Temple Visits

Aupmanyav · May 26, 2015

Wannabe Yogi.. said:
View attachment 9298 One of my favorite Temples in India is Dakshineswar. When ever I go to India I always stay for a while at Belur Math. I love going by boat to Dakshineswar Kali Temple. This temple also has 12 wonderful shiva lingams. A great Radha Krishna Temple adds to the beauty.

My son and his family were in Kolkata last week. It was very hot and humid. Visited Belur Math. Question: Why is it known as Belur Math? I will be going to Belur and Helebidu next month, at last. One of my life's utmost desires, may it fructify. Ans: Belur is a neighbourhood in Bally Municipality, West Bengal, India. It is located in Howrah district, on the west bank of the Hooghly River. It is a part of the area covered by Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority. Let us remember the lady who founded the Dakshineshwar Temple in Kolkata and appointed Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa as its priest, Rani Rashmoni Das.

She was sure a gifted lady. Consider that she picked Ramakrishna out of the thousands of brahmins in Kolkata to be the priest at Dakshineshwar. She was one of the richest ladies of her time in Kolkata. Her house on left in Jan Bazar, Kolkata.

Wannabe Yogi.. said:
I have also been to a Kali Shrine in darjeeling. On one side Buddhist Monks do puja, on the other Brahmin Priests. Both Hindus and Buddhists seem to hit both sides before leaving.

Wannabe Yogi.. · May 26, 2015

[QUOTE="Aupmanyav, post: 4303007, member: 11823". Visited Belur Math. Question: Why is it known as Belur Math?
.[/QUOTE]
I think it is called that because it is a Math (monastery) in the area of Belur.

The boat ride from Belur Math to Dakshineshwar is real nice.

SpentaMaynu · Jun 1, 2015

Namaste and blessings to all. It's been a while since I last visited a temple due to circumstances. At last in the previous week I could visit a temple again and it was such a delight that I could feel the energy. It was the Shree Emperuman and Mariammen Alayam (aka the Richards Bay Temple Society in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa). First off, here in South Africa most temples only open at the times when there is puja or bhajans, which make it very difficult for me to visit. This one, however, stays open throughout the day and the whole week. Outside there is statues of Nandi and Hanuman (and some others I did not recognise). I prostrated in front of those I knew before I entered the main hall. The three main deities here is Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan. It was wonderful to prostrate in front of them, do some chanting and then the priest helped me to make an offering to Lord Ganesh. While I was there a family came in and made offerings to Lord Shiva. Afterwards I sat outside the temple with the priest for a while asking questions. One thing he said to me was that in India the priests study for twenty years - is this so or does it differ between Saivism, Vaisnavism and so forth?

Aupmanyav · Jun 2, 2015

Yes, a lot of study is required. Two kinds of Sanskrit are to be studied, the modern and the Vedic. There are Vedas (4), Puranas (18), procedures (Karma kanda), Ramayana, Mahabharata, BhagawadGita and other such books (Brahma-Sutras, Avadhoota Gita, Patanjali's Yogashastra, Vashishtha Yogasutra), and the Upanishads (14). Then the later books in vernacular language of the region (for example, Tulsi Ramayana in North India). The commentaries by various Acharyas (teachers) or various books. There is no end to studying. Although most will get married around the age of 25, how long a person could keep on studying.

Fireside_Hindu · Jun 1, 2016

Thought I'd revive this thread since I had a wonderful experience today in a new temple.

My husband and I are relocating to the San Francisco Bay area in a few weeks and are currently there for 4 days on an apartment search. I took some time today to visit the temple I'll most likely be attending most often, The Sanatan Mandir in San Bruno, CA. The temple is small and intimate - much like the temple I attend in PA. I went in the middle of the day and anticipated that it would be quiet. I wanted to make a flower mala for at least one murti since I didn't know quite how big they all were. So I bought enough for at least one. I walked into the temple where there was just the priest and one other devotee chatting quietly.

