Today we went on an Unhurried Walk through the Botanical Gardens of Bangalore. Throughout the walk we learned about different trees that are native to India. We then traveled to the Bull Temple, which is a well-known Hindu temple in Bangalore. Walking up to the temple are small temples for people’s personal gods and goddesses. People were worshiping in these small temples. When we reached the Bull Temple, we saw the bull which is supposedly carved out of only one single rock. The bull has a plate on its head to stop the bull from growing too large. When entering the temple we had to remove our shoes. There was then a priest at the entrance with a candle and Kumkuma powder. The candle is there for you to cup your hand and pull the warmth of the candle to your eyes, after this you dip your right finger into the Kumkuma powder and place this on your forehead near the shakra. I’ve attached a picture of me with my Kumkuma dot. As we walked around the temple we saw shrines to Shiva and other gods and goddesses. Since 80% of Indians are Hindu, we also see quite a few statues around the city honoring particular gods and goddesses. The three main gods are: Vishnu (the creator), Brahman (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). The idea is that Vishnu creates, Brahman preserves what has been created, and Shiva destroys for the purpose of having Vishnu create again. Through these three gods we can see the concept of reincarnation. |
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorHi! My name is Janna Nobleza and I'm a high school English teacher in the Chicago Public Schools. This blog records my TGC India preparation, journey, and reflections. Archives
August 2014
Categories
All
|