Hindu Temples

Before I came to Sri Lanka, I knew almost nothing about Hinduism.  I still don’t know a lot.  But visiting some temples have made me very curious.

Google says….To some, Hinduism is a religion.  To others, it’s a way of life, religious tradition, or dharma.  Whatever name you give it, Hinduism is the oldest and 3^rd largest faith in the world.  Practiced by over 1 billion people!

It has no founder, holy book, or particular god.  It’s a fusion of many traditions, linked by shared values – honesty, patience, self-restraint, and compassion.  Shared goals for human life such as Dharma - ethics/duties, Artha – work/prosperity, Kama- desires/passion, Karma – intent/action/consequences.  And shared rituals like worship, meditation, and family oriented rites of passage like marriage, pregnancy, baby’s first hair cut.  These rituals can be done in a temple or at home. 

Hindus can worship one deity, many deities, or none.  Deities are often considered to be different manifestations of one single impersonal absolute.

 

One of the most interesting concepts, to me, is that Hindus are meant to question authority/rules, to find a deeper understanding of truths.  

There is no dogma.  And!!!  The temples and depiction of their deities are so cheery and creative. It’s inspiring!

Pictures

1- 3- At a Hindu temple near Nuwara Eliya.Even the monkeys are impressed at the sculptures!
4-The outside of this little temple near the Kalpitiya train station, shows that one of the deities is supported by rats. Very interesting!
5-9 The inside of the temple in Chilaw,one of the biggest temples in Sri Lanka.