(I have made the commitment to speak Hindi in my new home right from the beginning in the hope that I will connect faster with the local Indian community. My plan was to strike up a short conversation with the priest.)

I was nervous, but I'm always nervous when I start at a new temple, especially right before I know I'm going to start a Hindi conversation. Lakshmi Maa wasn't going to give me a chance to chicken out though, because the only thing I said to the priest was "Namaste, Pandit ji" before he replied with, "Aapko Hindi aati hain?" (Do you speak Hindi?)

I was taken off guard by the question, but responded yes. What followed was a 15 minute conversation between me, the priest and the other devotee about where I was from, how I had learned to speak, where I attended before and then ended with them both enthusiastically inviting me to attend again during their busier days (Tuesdays and Sundays) They promised me if I came 2 days a week in no time at all my Hindi would be perfect. =)

This was a great experience for me. It's always hard getting to know people in a new community, but Mata ji made it easier for me this time. I was worried people would think I was just a New-Ager and that they wouldn't be too keen on getting to know me, but I've been proven wrong one again. I'm feeling very happy right now. I won't be able to visit again until we are permanently moved in mid-June, but I can't wait to go back.

=)

Vinayaka · Jun 1, 2016

Thanks for sharing, FS. Always inspiring to see what effort does. Your learning of a whole new language is so admirable.

Aupmanyav · Jun 1, 2016

Yes, FS, we always welcome and demand nothing. Glad to hear about your temple experience.

Fireside_Hindu · Jun 26, 2016

Today was my first day at my new temple in San Bruno, CA. I made sure to make malas for Ram Parivar and I brought sweets and a red chunni for Maa Durga. I didn't realize that there was a big Satyanarayan Puja going on today because usually they are on saturday nights and this was a Sunday morning. There were lots of people there but I made my offerings and quickly found a seat and listened to the Sahasranam. The priest related a few stories in Hindi - most of which I didn't understand honestly (I still have trouble with listening comprehension and also the priest uses VERY formal Hindi peppered with unfamiliar Sanskrit terms so it was hard to know where Hindi ended and Sanskrit began) Still it was good listening practice.

A nice couple sat down next to me after the puja ended, right before the kirtan began and introduced themselves to me. They were very happy to see me and were very welcoming. At first we conversed in English but then the husband said, "The language must make it hard for you here." To which I replied, "Haan, lekin mujhe thori hindi ati hain." (Yes, but I speak a little Hindi). They were totally shocked as we kept conversing in Hindi and explained that they were Gujarati and that my hindi was better than theirs. They explained that the temple was run and populated mostly by Fijian Hindus, which I have to look up now so see how their practices differ if at all.

Once the kirtan started a few of the ladies got up to dance in a circle. (garba style maybe?) My new friends told me I should get up and dance to. At first I politely declined since I was already pushing myself beyond my comfort zone that day, but eventually I threw caution to the wind and got up to dance. (by dance, I mean I flailed like a dying bird, but I had fun anyway =) )

Then there was Aarti and Mahaprasad.

Lunch time was when things really got crazy. I sat down with my tray across from some people and quietly said hello in English. I ate i silence for a while and then my first friends came over and sat with me. They began speaking with me in Hindi so I responded in Hindi. After that it turned into a madhouse. phones and cameras started popping out and people started filming me speaking Hindi. I did my best to focus on one person at a time to have a conversation with. I think I did a pretty good job considering this kind of thing is an introverts worst nightmare. I was anxious, but also really excited that everyone wanted to speak hindi with me because I so desperately need the speaking practice. I made a TON of mistakes, but that's to be expected. Everyone helped me along. I eventually relaxed enough to laugh along with everyone too. I made several connections and will be inviting some of my new friends over for dinner as soon as we are settled in our new apartment.

I left on cloud nine, mentally tired but very, very happy. I actually took a nap once I got back to the hotel because my brain was to tired. But that's good! I need to build my "Hindi muscles" before my next trip to India in September.

