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| The Rt Hon. Prime Minister David Cameron MP visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Saturday 2 May 2015 |
A mandir has many internal features, which one can fully appreciate only by visiting. Below we list what we might experience on entering a temple. Some mandirs have fewer facilities, and others far more. The more elaborate are often part of an entire complex that includes residential quarters, guest rooms, and educational facilities.
Racks for shoes (sometimes manned in larger temples)
The fragrance of incense
Main hall (temple room)
Bell to ring upon entry – to announce one's arrival to the deity
Pictures/posters of saints, deities, and associated stories
Hindu symbols
Musical instruments – including drums, cymbals, harmonium
Sacred books – for reading and giving lectures
Main shrine (at the front); often many smaller shrines, usually to the sides
Donation box before the shrine
Murtis within the shrine areas
Charanamrita (holy water in a bowl near the altar)
Prasada, sacred food, handed to worshippers at the altar, or as they leave
Priest or priests
Kitchen and dining area
Auditorium for music, drama, dance, and other cultural performances
Shop selling religious artifacts, books, and other religious souvenirs.
The temple administrative office
Also Read:
Worship
Focuses of Worship
Food and Prasada
