Lakshmi.


The altar cloth in the pictures was given to me by one of the priests as the temple I attend. I asked one day 'what are these' and the priest asked if I wanted one so I said 'sure, why not?'. I'm not quite sure if it's MEANT to be a shrine cloth but that's what it's being used for.

Purana
01 May 2012, 07:27 AM
Sharing my humble temporary altar.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/576061_440769509282893_100000495426350_1709250_260305445_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/582107_440769865949524_100000495426350_1709253_1096257072_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/538851_440770122616165_100000495426350_1709254_961072309_n.jpg

orlando
09 May 2012, 03:20 PM
The Traveling Hare Krishna Temple I bought here (http://krishnastore.eu/traveling-hare-krishna-temple-morning-program-cds-h-krishna-485.html):
http://i49.tinypic.com/iqyfyd.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/2wm174i.jpg

JaiMaaDurga
09 May 2012, 03:47 PM
Namaste,

Though posting a picture of my shrine will not be possible due to my
only camera being the hopelessly scratched one that is in my phone,
I did want to share with my HDF friends my pleasure in finally being
able to afford these for my puja room (pics from the company's website).
After all, "Mother's Day" is coming shortly!:)
PS The murti size is 8.50"H x 7.25"W, the cotton is 46" x 37"

JAI MATA DI

McKitty
09 May 2012, 03:56 PM
Hello,

Sorry to disturb you Divine Kala, but where did you buy your murtis of Lord Nataraja and Maa Durga ? I am looking for a Nataraja murti like this, but the only ones I saw were expensive or of bad quality.

Anyway nice pictures ! I will maybe post soon my little home temple too ^3^

Aum~

Divine Kala
13 May 2012, 06:34 AM
Namaste McKitty

The murti of Nataraja was kindly gifted to me by a member of an email group after I sent out a plea asking if anyone knew where I could get a good murti of Lord Shiva that would not bankrupt me (at the time I could not afford to spend very much money at all). The kindness of fellow devotees continues to stun me.

The Ma Durga murti I bought from a Theosophical Society store in my city. They've been having a big sale to get rid of items they've had for too long and it was half price ($70 compared to $140) and I had a little money so I snapped it up. A metal murti can undergo abhishekam whereas the plaster murti I had probably wouldn't have survived.

Everything else has been slowly acquired whenever I had enough money.

Vitani
13 May 2012, 07:55 AM
Divine Kala, that poster of Shiva is so beautiful!

Jainarayan
13 May 2012, 12:24 PM
Since beginning my journey into Sanatana Dharma and learning about it, my shrine area has grown from a small snack tray with a couple of pictures and candles to this.

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/Minotauros_2007/ShrineMay132012004.jpg

Legend clockwise from lower left on the table itself:

A bell; brass vessel containing my mālā; Maa Durga; Maa Kali; Lord Narasimhadeva; Maa Lakshmi; Sri Krishna; Sri Rama & Srimati Sita, Sri Hanuman, Lakshman; Maa Saraswati; Sri Gayatri Veda Mata; my prayers; front center: lamps, incense holder; center: Sri Ganesha; small murtis of Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati & Sri Ganesha; Lord Buddha & Guanyin; Sri Krishna with a peacock (it's tiny); shelf: Lord Vishnu & Maa Lakshmi seated on Garuda; Lord Shiva & Maa Parvati; and of course above, Lord Krishna & Srimati Radha; the small picture to the left is The Divine Brothers: Sri Krishna & Sri Balarama.

So there you have it. It may be out of control by some standards, but when I am there I feel very peaceful. Btw, I'm not wild about the light switches on the wall, but this was the only east wall available. :rolleyes:

McKitty
13 May 2012, 04:36 PM
Hello =3

Thank you Divine Kala with your answers. I am looking for murti of Lord Shiva and Maa Durga, that's why I asked x3 I guess i'll have to save more money !

Touchedbythelord: Your shrine is astonishing O____O So beautiful, I'm speechless. You may have many picture, but they are put in a very good way, with the light, it make the whole thing very peaceful. It's beautiful, really.

Aum

Jainarayan
13 May 2012, 08:02 PM
Namaste McKitty.

Thanks for your compliment. I'm drawn to the colors of the images (whoever paints them indeed has a gift from God) and Their different aspects. It reminds me how many aspects God has. Hence some duplication. Clearly I am drawn to color and light. :)

Believer
14 May 2012, 01:19 AM
Namaste,

That is a beautiful shrine TBTL.

Pranam.

Jainarayan
14 May 2012, 09:01 AM
Namaste,

That is a beautiful shrine TBTL.

Pranam.

Thanks. :) I hope the deities like it. You should see the rest of the house. There's barely a wall (except in the bathroom) that doesn't have a framed picture of a deity or a prayer. I think it brings positive energies.