Terese · Jun 26, 2016

Fireside_Hindu said:
Today was my first day at my new temple in San Bruno, CA. I made sure to make malas for Ram Parivar and I brought sweets and a red chunni for Maa Durga. I didn't realize that there was a big Satyanarayan Puja going on today because usually they are on saturday nights and this was a Sunday morning. There were lots of people there but I made my offerings and quickly found a seat and listened to the Sahasranam. The priest related a few stories in Hindi - most of which I didn't understand honestly (I still have trouble with listening comprehension and also the priest uses VERY formal Hindi peppered with unfamiliar Sanskrit terms so it was hard to know where Hindi ended and Sanskrit began) Still it was good listening practice.

A nice couple sat down next to me after the puja ended, right before the kirtan began and introduced themselves to me. They were very happy to see me and were very welcoming. At first we conversed in English but then the husband said, "The language must make it hard for you here." To which I replied, "Haan, lekin mujhe thori hindi ati hain." (Yes, but I speak a little Hindi). They were totally shocked as we kept conversing in Hindi and explained that they were Gujarati and that my hindi was better than theirs. They explained that the temple was run and populated mostly by Fijian Hindus, which I have to look up now so see how their practices differ if at all.

Once the kirtan started a few of the ladies got up to dance in a circle. (garba style maybe?) My new friends told me I should get up and dance to. At first I politely declined since I was already pushing myself beyond my comfort zone that day, but eventually I threw caution to the wind and got up to dance. (by dance, I mean I flailed like a dying bird, but I had fun anyway =) )

Then there was Aarti and Mahaprasad.

Lunch time was when things really got crazy. I sat down with my tray across from some people and quietly said hello in English. I ate i silence for a while and then my first friends came over and sat with me. They began speaking with me in Hindi so I responded in Hindi. After that it turned into a madhouse. phones and cameras started popping out and people started filming me speaking Hindi. I did my best to focus on one person at a time to have a conversation with. I think I did a pretty good job considering this kind of thing is an introverts worst nightmare. I was anxious, but also really excited that everyone wanted to speak hindi with me because I so desperately need the speaking practice. I made a TON of mistakes, but that's to be expected. Everyone helped me along. I eventually relaxed enough to laugh along with everyone too. I made several connections and will be inviting some of my new friends over for dinner as soon as we are settled in our new apartment.

I left on cloud nine, mentally tired but very, very happy. I actually took a nap once I got back to the hotel because my brain was to tired. But that's good! I need to build my "Hindi muscles" before my next trip to India in September.

That sounded like a wonderful experience!

Vinayaka · Jun 26, 2016

@FH: There are two Fijian temples here and 2 or 3 in Vancouver. I've been to 4 of them total, and can tell you a couple of things about the unique brand of Hinduism that developed there. Hindi was in the majority there when they first arrived so over 3 generations all the languages except Hindi basically disappeared. So you get Tamil or Gujarati by tradition speaking Hindi. The traditions are sort of mixed up, and you will see North Indian style Fijian temples, and South Indian style Fijian temples. Both. There were very few Brahmins that went on the sugar rush, so many of the pandits are self taught pandarams. Some are Brahmins or have had better training back in India. But that's rare, in my experience.

The other factor is Christianity. It's had a really big influence, and many Indian Hindus got converted there. Many Fijian Hindus, in my experience have a sort of inferiourity complex from being non-Brahmin, and frowned upon by another faith. But having gotten through all that, they're still really strong and devoted about the particular brand of Hinduism that remained. I don't think you'll find much comparable anywhere, unless its the Guyanese or Trinidadian versions. I love the Fijian temples here because they're just so down home. The Fijian immigrant community here in Canada is just as or more likely to be truck drivers, waitresses, factory workers, or trades people than doctors or engineers. Taht brings out a certain friendliness.
Of course, it may be true that the immigrants from Fiji to the US are different than in Canada. Immigration to here at one time was much easier because of past links to the British Commonwealth, and Empire before that. So my observations may not apply at all.

