Main content
Hindu temples
Hindu temples, homes for gods, dot India's landscape. Each temple houses a main deity and others. Worshipers bring offerings and visit in small groups. Temples feature a central tower, bathing ponds, and gateways. Some temples, like Khajuraho and Konark, are tourist attractions due to their unique sculptures and size. Created by Asian Art Museum.
Want to join the conversation?
where do they bury the dead(3 votes)
depends upon the religion. Hindus cremate the dead(6 votes)
are the "untouchables" allowed to enter into temples?(2 votes)- That depends on who you ask. Formally most temples are open to all Hindus. According to the law, "untouchability" (treating someone an an untouchable) is a punishable offence in India. In practice, in many places they still feel unwelcome or actually hindered,
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2014/10/01/hindu-temple-in-india-purified-after-low-caste-chief-minister-visits/
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/dalit-musician-banned-at-guruvayoor-temple/
According to a 2014 survey, "untouchability" was still practiced by 27% of Indians, according to Wikipedia. I do not know if that was 27% of the population, in which case it would be a rather higher number of the other castes. The "untouchables" make up around 25% of the population.
Apparently the reactions towards "untouchables" is generally stronger in the country districts than in the towns, where traditions are less adhered to. Also, keeping track of who's who is more difficult in a city.
The rationale behind keeping the "untouchables" out seems to be that the "untouchables" do not belong to any of the four Vedic classes and therefore cannot be true Hindus even if they consider themselves Hindus.
But there are exceptions.
Here, two widows of the untouchables were made priests:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Hindu-temple-to-have-women-backward-caste-priests/articleshow/34952184.cms
(It does not say so here that they are Dalit or widows, but I've checked the newspapers.)
Even in Europe the "untouchables" are sometimes kept away from Hindu places of worship.(5 votes)
What year did they build the Hindu temples and how long did it take them?(3 votes)- Temples are normally built as both a great marker in victory and to establish the dominions of Gods. So anytime there is a great victory, a temple was built. It took upto 5-6 years for a temple to be built.(3 votes)
It talked about sacred bathing pools. In christianity that may represent John the baptist/ The baptisim of Jesus. What is the significance here?(1 vote)
Hindus usually wash themselves and go before the Gods clean and pure. So the pool.(5 votes)
- and hindiusum doesnt make you a different person, i am no different than you or sombody else. the religon is just different(3 votes)
Well said. I agree.(1 vote)
- how long did it take to build that big tower(3 votes)
Wait so what happens to Inactive temples? Do they just become Tourist magnets or what?(2 votes)- With all the intricate carvings and such, and advanced building, how long does it usually take to make a temple with a complex of buildings like at0:40?(2 votes)
It takes many years becuase of the carving of the marble(1 vote)
- How does a person when they convert to Hinduism get accepted into a Hindu temple(1 vote)
- Anyone can enter a Hindu temple. No matter if you are Hindu, Muslim, or Christan.(2 votes)
- How did they do that! It's amazing!(1 vote)
Yup! (I used to live in india) Once my friends and I went on a trip to Hampi, India. We visited dozens of temples. All of them are huge and I always wonder how they could do all of it with out needing modern day machines.(2 votes)
0:40Video transcript
(mystical music) - [Instructor] Hindu temples
can be seen throughout the villages, towns, and cities of India. A temple can be a simple
structure by the side of the road or an entire complex of buildings. Regardless of its size, the Hindu temple is essentially a dwelling
place for the gods. (bell ringing) A principal deity resides
at the heart of each temple, like a king or queen in their palace. Other deities, attendants,
and mythical figures can also be seen as part
of the temple structure. Surrounding the temples are
stalls selling offerings and souvenirs, such as fruit, flowers, sweets, and postcards. The atmosphere around the
temple is lively and boisterous. The interior of a Hindu temple is not designed to hold
large congregations. Worshipers come and go in small groups through a hallway leading
to an inner sanctuary. Here, the image or symbol of
the main deity is located. In an active temple,
statues of the deities are covered with garlands
and draped with rich fabrics. Above the sanctuary rises a central tower, often brightly painted. The shape of the tower resembles the mythical mountain home of the gods. Other features of temples
include sacred bathing ponds, walled enclosures, and gateways in a variety of shapes and sizes. Here, at Madurai in southern India, the gateways tower
above the temple complex and are covered with statues. Some temples are no longer in active use. At Khajuraho in central India, tourists now flock to see
celebrated images of gods and loving couples adorning
the exterior walls. In Konark, near the eastern
coast, are the remains of one of the largest
temples ever built in India. It was dedicated to the sun god Surya. The original tower no longer survives, and we can only imagine its size from the smaller buildings
that still stand. (singing in foreign language) The immense variety of
temples throughout India is the result of local
styles and preferences and centuries of
architectural developments. Each attest to the artistry of countless masons and sculptors. The sculptures of deities
seen in the Asian Art Museum were once part of an active Hindu temple. They adorned the exterior
walls, interior spaces, entranceways, high wall
niches, and inner sanctuaries. (mystical music)