What is a shrine and why is it important in a Hindu home?
Activities • Talk about special places at home. Discuss where the children go if they want to be quiet or to think. • Show them the word ‘shrine’. Explain that in Hindu homes a collection of pictures or images is kept in the shrine and this is where a Hindu family comes to pray. • Look at pictures and videos of a shrine. Ask the children to describe what they can see. • Discuss how one might prepare for the visit of a special guest. How do we try to make people feel welcome? Explain that Hindus treat the images of the gods and goddesses like extra-special guests: they’re respected, cared for, talked to, offered food and kept clean. Why do you think this might be? • Hindus believe they can serve God through loving devotion to their chosen deity. Ask the children what they think loving devotion means. Use a selection of resources to find out how Hindus may treat and care for their images of the gods and goddesses. Record findings on a prepared sheet. • Use CD-ROMs or talk to a Hindu visi
