In mandirs (Hindu temples) aarti is performed daily by pujaris (priests). There is usually a 'mangala-arati' first thing in the morning, another later in the morning, one at lunchtime, one in the evening and the final arati of the day at sundown. The assembled devotees in the temple sing various types of kirtana and bhajans during the arati ceremony. The pujari performing arati first purifies his hands with sacred water from the acamana cup. He then sprinkles three spoonfuls of water over a conch, and blows ...

See also:

Aarti, Aarti - Aarti in Hindu temples, Aarti - Aarti Lyrics, Aarti - Aarti in South Indian temples

Read more here: » Aarti: Encyclopedia II - Aarti - Aarti in Hindu temples

See also:

Hindu temple architecture, Hindu temple architecture - Design and History

Read more here: » Hindu temple architecture: Encyclopedia II - Hindu temple architecture - Design and History

The reference to temples in literature go back early with Panini (520 BC - 460 BC) and Patanjali mentioning temples which were called prasadas. Early beginnings of Hindu temple architecture have been traced to the remains at Aihole and Pattadakal in present day Karnataka, and have Vedic altars and late Vedic temples as described by Panini as models. Later, as more differentiation took place, the Dravidian/ Southern style and or the Indo-Aryan/ Northern/ Nagara style of temple architecture emerged as dominant modes, epitomised in produ ...

See also:

Indian architecture, Indian architecture - Indus-Sarasvati civilisation and the Vedic Village, Indian architecture - Buddhist and Jaina architecture, Indian architecture - The Hindu Temples, Indian architecture - The Rajput Architecture, Indian architecture - Influence of Islam and the Mughal Architecture, Indian architecture - Secular architecture, Indian architecture - Architecture under the colonial rule, Indian architecture - Post-independence architecture of India, Indian architecture - Conclusion, Indian architecture - Monuments in India classified under World Heritage Sites

Read more here: » Indian architecture: Encyclopedia II - Indian architecture - The Hindu Temples

The largest Hindu temple in Europe based on the architecture of the Tirupati Tirumala temple is being opened during a five-day religious festival in Tividale, near Birmingham.

More than 10,000 devotees are expected to attend a number of rituals scheduled to sanctify the Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) temple. Several sculptors and artisans have worked on intricate carvings in and around the temple.

(See also: Yoga, Yoga, Yoga and Health, Yoga Systems, Yoga Positions)

Nine Questions About Hinduism

Prepared for the July 4th, 1990 meeting of the youth of the Hindu Temple of greater Chicago, by Gurudeva, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami

1) What is the Hindu definition of God-monotheistic or polytheistic?

2) Could you describe the process of reincarnation?

3) What is karma?

4) Why do Hindus regard the cow as sacred?

5) Are Hindus idol worshippers?

6) Is there a rule about Hindus eating meat?

7) Why do Hindu women wear the dot on the forehead?

8) Is the memorization of slokas and mantras essential to being a good Hindu?

9) How can we use scriptures and the Bhagavad Gita or religious books as a practical guide to growing up in the United States?

Read more here: » Hinduism: Nine Questions About Hinduism

Persian Heritage In Hindu Traditions

Many would be surprised to learn that no ancient Hindu temple was dedicated to Rama - neither in Ayodhya nor anywhere else.

There had been many old temples and shrines devoted to Vishnu and Shiva and a few to Brahma, Ganesh, Kartikeya, Hanuman, Kubera, Nagas, Kali and Durga as well as a huge number honouring numerous local tribal deities. Only 180 years ago Raja Ram Mohan Roy coined the word 'Hindu' to describe the huge variety of faiths and sects with similar but not identical philosophies, myths and rituals.

Read more here: » Islam and Hinduism: Persian Heritage In Hindu Traditions

Hinduism: Communicating with God and the Gods in Hinduism

 It is in the Hindu temple that the three worlds meet and devotees invoke the Gods of our religion. The temple is built as a palace in which the Gods live. It is the home of the Gods, a sacred place unlike every other place on the earth. The Hindu must associate himself with these Gods in a very sensitive way when he approaches the temple. Though the devotee rarely has the psychic vision of the Deity, he is aware of the God's divine presence. As he approaches the sanctum sanctorum, the Hindu is fully aware that an intelligent being, greater and more evolved than himself, is there. This God is intently aware of him, safeguarding him, fully knowing his inmost thought, fully capable of coping with any situation the devotee may mentally lay at his Holy Feet. It is important that we approach the Deity in this way - conscious and confident that our needs are known in the inner spiritual worlds.

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Aarti, ãrti, arathi, or ãrati is a Hindu ritual in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. It may be said to have descended from the Vedic concept of fire rituals, or homa. The word may also refer to the traditional Hindu devotional song that is sung in the ritual of the same name. Aarti is performed and sung to develop the highest love for God. "Aa" means towards, and "rati" means the higest love for God in Sanskrit. Until one attains the highest love ...

