Sri Siva Vishnu temple
... Mahishasuramardhini. The Hindus beliefs and practices are different in many ways; they worship many gods and goddesses. They recognize a single deity, but also recognize other gods and goddesses as facets or manifestations or aspects of the supreme God. Hinduism differs from Christianity and other Western religions in that it does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or a central religious organization. It consists of thousands of different religious groups that have evolved in India since 1500 BCE. Hinduism has grown to become the world’s third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam. It claims about 762 million followers, which equates to about 13 percent of the world’s population. It is the dominant religion in India, Nepal, and northern Sri Lanka. Hindus believe that their lives are merely stages in the progression to ultimate enlightenment. They believe that the temple is a place where God may be approached and where divine knowledge can be discovered. All aspects of the Hindu temple focus on the goal of enlightenment and liberation—the principles of design and construction, the forms of its architecture and decoration, and the rituals performed. All of these are determined by ancient texts called shastras complied by the priests, the Brahmins (the creator gods). The vastushastras were theoretical and idealized descriptions of the architectural traditions and conventions to be followed. The Hindus religious beliefs and my own religious beliefs are similar in many different ways. We both believe in repetitive Transmigration of the soul, this is the transfer of one’s soul after death into another body. This produces a continuing cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth through many lifetimes—this is called samsara. The accumulated sum of ones good and bad deeds determine how you will live your next life. Through pure acts, thoughts and devotion, one can be reborn at a higher level. Eventually, one can escape samsara and achieve enlightenment. Bad deeds can cause a person to be reborn at a lower level, or even as an animal. My first impression of the Sri Siva Vishnu temple was a spiritual one; more so overwhelming it gave me a strong sense of reverence. In addition, the building architect was fascinating, I though for a moment that I was some where in India. The temple is said to be the focus for all aspects of life, religion, culture, and education in the Hindu community. Hindus believe the temple is a bridge between man and the divine and a place where man can transcend beyond the physical world. The atmosphere at the Sri Siva Vishnu temple was very peaceful while at the same time a little uncomfortable; I remember the smell of food, burning candles, rituals being performed, and the beautiful sculptures. A few of the sculptures I saw were the Sir Vishnu, Sri Ganesha, Sri Saraswati, and Sri Durga. Vishnu is one of the principal Hindu deities, worshiped as the protector and preserver of worlds. Vishnu is often conceived as a member of the triad (a group of three) including also Brahma (The creator god) and Shiva (the destroyer and restorer of worlds). Ganesha is an extremely popular God in India; he is called the Lord of and destroyer of obstacles. He is worshipped before any venture is started and is known as the God of knowledge, wisdom, literature, and fine arts. Other common names for Ganesha are, Ganapathi, Vinaayaka, and Vigneswara. Saraswati is a Hindu goddess of learning and speech. She represents the union of power In addition, intelligence from which organized creation arise. Saraswati possesses all the learning of the Vedas (any of the old Hindu sacred texts), scriptures, dancing, musical power, and poetry. She is wisdom, fortune, intelligence, nourishment, brilliance, contentment, and devotion. The Goddess Durga represents the female principle of energy. She was born from the energies of the male divinities when the gods lost the long drawn-out battle with the asuras (demons). All the energies of the gods united and become supernova, throwing out flames in all directions. Then that unique light, pervading the Three Worlds with its luster, combined into one, and became a female form. Other common names for Durga are Kali and...