McKitty
15 May 2012, 03:14 PM
Hello,

Well, this is not as beautiful as yours, but there's my little corner:

http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/93451420120515215621.jpg

I don't really have money for murtis or puja accessories so I just use regular candles and plastic spoons used for bakery x3 But oh well, that's the spirit that count.
I have two big frames with Lord Shiva (I am ever grateful to him for showing me the path) and Maa Saraswati Devi (I'm a student.) I have Sri Ganesha in the middle, and a murti in the right. On the left of Lord Shiva there is a little picture of Ardhanarishwara (to remind me that God is non dual and beyond differences) and on Maa Saraswati right there is Maa Durga.


Aum~

Jainarayan
15 May 2012, 06:19 PM
Namaste McKitty.

Thanks for your compliment, but please don't think yours is not beautiful... it is! It is beautiful because you put love into it, and I know the deities love it too. :)

Before I got my brass puja set, I used some ceramic plates and cups, and glass candle cups. Anything is fine to use as long as it's used only for your altar. If you have a color printer, Windows picture printing function, and good quality paper, you can print just about any deity image from the internet. That's what mine are.

Here's a little story about what puja really is. The grammar is a little off, because it must have been translated.

As an example, there is a story in Mahabharatha. Arjuna was performing regularly pooja for Athma lingam, but his brothers were not doing the same. He felt very proud of his devotional worship to God. As Sri Krishna wanted to control Arjuna's ego, He took him to Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. There, Arjuna saw large number of baskets of flowers being carried by the Boothaganas. When Arjuna asked Sri Krishna about it, He asked Arjuna to check himself with those carrying the flowers.

He stopped one of them asked about it. He got the reply that one of the Pancha Pandavas named Bheema who has been offering these flowers in a pure heart to the Lord which they are carrying. Arjuna asked Sri Krishna that if the pure heart flowers of Bheema who does not ever sit down to worship is this much, how much will it be for his own Athmalinga pooja which is performed every day.

Sri Krishna asked the Bhoothagana to show Arjuna his portion of the flowers offered. They showed a small mound of flowers lying in one corner. Arjuna asked Sri Krishna to explain this disparity. Sri Krishna explained that, Bheema is thinking of God at all times and whenever he sees a flower garden, he mentally offers all the flowers to Siva as his offering and so it reaches Siva the very next moment. Thus, Sri Krishna explains the Inner self pooja called antharyagam.

I think the boothaganas are spirits who were carrying all the flowers Bhima was offering to Lord Shiva, because there were so many. But Arjuna's flowers were a small pile compared the baskets and baskets offered mentally by Bhima to Lord Shiva.

4Shakti
18 May 2012, 05:33 AM
Namaste,
They are all so beautiful

IcyCosmic
26 July 2012, 03:07 PM
Here is my very very very very simple shrine, I hope to make it better some day. This is in the top right corner of my study room, its barely visible but my builder was very nice to engrave aum into the black plaque on the mini mandir.
Alot of things are hidden and misplaced because I was earlier removing a mantra booklet from the back of the photos and messed everything up xD

http://i45.tinypic.com/34qnxcj.jpg

JayaRadhe
26 July 2012, 08:56 PM
Namaste!
Everyone's shrines are so beautiful! Mine's a little... er... cluttered! :D
But, anyways, this is what it looked like in May:
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g466/JaQueetaClamDigga69/RadhaKrishnaaltar.jpg
From left to right:
Narayan, Mary (with a little Ganesh close by), Shivaji, Nitai, Krishnaji, Radhika, Nimai, Lakshmi Devi.
Then on the wall behind them:
Nava Durgika/Lakshmi (it's a holograph :D), Mary, Lord Gopala, Christ (with a bunch of little funeral cards from my family), and Hanumanji.

And, then here's Radhika and Krishnaji a little closer:
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g466/JaQueetaClamDigga69/RadhaKrishnaaltar3-3.jpg

ShivaFan
27 July 2012, 11:23 PM
Namaste JayaRadhe

Thank you for sharing.

But I had to respond in regards to your poster of Gopala Krishna in the background.

Of course the true value of that work of art is in the spiritual power of it and in the beauty of the very Image which is presented so authentically.

But I also wanted to mention something about that poster.

I am sorry that I cannot remember the exact artist's name, I *think* it is Sharma. But if you look very carefully at the bottom of the print, it should be on the white border, it will note the publishing company and the artist (unless this is a later-day high gloss reproduction).

Where did you obtain this Poster (I put it in capitals, because perhaps you are aware, or perhaps not, this very print is of historical significance, and actually is a very powerful and considered by some in the same standard as a Murthi itself)?

This Poster, if original, is of notable value. It has value because not only is it extremely desired by very large numbers of humans, it is one of the classics of all time by the printing company as the issuer of this work.

Actually, I have an original which I obtained probably in 1972 (the Poster however, when printed was prior to the 1970's). Today, this set of print (the original releases) are very difficult to obtain and are worth very high value. Also I want to point out that this very poster, during the so-called "Renaissance of Hinduism in America" when Hinduism started to make direct Guru to Americans inroads in the late 1960's and early 1970's post-the early 1900's when a particular Vaishnava "Krishnavite" first arrived in about the time of WWI, than the later inroads by Saints in the 1940's and 50's, then when four international Gurus arrived in the 1960's upon which time this very poster was on the walls and in the little "temples" (from small apartments from New York City to San Francisco CA) - well, this poster has tremendous power and was sort of a "land mark" of the times.

