Indo–Caribbean Hindu Temples of Minnesota

The main altar at Milan Mandir.

Here from left to right are the murtis (icons) of Saraswati, Ganesha and Lakshmi. The altars in Indo-Caribbean Temples typically hold murtis depicting many forms of God. There is rarely a focus on a specific form. All forms are given equal importance, both in representation and ritual.

Another view of the main altar at Milan Mandir.

In the center stands a large portrait of the founder of the Bharat Seva Ashram Sangha, Yugacharya Sreemat Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj. Milan Mandir is an affiliate of the Bharat Seva Ashram Sangha, a religious organization based in India, with branches in various parts of the world, including the Caribbean.

At the beginning of the weekly Sunday morning service, hawan (puja), is conducted. Every week, a different family is led through the steps by the pundit (priest).

The singing of dhuns (chants), and bhajans (devotional hymns) is central to worship at Indo-Caribbean temples. Here at Milan Mandir, the entire audience participates in the singing.

A young teenage girl leads the singing of the popular bhajan (devotional hymn), "Ragupati Raghava Raja Rama." This bhajan describes in Hindi the glory of Rama, a form of God. She also plays the harmonium.

A young boy plays the dholak, a traditional drum, in accompaniment with the harmonium.

Satya Balroop, the founder and president of the Minnesota Hindu Milan mandir, leads the singing of aarti at the conclusion of the service. To the right of her stands the murti (icon) of Durga, a female form of God.

A young boy waves a traditional fan in front of the murtis, during aarti. In ancient India, such fans were used by servants to provide comfort for royalty. The fans today represent respect and reverence for God.

At the right of the photo, a small boy blows into a conch shell or sanka. The sanka is traditionally associated with God as Vishnu. The sound emitted from the shell represents creation.

In the center of the picture, the pundit (priest) rings a large brass bell. The bell symbolically summons the attention of God to the worship. Others in the photograph bow their heads while singing the aarti.

A young girl prepares prasad, which is served at the conclusion of the service. Prasad is an edible sweet which has been first offered to God, and then distributed to the audience. It is symbolic of Godıs grace or blessings. In Caribbean temples, prasad is usually a sweet dish made out of milk, flour, and sugar. This dish itself is referred to as "prasad."

Koku, a traditional Indian game is played at the weekly Shakha held at the mandir.

"Chor Police," another Indian game is played at Shakha. It is similar to the western game of "Cops and Robbers."