1.  Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 1 Session 1 The Why and How of Mandir Worship Kumar S. Nochur, Ph.D. President, Sri Lakshmi Temple Ashland, MA September 11-13, 2009

2.  Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 2 Introduction/Problem Statement For American Hindus of the next generation, it is not always clear why they have to worship in a mandir Even adults find it hard to explain the rationale of temple worship to our children Mandir executives often have to explain to non- Hindus the significance of our temples and deities If the rationale for deity worship in temples is known, Hindu mandirs become powerful theaters of darsan – divine vision and communication If the value and power of temples is not known, their sustenance and viability is uncertain

3.  Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 3 The Why of Mandir Worship The ultimate reality of Hinduism is Brahman, described as Sat-Cit-Ananda = Truth-Consciousness- Bliss Brahman manifests as gods and goddesses as and when required to guide our spiritual evolution Temple deities – moortis and vigrahas – are images of our gods and goddesses, made sacred and powerful to aid worship and guide meditation We do not worship idols as defined by Abrahamic religions

4.  Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 4 How is a Temple Deity Made Powerful? A mandir reflects the invisible divine in a physical form Moortis and vigrahas are carefully sculpted according to agamas The Kumbhabhishekam (consecration) process invokes the power of deities into their image forms –Bija mantras, Yantras, Vedic mantras, Prana Pratishta, Netra Unmeelanam Properly installed deities become transmitters of divine power, blessings, and grace The saannidhyam (sanctity) of a temple is increased by daily and special pujas and yajnas, visits of mahatmas, and the devotion of worshippers

5.  Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 5 How Should We Worship at a Temple? Understand the power of sanctified deities Know the symbolism of the deities –Every aspect of a deity: body, hands, feet, mudras, ornaments, objects carried, posture, etc. has an inner significance Observe, ask, and learn from knowledgeable priests and devotees Know the mandir’s history – the stala purana Learn basic slokas, mantras, and worship methods Cultivate bhakti (love of and devotion to god) so that the act of darsan becomes a blissful moment of communion and spiritual evolution

6.  Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 6 Case Study: Ganesha Worship The Atharva Sheersha Upanishad says: –Tvam pratyaksham Brahmasi The story of Ganesha getting the elephant head Why is Ganesha always worshipped first? The symbolism of Ganesha’s form

7.  Hindu Mandir Executive Conference September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD 7 Conclusion Let’s be thankful we have so many gods and goddesses to worship in so many different forms and ways! Knowledge is the key – bhakti is enriched by jnana, devotion and knowledge go together As mandir executives, please take the process of consecration and maintaining sanctity seriously Educating ourselves and others is a continuous process If the significance and symbolism of deity worship is appreciated by mandir execs and devotees, our temples become vibrant theaters of worship and spirituality