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Temple Visits from "Outsiders"

SalixIncendium

SalixIncendium

अहं ब्रह्मास्मि
Staff member
Premium Member
It's no secret that my personal beliefs are heavily inspired by Hindu beliefs and philosophies. While I've spoken to many Hindus on the internet, I have yet to have much experience with any IRL (save being ignored). Allow me to elaborate.

A couple of years ago, I had the urge to visit a Hindu temple out of curiosity, since I've never seen one from any closer than the road. Not knowing how welcoming members of the temple would be to an outsider just wandering in, I called a couple of temples near me and left voice mails expressing my interest in visiting, but received no response. This led me to believe that Hindus don't really have any interest in visits from outsiders.

I'm asking Hindus here, what is your perspective on this? Any suggestions on how to approach should I get this urge again?
 
SomeRandom

SomeRandom

Still learning to be wise
Staff member
Premium Member
SalixIncendium said:
It's no secret that my personal beliefs are heavily inspired by Hindu beliefs and philosophies. While I've spoken to many Hindus on the internet, I have yet to have much experience with any IRL (save being ignored). Allow me to elaborate.

A couple of years ago, I had the urge to visit a Hindu temple out of curiosity, since I've never seen one from any closer than the road. Not knowing how welcoming members of the temple would be to an outsider just wandering in, I called a couple of temples near me and left voice mails expressing my interest in visiting, but received no response. This led me to believe that Hindus don't really have any interest in visits from outsiders.

I'm asking Hindus here, what is your perspective on this? Any suggestions on how to approach should I get this urge again?
Click to expand...
Just walk in. It's not like you have to show your official Hindu ID at the door. That's not how Temple works. Bring something with you for offering and explain to the pundit (priest) that you're still learning/unsure of the customs. You should be fine.
If you show sincerety then you'll be accepted. The walls put up might be a consequence of colonialism. But generally Hindus are welcoming people who will feed you till bursting. ;)
 
Vinayaka

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
SalixIncendium said:
It's no secret that my personal beliefs are heavily inspired by Hindu beliefs and philosophies. While I've spoken to many Hindus on the internet, I have yet to have much experience with any IRL (save being ignored). Allow me to elaborate.

A couple of years ago, I had the urge to visit a Hindu temple out of curiosity, since I've never seen one from any closer than the road. Not knowing how welcoming members of the temple would be to an outsider just wandering in, I called a couple of temples near me and left voice mails expressing my interest in visiting, but received no response. This led me to believe that Hindus don't really have any interest in visits from outsiders.

I'm asking Hindus here, what is your perspective on this? Any suggestions on how to approach should I get this urge again?
Click to expand...


A lot of Hindu temple are understaffed, and rely totally on volunteers. A single person looking for a host for a couple of hours won't be on their priority list. Once there, however, if the devotees and priests aren't busy worshiping God, most would be willing to answer questions, etc. given there is no language barrier. (many more recent immigrants in some places are uncomfortable with English)

Some temples do have guides, formally or informally. I'm such a person here. Once in awhile I get a call to come over and host somebody who has done just what you did. It is rare though, maybe 3 or 4 times a year.

You can also just walk right in, and make yourself at home. There isn't much wrong you can do, other than not removing your shoes. If there are people there, you can just watch what they do. There are also a few 'Visiting a Hindu Temple' guides on line that you can read before going.

Here's one: https://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=464

If you were in my city, I'd host you, just from out of this thread. Perhaps there are others here willing to do that as well.

Temples do vary a lot as well. So much that they would almost not be recognisable as from the same religion.
 
sayak83

sayak83

Veteran Member
Staff member
Premium Member
SalixIncendium said:
It's no secret that my personal beliefs are heavily inspired by Hindu beliefs and philosophies. While I've spoken to many Hindus on the internet, I have yet to have much experience with any IRL (save being ignored). Allow me to elaborate.

A couple of years ago, I had the urge to visit a Hindu temple out of curiosity, since I've never seen one from any closer than the road. Not knowing how welcoming members of the temple would be to an outsider just wandering in, I called a couple of temples near me and left voice mails expressing my interest in visiting, but received no response. This led me to believe that Hindus don't really have any interest in visits from outsiders.

I'm asking Hindus here, what is your perspective on this? Any suggestions on how to approach should I get this urge again?
Click to expand...
As people said. You don't need appointments to visit a temple at all. If they have a website or a Facebook page, see what's going on and just go. As long as you remember to leave shoes outside and silence the cell phone and don't wear an obviously leather jacket (temples are veggie places), you can go in freely, see and participate in worship. There will be volunteer desks there and you can get booklets, ask questions, schedules there as well. There may be done scripture reading classes going on as well. Check and join if you like.
 
Jainarayan

Jainarayan

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Staff member
Premium Member
I had mucho trepidation about making my first visit to temple back in the day. I took a valium and pulled into the parking lot after work and just walked in. The temple was in the tiny building at the time, before the new temple was built. And I do mean tiny.

Anyway...

I walked up to the office counter and paid my greetings and respects. I immediately got welcoming smiles. I said I had trepidation about coming because I'm "different". The lady whom I've become friends with said "pfft! [with a dismissing wave of the hand] we're all the same. come, come in! take darshan and be comfortable!". Then there were the obligatory questions... them being more curious about me than I was about them.