I keep my original very carefully, there is now a small rip on one of the lower white borders. The originals have sort of a wax over the paper, the paper is thick. The poster is large.

If this is what I think it is, you possess something very special. Even if in terms of "American trivia", but this Image of Lord Krishna and this very Paper it is on, has tremendous power.

You have no idea how many Americans looked into it, for it cannot be fully explained.

May I ask you a personal question? Are you from the West, or from India? In India, there is no doubt that this poster is available. But there are cheap copies - of which are also Beautiful, but, there is something very, very special about the originals. In America, that very poster as original is beloved, and desired by so many. All those from the times then, they have all come back even if they wandered away from the path. And now, as they reach their last days, and even last hours, they are coming like the days of so long ago never were gone.

You cannot imagine what that Poster means to so many.

I am a Saiva. But that does not matter. You hold something very special if it is what I think it is.

In Goloka Vrindavan, there is a door. That poster is the other side of that door.

Om Namah Sivaya

JayaRadhe
28 July 2012, 01:45 AM
Namaste JayaRadhe

Thank you for sharing.

But I had to respond in regards to your poster of Gopala Krishna in the background.

Of course the true value of that work of art is in the spiritual power of it and in the beauty of the very Image which is presented so authentically.

But I also wanted to mention something about that poster.

I am sorry that I cannot remember the exact artist's name, I *think* it is Sharma. But if you look very carefully at the bottom of the print, it should be on the white border, it will note the publishing company and the artist (unless this is a later-day high gloss reproduction).

Where did you obtain this Poster (I put it in capitals, because perhaps you are aware, or perhaps not, this very print is of historical significance, and actually is a very powerful and considered by some in the same standard as a Murthi itself)?

This Poster, if original, is of notable value. It has value because not only is it extremely desired by very large numbers of humans, it is one of the classics of all time by the printing company as the issuer of this work.

Actually, I have an original which I obtained probably in 1972 (the Poster however, when printed was prior to the 1970's). Today, this set of print (the original releases) are very difficult to obtain and are worth very high value. Also I want to point out that this very poster, during the so-called "Renaissance of Hinduism in America" when Hinduism started to make direct Guru to Americans inroads in the late 1960's and early 1970's post-the early 1900's when a particular Vaishnava "Krishnavite" first arrived in about the time of WWI, than the later inroads by Saints in the 1940's and 50's, then when four international Gurus arrived in the 1960's upon which time this very poster was on the walls and in the little "temples" (from small apartments from New York City to San Francisco CA) - well, this poster has tremendous power and was sort of a "land mark" of the times.

I keep my original very carefully, there is now a small rip on one of the lower white borders. The originals have sort of a wax over the paper, the paper is thick. The poster is large.

If this is what I think it is, you possess something very special. Even if in terms of "American trivia", but this Image of Lord Krishna and this very Paper it is on, has tremendous power.

You have no idea how many Americans looked into it, for it cannot be fully explained.

May I ask you a personal question? Are you from the West, or from India? In India, there is no doubt that this poster is available. But there are cheap copies - of which are also Beautiful, but, there is something very, very special about the originals. In America, that very poster as original is beloved, and desired by so many. All those from the times then, they have all come back even if they wandered away from the path. And now, as they reach their last days, and even last hours, they are coming like the days of so long ago never were gone.

You cannot imagine what that Poster means to so many.

I am a Saiva. But that does not matter. You hold something very special if it is what I think it is.

In Goloka Vrindavan, there is a door. That poster is the other side of that door.

Om Namah Sivaya
Namaste ShivaFan!
Well, first off, I'm one of the most westernised Hindus you'll meet! I've never even been to India!
In regards to the poster, I actually received it from an older Gujarati lady who comes into my work sometimes. She saw a Radha-Krishna pendant on my neck and asked if I was a Vaishnava, and then proceeded to give me pictures of Radhika, Krishna, Balaram, a Bala-Krishna pendant, and incense. Very nice lady, obviously!
I'm not sure when it is from, but it does say Bhaktivedanta Book Trust in the corner, which would lead me to believe it is a reproduction, though it is very thick and does have waxy-coating over it. I cannot locate a name on it, but I also didn't want to move Radhika and Krishnaji too much in order to locate the name. The next time I clean my altar (which will probably be in a few days, as Raksha Bandhan is coming up), I'll let you know if I can locate a name on it!
Om Namah Shivaya! Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!

ShivaFan
28 July 2012, 02:18 AM
Namaste JayaRadhe

This is a reproduction, but that it is from the BBT it is authorized. And the beauty of it, I am sure you must greatly admire.

Though it is not from thoses very significant times does not diminish What looks out to you from it.