Including:

• Aarti - Aarti in Hindu temples
• Aarti - Aarti Lyrics
• Aarti - Aarti in South Indian temples

Read more here: » Aarti: Encyclopedia - Aarti

The Brihadisvara temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Thanjavur in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This 10th century CE temple, one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, is a brilliant example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The central temple known as the Periya Koil (Big Temple) stands within a fort, whose walls are later additions built during the 16th century. The main tower of the temple is about 70 m high. The crown itself is very large and heavy (nearly 30 tonnes) and till a few years back was t ...

Read more here: » Brihadisvara Temple: Encyclopedia - Brihadisvara Temple

Brahma (written Brahmā in IAST transliteration) (Devanagari ब्रह्मा, pronounced as "brəhmα:") is the Hindu creator god, and one of the Trimurti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. He must not be confused with the Supreme Cosmic Spirit of Hindu philosophy Brahman (the word stems of both are the same). Brahmā is identified with the Vedic deity Prajapati. At the beginning of the process of creation, Brahmā created ten Prajapatis (used in another sense), who are believed to be the fathers of the human race ...

Including:

• Brahma - Creation
• Brahma - Appearance
• Brahma - Vehicle
• Brahma - Consort
• Brahma - Temples

Read more here: » Brahma: Encyclopedia - Brahma

Abu Muzaffar Muhiuddin Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir (Persian: ابو مظفر محی الدین محمد اورنگزیب عالمگیر) (November 3, 1618 – March 3, 1707), usually known as Aurangzeb, but also sometimes as Alamgir I, was the ruler of the Mughal Empire from 1658 until 1707. He was and is a very controversial figure in Indian history. Unlike his predecessors, Aurangzeb led a remarkably austere and pious life. Strict adherence to Islam and Sharia (Islamic law)—as he interpreted them—were ...

Including:

• Aurangzeb - Rise to throne
• Aurangzeb - Early life
• Aurangzeb - War of succession
• Aurangzeb - Aurangzeb's Reign
• Aurangzeb - Enforcement of Islamic law
• Aurangzeb - Expansion of the empire
• Aurangzeb - Conversion of non-Muslims
• Aurangzeb - Hindu temple desecration
• Aurangzeb - Impact of Aurangzeb's reign
• Aurangzeb - Hindu rebellion
• Aurangzeb - The Deccan wars and the rise of the Marathas
• Aurangzeb - Defiance of the Sikhs and the rise of the Khalsa
• Aurangzeb - Legacy
• Aurangzeb - Commentary by recent historians
• Aurangzeb - Wolpert
• Aurangzeb - Manas Group UCLA

Read more here: » Aurangzeb: Encyclopedia - Aurangzeb

Hanuman Jayanti is the birthday of the hindu god Hanuman. It falls on a full moon day after Sri Ram Navami. On that day, people go to temple and worship Rama and Hanuman. There are usually cultural programs in most hindu temples on that day. Other related archivesHanuman, Ram Navami, Rama, hindu, hindu temples

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Hinduism (हिन्दू धर्म; also known as Sanātana Dharma - सनातन धर्म, and Vaidika-Dharma - वैदिक धर्म) is a worldwide religious tradition that is based on the Vedas and is the direct descendant of the Vedic religion. It encompasses many religious traditions that widely vary in practice, as well as many diverse sects and philosophies. An array of deities, all manifestations of the one supreme monistic Ishvara, are venerated. Beliefs, codes and principles vary fr ...

Including:

• Hinduism - Core Concepts
• Hinduism - The Eternal Way
• Hinduism - Basic beliefs
• Hinduism - Practice Yoga Dharma
• Hinduism - The four objectives Of Life
• Hinduism - The four stages of Life
• Hinduism - The four classes of the society
• Hinduism - Nature of God
• Hinduism - Denominations
• Hinduism - Hindu sacred texts
• Hinduism - Shruti
• Hinduism - Bhagavad Gītā
• Hinduism - Smriti
• Hinduism - Origins and society
• Hinduism - Origins of Hinduism
• Hinduism - Etymology
• Hinduism - Vedic religion
• Hinduism - Hindu nationalism
• Hinduism - Temples
• Hinduism - Current geographic distribution
• Hinduism - Hindu philosophy: the six Vedic schools of thought
• Hinduism - Pūrva Mīmāmsā
• Hinduism - Yoga
• Hinduism - Uttara Mimāmsā: Vedānta and its three main schools
• Hinduism - Alternative cultures of worship
• Hinduism - The Bhakti schools
• Hinduism - Tantra
• Hinduism - Important symbolism and themes in Hinduism
• Hinduism - Tilaka symbol on forehead or between eyebrows
• Hinduism - Ahimsa non-violence vegetarian diet and the cow
• Hinduism - Hindu symbolism
• Hinduism - Murtis icons
• Hinduism - Sanskrit
• Hinduism - Mantra
• Hinduism - Criticism
• Hinduism - Hinduism
• Hinduism - Related systems and religions

