Mandir: Encyclopedia - Mandir

Mandir

A Mandir is a Hindu temple. It is usually dedicated to a primary deity, called the presiding deity, and other deities associated with the main deity. (In the US though, most mandirs are dedicated to multiple deities.)

Most practising Hindus maintain a mandir in their homes for daily worship and meditation.

Mandir - Prana Pratishta

Prana Pratishta is the ceremony to invoke the divine spirit/energy into the statue made in God's form. Once this ceremony has been performed the murti (or 'icon' NOT 'idol') must be worshipped daily.

Mandir - Elements of Worship

Although the devotee is free to worship in any manner as long as it is respectful and not offensive, some common elements of worship in a mandir are darshan, puja, bhajan, pradakshina and prasad.

Mandir - Mandir Construction

There are two main styles of Hindu temple architecture: Naagara (Northern) and Dravida (Southern). Most major temples are constructed per the aagama shastras. The Gopuram or distinctive temple tower is an integral element of most hindu temples.

Mandir - Basic norms to be followed in a mandir

Most priests take elaborate measures to maintain mental and physical purity. While most devotees cannot maintain such regimens, there are some basic rules that must be followed:

• Footwear is not allowed inside.
• Feet should not be pointed toward the deities. Feet are preferably folded.
• One must not sit with back towards the sanctum sanctorum.
• Non-vegetarian foods and alcoholic beverages should not be brought inside the temple. Garlic and onions should be avoided.
• Women should not enter the mandir in the first four days of their menstrual cycle.
• Smoking is not allowed.
• One must not enter the shrine or touch the deity without permission.

Mandir - Local village deities and temples

Mandir - Management

In the most recent developments, the Archeological Survey of India has taken control of most ancient temples of archeological importance.

See also

• Wat

• Hinduism

• Hindu deities

• List of Hindu deities

• List of Hinduism-related articles

• History of India

• Hindu scriptures

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Mandir", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki