1. Twelve Squared Krisy Feltner Steve Feltner Dale Hegbom Maria Lage Josh Torres 12 2

2. SAT-TAT-AUM BRAHMA VISHNUSHIVA

3. VISHNU Ultimate Reality by his followers. Protector or sustainer of the world 10 th incantation

4. SHIVA The Destroyer The Ultimate Reality by her followers Divine Yoga's

5. Temples 200 Hindu temples across North America More than 75 % were designed and constructed in the past three decades A place where God may be approached and where divine knowledge can be discovered “The gods always play where groves, rivers, mountains and springs are near, and in towns with pleasure gardens.”

6. Temple Aspects Water - Purifying element & River of Life Vertical elevation relating to the mountains The garbagriha relating to caves GODS

7. Life Stages Four stages (ashramas) Brahmacharga Grastha Vanaprastha Sanngasu

8. Rituals Ayurveda Hatha Yoga Puja (pooja) The Sadhu (holy man)

9. Weddings (Hindu Ceremonies) Ceremonies 4 to 5 days Open space under a decorated canopy or mandap Mandap is made of red and silver color Brides place or a common place

10. Wedding Ritual Seven step or santa padi Bride’s sari-tied on the grooms sari shawl draped from his shoulder to her sari Pinky’s are linked around the fire 7 blessings or vows Puffed rice –representing prosperity

11. Festivals January Makar Sankranti The sun begins to move northwards Charitable by giving grains, clothes and money spiritedly fly kites all day February Shivratri Lord Shiv whose marriage to Parvati Fasting Night vigil Perform Shiva puja with bili leaves & milk abhishek March Fuldol or Pushpadolotsav Festival of Flowers Spray colored water on each other September Ganesh's Birth Waterless fast Worshiped for ten days

12. Festivals October Navaratri Victory of Lord's Shakti 9 nights Victory of good over evil Perform sattvic folk-dances and chanting mantras November Diwali Cows are worshipped Changed to offer money intead November Bhai Beej Invites her brother to have food Consolidate the sibling bond.

13. Conclusion GODS = BRAHMA+VISHNU+SHIVA Current Temples Rituals Weddings Festivals

14. References The Hindu Universe (2003). Forms of God. Retrieved October 19, 2007, from http://www.hindunet.org/god/Gods/index.htm The Hindu Universe (2003). Forms of God. Retrieved October 19, 2007, from http://www.hindunet.org/god/Gods/index.htm McDowell, J., & Stewart, D. (June 1992). Handbook of today's religions (12th ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. McDowell, J., & Stewart, D. (June 1992). Handbook of today's religions (12th ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. Batchelor, A. (1997, July). The Hindu temple. Retrieved October 20, 2007, from http://www.templenet.com/Articles/hintemp.html Batchelor, A. (1997, July). The Hindu temple. Retrieved October 20, 2007, from http://www.templenet.com/Articles/hintemp.html Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (2007). Annual festivals. Retrieved October 21, 2007, from http://www.swaminarayan.org/festivals/annualfestivals/index.htm Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (2007). Annual festivals. Retrieved October 21, 2007, from http://www.swaminarayan.org/festivals/annualfestivals/index.htm Brockway, L. (2007). The 7 blessings of a Hindu wedding. Retrieved October 20, 2007, from http://hinduism.about.com/od/matrimonial1/a/7blessings.htm?p=1 Brockway, L. (2007). The 7 blessings of a Hindu wedding. Retrieved October 20, 2007, from http://hinduism.about.com/od/matrimonial1/a/7blessings.htm?p=1 I love India (n.d.). Hindu marriages. Retrieved October 19,2007, from http://weddings.iloveindia.com/indian-weddings/hindu-marriage/index.html I love India (n.d.). Hindu marriages. Retrieved October 19,2007, from http://weddings.iloveindia.com/indian-weddings/hindu-marriage/index.html Religion Facts (2007). Hindu rituals and practices. Retrieved October 20, 2007, from http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/practices.htm Religion Facts (2007). Hindu rituals and practices. Retrieved October 20, 2007, from http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/practices.htm Shaivam (2006). Hinduism pictures gallery. Retrieved October 19, 2007, from http://www.shaivam.org/gallery/image/image.htm Shaivam (2006). Hinduism pictures gallery. Retrieved October 19, 2007, from http://www.shaivam.org/gallery/image/image.htm