Easter was on Saturday for our family this year – we were heading back down I-75 after that celebration when son Brian and I noticed what had to be a Hindu temple near the hotels along Chester Road. So of course we got off at the Sharonville exit to investigate!
It’s a lovely temple outside and in, brand new but very much traditional, of a pretty red brick. We were invited to come in and look around, so we did, taking off our shoes as we entered. Brian, back in the day, hung out with the Hari Krishnas, and I’ve been to India and Nepal, and hung out in several temples there.
Beautiful, peaceful, calm – lots of people, lots of kids, an interesting store full of Indian foods, books, CDs. The ornately dressed deities are always a wonder, everyone was welcoming. Having gods who are approachable, who live the same life we do, brings religion and beliefs a lot closer, makes it all much less judgmental, and easier to follow, I always feel. These temples are always comfortable, not built to intimidate or overawe, but to welcome.
We were given a box of Prasadam, Indian treats, as a gift as we left. The Inspirer is Pramukh Swami Maharaj, baps.org, if you’d like to know more.