If by chance you ever come upon an Edition of this printed in India, which looks old, a bit yellow in tone, the greens will be a pale touch against the black, hold onto that. One day you may also met some one from another decade, that very poster would have likely hung on the wall of one of the many little makeshift temples which held a lot of love, and could have been in a home in Boston, a small apartment in the Bronx, a Victorian house in the Haight Ashbury District of San Francisco, and many other little Temples of just ordinary people who would come together, 10 or 20 here and there. That poster would be there.

God lives in that very work of art, and if you love Krishna have no doubt about it, Gopala is very much looking at you. That smile is a smile that holds a lot of things.

You have a very graceful temple. Thanks again for sharing!

Om Namah Sivaya

ShivaFan
28 July 2012, 04:12 AM
Namaste

A very nice member sent me a private message of inquiry about my “avatar” image I use with my membership, wanting to know Who is this attractive form which also seems to be surrounded by others not shown.
That is correct, there are Others, and since this is a discussion about sharing what one has on the Family Temple, I thought I would share this Image in this context, and to also answer the polite question of a fellow member.
Now the center of my personal Temple is Lord Hanuman who is my Ishta Lord.

But inclusive around this are other Devatas and Devis, and there is a work of art which is feathered to wood and which has been mine for a very, very long time. It is beloved Valli. This particular depiction is actually not common, but not extremely rare either. You may search the internet, but you may not find it. So I considered this, thinking, should I share?

Now I wasn’t really wanting to do so, but I prayed whether it would be alright to scan this from the computer and then share.

Now I may have been wrong to do so, but an honest feeling made me believe that it was welcomed. So below is the entire image and not just the beloved, and frankly magic, face of Valli.

On one side stands Hari (Vishnu) to your eyes left and to Valli’s right. On the other side stands Hara (Shiva) to your eyes right and to Valli’s left. Both Love Devi Valli Who married Lord Muruga and is the very essence of Love. She is Green. She is a desired Devi of devotion for many of Bhakti yoga practice Who leads a way to the Divine Mystical and enlivening power of Lord Muruga. Muruga is a Son of Lord Shiva. While some may say otherwise, it is my understanding that She unites both Vaishnava and Saiva to be friends to each other and to love one another. Because of this, She is the Greatest of “Hindus”. She is Love itself.

You may touch the icon below to open the image. Jai Valli Devi!

Om Namah Sivaya

Equinox
28 July 2012, 05:25 AM
Vannakkam ShivaFan,


She unites both Vaishnava and Saiva to be friends to each other and to love one another. Because of this, She is the Greatest of “Hindus”. She is Love itself.

Besides 'uniting Saivas and Vaishnavas', She also represents the union between Gods and humans.

She was from a hunting tribe, adopted by the chief of that tribe. Murugan married Her out of love, and that act portrays that both love and intercaste marriage (in this case between God and human) can take place. Valli aspired to marry Murugan, thus represents 'Iccha Shakti'.

Murugan earlier married Deivayanai, the daughter of Lord Indra, and this represents both an arranged and intracaste marriage (between Gods or Their families).

Ayyapan typically unites Saivites and Vaishnavites, being the son of both Shiva and Vishnu (through His avatar Mohini).

But Valli and Deivayanai were Themselves daughters of Lord Vishnu, in their earlier incarnations, as Amritavalli and Sundaravalli. Thus on becoming consorts of Lord Murugan (Himself the son of Lord Shiva) as Valli and Deivayanai, they again unite Saivites and Vaishnavites.

Complicated isn't it? But that's what makes it special and beautiful.

That's a unique photo you've got there. :)


Aum Namah Shivaya

ShivaFan
28 July 2012, 11:03 AM
Namaste Equinox

Wonderful information!

JayaRadhe
28 July 2012, 02:48 PM
Namaste!

Namaste JayaRadhe

This is a reproduction, but that it is from the BBT it is authorized. And the beauty of it, I am sure you must greatly admire.

Though it is not from thoses very significant times does not diminish What looks out to you from it.

If by chance you ever come upon an Edition of this printed in India, which looks old, a bit yellow in tone, the greens will be a pale touch against the black, hold onto that. One day you may also met some one from another decade, that very poster would have likely hung on the wall of one of the many little makeshift temples which held a lot of love, and could have been in a home in Boston, a small apartment in the Bronx, a Victorian house in the Haight Ashbury District of San Francisco, and many other little Temples of just ordinary people who would come together, 10 or 20 here and there. That poster would be there.

I do like the picture very much, especially since it was a gift from a devotee! Too bad it's not an original. Ah well, maybe some day I'll be blessed with one by Gopala, as you have been! :)


God lives in that very work of art, and if you love Krishna have no doubt about it, Gopala is very much looking at you. That smile is a smile that holds a lot of things.

Oh, he's definitiely looking out for you too! Probably you more so than me, since I don't think I've ever seen you say an unkind word once, even on more controversial threads! You're an absolute saint. :)


You have a very graceful temple. Thanks again for sharing!

