What is a Hindu temple?
Hindu Temple is called ‘Mandir’ in Sanskrit and Hindi. Mandir is a place where the presiding Deity’s cosmic presence is invited and he is considered seated in the his/her installed idol or symbol. It’s the home of presiding Deity. There could be idols of other Deities to alongwith the Presiding Deity’s idol. However the main Deity of the Hindu temple is presiding Deity only. Once idol of Deity is established in temple, its installation is done by a procedure called ‘Pran Pratishtha’. In which the cosmic energy of that particular deity is summoned and instilled in the idol.
Thus the idol becomes the energised representation of the concerned deity. It is believed that Deity listens to prayers said and answers them as well (in a way similar to Church or any other religion’s prayer places). Each Hindu Temple has a specific name based on its presiding deity’s name.
Mandir can be considered the home /office of the presiding deity. However Hindu Temple is built in a traditional vedic procedure where the structure and dimensions of every part of the temple is constructed strictly according to its procedure. Mandirs are built purely according to Vastu Sastra and place of every section of temple is carefully decided.
Hindu Temples ‘Mandirs’ are not only the place of seat of Presiding Deity but also carry out many other activities for social welfare and cultural programs.
A Hindu Temple in Chino Hills
Find List of Main temples in New Jersey .
