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MKAE SURE YOU GO OFF THE PROJECT PROPOSAL THAT YOU DID FOR ME ILL INCLUDE IT BELOW

Hindu Site Visitation Final Research Paper: (35% of grade)

Due: Tuesday 12/17 (Upload to Canvas by midnight as a word doc. or pdf)
Length: 1250 words minimum + bibliography

Before doing this proposal, be sure to carefully read the Final Research Paper - Hindu Site Visitation Project Guidelines F24.pdf on Canvas in the "Course Requirements and Projects Module" (under Welcome Module). After you do your site visitation, you will write a research paper that includes your reflections, observations and experience at the site as well as some deeper research into some aspect of Hinduism that is somehow related to your visit. Again, please read over the guidelines about this project before starting.

Your final paper will be 1250 words minimum (not including bibliography) and must be completed by the last day of the semester (Tuesday 12/17/2024) as a word .doc or .pdf. Besides the content, you will also be graded on grammar/spelling so please write them as professional/academic papers. When citing outside sources, please use proper formats, using either APA, MA, or Chicago. I am ok with any format you decide to use, as long as your are consistent. Follow these guidelines: https://libguides.csun.edu/research-strategies/citing-sources.

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RS 385 FINAL PAPER GUIDELINES HINDU SITE VISITATION FINAL RESEARCH PROJECT (35% of grade) LOGISTICS Due Dates: • Hindu Site Visitation Research Proposal: Sunday, November 24th - last day to turn in your site/research proposal, though I highly recommend turning it in earlier (see more info below). • Hindu Site Visitation Research Final Paper: Thursday, December 19th Submission: A place for you to upload your proposal and final paper is available on Canvas in the “COURSE REQUIREMENTS & PROJECTS” Module. Please upload your final paper as either a word doc. or .PDF - no other formats will be accepted. Your paper should be a minimum of 1250 words (not including citations). HINDU SITE VISITATION This project will involve you visiting a Hindu temple/institution somewhere around you. I would like you to attend a service or other religious function (holiday/ festival /celebration/ritual), which you can observe or participate in. You may need to do some research to find out when public services/functions are being held at whichever place you choose to visit. If it is a private event, you may need to speak to someone beforehand to make sure it is okay for you to attend. Many of these institutions have websites where you can get this information (check their calendars or "events" page), or you can call them directly if needed. If no functions are happening, see if you can get a personal tour, which is also a great way to get information about the place. I have included a list of Hindu temples/ institutions around the Los Angeles area below, but you are welcome to choose any that is around you, just be sure to get it approved by me before visiting. FINAL ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPER - Due by Sunday 11/24/2024 Your final ethnographic research paper will be broken up into two main parts. After your visit to the site, 1. write a summary and reflection response about your experience and observations at the site; and then 2. delve a bit further into some research topic on Hinduism somehow related to your visit. Let me break this down further: 1. The visitation portion of the paper is intended to be a descriptive account of the religious visit and any activity you observed, neither laudatory nor critical. The purpose is to observe the site/event carefully and empathetically, in regard to the space and what is actually done there - you will simply describe your experiences and observations. You should also reflect on how your personal observations from the site visit challenged or expanded your understanding of Hinduism. Examples about things you should try and tell me about in your paper (if applicable), include: – What you observed and learned during your visit – Description of who else and roughly how many were in attendance (just practitioners? the public? specific ethnic/regional community?) – Is there a primary deity or just multiple deities represented? What specific branch or sect of Hinduism does this particular religious institution belong to? – Any information regarding the history of the space (When was it established and by whom or what group?) – Any other interesting observations you can make about the space (religious symbols, art, architecture, etc.) or the event (How it was set up? How was worship conducted? What rituals or religious practices took place?) – What was the meaning, significance, and function of the service/ritual/event you attended - particularly to participants (worshippers or priest?) This could involve you doing a short interview with participants or religious leaders there. – Make sure to include at least one a picture of yourself at the site along with any other interesting photos you would like to share at the end of your paper. If photography is not allowed inside, photos from outside the building are ok. 2. Further research portion: Your visit will serve as an entry point into deeper research about some aspect of Hinduism that is somehow related to your visit. For example, you could research further on the following topics: • The