Om Namah Sivaya
Thank you ShivaFan!

Om Namah Shivaya, Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya!

JayaRadhe
28 July 2012, 02:52 PM
Namaste

A very nice member sent me a private message of inquiry about my “avatar” image I use with my membership, wanting to know Who is this attractive form which also seems to be surrounded by others not shown.
That is correct, there are Others, and since this is a discussion about sharing what one has on the Family Temple, I thought I would share this Image in this context, and to also answer the polite question of a fellow member.
Now the center of my personal Temple is Lord Hanuman who is my Ishta Lord.

But inclusive around this are other Devatas and Devis, and there is a work of art which is feathered to wood and which has been mine for a very, very long time. It is beloved Valli. This particular depiction is actually not common, but not extremely rare either. You may search the internet, but you may not find it. So I considered this, thinking, should I share?

Now I wasn’t really wanting to do so, but I prayed whether it would be alright to scan this from the computer and then share.

Now I may have been wrong to do so, but an honest feeling made me believe that it was welcomed. So below is the entire image and not just the beloved, and frankly magic, face of Valli.

On one side stands Hari (Vishnu) to your eyes left and to Valli’s right. On the other side stands Hara (Shiva) to your eyes right and to Valli’s left. Both Love Devi Valli Who married Lord Muruga and is the very essence of Love. She is Green. She is a desired Devi of devotion for many of Bhakti yoga practice Who leads a way to the Divine Mystical and enlivening power of Lord Muruga. Muruga is a Son of Lord Shiva. While some may say otherwise, it is my understanding that She unites both Vaishnava and Saiva to be friends to each other and to love one another. Because of this, She is the Greatest of “Hindus”. She is Love itself.

You may touch the icon below to open the image. Jai Valli Devi!

Om Namah Sivaya
How beautiful. And, here I had just assumed she was Meenakshi Devi because she was green! :o

Equinox
28 July 2012, 04:52 PM
Vannakkam JayaRadhe,



here I had just assumed she was Meenakshi Devi because she was green!

Exactly my case! :D


Aum Namah Shivaya

Viraja
28 July 2012, 06:26 PM
I have attached the picture of our simple shrine placed in a cupboard. The pictures are of Shri Rama parivar at the top center, Ganesha, Srimad Ramanuja and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha at the top shelf, Skanda Muruga and my late inlaws at the bottom.

Jodhaa
21 August 2012, 04:07 PM
Here's my little shrine. It sits in the corner of my studio room. The murti is SriLakshmi. I have been looking everywhere for a small Hanuman murti, but have been unable to find one that feels right. I may end up making him as well, eventually. The Shrine box is a little over 12 inches high, 10inches wide and 5 inches deep.

Peace!

Jodhaa
27 August 2012, 07:49 PM
Namaste!

I know this is for pictures only but the question I have seems most appropriate to this thread.

I've noticed that many home shrines are situated in front of mirrors. Is there a reason for this? Or am I just being me and noticing strange details that are just coincidental?

Thanks!

Peace!

ShivaFan
27 August 2012, 11:45 PM
I have attached the picture of our simple shrine placed in a cupboard. The pictures are of Shri Rama parivar at the top center, Ganesha, Srimad Ramanuja and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha at the top shelf, Skanda Muruga and my late inlaws at the bottom.

The Skanda Muruga with Consort is stunning? Do you know which Temple the Vel Murthi comes from?

ShivaFan
28 August 2012, 12:09 AM
Namaste!

I know this is for pictures only but the question I have seems most appropriate to this thread.

I've noticed that many home shrines are situated in front of mirrors. Is there a reason for this? Or am I just being me and noticing strange details that are just coincidental?

Thanks!

Peace!

Namaste Jodhaa

I am not sure about a mirror in front of the shrine, but I do remember accompanying a Hindu pujari to a home of an Indian family who paid the Pujari to perform the puja. He asked me to come with him as a driver to drivec him to this house of the Indian family in a nice area of San Francisco.

That was a long time ago, but I recall a mirror being held up to Devi.

I think in some cases a mirror is offered to Devi. So thinking of this, I checked the Internet and found this:

.......

Puranas and Hindu Holy Scriptures are filled with instructions regarding various aspects of Durga Puja. On the third day of the puja – the third day from Mahalaya – a mirror, vermilion and thin cotton dipped in dye are offered. Usually only a silver coated looking glass is offered as a mirror. But in some instances Darpan – a speculum mirror is also offered.
The darpan mirror is used while bathing the murti of Goddess Durga – whenever there is a ritual bathing of Goddess Durga, it is the reflection on the darpan mirror that is bathed not the original murti.
The darpan is also immersed in a pot of water on the morning of Dasami day when the murtis bid farewell.
........

Perhaps some others may comment about offering Murthi a mirror. One of my favorite and mystic almost in power is seeing Murthi form being escorted or carried on a vehicle, cart or animal form mount, in the sky, and then a cup is raised by a lift to offer a "drink" to the Devi.

