Namaste All!
This morning I visited a new temple! This one was 45 minutes away from me - much closer than the other temples in my area. This was a small Rama Temple called the HARI association in New Cumberland, PA. While the architecture is western in style, and the interior is simple, I felt right at home.
I am always a little nervous visiting new temples. I never know how I will be perceived. But time and time again my nervousness is proven needless.
I was the only one there besides the volunteer holding the place of the priest while he went to do a puja at someone's home. I did my prayers and prostrations, offered apples and then meditated for a while. The volunteer asked me my name and told me to make sure I took prasad before I left. We talked briefly and he seemed surprised that I knew how to conduct myself at the temple. I explained that I had previously been a volunteer at another temple. This month is shravan month - something I don't know much about, but he invited me to pour water on the lingam. I didn't know what he meant when he told me to take some of the water and anoint myself, since all the water wet down a drain, but then he showed me (he just dabbed whatever droplets were left in the yoni and sprinkled me with it.) I told him I was still learning and he was very jolly and said "Oh that's fine! No problem!"
I told him I was learning Hindi and that I was having trouble because I had no one to speak it with on a regular basis. He invited me to the Temple's Hindi classes and said that I could call him any time to practice, saying it was a privilege to share his language with others.
He was very kind and definitely gave me a warm welcome to the temple, so i believe this will be my regular temple "home" in my new state. I am happy because the other temples were stunning but very far away. I have already emailed the Temple President to offer my volunteer services if they are needed. We shall see what he says.
Oh, but to the actual temple. Like I said, it is a Rama Temple, with smaller deities in wall nooks on either side. They are made of White marble except for Sri Venkateswara who is black granite. Now that I think about it I don't remember a Ganesh, but I must be mistaken about that. Every other temple I've visited had a Ganesh. It is situated in a heavily wooded area so it is a nice environment for a temple.
I am very happy to have a temple I can go to on a regular basis. It will help me keep my connection to my faith as I continue to learn.
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