Places of Worship3rd Grade

ByAlicia Crowe

Lora HammonLyndsey RobbenKerry Johnson

World Religion Map

Hindu Temples

 

What is a Hindu Temple?

• A Hindu Temple is a place of worship for followers of Hinduism.

• The temple is meant to dissolve the the boundaries between man and the divine.

•  All aspects of the temple focus on the ultimate goal of enlightenment and liberation.

• Each temple is dedicated to an individual deity, and features images of the deity to which it is dedicated.  

Temple History

• The introduction of the Hindu temple marked the transition from a religion of ritual sacrifices to a religion of devotion to a personal deity.  

• The earliest temple structures that indicate idol worship date back to the 4th or 5th century AD.  

• The oldest Hindu temples were made of brick and wood, but they no longer exist.

Temple Architecture

• Temples are typically located in key geographical areas, such as the tops of hills, or near waterfalls, caves, or rivers.

• Temple design, construction, decoration, and rituals are governed by ancient Sanskrit texts called agamas.

•  The temple floor plan is based on a strict grid of squares and triangles, representing a symbolic, miniaturized version of the cosmos. 

• The inner sanctuary symbolizes the birthplace of the universe, and the meeting place of the gods and mankind. 

• There are substantial differences in architecture, customs, and rituals in temples in different parts of India.

Customs, Etiquette, and Rituals

• When inside the temple, people typically keep both hands folded together as a sign of respect.

•  Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering.•  Worshippers typically bring symbolic offerings for the

prayer, or "Puja."•  Within the inner sanctuary of the temple, worshippers offer

prayers to the presiding deities.• The preist, or "Pujari" will offer symbolically blessed food

called "Prasad" to the worshippers, and place holy red marks on their foreheads to symbolize blessings.

• During religious holidays, facilitators help visitors get through the crowds and complete the prayer ritual quickly.

Books for Classroom Use

   

Ashram

           

http://www.gandhiashram.org.in/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

What is an Ashram?

An Ashram is a usually secluded residence of a religious community and its guru. Location: (origins from India)• located far from human habitation• natural surroundings• mountainous or forests• world wide

 Practices:• Spiritual instruction• Meditation• Yoga

The Role of the Guru

 • A Guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge,

wisdom, and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others (teacher).

 • In Hinduism, the guru is considered a respected person with

saintly qualities who enlightens the mind of his or her disciple, an educator from whom one receives the initiatory mantra, and one who instructs in rituals and religious ceremonies.

Famous Guru

                     Gandhi                     (Mahatma or "The Great Soul")

Established Sabarmati Ashram1.was created with a dual mission. 2.First, to serve as an institution that would carry on a

search for truth 3.Second, a platform to bring together a group of

workers committed to non-violence who would help secure freedom for India.

believed God is truth, the way to truth is through non-violence.

Famous Guru

                        Swami Sivananda

one of the most prolific Yoga teachers who has ever existed

Swami Sivananda's teachings spread quickly throughout our entire planet

hand wrote more than 200 books on topics connected to Yoga and Philosophy

established the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

http://www.sivananda.org/locations/

How to use in the classroom

Book:            http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mirabai-ganga-ma-dickinson/1009300814?ean=9781604746181&itm=15&usri=ashrams#Overview

How to bring this culture into your classroom

During this portion of the unit: • Assign students to be a "Guru of             " (math, art, sports,

writing, reading, technology, cooking, sewing, etc.) • Bring foods that are specific to this culture

 • Have the students do yoga

 • Have the students do meditation

Shinto Shrines

            The most sacred Shinto shrine is the Great Ise Shrine, located just off the coast of eastern Japan. The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess. 

Shinto Shrines

Overview: • Shintoism is an ancient Janpanese religion that worships

many gods, polytheism.• Shinto shrines are built as a place of worship and serves as

a home for a particular god called Kami.• There are many different types of shrines depending on the

god (kami) it was built for. • It is believed that the Kami resides inside the innerchamber

of the shrine.• Festivals are held annually as a way of showing the Kami

the outside world.  

