Design+Elements+of+Hindu+Temples

=Hinduism= == The four major points that make up a Hindu temple are Fire which is also a major part of Buddhist temples, represents the fire god Agni. Earth which is associated with the goddess Prthivi. Water which represents the Hindu god Ap, and air which symbolizes the god Vayu. These four elements along with the element space are strained a lot during worship hours at the temple. A typical Hindu temple will have an entrance, usually with a wide porch, an inner sanctum which is called the garbagriha (a womb chamber). A womb chamber signifies the spirituality of a maternal womb, which is very important to the Hindu world. Along with all these rooms comes a very special room (or rooms) called shrines. A shrine can only be devoted to one god or goddess. Hindus treat shrines with the utmost respect, almost like humans. Priest everyday wash, dress and set food out for the shrines. In a shrine room there will typically be lamps and/or candles, a carpet for worshippers to sit on. Offerings of fruit, flowers and incense. While in a shrine room Hindus can make offerings, pray, sing, or listen to teachings. There may be other smaller shrines called secondary shrines. For example if the temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu (the preserver) the secondary shrine would be for Shiva (the destroyer). One unique aspect of all Hindu temples is that no two Hindu temples are the same. Hindu temples are used to eliminate the boundaries between man and the devine. = =

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