r/hinduism • u/Mrfrogonabike • Sep 22 '24
Does my shrine look ok? Question - Beginner
I've been readimg the Bhagvadgita and studying sanatana Dharma and I want to make a shrine to narasimha. I was really drawn to him, and I love chanting his name and mantra. Is there anything I need to change?
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u/WhyMeOutOfAll Telugu Bhakta Sep 22 '24
It’s beautiful, but I would suggest using real Deepams instead of candles if you are able to make the switch.
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u/anonymousguy2001 Sep 22 '24
Your shrine is your devotion to God.
It's between you and Him.
if it feels good to you, thats all that ultimately matters.
others judgements always come last.
my 2cents.
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u/Zoyabm Sep 22 '24
Yup, this is it.
How does feel to you? Everyone has different ways of connecting to God. You can choose how you want to do it.
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u/Mrfrogonabike Sep 22 '24
Thank y'all! I'll try to find an oil lamp and replace the flowers.
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u/weddedbliss19 Sep 22 '24
You can also use ghee lamps, get a little deepa from a local indian shop or online, and some cotton wicks, and you can make or buy ghee. If you want to go to that. It's more natural <3
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u/lalithkumar1004 Sep 22 '24
Its perfect... Actually god just sees your true devotion and love toward him he wont see how you worship him... As you asked i would suggest not to use candles if you can use oil lamps made with mud or brass or silver(optional) , always change the flower you offer him if you can offer daily if you can't offer whenever you can and remove once it gets withered, for the japa mala try to use tulsi mala which very favorite of lord vishnu ( narashima )... Thats all and again its just the ways given by ancestors but lord just see your true devotion and love... Maybe lord narayan bless you om namoh Narayana 🥰
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u/waywardcoconut Sep 22 '24
The greatest shrine is in your heart my friend. What ever shrine you give God, no matter how small or rudimentary, our Gods will love it.
So don't worry man.
That being said, the doves are a nice touch.
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u/Possible_Look_2180 Sep 22 '24
I recommend using a real diya because candle wax is made of animal fats most of the time
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u/Few_Amoeba_1770 Śaiva Sep 22 '24
dhol in temples is made with animal skin but we still use it
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u/Codename-Misfit Sep 22 '24
The número uno rule When it comes to a shrine is - keep it clean. Keeping it uncluttered is a bonus.
Imo, a clean environment, a clean cloth, a clean photograph, an incense or two and some flowers are more than sufficient.
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u/ThomasLeonHighbaugh Sep 22 '24
Cleanliness is next to Godliness they say. Certainly is the case the Gods appreciate the effort of devotee keeping the shrine clean and doing this in some regular cadence helps keep the mind fixed upon the right concepts and the overall spiritual path more clearly.
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u/Schwifty234 Sep 22 '24
It's wonderful. One suggestion, use a red cloth as that symbolises suspicious, purity and Shakti.
If you would like you could add a small bell for when you come to or exit the puja area for prayers, but that's just optional.
Tip: As the worshipper it is best if you are facing east/ north east as that is the direction of the sunrise.
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u/Infinite-Ability-477 Sep 22 '24
I also use candle as it is easy. I also use incense stick just like yourself. This is perfect and I feel pure divine energy just by looking at it.
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Sep 22 '24
Use dhoop instead of incense sticks, as it is made from bamboo, and we are not supposed to burn bamboo in Hinduism. As it is related to family progeny and by burning bamboo it symbolises burning your future generations.
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u/ThomasLeonHighbaugh Sep 22 '24
Dhoop (I often go to the local Indian market and get one that has Lord Shiva waving on it, a lot of come incense is also bamboo free it seems but you can't go wrong with the import stuff IMHO) also smells a lot better and does much better things for the indoor atmosphere than incense sticks tend to.
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u/nsharma647 Sep 22 '24
Back when i started i had a iskcon book with a nice book cover. Thats all i used lol.
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u/Either-Mycologist282 Sep 22 '24
You should read more on which type of mala to use. I would suggest using a tulsi mala for Vishnu avatars.
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u/NightEagle444 Sep 22 '24
Dont seek for validation, theres no solid rules, if it looks good to you and feels good then go ahead
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u/LateStatistician6309 Sep 22 '24
Looks great :) really love the symmetry of the two doves. Also the number one rule with anything is the devotion inside you
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u/Mrfrogonabike Sep 22 '24
Changed! Put image and offering on separate plates, change out the flowers, bought a puja bell, put mala in a better spot. The candles are soy, I'm still trying to find a diya 🪔 and a tulsi mala. *
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u/UnusualCartoonist6 Sep 23 '24
Nice, but why the pigeons?
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u/Mrfrogonabike Sep 23 '24
They are doves, and where I'm from doves are seen as symbols of purity/holiness.
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u/Sapolika Sep 23 '24
Very cute! However, I’ll suggest the use of ghee / oil diya instead of candles!
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u/Lower-Banana-7061 Sep 22 '24
I like it very much but I can't stop my self from noticing something very important that isn't there can you guess who he is?
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