Shinto Shrines

Basic Beliefs: • Kami is translated as "the way of the Kami"• Kami is the energy that evokes a sense of wonder and awe

in the human heart. • Powerful dieties inhabit both Heaven and Earth• A Kami is nature, a highly honored peson, or an attribute of

good fortune, like fertility.• No absolutes, an optimistic faith, people are fundamentally

good.• Anything bad in the world is due to evil spirits.• Most rituals are held to keep evil spirits away by purification,

prayers and offerings to Kami.• Shaman or Diviner to help pray,often live at the shrine

Shinto Shrines

History: • Shintoism is the oldest known religion in Japan; Began at

least 500 BC • Each clan had it's own Kami to worship.• 2,000 years ago, the first shrine was built for the most highly

regarded Kami; Amaterasu (the sun god) • The daughter of the Emperor, Yamatohime-no-mikoto,

wandered for 20 years in search of the perfect place.  • The Japanese flag depicts the sun god; Amaterasu.• The seven Japanese Islands were created by her.

Shinto Shrines: Characteristics

               Torii                                      Komainu                     Purification trough

                       Main and offering hall                          Stage

                 Ema                                     Omikuji                            Shimenawa

Shinto: A Children's Book              http://www.amazon.com/Amaterasu-Return-Japanese-Graphic-Legends/dp/0822565730#reader_0822565730

 In the classroom:  Readers theater, Hakata festival national holiday, for children; parades and dress up in the color of favorite deity, New Year 

Synagogue

A synagogue is a Jewish church, also called a shul or temple.

• Originated in Israel; called First Temple, built in 957 BC by King Solomon 

• Found around the world• All look different 

Functions of a synagogue:• House of prayer (beit tefilah)• House of study (beit midrash)• Social hall for religious and non-religious activities   

Ritual Items in a Synagogue 

• Most important is the Ark (cabinet) that holds the Torah scrolls 

• The Eternal Lamp (ner tamid) near the Ark• Menorah • A pedestal called a bimah where the Torah is read • Magen David (Star of David)- shape on King David's shield;

relatively new 

• Men and women have separate seating; sectioned off by a wall or curtain 

Role of a Rabbi

• Not the same as a priest • A teacher who is educated in Jewish law and tradition • Makes decisions of religious law• A document called a semikhah gives the authority to make

decisions as a rabbi• Spiritual leader of the Jewish community • However, any educated Jew can lead a service, not just a

rabbi 

Religious Beliefs 

• Oldest of the great monotheistic faiths • Believe there is one God and all people are equal • Pray 3 times a day- morning, noon and night • Accept all religions; anyone is welcome • Can't eat pork or shell-fish and no meat and dairy at the

same meal 

Children's Book 

http://www.judaism.com/display.asp?etn=EHIHI 

References

Ashrams:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru#Guru_in_Hinduism http://www.gandhiashram.org.in/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashram http://www.sivananda.org/Synagogue:http://www.jewfaq.org/shul.htmhttp://pow.reonline.org.uk/judaism_1.htmhttp://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Facts+About+Israel/Spotlight+on+Israel/About+the+Jewish+Religion.htm 

 

References

Hindu Temples:http://hinduism.about.com/od/temples/p/hindutemple101.htm http://hinduism.about.com/od/temples/a/historyoftemple.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_temple http://www.templenet.com/Articles/hintemp.html

References

Shintoism: http://spirithouses-shrines.ucdavis.edu/content/lessons/readings/shinto.html http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2056.html http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2059.html http://www.nihonsun.com/2008/11/14/temple-or-shrine-whats-the-difference/ http://www.shambhalamountain.org/programs/view/758 http://www.japanesewanderer.com/travel-interests/sights/5-most-sacred-shinto-shrines-in-japan/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ise_Grand_Shrine