Bombay: Oh My Gods!

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Yet another in a series of ill-advised, poorly-planned, and hastily-assembled journeys by a fallen-away ex-Catholic -- this time straight to the heart of Hinduism, Bollywood, and lots of terror threats. With pretty pictures, a wealth of inaccuracies, and without the benefit of spell-check.

Visit to a Jain temple. Jainism is a religion and philosophy originating in ancient India. Jainism believes that the universe and all its substances are eternal. It has no beginning or end. There is no need for someone to create or manage the universe. The universe runs on its own accord by its own cosmic laws. Hence Jainism does not believe in God as a creator or destroyer of the universe.

However Jainism does believe in God. When a living being destroys all his karmas, he possesses perfect knowledge, vision, power, and bliss. He becomes omniscient and omnipotent. This living being is a Jain God (called Jinas or Tirthankars). Hence Jains do not believe in one God. Gods in Jain religion are innumerable and the number is continuously increasing as more living beings attain liberation. Every living being has a potential to become God of the Jain religion.

Jains don't worship to please gods, or in the hope of getting something from gods in return. But nevertheless, Jains do worship. They do not worship the Gods as persons. Rather they worship the ideal of perfection that the Gods have achieved.

The objects of veneration in a Jain temple are statues of human figures in marble, stone, or metal. These austere and rigid figures, always sharply sculpted and finely polished, sit with their hands folded on their lap or stand in meditation.

The folllowing are photos from the Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple in Mumbai.

Priests and local temple members were flowing from one diety to the next performing puja, meaning reverence or worship. The temple was silent and some of the priests and worshipers had their mouths covered with cloth. No one spoke. Several rituals were going on, one involving puja involving running water and others involving annointing the deities with sandalwood paste on various parts of the deities' body. After making puja to a deity, a worshiper would ring one of the several large bells that hung from the ceiling.

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Photos

Entrance to Jain Temple
The entrance to the Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple in Mumbai.

Jain Temple Foyer
The view facing the first floor of altars.

Jain Temple Foyer II
Close up of the entrance to the first floor of the temple

Jain Ritual
The women were participating in a ritual involving flowing liquids on the main floor in front of the main altar

Main Temple Deity
This was the central deity on the first floor of the temple.

Annointing Deity
Local Jains were performing puja by going from one temple deity to the next annointing them with sandalwood paste.

Small Shrine
A small shrine at the entrance to the first floor of the temple

Second Floor Side Altar
A side altar on the second floor.

Main Deities on Second Floor
These are the main deities on the second floor.

Deities on Second Floor
More deities on the second floor of the temple

Ceiling of Jain Temple
Part of the gorgeous ceiling of the temple.

Second Floor Deity
A deity on the second floor covered with flowers

Annointing Deity
Local Jain Temple member annointing a deity on the second floor

Another Second Floor Side Altar
A deity on a side altar on the second floor

Ceiling Above Altar
A view of the ceiling above the main altar on the second floor

Puja Rituals
Local Jain Temple member annointing the deity and making puja

Temple Deity
A temple deity adorned with flowers

View from Temple
View of Mumbai from a balcony behind the main altar on the second floor

Comments

[kdh]

dang!
These pictures are awesome! Thanks so much for sharing -- you know how much I love gods, altars, and all things associated. Who knew you were in India? Can't wait to hear all about it!

[Deb]

Jain
There is a Jain Center in Burtonsville. I have always been curious about it . . . thanks for educating me.

[Nisa]

Thanks & regards
Salaam Mim, thanks for the pics, they are beautiful, looking forward for more. Hope you enjoying your trip. Nisa

[Kathy]

Appreciate your sharing
How very interesting, impressed with your knowledge, especially for an ex-catholic. The temples are exquisite.

[Kelly]

you should write a book
Mim, your photos and descriptions are awesome, with all descriptions ringing of your unique perspective and humor. If you turned this into a book, I think it would be really successful! thanks for including me on this! Kelly