The shrine room
The most important part of the Mandir is the shrine room. It contains the murti (images of God’s and Goddesses), pictures of different Hindu gods and goddesses. As the Mandir is the house of God, Hindus one God Brahman, best spirit, is presented in the murti. Brahman is an important concept in Hinduism. He is the supreme spirit of the universe. He is present in all of creations and in every living creature as the individual soul, ATMAN. It may also contain pictures of other Gods, which are associated with the main God or favoured by the local community. There is often more than one shrine room in Mandirs. This brings together those worshipping certain Gods.
The murtis are usually made from marble or wood or even bronze, this is done by the rules written in Hindu scriptures. The murtis are clothed in brightly coloured fine robes, with flower galand (harr) around them.
On a shrine there should be a dhavja or flag. It shows that this is the kingdom of God and to Hindus that God is present. On the flag there are patterns, a different one for each of the Gods. They are saffron coloured. It signifies the kingdom of God, and symbolises purity, devotion and godliness because it is the colour of the sun and fire. The sun is the source of all existence and as such represents Brahman. It is a visual reminder to the Hindu community of god’s eternal company.
Around the shrine are walkways. They are also known as passages of procession. They are to enable the worshippers to show respect by walking around the Gods/Goddesses, in order to gain their blessings. This circling motion also reminds Hindus that God is central to their life.
In the centre of the shrine are statues of the Hindu Gods/Goddesses. They are called murti. They are dressed in rich red and gold robes. Some of these made from fresh flower petals. The robes are sacred as they signify the power. Often multiple heads and arms are used. This is to describe super-human qualities such as supreme power; supreme might and super creative ability. Hindus treat all the murtis with respect. Hindus believe that there is one God, Brahman. He is believed to be universal. The other deities are different aspects of Brahman. They help worshippers imagine God, which helps them focus on worshipping. There are three main aspects of God, which are the most important Gods. They are representing in a triangle. It is called the Trimurti.
Some of the murtis in the shrine
Ganesh Hanuman Durga
The holy book (Vedas)
The holy book that is in the Mandir is kept in a bookstand in the shrine room near the God’s. There are 4 Vedas, each of them contains the word of God and need to be respected, but there are 2types, the shruti and the smirti literature. The Vedas are written in an n ancient language called sanskirt.
The SHRUTI is heard directly from God.
The SMURTI is made of remembered stories of the Gods and Goddesses.
SHRUTI is the most important holy book. It includes four Vedas and the Upanishads, which are the most sacred texts in Hinduism. As they are Hindu scriptures they are written in Sanskrit. The priest reads a passage from the Vedas every day in the Mandir. It is believed to contain the ‘word of God,’ therefore it is holy and sacred, containing unchanging and eternal truths. The Vedas are treated with great respect and are read by priest in Sanskrit in the form of mantrao, which are prayers and hymns. SMURTI books, such as Ramayana are also read whilst worshipping. These tell stories of the Gods and Goddesses. The stories contain key believes that Hindus must carry out. There are certain books that are read out on certain occasions like Diwali.
The offerings (prashad)
Every Mandir gives offerings, as it is part of Bhakti – love and devotion to God. These offerings are fruit (coconut), flowers and milk. It is important as it is a part of Bhakti (love and devotion to God), which is one of the paths to moksha. Moksha is the escape from Samsara. The giving of flowers symbolises the getting rid of physical desires, so that Hindus focus totally on spiritual aspirations. The coconut symbolises physical body. Its white milk symbolises pure spiritual body (atman), and the importance of breaking free from physical desires to focus on the spiritual – not easy. Prashad is eaten at the end of worship. This is ‘blessed food’ which Hindus believe will give them health and strength as well as physical and mental well-being.
The offerings must be vegetarian as Hindus believe in reincarnation and also that’s all life is sacred.
The lamps (divas)
Divas (dipa) are found in front of most shrines. It is a small light representing knowledge and the presence of God. They symbolise goodness over evil and the purity, and knowledge over ignorance. It is also a reminder that God tell the minds of those who turn to him. In arti divas are used to light up the tray whilst it is near a God to be blessed. To gain blessings Hindus pass their hand over the Divas to gain blessings.
The incense sticks
Near the shrine there is Incense. The smell of Incense is believed to please the deities and purify the air. The Incense creates an atmosphere of holiness and grace and turns the worshippers thoughts on God.
They also are to please the deities and to purify the air.
The bell
The bell is found in front of the shrine. It is rung to attend the singing of hymns, the mantras or prayers. It reminds Hindus to start all five senses in worship, include hearing. The bell is also rung when the worshippers enter the Mandir in order to let the Gods/Goddesses know that they are there and to remind the worshipper to wholly on God.
The bell is made of steel. It is rung before the puja ceremony.