Your Lakshmi has a Jagannath quality, you should make a Jagannath Murthi set in my opinion. Your shrine box is very nice, did you make it?

Om Namah Sivaya

Jodhaa
01 October 2012, 08:07 AM
Namaste Jodhaa

I am not sure about a mirror in front of the shrine, but I do remember accompanying a Hindu pujari to a home of an Indian family who paid the Pujari to perform the puja. He asked me to come with him as a driver to drivec him to this house of the Indian family in a nice area of San Francisco.

That was a long time ago, but I recall a mirror being held up to Devi.

I think in some cases a mirror is offered to Devi. So thinking of this, I checked the Internet and found this:

.......

Puranas and Hindu Holy Scriptures are filled with instructions regarding various aspects of Durga Puja. On the third day of the puja – the third day from Mahalaya – a mirror, vermilion and thin cotton dipped in dye are offered. Usually only a silver coated looking glass is offered as a mirror. But in some instances Darpan – a speculum mirror is also offered.
The darpan mirror is used while bathing the murti of Goddess Durga – whenever there is a ritual bathing of Goddess Durga, it is the reflection on the darpan mirror that is bathed not the original murti.
The darpan is also immersed in a pot of water on the morning of Dasami day when the murtis bid farewell.
........

Perhaps some others may comment about offering Murthi a mirror. One of my favorite and mystic almost in power is seeing Murthi form being escorted or carried on a vehicle, cart or animal form mount, in the sky, and then a cup is raised by a lift to offer a "drink" to the Devi.

Your Lakshmi has a Jagannath quality, you should make a Jagannath Murthi set in my opinion. Your shrine box is very nice, did you make it?

Om Namah Sivaya

Thank you for offering that explanation, Shivafan. I was beginning to think I was just noticing a silly coincidence. (It may still be a coincidence for the purposes of people's home shrines but I thought there had to be some connection.)

Thank you for the compliments on my Lakshmi. I was originally going to replace her with a brass murti because she was initially made as a doll. But I have found no other murti of Sri Lakshmi that speaks to me so I think she will stay for now. :) I see what you mean by the Jagannath comparison. I know very little about the Jagganath deities, though I have seen them in documentaries before. They are so unlike any other artistic style in India.

I would like to start making murtis for others, not just dolls. But I am not skilled in metallurgy. None of my creations are appropriate for proper puja;) Perhaps one day!

The shrine box was inspired by those amazing, silver mandirs that people can purchase for their home altars. Of course they run into the thousands of dollars but they are very beautiful. I wanted to make a simple mandir for my murti. The parts for the box were created by another artist. I assembled them and applied the dark wood stain and colorful interior.

I shall have to look back at this thread again - have you posted a picture of your shrine, Shivafan?

Peace!

JayaRadhe
30 November 2012, 12:42 AM
Namaste Jodhaa

I am not sure about a mirror in front of the shrine, but I do remember accompanying a Hindu pujari to a home of an Indian family who paid the Pujari to perform the puja. He asked me to come with him as a driver to drivec him to this house of the Indian family in a nice area of San Francisco.

That was a long time ago, but I recall a mirror being held up to Devi.

I think in some cases a mirror is offered to Devi. So thinking of this, I checked the Internet and found this:

.......

Puranas and Hindu Holy Scriptures are filled with instructions regarding various aspects of Durga Puja. On the third day of the puja – the third day from Mahalaya – a mirror, vermilion and thin cotton dipped in dye are offered. Usually only a silver coated looking glass is offered as a mirror. But in some instances Darpan – a speculum mirror is also offered.
The darpan mirror is used while bathing the murti of Goddess Durga – whenever there is a ritual bathing of Goddess Durga, it is the reflection on the darpan mirror that is bathed not the original murti.
The darpan is also immersed in a pot of water on the morning of Dasami day when the murtis bid farewell.
........

Perhaps some others may comment about offering Murthi a mirror. One of my favorite and mystic almost in power is seeing Murthi form being escorted or carried on a vehicle, cart or animal form mount, in the sky, and then a cup is raised by a lift to offer a "drink" to the Devi.

Namaste! Sorry I haven't been on in so long (lots of remodeling work, a.k.a. the worst kind) but this caught my attention. I offer a mirror to images of Devi (Radha, Lakshmi, Durgaa, Kaali, etc...) after I apply kumkum to their images. That's what I learned, and it just kind of seemed appropriate to me to do that. I mean, what kind of Lady wants to leave the house without checking her makeup first? :D

ShivaFan
30 November 2012, 01:01 AM
Namaste JayaRadhe

Chathram Chamarayoryugam vyajanagam, chaa darshakam nirmalam,
Veena bheri mrudanga kahala kala geetha nruthyam thada,
Sasthangam pranthi sthuthir bahu vidha, hyethat samastham maya,
Sankalpena samapitham thava vibho , poojam gruhana prabho.

