Social Structures - Sacred space.

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Social Structures

Sacred space

A Hindus most sacred space is inside a temple. Hindus believe that the Gods designate certain areas where they show their willingness to make themselves visible to humans and to be accessible to them. Temples are places where that visibility and accessibility is prolonged, with the Gods showing themselves in the form of sacred symbols and images in a small sanctuary. This small sanctuary is known as garbhagriha (womb chamber).

The Hindu temples are built on sacred sites. An ancient text describes the places where Gods are more likely to show themselves: ‘The Gods always play where groves are, near rivers, mountains and springs and in towns with pleasure gardens.’ These are where the temples can be built, some sites being associated with the deeds or manifestation of a God.

Hindus believe that most Hindus have a shrine to a god particular to that house. It may have a small statue of Krishna or a picture of Shiva or Durga. If the householder has a guru, a photo of the guru will appear, to remind the worshipper of the guru's teachings. This shrine will be the focus of household puja, (worship). Offerings of food or drink may be laid before the statues, and prayers may be said.

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Hindus also believe that rivers are sacred due to their idea of the river is meant to have purifying and healing powers. An ideal resting place after death and cremation is in water. A good example of a sacred river is the Ganges.

Sacred time

If a God has shown themselves or done a particular deed at a place then not only is the space important but so is the time. Hindus celebrate these times by having festivals, which are sometimes particular to one area or one temple.

Hindu festivals are based on the ...

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