Last week in my Take Three Thursday I posted a photo & a little about one of our Summer Manifesto adventures. I would like to share more of that visit to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Toronto). BAPS = Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, a worldwide spiritual volunteer driven organization dedicated to improving & fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity & selfless service.
The outside of the temple & outer buildings; 24,000 pieces of stone assembled in 18 months; 1,500 craftsmen hand carved with 400 volunteers in 1 million hours of service. In was inaugurated in 2007 & is built to last over 1,000 years.
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| The clouds are like the breath of God |
The Haveli (wooden) front doors is entry to the Mandir & Haveli, you take off your shoes immediately & there are cloak rooms for men, cloak rooms for women, with little shoe chubby holes.
The Haveli built using intricately hand carved teak wood reflects the traditional India craftsmanship.
Inside's architecture - remember this ceiling is put together without nails or screws, just joinery puzzle like.
Murtis - Divine Images are enshrined in the inner sanctums of Mandir & are ritually infused with divinity & are the focus of worship in Vedic tradition. The coloured lights changed from purples to blues. It gave the interior quite a sense of reverence.
Two rituals we were able to take part in.
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| From The Internet |
After the ritual in the main part of the temple we were guided downstairs to participate in the Vedic ritual. Abhishek is an ancient Vedic ritual where water is ceremoniously poured over the murti of God amidst the chanting of holy mantras to honour God & to seek blessings. The first thing you must do when entering the room is wash your hands, then take a brass cup of blessed water & stand near Abhishek Mandapam & pour the water over "her" head as you say your prayer for blessings.
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| From The Internet |
It was worth the visit just for the beauty of the building itself. Is the spiritual side something you're considering in your own life?
ReplyDeleteWe thought we would be only allowed outside so seeing inside was a real treat. No conversions happening for me, I'll stick with my childhood faith. I like that the Hindu faith is very embracing & tolerant of other faiths. Learning about the path others take to God is I think an important step in learning to get along in this big old world. :)
DeleteThat really is the most amazing building and the insight into the rituals is so interesting. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure Deb. Being that the world is such a melting pot & that we need to get along, it's important to understand our neighbours. As the late, great Aretha says R E S P E C T .
DeleteThanks for a closer look ... I'm definitely going to try and visit the one near me. The inside of that dome is fabulous.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. I look forward to reading about your trip out ... Mr Man & I must have stood & stared at the doom for over 20 minutes, everyone of those people are doing something different. I so admire peoples talents & artistic abilities.
Deletedome not doom ...
DeleteFascinating to learn about your visit, and the building itself is just stunning. I am in awe of such delicate and beautiful carving ...
ReplyDeleteA return visit is in order to see more this beautiful building, there were so many places to look I know in our first visit we didn't see it all. The wood cravings of elephants, peacocks & horses were stunning.
DeleteThat tour looks like an experience. I'm fascinated by the religions of others, and the ability to participate in the rituals must've been exciting. 1,000 years! And the beauty of the place is inspiring. Thx for the photos :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a positive experience & quite a learning one, which are two of my favourite things to do on holidays. 1000 years - I wish that same mind set would go into the roads they build! I'll say no more.
Deletelol, yes, roads and bridges would be a nice start. Potholes here can swallow your car!
DeleteThank you for sharing the additional photos. What a stunning place---inside and out! I really appreciating hearing about the two rituals and history. Hoping we'll get there for a visit in the next couple of years.
ReplyDeleteI really like all the cravings in the stone & wood, such detail which you have see close up - such talent. I don't think you would be disappointed to visit.
DeleteWhat a stunning building! There's a Hindu temple not far from us in West London that I've never visited … I think I might ask my Hindu friend to take me.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruth. I believe the same group do have a temple in London, would be very interested in seeing photos when you visit.
DeleteQuite a stunning building and interesting the declaration of how long it is intended to last! Also interesting that you were able to take photos inside.
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