I offer you a seat decorated with canopy, two decorates hand fans and a shining mirror and I present to you songs and dance accompanied with music from veena, mridanga and big kettle drums. I offer you various prayers and hymns in total devotion. O Shiva, please accept these offerings, which is a product of my devotion in my imagination.

Shiva Manasa Pooja
The mental worship of Shiva By Sankaracharya

Om Namah Sivaya

JayaRadhe
30 November 2012, 01:40 AM
Namaste JayaRadhe

Chathram Chamarayoryugam vyajanagam, chaa darshakam nirmalam,
Veena bheri mrudanga kahala kala geetha nruthyam thada,
Sasthangam pranthi sthuthir bahu vidha, hyethat samastham maya,
Sankalpena samapitham thava vibho , poojam gruhana prabho.

I offer you a seat decorated with canopy, two decorates hand fans and a shining mirror and I present to you songs and dance accompanied with music from veena, mridanga and big kettle drums. I offer you various prayers and hymns in total devotion. O Shiva, please accept these offerings, which is a product of my devotion in my imagination.

Shiva Manasa Pooja
The mental worship of Shiva By Sankaracharya

Om Namah Sivaya
Namaste!

Well, who would've thought! I guess I'll have to start offering him a mirror too! :)

Jodhaa
30 November 2012, 07:01 AM
Namaste Shivafan and JayaRadhe!

Thank your for your replies! Those are things I would never have known trying to look on my own.

Peace!

Giza
01 December 2012, 07:58 PM
Some very cool photos here! Thought I'd add mine too.

Sorry for the bad image quality... my camera isn't in the mood to cooperate with me.

Giza
01 December 2012, 08:02 PM
More:

Giza
01 December 2012, 08:04 PM
Last two; both really old, but better quality:

Little-Bear
01 December 2012, 08:56 PM
My shrine has less conventional murtis. Sorry for the poor quality. The shrine is dedicated to the Mahadevi and her Kali aspect, Shiva and Shani. The green head represents Shiva(it made me think of the forest dweller aspect of his being), the image beside it is a crow representing Shani. The female image is the Mahadevi. On the bottom right corner is a not-very-visible arrangement of skull icons representing Kali's garland(I will be getting a murti of Her as well as Saraswati for my birthday).

Little-Bear
03 December 2012, 04:33 PM
Update on my shrine. I recently got a Ganesha statue as a gift. I apologize for the low quality.

Sanja
04 December 2012, 05:22 PM
Images of my shrine....

Jeff08
28 December 2012, 10:28 AM
After this evening puja. I have taken a photo of my shrine :)
On the left is goddess Saraswathi. The centre is lord Ganesh and the right one is lord Brahma.

Gaurapriya
08 January 2013, 04:52 PM
Because my significant other is an atheist, my altar is pretty meagre, small, and it sits in the kitchen. Maybe one day I can have a more elaborate one in time, but for now, my Gaur-Nitai Deities are perfect in the kitchen for food offerings!


http://i50.tinypic.com/mv470n.jpg

Vitani
11 April 2013, 06:18 PM
Update on my shrine. I recently got a Ganesha statue as a gift. I apologize for the low quality.

Namaste,

Very nice. Is that a Green Man to the left?

Anira
06 May 2013, 03:30 AM
Namaste Friends

These are pics of my humble shrine at home...my "safe haven" :)

Vitani
06 May 2013, 04:22 PM
Namaste Friends

These are pics of my humble shrine at home...my "safe haven" :)

Namaste!

I like this. I have a murti of Sri Ganapati on a shelf. I would like to do more with it. I like simple shrines. It's very comforting.

Pranams

Lakshmidevi
07 May 2013, 06:54 PM
This is one of my all time favorite threads on here. Everyone's photos have been amazing.

I think I may have posted a few pics a while back of my shrine but I'm going to post some updated ones. After a theft I spent a while with no shrine at all and now finally have it back.


My presiding deity is a Sriman Narayana whom I found in a shop at Assi Ghat in Varanasi. He's made of clay :)

Aum Hari Aum!

964
965

sunyata07
09 May 2013, 12:20 PM
Namaste all,

Absolutely lovely photos of your shrines. Thanks for sharing.

Lakshmidevi, lovely murti of Lord Vishnu! Is that Venkateshwara on the far right of the picture? :)

Lakshmidevi
09 May 2013, 09:45 PM
Namaste all,

Absolutely lovely photos of your shrines. Thanks for sharing.

Lakshmidevi, lovely murti of Lord Vishnu! Is that Venkateshwara on the far right of the picture? :)

Vanakkam Sunyata!

Thank you very much :) Yes that is Lord Balaji on the far right. :D

From left to right there Ganga Maa in her water form, Shivaji and Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi Devi, Balaji, and the pictures are of Sri Krishna. The small photo stole my heart when I saw him in this form. The eyes are captivating.

Thank you again for your kind words :)

Aum Hari Aum!

