A mandir is a Hindu temple, which is a structure designed to bring Hindus and gods together through worship, sacrifice, and devotion, thought of as the house of the god to whom it is dedicated. The word "mandir" is a Sanskrit word for where the mind becomes still and the soul floats freely to seek the divine. The symbolism and structure of a Hindu temple are rooted in Vedic texts, and almost all of them share certain core ideas, symbolism, and themes.
Some key features of a mandir include:
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Home of God: The mandir is not primarily considered a place for communal worship but the home of God, or the particular deity. Temple activities thus revolve around the sacred image(s) installed upon the altar.
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Puja: An appointed priest, or team of priests, normally performs the puja, which is a hospitality ritual.
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Atmosphere of Spirituality: One of the main functions of the temple is to create an atmosphere surcharged with spirituality, and hence temples are often built on holy sites. During quieter periods, the temple provides an opportunity for peaceful reflection. At other times, it is a bustle of noise and activity.
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Variety of Sizes and Styles: Temples vary considerably in size, beginning with tiny outdoor shrines and humble village mandirs. The larger temples are elaborate and often the center of an ashram (place of spiritual culture) with a large number of brahmana priests living within or nearby.
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Architectural Styles: There are a number of architectural styles, but the chief ones are North Indian (Nagara) and the South Indian (Dravida).
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Community Hub: For centuries, the mandir has remained a hub for life, a community forum where people forget their differences and voluntarily unite to serve society. It functions as a center for learning about man, nature, and Bhagwan. A mandir is where ethics and values are reinforced into the lives of children and adults.
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Act of Piety: To help build a temple (e.g., through offering financial support) is still considered an act of piety.
In summary, a mandir is a place of worship for Hindus, where the mind becomes still and man experiences inner peace. It is a spiritual destination for many Hindus, as well as landmarks around which ancient arts, community celebrations, and economy have flourished.
