Worship Space Mandir Indian tradition holds that a town or village without a temple is uninhabitable. The Mandir is not primarily considered a place for communal worship but the home of God, or the particular Deity. Temple activities thus revolve around the sacred image(s) installed upon the altar. An appointed priest, or team of priests, normally perform the puja. One of the main functions of the temple is to create an atmosphere surcharged with spirituality Temples vary considerably in size, beginning with tiny outdoor shrines and humble village mandirs. The larger temples are elaborate and often the centre of an ashram (place of spiritual culture) with a large number of brahmana priests living within or nearby. Heart of Hinduism Worship Nov. 27, 2015 WEB Nov. 27, 2915 http://hinduism.iskcon.org/practice/300.htm

Worship Space Mandir There are a number of architectural styles, but the chief ones are North Indian (Nagara) and the South Indian (Dravida). Details for temple construction are laid out in certain scriptures such as the Vastu-shastra and the Shilpa-shastra To help build a temple (e.g. through offering financial support) is still considered an act of piety. Temples vary considerably, but the diagram here show some of the important features of traditional buildings in North India. Buildings in the South or outside of India are often quite different. Iowa Temple Madrid Iowa South India North India Heart of Hinduism Worship Nov. 27, 2015 WEB Nov. 27, 2915 http://hinduism.iskcon.org/practice/300.htm

Worship Space Mandir (Temple) A mandir has many internal features, which one can fully appreciate only by visiting. It may have some or all of these features: Racks for shoes (sometimes manned in larger temples) The fragrance of incense Main hall (temple room) Bell to ring upon entry – to announce one's arrival to the deity Pictures/posters of saints, deities, and associated stories Hindu symbols Musical instruments – including drums, cymbals, harmonium Sacred books – for reading and giving lectures Main shrine (at the front); often many smaller shrines, usually to the sides Donation box before the shrine Murtis within the shrine areas Charanamrita (holy water in a bowl near the altar) Prasada, sacred food, handed to worshippers at the altar, or as they leave Priest or priests Kitchen and dining area Auditorium for music, drama, dance, and other cultural performances Shop selling religious artifacts, books, and other religious souvenirs. The temple administrative office Hindu Sacred Books The Heart of Hinduism Nov. 22, 2015 WEB Nov. 22, 2015 http://hinduism.iskcon.org/tradition/1105.htm

Material Worship of the murti, the sacred image, is central to Hinduism. Many of the nineteenth century reform movements rejected the practice as outdated and superstitious. Nonetheless, sacred-image worship remains central today in helping many Hindus develop and express their relationship with God. Hindu Sacred Books The Heart of Hinduism Nov. 22, 2015 WEB Nov. 22, 2015 http://hinduism.iskcon.org/tradition/1105.htm