Namaste
I take dharshan at different temples here in the US. But now we are seeing centers coming up which describe themselves as an Ashram
To me, when I think of an Ashram, I envision a place or even a community as in the olden days, tucked away in the forest, or by a sacred river, or on a mountain, or even isolated caves or a sacred island. There are monks, brahmachari students, perhaps ascetics, and likely a great Master, Guru, Savant, Swami or other who gives instruction. A lot more meditation takes place then pujas to a Murthi, though there a Yaynas ceremonies, and perhaps a Lingam.
This is different from a Temple, where the main focus is the residency of a Murthi, Deva or Devi. And the Temple may provide services, such as benediction of the Divine, or helping in arrangements for life passage such as wedding.
But today we see Ashrams explictly called so, but they are cultural centers, or yoga centers. And there is a shrine where pujas are conducted in some cases.
In todays modern world it is confusing. What is the difference between a Temple and an Ashram? Can the place be both in the modern trend of things? Is this a deviation from foundational Hinduism?
There is now a new Temple not far from me. Both Vaishnav and Saiva are represented, with pujas for either denomination. And there is an Ashram not far, but it is really a yoga center and cultural in focus. And there are several Ashrams not far that are really Domes for a particular Guru following, with almost all attention on Guru and not a residence for the Murthi of Deva or Devi. And most of these Ashrams are in the heart of a city, and not in a forest, mountain, or near nature.
This might be an interesting discussion. I prefer Temples. But really, what is the difference between a Temple and an Ashram in our modern world?
Are we sort of mixing things up these days?
Om Namah Sivaya
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