Religious Experience Paper

There are many different religions in the world that most people do not have a clue about or have never even thought about looking into. The average person grows up and believes whatever they were born into. For example, if you’re Christian typically that’s your religion the rest of your life without even considering practicing something else. Exploring different religions and their practices could make decide to change your faith. Additionally, there are those people who judge other religions without having experienced that specific religion. For me one of those religions I never fully understand or thought about is Hinduism. I found the idea of a god for everything to be interesting but have never thought of experiencing one of their services. Which is why for my religious experience I chose to visit Manav Mandir, a Hindu temple.

After researching Hindu temples around Melbourne I discovered Manav Mandir. Even though it is right down the road I have never once noticed it. Coming from a Christian background I wasn’t sure if I should expect a similar layout to a Roman Catholic Church, or something entirely different. Additionally, I was expecting to be the odd one out in a large group of people, which turned out to be false. Before going I was experiencing some fear of doing something wrong and be looked at. For example, I feared not knowing where to go or take my shoes off. Also, doing something wrong that

would cause people to look at me. But as it turned out the opposite of all those things happened.
When first walking up to the temple I was immediately greeted by a guy who led the service. He welcomed me and helped point out where your shoes go. After walking into the temple the first thing I noticed was all the different colors and deities. I was amazed on all the decorative objects they had and how welcoming the place seemed. Additionally, there was an array of incenses that filled the room with a pleasant odor. The temple consisted of numerous deities at different stations against the walls. In the middle far back which seemed to be the main deities which were Shri Ganesha, Shreenathji, and Shri Saraswati. Which I later found out Shreenathji is a form of Krishna. The service I attended is Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatham, Vishnu Sahasranama and Arti. Upon entering I noticed there was only a small group of people worshiping a deity. Throughout the service we walked around the room to each deity worshipping them while the guy who led rang a bell. Finishing that we ended up in the middle facing the three main deities were you went up to a burning candle and waved it into your face. After that we were offered a liquid which seemed to have different herbs in it. I never found out why or what it was. As a Christian it seemed to be an equivalent for Holy water. Additionally, there were many prayers that were song for long periods of time. Throughout this I was questioning what they were saying. Throughout the experience the people were kind and helped along the way by giving me signs on what to do. The experience did leave me with many questions.
One thing in particular I was questioning is waving the air around the flame of a candle into your face.

I discovered, “arti involves waving lighted wicks before the sacred images to infuse the flames with the Deities’ love, energy and blessings.” Then each person would wave into onto them. Also, the ringing bell in front of each deity confused me. Later I found out it is to welcome the deities and to accept them. Finally, the liquid I was offered to drink the seemed to be made of different herbs and spices. I am still unaware of the meaning and purpose of

it.
Overall I enjoyed the experience. It’s interesting to see how another religion practices and worships whoever they believe in. It was entirely different then a Catholic mass where you go sit down, prayer, and receive communion. Instead, I was more actively engaged in what was happening and trying to figure things out. Additionally, seeing their deities was a unique experience and the way they were decorated. If I was asked to go back I would, but to completely devote myself to Hinduism is something I would not do. It is something I would recommend to anyone interested experiencing a different religion. Ultimately, it was and interesting and unique experience.