History

Historically in India, mandirs were devoted to only one Hindu god or goddess. Vaishnavite temples housed a central image of Vishnu and murtis of associated gods and goddesses, such as Rama, Sita or Krishna. Shaivite temples housed images of Shiva and murtis of the goddesses associated with Shiva, including Parvati, Shakti, Durga and Kali.

In India, where there are many Hindus, it is often still the case that mandirs are devoted to only one god or goddess.
When they enter a mandir, a Hindu worshipper typically removes their shoes as a sign of respect and cleanliness in the house of the deities. The worshipper then enters the shrine room and rings a bell at the shrine of one of the gods or goddesses. This is a symbol of awakening the deity but it also acts to focus the worshipper’s mind. They may then walk around the shrine while singing, chanting or praying. They may also present an offering, such as fruit, milk or money.

The purpose of worship in the mandir is to ‘have darshan’ of (or see) the gods and goddesses. Worship enables the devotee to clearly see – and be seen by – the divine. Prayers and hymns (such as bhajans) help the devotee to experience the divine presence. Hindu teaching says that worship comes from human hearts and minds, and is expressed in actions.

The daily services of the mandir usually include morning and evening arati ceremonies led by a Brahmin priest. The priest’s role is to look after the murtis of the gods and goddesses in the temple by washing them and clothing them each day. The priest also feeds the gods by placing blessed food, called prashad at their feet. This food is then shared out with worshippers in the temple or given to people in need.