The priests even coached me with subtle hand and eye signals, which I've since learned to do. Indians can give a 2 hour presentation with only hand, head and eye gestures. Fine! Fine, I'm exaggerating. :D

That was 5 years ago. (@Vinayaka, stop laughing :p). I get the 3rd degree, especially from Raghavan the young priest if I disappear for more than a week or two. It's actually quite nice to be looked after that way. I felt I'd "arrived" when the manager asked me if I'd like to help carry the vahana for Sri Venkateshwara Brahmotsavam. Unfortunately I had to decline because of my back.

So my point is, GO! :)
 
U

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
SalixIncendium said:
It's no secret that my personal beliefs are heavily inspired by Hindu beliefs and philosophies. While I've spoken to many Hindus on the internet, I have yet to have much experience with any IRL (save being ignored). Allow me to elaborate.

A couple of years ago, I had the urge to visit a Hindu temple out of curiosity, since I've never seen one from any closer than the road. Not knowing how welcoming members of the temple would be to an outsider just wandering in, I called a couple of temples near me and left voice mails expressing my interest in visiting, but received no response. This led me to believe that Hindus don't really have any interest in visits from outsiders.

I'm asking Hindus here, what is your perspective on this? Any suggestions on how to approach should I get this urge again?
Click to expand...

I wanted to break the rules and add my brief Dharmic experience here. I went to a Hindu temple as a non-hindu. What I did was took off my shoes at the doors. I was told that donations are often given. Once you are there, you can ask questions. Unfortunately for me there was a huge language barrier. Bring a plastic bag with you just in case. I received so much fruits they gave me a lunch back to hold it all.

In general, I notice in the temples I go to it's customary not to walk in front of someone when they are praying. Wait until after the ceremony if there is one if you want to ask questions. Just as any house of worship, be respectful and dress modest.

Here is my Visit to the Temple in the Hindu DIR years ago.

Enjoy.
 
Vinayaka

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
Jainarayan said:
I get the 3rd degree, especially from Raghavan the young priest if I disappear for more than a week or two. It's actually quite nice to be looked after that way. I felt I'd "arrived" when the manager asked me if I'd like to help carry the vahana for Sri Venkateshwara Brahmotsavam. Unfortunately I had to decline because of my back.

So my point is, GO! :)
Click to expand...

Our junior priest is named Raghavan as well.
 
sayak83

sayak83

Veteran Member
Staff member
Premium Member
SalixIncendium said:
It's no secret that my personal beliefs are heavily inspired by Hindu beliefs and philosophies. While I've spoken to many Hindus on the internet, I have yet to have much experience with any IRL (save being ignored). Allow me to elaborate.

A couple of years ago, I had the urge to visit a Hindu temple out of curiosity, since I've never seen one from any closer than the road. Not knowing how welcoming members of the temple would be to an outsider just wandering in, I called a couple of temples near me and left voice mails expressing my interest in visiting, but received no response. This led me to believe that Hindus don't really have any interest in visits from outsiders.

I'm asking Hindus here, what is your perspective on this? Any suggestions on how to approach should I get this urge again?
Click to expand...
If you are specifically interested in advaita, you can check out the centers of Vedanta society that were founded by Vivekananda and Rama Krishna order of Hindu monks. They are quite good and legit.
North America Centers | Vedanta Society of Southern California
 
SomeRandom

SomeRandom

Still learning to be wise
Staff member
Premium Member
Jainarayan said:
The priests even coached me with subtle hand and eye signals, which I've since learned to do. Indians can give a 2 hour presentation with only hand, head and eye gestures. Fine! Fine, I'm exaggerating. :D
Click to expand...

2 hours? More like 2 days! It's all in the head wobble ;)
 
SalixIncendium

SalixIncendium

अहं ब्रह्मास्मि
Staff member
Premium Member
SalixIncendium

SalixIncendium

अहं ब्रह्मास्मि
Staff member
Premium Member
Vinayaka said:
What about the Hindu Temple of Greater Cleveland? It looks nice by the website.
Click to expand...

That looks like a nice possibility as well, but I'm not sure if they follow the teachings of Advaita. I got the impression (and I could be wrong) that they followed a Dvaita philosophy. But I guess I won't know for sure until I ask. :)
 
Vinayaka

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
SalixIncendium said:
That looks like a nice possibility as well, but I'm not sure if they follow the teachings of Advaita. I got the impression (and I could be wrong) that they followed a Dvaita philosophy. But I guess I won't know for sure until I ask. :)
Click to expand...

Temples don't follow philosophies, in general. They are houses of worship, and are open to any philosophical bend from advaita to dvaita. Sectarian means which Gods are there, and that one is all Gods. So you might find an advaitin sitting beside a dvaitin, sitting beside a person who doesn't know what he is philosophically.
 
sayak83

sayak83

Veteran Member
Staff member
Premium Member
SalixIncendium said:
I've actually had this bookmarked for a bit and have been reading it. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
I would also recommend reading the early Upanishads where the concept of Advaita originally comes from. Here is a nice set of translations. :)

Holy Upanishads: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad: Part 2


“As the spider moves along the thread it produces, or as from a fire tiny sparks fly in all directions, even so from this Altman (Self) come forth all organs, all worlds, all gods, all beings. Its secret name (Upanishad) is "the Truth of truth." The vital breaths are the truth and their truth is Atman.“ :innocent:
 
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