Namaste, Greetings from the Motherland,
Hello everyone, we made it to India!
Well, being back in India has been wonderful. The weather is perfect, though a bit cold later in the day.
We have been exploring some of the sites of Delhi; some of the more unique sites have been the contemporary Hindu temples that grace the Delhi landscape. The robotic Krishna story at the ISKCON temple was a bizarre affair. But no sites was more perplexing as the Swami Narayan temple on the outskirts of Delhi. This mammoth temple designated to a swami from Ayodah, included a robotic life story of the swami, a water-fountain light show, and a river boat ride down a gallery illustrating important Indian artistic, religious and cultural achievements. Sadly when leaving this ride, the audio narration said something like "let's return India to its former glory". The temple is probably larger than the Konarak temple in Orissa. There were more Indians here than any westerners. After leaving I really felt that this temple was probably funded by some big Indian company, maybe the Birla family. I just don't know why this teacher is so important, and why would he warrant such a large temple. Sai Baba-ji a more important figure in the eyes of Indians doesnt't even have as large of a temple. So I believe it might be politics and a little Hindutva. The interior of the temple included relics of the swami, the caption the objects was designed to look old, which made me a bit weary of their importantance. Everything constructed just seemed so purposeful. This religious group is followed by 8 million people and the large Mandir that caused a cultural parade in Chicago is a BAPS construction. I am bit confused about this order. There is a reincarnate teacher in power now, who teaches the 200 year old scriptures.
Well, I just walked by an Ambedkar Buddhist temple which was amazing, I never knew that there were prominent structures like this one. It was shaped like the Sanchi stupa. B.J. Ambedkar was the father of the Indian constitution. He was a Dalit that became a very succesful politician. He actually started a religious following known as Neo-Buddhism that spread during the 60's. Many lower caste Indians followed this movement. Though with the rise of the Hindu-right many of these Indian Buddhists have felt social backlash in current times. There aren't as many followers of Amdekar Buddhists as there were when he was alive, though there are still many in his home state of Madhya Pradesh. I guess this Buddhist stupa can survive in a more moderate Delhi, but very interesting.
I will talk to you soon, maybe from Ganga-ma.
Thanks for tuning in,
Peace.
J.B.
Comments
Thanks for sharing so many details about the places you have seen in the past few days JB... reading your entry really helps give a sense not only of where you have been but the stories behind those places...it will be great to hear your insight on this trip-bringing in things you know already and merging them with new experiences.. thanks!:)
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Bos-Lun | February 23, 2007 03:03 PM