I didn’t expect to do so much temple exploring during my time in India, but it seems like every adventure includes a stroll through some awe-inspiring, sacred spaces. Floor to ceiling, and even in corners, these temples are impeccably designed and made for marveling.
The first temple we went to was in Bangalore, and it was a bit of an awkward experience for me as a Christian, because just as much as I wanted to admire the architecture and learn more about Hindu practices, I had no intentions of worshipping there. So I would tiptoe barefooted around the temple grounds, trying not to step on anything special or get in the way of anyone’s rituals, taking my touristy photos where appropriate.
A few weeks ago, I toured the ISKCON temple, where the first Akshaya Patra kitchen was established, with some co-workers. From the outside, it’s a very unassuming stone building, but inside, the temple literally glittered in gold. I was taken aback — I’d never felt anything spiritual just from looking at some walls. Standing inside this intricately designed temple, with all sorts of precious objects around, reminded me of the many times temples are referenced in the Bible. Christians are instructed to treat our bodies as temples, and be the physical embodiment of worship. But in the U.S., we don’t really have temples in that regard — I attend church in an auditorium — so that metaphor kinda went over my head until I was able to encounter the beauty and magnificence of a temple first hand.
More recently, we toured a temple, centuries old, just outside of Pondicherry. The space is massive, about 40 acres, and I couldn’t help but wonder what all that space would be needed for when most idols and altars don’t take up more than a room. But even outside of the main areas, reverent spaces had been set up all along the grounds for people to worship. Again, that was a special realization for me because it reminded me of how in my own faith, all the parts of our lives, even those that seem unimportant, are meant to be a reflection of God’s love.
Experiencing another religion helped me to connect with my own, and I never would’ve been able to anticipate how powerful that was. Even if you’re not religious, being in a space that evokes a divine presence, and allowing yourself to appreciate it, is a remarkable feeling.
If you’re ever granted the opportunity to visit a different place of faith, I highly suggest doing so. I was even invited to attend a Hindu ceremony at work, which was interesting to say the least. I found value in being able to compare/contrast the ritual to those of Christianity. So many faith based practices are founded on similar principles, respectfully engaging with other religions give you perspective and appreciation for how others choose to worship.
प्यार से, Rai
Bangalore Doston 