Girisha
12 August 2013, 01:42 AM
The last couple of times I've been in Delhi I've gone to the fixed price emporium shops off Connaught Place, bringing back an extra bag of high quality idols- consequently my present shrine is far larger than three or four other ones I've maintained over recent years.

I also bought some quality prints of deity paintings which are on the wall- it's best to have nothing above the gods but I guess they're only other gods. I got these on the street actually near Ajmer Gate for only R30 each...

I'm living in China so I also have a trio of Taoist-Shenist folk gods called Fu, Lu and Shou, and one of Avalokiteswara a female form of the Buddha; I've revised a few things since these photos but nothing important.

Also included are a couple of young friends who called round a while ago.

Any thoughts welcome...

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m71/SeanMcHugh02/China%20Zhuhai/016.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m71/SeanMcHugh02/China%20Zhuhai/001-2.jpg


http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m71/SeanMcHugh02/China%20Zhuhai/012-2.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m71/SeanMcHugh02/China%20Zhuhai/004-1.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m71/SeanMcHugh02/China%20Zhuhai/008-1.jpg

Sudas Paijavana
12 August 2013, 09:39 AM
delete

Anima Deorum
12 August 2013, 04:16 PM
Older pic:

http://i.imgur.com/gupp4tEl.jpg

Fresh wildflowers from the countryside and the summer's first cherry from our tree:

http://i.imgur.com/EZUzusOl.jpg

Girisha
16 August 2013, 09:57 AM
Hi Anima, I'm wondering what the design on the cloth is- looks like dragons?

I'm guessing your idols are Durga and Radha-Krisha...

Anima Deorum
18 August 2013, 01:25 PM
Namaste Girisha,

And thank you for sharing your shrine pictures with us. :)

Yes, my Deities are Goddess Durga and Radha Krishna. Ganesha is in the middle. Aren't they wonderful? The cloth is silk with dragons on it. There is a long story behind every image. I have recently fled my abusive family and living situation and will be establishing a new shrine soon.

Shri Ganesha is the first God I ever prayed to. That was less than a year ago. A Buddhist friend suggested I pray, so I prayed to him. One drop of His sweet knowledge has shown me more than I had fathomed in my first thirty years of “life.”

The cloth belonged to my late stepfather, who was Buddhist, and good friends with the man I mentioned above. My stepdad was one of the gentlest souls I have ever met. I never understood why he came to live with my chaotic and abusive family. Now I know that it was no accident and that the Gods pulled me and him together.

Durga is awesome. I thank Her for the dark mysteries I have experienced. More generally, that is Shakti, as I understand. Now I know there was light in them all along, like all things. She is strong in me, as is Shiva. They are not balanced and they are not united yet. Some see bhakti, some see jnana: some say one cannot be both. The truth is a story can be told in many tongues.

Goddess Radha has perfect love for the Lord. That is all I need.

Shri Krishna is my Ishta devata. Now I am getting tears in my eyes and will be going.

Pranam.

Girisha
18 August 2013, 09:58 PM
Namaste Anima, nice to read your thoughts there.

Yes, an attractive shrine is good, showing the heart's there and welcoming the deities; I'm British but presently in China where the dragon is a national animal, along with the panda...

Regarding families, it's easy for many people to have one but in fact very few have all that much sensitivity or humanity; my experiences would have similarities to yours.

Praying is an interesting aesthetic experience, invoking the gods for worship, thanks or supplication- they don't intervene directly but through the divinity enlivened in you all things can be achieved. Hinduism is both deistic and theistic.

Shakti is the female principle so I see her as Durga, Parvati or Mahadevi in more abstract form.

Bhakti as faith is the total knowledge of jnana, both being developed states of mind where you're secure in your outlook and free of error; jnana is at one with bhakti because knowledge isn't really conceptual but intuitive.

My Ishta devata and presiding deity is Saraswati as I'm interested in the transformation of learning into knowledge, and in music. Let's talk again another time.

The world's full of serious problems and whatever your story, the god in me acknowledges that in you.

sunyata07
11 September 2013, 11:55 AM
Namaste,

I am always amazed to hear how converts or non-born Hindus come to discover Sanatana Dharma through Ganesha first Truly is the Foremost of Devas.

Despite how varied all these shrines are, there is almost always room for Ganapati. A uniting element between all these beautiful altars to God. :)

Om namah Shivaya

chakreshvari
29 January 2017, 09:58 PM
Here's my shrine at my home:
http://i.imgur.com/A802gk0.jpg?1

Consists of a Kshetra-Shaligram, and Sri Ganesh + Sri Durga.

orlando
06 September 2019, 04:17 AM
Although it is not an altar but merely the wall of my room,I post it here:
https://ibb.co/ZBKYD59

orlando
03 September 2020, 03:29 PM
This is my altar:
https://i.ibb.co/VVhpNtp/DSCN0634.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/FXkZd9w/DSCN0635.jpg

orlando
01 August 2021, 07:52 PM
Last week I bought a statue of Ganesha.

Now this is my altar:
https://i.ibb.co/XzCVCFX/DSCN0662.jpg