Read more here: » Hinduism: Encyclopedia - Hinduism

The Laxminarayan Temple, Also called the Birla Mandir, in Delhi, India, was built in 1622 by Vir Singh Deo. It is a temple with a large garden and fountains behind it. The temple attracts thousands of devotees on Janmashtami day, the birthday of Lord Krishna. Because of the inadequate maintenance this beautiful piece of achitectry was receiving, it had to be renovated by Prithvi Singh in 1793. This temple was built in honour of the Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi, and ...

Read more here: » Laxminarayan Temple: Encyclopedia - Laxminarayan Temple

Gopuram or gopura, a prominent feature of the Hindu temple architecture of South India, is the rising tower at the entrance of a temple. Gopuram is equisitely decorated with sculpture and carvings and painted with a variety of themes derived from the Hindu mythology, particularly those associated with the presiding deity of the temple to which a particular gopuram may form part of. Gopuram of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamilnadu state is one of tallest Gopuram of South India. This Gopuram known as the Ra ...

Including:

• Gopuram - External link
• Gopuram - Reference

Read more here: » Gopuram: Encyclopedia - Gopuram

Ashtavinayak literally means "eight Ganeshas" in Sanskrit. Ganesha is the Hindu deity of prosperity and learning. The term also refers to a pilgrimage to the eight temples in Maharashtra state of India that house eight distinct idols of Ganesh, in a pre-ascertained sequence. The Ashtavinayak tour covers the eight ancient holy temples of Lord Ganesha which are situated around Pune. Each of these temples has its own individual mythology and history, as di ...

Including:

• Ashtavinayak - Eight Temples
• Ashtavinayak - Moreshwar
• Ashtavinayak - Siddhivinayak
• Ashtavinayak - Ballaleshwar
• Ashtavinayak - Varadavinayak
• Ashtavinayak - Chintamani
• Ashtavinayak - Girijatamak
• Ashtavinayak - Vighnahar
• Ashtavinayak - Mahaganapati
• Ashtavinayak - Links

Read more here: » Ashtavinayak: Encyclopedia - Ashtavinayak

Chitragupta is a Hindu god assigned with the task of keeping complete records of actions of human beings on the earth, and upon their death, deciding as regards sending them to the heaven or the hell, depending on their actions on the earth. Chitragupta Maharaj (Chitragupta the King) is the patron deity of Kayasthas, a Hindu jati of India. Chitragupta - The legend. The Hindu mythological tradition states that Yama, the Hindu god of death, used to become perplexed and confused while deciding t ...

Including:

• Chitragupta - The legend
• Chitragupta - Birth
• Chitragupta - Temples

Read more here: » Chitragupta: Encyclopedia - Chitragupta

Payasam (Hindi: kheer, Sanskrit: ksheer) is a traditional Indian and Pakistani dish, a rice pudding typically made by boiling rice with milk and sugar. It is often flavored with cardamom and pistachios. It is an essential dish in many Hindu and muslim feasts and celebrations in South Asia. Payasam is served as an offering to the Gods in Hindu temples during rituals and ceremonies. Kheer is eaten at Muslim weddings and prepared ...

Read more here: » Payasam: Encyclopedia - Payasam

In Hinduism, Venkateshwara (also spelled as Venkateswara, Venkateshwer or Venkatachalapathi) is a much-worshipped form of Vishnu. He is also known as Balaji or Lord Venkateswara. Vishnu, in the form of Venkateshwara, is much worshipped at the famed Tirupati temple. Venkateshwara is the presiding deity at Tirumala temple complex, believed to be the richest of the Hindu shrines in the world. The temple is situated in the region of seven hills in southern Andhra Pradesh in Chittoor district. It i ...

Including:

• Venkateshwara - The legend
• Venkateshwara - Socio-cultural history

Read more here: » Venkateshwara: Encyclopedia - Venkateshwara

Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar(1725 - 1795, ruled 1767-1795) was a ruler of the Malwa kingdom, India. She was born in the village Chaundi in Maharashtra. She moved the capital to Maheshwar south of Indore on the Narmada River. Ahilyabai’s husband was killed in battle in 1754. Twelve years later, her father-in-law, Malhar Rao Holkar died. Rani Ahilyadevi was a great builder and patron of many Hindu temples which embellished Maheshwar and Indore. She also built temples at sacred sites outside her kingdom, from Dwarka in Gujarat east to the Kashi Vishweswar temple at Varanasi on th ...

Read more here: » Ahilyabai Holkar: Encyclopedia - Ahilyabai Holkar