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In this archive story we are learning about Hinduism inside the Sundar Narayan Mandir in Nashik, India.
Read the background story of this archive photo by the photographer. |
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A Hindu temple or mandir is a structure designed to bring human beings and gods together, using symbolism to express the ideas and beliefs of Hinduism. The symbolism and structure of a Hindu temple are rooted in Vedic traditions. A temple incorporates all elements of Hindu cosmos presenting the good, the evil and the human, as well as the elements of Hindu sense of cyclic time and the essence of life symbolically presenting 'Dharma', 'Kama', 'Aartha', 'Moksa' and 'Karma'. |
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Hindu temples of India
The spiritual principles symbolically represented in Hindu temples are given in the ancient Sanskrit texts of India for instance Vedas and Upanishads, while their structural rules are described in various ancient Sanskrit treatises on architecture, 'Brhat Samhita', 'Vastu Sastras'. The layout, the motifs, the plan and the building process recite ancient rituals, geometric symbolisms and reflect beliefs and values innate within various schools of Hinduism.
Can anyone visit a Hindu temple?
Though most Hindu temples are usually open to the public, it is important to enter each one with the understanding that it is a sacred space. Being conscious of certain etiquettes can help one navigate the hallowed grounds of a temple respectfully. Before entering a temple everyone is required to remove shoes. |
India, a spiritual destination
A Hindu temple is a spiritual destination for many Hindus, as well as landmarks around which ancient arts, community celebrations and economy have flourished. A temple is a place for 'Tirtha' pilgrimage and it is a sacred site whose ambience and design attempts to symbolically condense the ideal tenets of Hindu way of life. All the cosmic elements that create and sustain life are present in a Hindu temple, from fire to water, from images of nature to deities, from the feminine to the masculine, from the fleeting sounds and incense smells to the eternal nothingness yet universality at the core of the temple.
Secular and sacred at the same place
In Hindu tradition, there is no dividing line between the secular and the sacred. In the same spirit, Hindu temples are not just sacred spaces, they are also secular spaces. Their meaning and purpose have extended beyond spiritual life to social rituals and daily life, offering thus a social meaning. Some temples have served as a venue to mark festivals, to celebrate arts through dance and music, to get married or commemorate marriages, commemorate the birth of a child, other significant life events or mark the death of a loved one.
In political and economic life, Hindu temples have served as a venue for the succession within dynasties and landmarks around which economic activity thrived. Hindu temples come in many styles, are situated in diverse locations, deploy different construction methods and are adapted to different deities and regional beliefs, yet almost all of them share certain core ideas, symbolism and themes. Almost all Hindu temples take two forms, a house or a palace. A house-themed temple is a simple shelter which serves as a deity's home. The temple is a place where the devotee visits, just like he or she would visit a friend or relative.
"In Bhakti school of Hinduism, temples are venues for 'Puja', which is a hospitality ritual, where the deity is the honored and where devotee calls upon, attends to and connects with the deity. In other schools of Hinduism, the person may simply perform 'Jap' or meditation or yoga or introspection in his or her temple. A palace-themed temples are more elaborate, often monumental architecture"
Vishnu is one of the most significant in Hinduism
Sundar Narayan Mandir is a temple on the corner of Ahillyabai Holkar bridge that was built in 1756 by Chandrachud. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Vishnu and it is built in so that the very first rays of the Sun falls on the deity of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu is one of the most significant deities in Hinduism. He is the Supreme god Svayam Bhagavan of Vaishnavism is one of the principal denominations of Hinduism. He is also known as Narayana and Hari. As one of the five primary forms of God in the 'Smarta tradition', he is conceived as the 'Preserver' or the 'Protector'.
In Hindu sacred texts, Vishnu is usually described as having the dark complexion of water-filled clouds and having four arms. He is depicted as a pale blue being, as are his incarnations Rama and Krishna. He holds a 'Padma', which is a lotus flower in his lower left hand, the Kaumodaki gada, which is mace in his lower right hand, the 'Panchajanya shankha', a conch in his upper left hand and the discus weapon considered to be the most powerful weapon according to Hindu Religion Sudarshana Chakra in his upper right hand. Vishnu's many names and followers are collected in the 'Vishnusahasranama', also known as the 'Vishnu's thousand names', one well-known version of which is found in the Mahabharata.
