The word “Mandir” is a general term for a Hindu place of worship
and prayer – it is made up of the two words “Man” and “Dir” which respectively
means Mind and Still…..So a Mandir is a sanctuary place where one can go and
relax and pray under calming lights in front of statues of different Gods and
Founders. Often times the worship will be done in the traditional
kneeled pose, but it is also possible to lie prostrate and face down then
repeatedly stand in gestures of contrition. Mandirs can
also serve as school type or refuge buildings for the Hindu community in times
of need.
I do not know much about this religion, but my experience
visiting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Atlanta, Georgia recently was a
very calming one. Most all of the employees I came across sported
open smiling faces and the Tilak or Tilaka dot on their forehead. I love
the idea of this as it symbolizes the third eye or mind’s eye of meditation or
spiritual enlightenment. This Mandir was
breathtaking! It took over one million volunteer hours over a year
and a half to build this place! The Mandir is made of
Turkish Limestone, Italien Marble and Indian Pink Sandstone pieces and each
piece was hand carved in India and shipped here then assembled.
I was unable to photograph the interior but as I walked (have to
take your shoes off at the door ) around there was a very soothing feeling
about the place, the lighting was a soft lavender glow that seemed to emanate
from the stone and the statues were so vibrant and life-like I felt I was
staring into an otherworldly face that seemed alive from within, the
expressions were androgynous and very, very kind.
It is wonderfully amazing that in the middle of an unassuming
corner of this huge city, sits this refuge just waiting for a visit from
you!
