Hindu Temple

This was one of the most interesting places I have been! There were so many things that were different from what I am used to that it was almost over whelming. The first thing I noticed was the sign that said shoes and coats. I was confused when I saw that because I am not used to taking my shoes off when I go to my place of worship, or any others that I have been in. I also thought it was interesting that they have separate places for worship and for being there, like when they talk to groups that come.

I thought the food was very interesting. The spicy rice was very spicy!!! It tasted good, but I couldn't handle the spice! And the yogurt stuff was interesting also, the texture was a little weird and tasted different then anything I have ever tasted, but it was alright. I thought it was really cool that they had food that they offered there. It makes you feel more at home.

The whole place was so welcoming! I felt like they were so open to anyone that wanted to come in and worship. I thought it was interesting that they let anyone join in the blessing. This is different than any of the other religions we have seen. Catholisim, especially at Christ the King welcomes any religion, but does not allow others to take communion. At New Mellery Abbey they allow people to sit and watch, but are not allowed to join in with the chants. At the Mosque, they have prayer times that others are not allowed to be there. But at the Temple, I felt very comfortable! Our tour guide was awesome! He was very knowledgeable and made me feel like it was ok that I was there. At some of the other places I felt a little out of place.

I also thought that they place and the statues were extremely gorgeous!!! I loved all the colors and thought it was intersting that they give each God a bath, using milk, honey, and fruit juices, at least once a week, and the more important ones got more. Another thing I found interesting was that they also worship one God, but it has many different forms. Like Vishnu, the main God in this temple, they had all of the avatars in the back behind the big statue. That was interesting because I didnt know that it was one god but different forms. Each one of the Hindu Trinity just takes different forms and they worship all of these forms. From the reading, I felt like there was many many gods that they worship, but it is only one, with many forms.

Overall, I liked this one the best so far. It was so welcoming to others and had very beautiful statues and figures throughout. I liked that anyone can participate in worshiping. Also, I thought it was really interesting that anyone can become Hindu and they dont have to go through much, they just have to make a statement to the community that they are now Hindu, and then they are. That makes the religion very open and exciting to learn about!!