The character Bhishma recites the names before Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, praising Vishnu as the supreme god. These 'Sahasranama' are regarded as the essence of all Vedas by followers of Vaishnavism, who believe sincere chanting of Vishnusahasranama results in spiritual well-being and greater awareness of God.
The world is a form or a body of Lord Vishnu. The world constitutes of Earth, 21 heavens and 21 hells. This world is like a small fragment in the infinite space called 'Mahat-tatva'. This world is Lord Vishnu. So the world being God one should not destroy this world and try to find the hidden God in this world through faith.
Vishnu Sahasranama
The Vishnu Sahasranama, a tatpurusha compound, is a list of 1,000 names known as the Sahasranama of Vishnu, one of the main forms of God in Hinduism and the personal supreme God for Vaishnavas, the followers of Vishnu. It is also one of the most sacred and commonly chanted stotras in Hinduism. The 'Vishnu Sahasranama' as found in the 'Anushasana Parva' of the 'Mahabharata' is the most popular version of the 1,000 names of Vishnu. Other versions exists in the 'Padma Purana', 'Skanda Purana' and 'Garuda Purana'. Each name eulogizes one of His countless great attributes. The 'Vishnu Sahasranama' has been the subject of numerous commentaries. Adi Shankara wrote a definitive commentary on the sahasranama in the 8th century which has been particularly influential for many schools of Hinduism even today.
Parasara Bhattar, a follower of Ramanuja, wrote a commentary in the 12th century, detailing the names of Vishnu from a Vishishtadvaita perspective. Madhvacharya asserted that each name in the sahasranama has a minimum of 100 meanings. Some of the Vishnu's other names are: 'Vishwam', 'Vishnu', 'Vashatkara', 'Bhuta Bhavya Bhavatprabhu', 'Bhutakrut', 'Bhutabhrut', 'Bhava', 'Bhutatma', 'Bhutabhavanah', 'Putatma', 'Paramatma', 'Muktanam Parama Gatih', 'Avyaya', 'Purusha', 'Keshava', 'Shrinidhi', 'Jayant', 'Aadityay', 'Bhavnaay', 'Veday'.
Vishnu is one of the most significant deities in Hinduism. He is the Supreme god Svayam Bhagavan of Vaishnavism, one of the principal denominations of Hinduism. He is also known as Narayana and Hari. As one of the five primary forms of God in the 'Smarta' tradition, he is conceived as the 'Preserver' or the 'Protector'. In Hindu sacred texts, Vishnu is usually described as having the dark complexion of water-filled clouds and having four arms. He is depicted as a pale blue being, as are his incarnations Rama and Krishna. He holds a 'Padma', a lotus flower in his lower left hand, the 'Kaumodaki gada', a mace in his lower right hand, the 'Panchajanya shankha', a conch in his upper left hand and the discus weapon considered to be the most powerful weapon according to Hindu religion the 'Sudarshana Chakra' in his upper right hand.
Famous Hindu temples in India:
• Meenakshi Amman Temple
• Virupaksha Temple
• Khajuraho Group of Temples
• Puri Jagannath Temple
Radhey, Radhey
The name 'Radhey' literally means belonging to Radha or son of Radha. Radhey is also another name of Karna. Radha, also called 'Radhika', is a Hindu goddess and a consort of the god Krishna. She is worshipped as the goddess of love, tenderness, compassion and devotion. She is described as the chief of 'Gopis' the so-called 'Milkmaids' and appears in Krishna's love in his youth, though he is not married to her. She is sometimes considered an emanation of the goddess Lakshmi. Radha is venerated particularly by Gaudiya Vaishnavas, Vaishnavas in West Bengal, Bangladesh Manipur and Odisha. Elsewhere, she is revered in the Nimbarka Sampradaya and movements linked to 'Chaitanya Mahaprabhu'.
Radha is considered as a metaphor for the human spirit named 'Atma', her love and longing for Krishna is theologically viewed as symbolic of the human quest for spiritual growth and union with the divine known as 'Brahman'. She has inspired numerous literary works and her Rasa lila dance with Krishna has inspired many types of performance arts. Radha is a Hindu girl name and it is Hindi originated name with multiple meanings. Radha name meaning in Hindi is Krishna's Lover, Prosperity.
