In Hinduism music is very important because sacred songs which are called “Mantras” are sung along the streets of India to tell religious stories to children or people who can’t read or write. Hindus also sing songs to images of Bhagvan which are called “Murtis”. They say a prayer (Aarti) which involves praising Bhagvan and thanking him for giving them life. In India there are travelling groups of musicians and dancers who take their performance into the villages and towns. They use instruments such as drums and small finger cymbals.
Art is also important in Hinduism because sculptures and carvings represent the different gods. They are mainly decorated around the Mandir and are beautifully carved out of wood, marble or gold. Art has always played a very important part in the Hindu culture and religion. Sculptures and carvings representing the different Hindu Gods cover the outside of many temples while religious paintings and icons are to be found in Many Hindu homes. The Murtis are usually beautifully carved and made out of variety materials.
In the Neasden Mandir (Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir) as soon as you enter the main Mandir you feel calm, relaxed and peaceful. This is because the music gives you a lot of serenity and then makes you want to meditate and pray. Deities and motifs spring from the walls, ceilings and windows, representing the sacred faith and beliefs of people that date back over 8,500 years.
Gods are also dressed in beautiful bright coloured clothing.
The followers of Hinduism feel humble when they reach the place they worship which the Mandir. The Mandir has a great structure and shape because this shows great respect to Bhagvan. In Hinduism Bhagvan is the greatest so they must receive the best. The Mandirs are mainly made out of marble as this is rich, respectful, the best quality material and looks beautiful. At the Mandir there are sculptures and carvings of Bhagvan as this gives Hindus inspiration. They do not use metal in Hindu Mandirs as they believe it takes away receptivity. Murtis and shrines of the various gods and goddesses, lead to the heart of the Mandir.
The main murti is usually at the back of the Mandir, in a small chamber lit with oil lamps (Diva) an area known as the “Garbha-Griha”. Worshippers show their deep respect for the Bhagvan by walking around the Murtis. There is often a tower or a dome built above the Garbha-Griha. The Mandir are surrounded by a wall or by walls which separate the holy space of the Mandir from the outside world. Men and women are to sit separately to avoid distractions from one another.
A Mandir is a house of worship for the followers of Hinduism. The structure is specifically reserved for religious and spiritual activities.
A Hindu temple can be a separate structure or part of a building. A feature of most Mandirs is the presence of Murtis of the main Hindu deity to whom the Mandir is dedicated. They are usually dedicated to one primary deity, called the presiding deity, and other subordinate deities associated with the main deity. However, some Mandirs are dedicated to several deities, and some have symbols instead of Murtis.
Puja when done properly guides oneself towards God, and while doing 'Prarthana' (praying), the Almighty draws closer to the devotee. Therefore it is a two way process that brings the worshipper and the Worshipped closer.