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New Post 11/27/2009 9:20 PM
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User is offline Ms.
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Wanting to learn about the ceremonies at the Temple 

Hello ~Blessed Greetings,  I would like to learn more about Hinduism. I am not East Indian, but I am interested in what I can read, or what would be recommend for me to read. Maybe this is too broad a question.  I see the Calendar / about the various worship services that are scheduled  but I do not understand much at all.   Some of my questions are:  What is Abhisekam?  I see that this is scheduled on a weekly basis, what is this?   Also I do know a little about Hindu Religion, but want to understand and learn more.

Being new to this~  would you recommend something for me to attend at the Temple?  Something for a beginner.

What is Suprabatham?   I saw this is for November 28th  /  On saturday Dec 12th I see there will be a Ganesha Homam/ Abhishekam / a Swati Narasimbha Abhishekan/  and a Hanumann Abhishek. . I understand who Ganesha is, who Saraswathi, and Hanumann are but do not understand what it is that the temple will be doing?

Are non- East Indian welcome?  Are there any guidelines to dress code? 

Thank you, I know this is alot of questions but I thank you for any help and suggestions you may give.  Many divine blessings under the Mantle of Divine Mother,  Joanna Ajeet

 
New Post 11/30/2009 4:04 AM
User is offline baskar
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Re: Wanting to learn about the ceremonies at the Temple 
Modified By baskar  on 11/30/2009 10:17:02 AM)
Hi, Thanks for your posting. We will answer each of your question soon. I would like to recommend you coming to our temple on Sunday morning 10:00 AM and meet Dr. Sashi Sane. Dr. Sane is very knowledgeable and takes free classes on Hinduism on Sunday Morning.
We welcome everyone in our temple regardless of their faith and religion. Hoping to see you soon.

Thanks
Baskar
 
New Post 11/30/2009 11:07 AM
User is offline vkothur
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Re: Wanting to learn about the ceremonies at the Temple 

 ”Suprabhatam " means "Good Morning". When it's used in reference to God... it can be noted as ”Auspecious Dawn”

Now, in terms of Suprabhatam in temples, it  means a service to God in the morning to awaken the Lord. Most of the Suprabhatams are Sanskrit hymns recited in praise of Lord during the morning, awakening service.

Here is the first poem ( sloka) of a popular Suprabhatam of Lord Vishnu.

"Kausalya supraja rama purva sandhya pravartate,

Uthishta narasardula kartavyam daivamanhnikam "

Meaning ...

O! Rama! Kausalya's auspicious child! Twilight is approaching in the East. O! best of men (Purushottama)! Wake up, the divine daily rituals have to be performed.

I am sure there are better explanations for "Suprabhatham" but this is what i know.

Thanks

Venkat Kothur

 
New Post 11/30/2009 11:22 AM
User is offline Shashi
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Re: Wanting to learn about the ceremonies at the Temple 

Hello! Thank you for your questions. Our Hindu Temple is open to all individuals regardless of their faith as long as they are willing to follow the traditions at the temple such as taking off their shoes, no photography, being respectful to the deities and the devotees, appropriate dress code (like any place of worship like a church) etc. The best solution I would suggest for you is to come to the temple and witness the ceremonies. That way you would understand them much better. Here are some explainations for you: ABHISHEKA: Ritual bathing of the DEITY with water, curd (yogurt), milk, honey, ghee (purified butter), rosewater etc. This is a special kind of PUJAprescribed in the Vedas/Agamas performed on certain specific days based upon that Deity. They also can be performed for some special occassions.HOMA means "Fire-Offering". A sacred Ceremony in which the GOD (has multiple names) is offered oblations through the medium of fire in a sanctified fire pit. Homas are also performed on specific days based upon the Deity. Homas like Abhishekas are also performed on some special occssions for the devotee. SUPRABHATAM are the special prayers performed in the early morning.  Dr.Sane

 
New Post 2/16/2010 6:30 AM
User is offline Pittsey
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Re: Wanting to learn about the ceremonies at the Temple 
Modified By admin  on 3/6/2010 6:33:28 PM)

Greetings, To enhance a project I am working on at a local university I would like to visit the temple and observe some of the ceremonies. I know nothing about the Hindu philosophy but I am eager to learn for my project as well as for my own benefit.

Is Dr. Sane providing a class on Hinduism on Sundays at 10:00am? I hope to come this Saturday morning for the tour. Does anyone have any other recommendations for me? I see there are many events on the calendar, but I am afraid I don’t know what any of them are.
 
Is there anything that I should be aware of before coming to the temple? Dress?
 
Thank you very much,
Chris Pitts
 
New Post 2/17/2010 4:28 AM
User is offline baskar
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Re: Wanting to learn about the ceremonies at the Temple 
Modified By baskar  on 2/17/2010 7:28:53 AM)

Hi Chris, Glad to see your message. Yes. Dr. Sane and his team are giving lectures on Hinduism every Sunday between 10:15 to 11:45. You can hear the recordings of these lectures in our website http://hindumandirmn.org/TempleServices/HinduAmericanTempleSchoolHATS/HinduTempleofMinnesotaAudioPodcast.aspx
Our dress code is sililar to any other place of worship like a church. You are not expected to know anything before learning about Hindusim. Please take a tour and if possible attend the lectures. You are welcome anytime during the temple working hours to observe the religious ceremonies. After that, compile your questions and we will answer it to our level best.
Thanks
Baskar

 
New Post 3/5/2010 9:53 AM
User is offline Pittsey
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Re: Wanting to learn about the ceremonies at the Temple 
Modified By admin  on 3/6/2010 6:32:39 PM)

Hello, I had the opportunity to visit your temple a few weeks ago and join in a tour with Dr. Sane. Thank you very much for your hospitality; I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the temple.

Much of my project is concerned with the Hindu culture; and in what ways – and to what extent – my culture differs from the Hindu culture (specifically, the Hindu culture of MN).
 
If someone would be willing to answer any of these questions, I would be most thankful:
 
1)       In America, we tend to emphasize freedom, democracy, and individualism; in what ways is the Hindu culture similar to or different from this? From my own observations it would seem that Hindus value family and society more than the individual.
 
2)       How do Hindus respond to those in positions of higher power? For example, in a Western business, though there is typically a hierarchy, each employee’s opinion or thoughts have somewhat equal standing; how might this differ with Hindus?
 
3)       What might be significantly different from the Hindu culture in MN to that of Hindus elsewhere (i.e., Caribbean, Asia, etc…)?
 
Thank You
 
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