The photographer's own experience with a Hindu temple
"- As a keen traveler, I have always been drawn to experiencing new cultures and immersing myself in the local way of life. On my recent trip to India, I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Nashik and was immediately captivated by its rich history and cultural heritage. My expedition commenced in the vibrant state of Maharashtra. Inside the Sundar Narayan Temple as photographed in this archive story, I immersed myself in the mesmerizing rituals, with the rhythmic chants and fragrant incense creating an environment charged with positive energy. Beyond the aesthetic and spiritual aspects, Hindu temples hold profound significance as cultural and educational institutions. They serve as social hubs, fostering community engagement and imparting timeless wisdom. Befriending locals and engaging in conversations with temple priests unlocked a treasure trove of mythical stories and historical anecdotes that breathed life into these ancient structures", the Photographer says.
"Among the many attractions in the city, one that stood out to me was the Sundar Narayan Hindu temple – a stunning architectural masterpiece that left a lasting impression on me. Located on the banks of the Godavari River, the Sundar Narayan temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Nashik. As I entered the temple premises, I was struck by the grandeur of its intricate designs and the peaceful atmosphere that enveloped the entire area. The temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, is believed to have been built more than 400 years ago during the reign of the Maratha king, Shivaji"
"- As I made my way inside, I was greeted by the sound of ringing bells and the mesmerizing aroma of incense. The temple's interior was just as magnificent as its exterior, with beautifully carved pillars, elaborate paintings and colorful sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The main deity, Lord Vishnu, sat majestically in the inner sanctum, adorned with jewels and flowers. I was awestruck by the sense of divinity that emanated from the deity and the devotion of the people offering their prayers. One of the most unique aspects of this temple is its fusion of Hindu and Islamic architecture. The main entrance of the temple is adorned with carvings inspired by Islamic designs, a result of the influence of the Mughal rulers who once controlled the region. This blend of two distinct architectural styles only added to the beauty and charm of the temple", the Photographer says again.
See this video about the Sundar Narayan Temple made by Jagdish Thakur.
"- As I explored the temple complex, I came across a small pond known as the 'Surya Kund' – a sacred water body believed to have healing properties. The peacefulness and tranquility of the surroundings were a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life. I spent some time sitting by the pond, taking in the serene atmosphere and admiring the beautiful sculptures surrounding it. My visit to the Sundar Narayan temple in Nashik was an unforgettable experience that left a profound impact on me. The stunning architecture, cultural significance and sense of devotion and spirituality were unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It was a reminder of the beauty and diversity of Indian culture and a testament to the enduring power of faith. I left the temple with a sense of peace and contentment, grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a special place", the Photographer says again.
"- My journey through India's diverse and captivating landscape of Hindu temples left me awe-inspired and spiritually awakened. The vibrancy, devotion, and rich cultural heritage embedded within these architectural wonders fascinated both heart and mind. These temples, symbols of India's spiritual fabric, taught me that each intricate carving, every sacred ritual and every heartfelt prayer tell a unique tale, etching a timeless connection between the divine and humanity. India's Hindu temples remain forever etched in my travel memoirs, a reminder of both the extraordinary and the intangible facets of our existence", the Photographer says again.
Read also: Holy cows of India
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India is a land full of stories. On every street, on every corner and in the many places in India, life is rushing by you as a photographer with millions of stories to be told. In the archive story above, you hopefully had a readable insight in the story that was behind the photo of a Hindu temple in Nashik. On this website of Kristian Bertel | Photography you can find numerous travel pictures from the photographer. Stories and moments that tell the travel stories of how the photographer captured the specific scene that you see in the picture. The photographer's images have a story behind them, images that all are taken from around India throughout his photo journeys. The archive stories delve into Kristian's personal archive to reveal never-before-seen, including portraits and landscapes beautifully produced snapshots from various travel assignments. The archive is so-far organized into photo stories, this one included, each brought to life by narrative text and full-color photos. Together, these fascinating stories tell a story about the life in India. India, the motherland to many people around the world, a land of unforgetable travel moments. The archive takes viewers on a spectacular visual journey through some of the most stunning photographs to be found in the photographer's archive collection. The photographer culled the images to reflect the many variations on the universal theme of beauty and everyday life in India. By adding these back stories the photographer's work might immensely enhanced the understanding of the photographs.
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