Spectacular Temples in Madurai

"Meenakshi Temple Golden Lotus Tank," photo courtesy of Flickr user mckaysavage

Temples are such a major part of daily life here. There is not one god in Hindu religion, and the many aspects of god are part of any temple. Temples are thriving communities with many rituals for any and all occasions...the whole thing is very participatory...and trinket vendors surround the edges of the temple to facilitate remembrances and also to sell things that can be given as offerings at various sites throughout the temple.

I bought a little oil lamp to light and to offer in front of the Sri Meenakshi Temple. In this temple there is so much appreciation for creation...and the lighting of a candle is supposed to bring light to the present moment. I said a few words to myself remembering mommy and it was very satisfying to bring her once again to this moment with me, in the middle of my journey. I figured it would be a good place to remember her and then realized that all places would be good places.

Only Hindu people can visit the inner part of the temple. Other people can move around in outer areas and get some sense of the importance of these deities and representations in the spiritual life of this community. Once again, I am aware of being in a world I don't understand, and yet everyone seems to feel part of the whole in the midst of it all. Even I do.