Aupmanyav · Jun 28, 2016

Fireside_Hindu said:
Once the kirtan started a few of the ladies got up to dance in a circle. (garba style maybe?) My new friends told me I should get up and dance to. At first I politely declined since I was already pushing myself beyond my comfort zone that day, but eventually I threw caution to the wind and got up to dance. (by dance, I mean I flailed like a dying bird, but I had fun anyway =) )

They began speaking with me in Hindi so I responded in Hindi. After that it turned into a madhouse. phones and cameras started popping out and people started filming me speaking Hindi. I did my best to focus on one person at a time to have a conversation with. .. But that's good! I need to build my "Hindi muscles" before my next trip to India in September.

In all, you had a hell of a time on your first day in the new temple. If Fijian then what? It is still Hindu. I am very happy that the people there have accepted you so completely, but that is what Hindus usually do. My orthodox upbringing and training does not allow me to like dancing. That is more like a Vaishnava thing. We, from Shaiva families, are more reserved. I think by September, you will be fluent in Hindi.

Fireside_Hindu · Jun 28, 2016

Aupmanyav said:
In all, you had a hell of a time on your first day in the new temple. If Fijian then what? It is still Hindu. I am very happy that the people there have accepted you so completely, but that is what Hindus usually do. My orthodox upbringing and training does not allow me to like dancing. That is more like a Vaishnava thing. We, from Shaiva families, are more reserved. I think by September, you will be fluent in Hindi.

Oh Goodness - one of the devotees from my new temple filmed me speaking Hindi and has posted the video! You can see for yourself how much work I need to do before September. (As well as how nervous I am!)

https://www.facebook.com/

Aupmanyav · Jun 28, 2016

That is wonderful, Fireside. Very happy about it.
Another thing: What about your September visit to India? September is not too far (if it is this year) and these things should be taken care well in time. Are the reservations etc. done?

Fireside_Hindu · Jun 28, 2016

Aupmanyav said:
That is wonderful, Fireside. Very happy about it.
Another thing: What about your September visit to India? September is not too far (if it is this year) and these things should be taken care well in time. Are the reservations etc. done?

September this year, yes.

The arrangements are almost complete. I had to wait to make appointments with certain people because I'm spending part of my time there doing research into waste management. But the international flights and my stay in Delhi and Jaipur are arranged. By the end of next week I'll have all the internal flights booked (Delhi-Raipur-Bangalore-Mumbai-Jaipur-Varanasi-Delhi). The tricky one will be finding a place to stay in Raipur. I can't seem to find a nice Home Stay, just hotels.

Aupmanyav · Jun 28, 2016

How many days will you be staying in Raipur?

Fireside_Hindu · Jun 28, 2016

Aupmanyav said:
How many days will you be staying in Raipur?

6

Aupmanyav · Jul 15, 2016

@Fireside_Hindu , what about your stay in Raipur? Settled?

Fireside_Hindu · Jul 15, 2016

Aupmanyav said:
@Fireside_Hindu , what about your stay in Raipur? Settled?

Hi Aupji

No not yet. I am still looking. I have a guide book now (lonely planet) and see what they recommend. If there is nothing there I may have to go on an adventure and just walk into a few places and ask about rooms until I find a place. I don't know how brave I am though =)

Aupmanyav · Jul 15, 2016

Why not a hotel? I will ask my son about it. He may have his dealers in Raipur, but as far as I know, he has not visited Raipur. Smaller place. It will be difficult to arrange a home stay for six days with people whom we may not know very well. Had it been Mumbai, Bangaluru, Chennai, it would have been different.

Fireside_Hindu · Jul 15, 2016

Aupmanyav said:
Why not a hotel? I will ask my son about it. He may have his dealers in Raipur, but as far as I know, he has not visited Raipur. Smaller place. It will be difficult to arrange a home stay for six days with people whom we may not know very well. Had it been Mumbai, Bangaluru, Chennai, it would have been different.

No worries =) A hotel would be fine =) Thank you for your help =)

Temple Visits

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