It has been said that religion is mankind's best attempt to explain the unexplainable. From time to time, this column will explore the diverse beliefs of people in our MetroWest Area. We begin with the ancient faith of Hinduism.

To enter the majestic Hindu sanctuary of the Sri Lakshmi Temple in Ashland is to instantly transcend into a world of sensual splendor. The Temple's awesome beauty is unlike anything experienced before. Scented incense climbs into the air. Honored deities are adorned with fragrant flowers.

Learned priests chant Vedic prayers in Sanskrit, the oldest written language of India. A round black stone symbolizes totality and sometimes a devotee brings water from the holy Ganges River in India.

The faith and philosophy of 900 million Hindus around the world is unique. It has no founder and no common creed. Yet Hinduism has thrived as a religion and as a way of life for thousands of years. There are an estimated 1.8 million Hindus in the United States and some 15,000 devotees are associated in some way with Ashland's Sri Lakshmi Temple.

Hinduism is a mix of many distinctive sects, yet a number of central concepts emerge. Its values are worth the struggle through complex ideas and unfamiliar words.

Hindus believe in a supreme being, an Absolute Reality which is beyond name and form, but which manifests itself in unlimited male and female forms. The various sects generally believe in the trinity of Brahma, the Creator; Vishnu, the Preserver; and Shiva, the Destroyer who takes away life so that it can be restored.

Basic to Hinduism is 'karma' which holds that the kind of life you live determines the condition into which you will be reborn in one form or another. Reincarnation is fundamental to Hinduism. That's the belief that the "atman" or soul survives after death. It is either headed to a new life or released altogether from the bond of existence.

The Ashland Temple honors Sri Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune who brings material wealth and spiritual prosperity. The statued image of Lakshmi is that of a beautiful woman depicted with four hands. Each hand represents one of the four goals of life which are righteousness, desire, wealth, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Before entering the sanctuary, devotees and visitors remove their shoes and leave them in the vestibule. Dress is casual and head covering is not required. Except during chanting, everyone is expected to maintain a respectful silence.

Although the Temple is considered the residence of the divine, the basic Hindu service takes on the aspect of a gathering of friends. For here, the devotees take on the role of the "host" and the honored deity is treated as the "special guest." The guest, of course, is treated with deep respect and great honor. Scented candles, which perfume the air, are lit. Fruit or vegetarian food is blessed. Later on, this sacramental food is offered to all who are present.

Friends of Hindus are often invited to at least three important life cycle events which include a naming ceremony for newborns, weddings, and funerals. No basket is passed around. However, any donation is acceptable to support the Temple's work.

While worship continues on a daily basis, there are four special days which vary from year to year because the Hindu calendar is lunar based. In late winter, an all night worship of the god Shiva takes place. In early autumn, Hindus reflect upon Duhsehra/Durga Puja, the triumph of good over evil. In the spring, there is worship of Rama along with the god Krishna, both of whom are regarded as incarnations of Vishnu. In late summer, Janmashtami, the birthday of Krishna, is celebrated. October is usually the time when devotees of the goddess Lakshmi honor her with prayer, dance, and song.

Visitors are welcome at the Temple, provided that a respectful presence is maintained within the sanctuary at all times. For young and old alike a visit to Temple Sri Lakshmi is an experience that can linger in one's memory for a lifetime.

The article above was found on Google and was published originally on The MetroWest Daily News