About my shrine . . .
This shrine resides in our home. It is a combination Hindu/Pagan shrine.
- Ganesha is the god who is always worshipped first. He is the remover of obstacles. This elephant-headed god is beloved by all sects of Hinduism. The murti (figure) in our shrine is a small brass Ganesha that Vinesh has had since his school days. Although we recieved bigger Ganeshas for wedding gifts, this one remains dear to our hearts and occupies the most prominent spot in our home. At this time, we aim our primary worship towards Ganesha.
- Saraswati, of the river Sarawati, is the goddess of wisdom, learning, music, and the arts. On our shrine, she represents the female aspect of the Divine. She is worshipped by students everywhere. Once a year, she is honored by her people when they place flowers on their books, instruments, paint brushes, and other objects associated with her. She is in our home to perpetuate wisdom. She was carved from the stones of Mamallapuram and hand-picked for our home. Click here for a close-up of her.
- Krishna is a special god to me because of his youthful spririt. In the Gita, he reveals his many incarnations, showing that god has many faces. He reminds me very much of Pan, the michievous and playful Pagan god, who is ever playing his pipes. He is on our shrine to balance Saraswati, and to encourage the enjoyments of the fruits of life. Our Krishna is carved from sandalwood and was given as a wedding present.
- Also included on our shrine are representations of the Goddess/God aspects and the five elements including:
- Goddess (glass egg by Saraswati)
- God (bowl of seeds)
- Earth (stones)
- Water (shell with sea salt)
- Fire (incense burner)
- Air (feathers)
- Spirit (the murtis)
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