particular branch, or sub-branch, of Hinduism which this institution belongs to. In this case you could look at the history and emergence of this branch and/or discuss its particular philosophical point of view and/or associated religious practices • Some deeper research into of the particular deity or deities of the temple including its symbolism, history and mythology • Analysis of some art, sculpture, and/or architecture of the temple • If it was an event/holiday/festival you attended, you could do further research into the history and significance of this event within Hinduism • Analysis of some particular scripture associated with the temple • Deeper analysis into one the religious practices you may have witnessed For example, perhaps you visit a Krishna temple associated with the Vaishnava sub-branch known as ISKCON aka the Hare Krishnas. In this case, your paper should discuss your observations and experience during the site visit, while the next portion can discuss a bit more about this particular branch of Hinduism (in this case Gaudiya Vaishnavism) - including things like its history, its founder, and/or research into its particular philosophical system. Your paper should incorporate knowledge that we've been learning about Hinduism in class as well as 2-3 other academic sources (articles/books). Note: Wikipedia is not considered an academic resource though it does point to a number of references which you should look up and which could potentially be used. SITE VISITATION RESEARCH PROPOSAL: Due Sunday, November 24th Your Hindu Site Visitation Research Project proposal should include the following information: 1. The name of the site/institution you wish to visit (along with address and website, if they have one. 2. The event or service you hope to attend (including date, if there is one) 3. What topic associated with the temple you hope to research deeper (in some cases, this could change depending on your site visitation experience) 4. 2-3 academic sources you could potentially use for your paper - give full citations If you have any questions or need help, please arrange a time to visit me over Zoom. Some reminders: • • If you are using any research sources (online/articles/books/pamphlets) make sure you cite them properly. You may use the citation style of your choice (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.), but please be consistent. For more information, go to: https://libguides.csun.edu/research-strategies/citing-sources As stated previously, we have software which can detect online plagiarism and the use of AI generated information, so be sure to only use your own words or cite properly if using quotations. Anyone who fails to do this will receive severe consequences, so don't take any chances! SAMPLE HINDU SITES IN GREATER LOS ANGELES REGION – FEEL FREE TO CHOOSE YOUR OWN AS LONG AS IT IS APPROVED BY ME! Note: not all info may be updated, double check before visiting! HINDUISM Vedanta Society of Southern California Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) Mount 1946 Vedanta Pl Los Angeles, CA 90068 Washington International Headquarters Phone: (323) 465-7114 3880 San Rafael Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90065; http://www.vedanta.org/ Phone (323) 225-2471 Founded by Swami Vivekananda's disciple Founded by Indian yogi/mystic/guru, Swami Prabhavananda in 1930 Paramahansa Yogananda, in 1920 Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine 17190 W Sunset Blvd Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 Phone: (310) 454-4114 http://www.lakeshrine.org Sri Aurobindo Center of Los Angeles and the East-West Cultural Center 12329 Marshall St, Culver City, CA 90230 Phone: (310) 390-9083 http://www.sriaurobindocenter-la.org/ Founded in 1953 by a direct disciple of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo and enshrines the sacred relics of Sri Aurobindo ISKCON - International Society for Krishna Consciousness of Los Angeles 3764 Watseka Ave, LA, CA 90034 Phone: (310) 836-2676 https://www.iskconla.com/ ISKCON - Laguna Beach 285 Legion St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 https://lagunatemple.org/ Shree Venkateswara Malibu Hindu Temple 1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone: (818) 880-5552 www.malibuhindutemple.org Transcendental Meditation Los Feliz 1655 Hillhurst Ave, #102 LA, CA 90027 Phone: (323) 375-4108 https://www.tm.org/transcendentalmeditation-la Founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Transcendental Meditation - West LA Phone: (323) 375-4108 2001 S Barrington Ave, #202 Los Angeles, CA 90025 Valley Hindu Temple 18700 Roscoe Blvd Northridge, CA 91325 (818) 772-7736 www.valleyhindutemple.org/ Ma Durga Temple 2007 E Foothill Blvd Pasadena, CA 91107 Phone: (626) 578-9009 http://www.madurgatemple.org Lakshmi Temple 8130 Laurel Canyon Blvd, North Hollywood, CA-91605 Phone: (818) 827 7927 www.ashtalakshmitemplela.org Radha Krishna Mandir 12634 Pioneer Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650 Phone: (562) 868-9059 http://www.radhakrishna.org/ Shree Pashupatinath & Buddha Mandir 10843 Kenney St, Norwalk, CA 90650 Phone: (562) 864-7600 http://www.pashupatinathfoundation.org/ https://www.facebook.com/SPFULA Gayatri Temple 22116 Pioneer Blvd, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716 BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir 15100 Fairfield Ranch Rd. Chino Hills, CA 91709 USA Phone: (909) 614 5000 https://www.baps.org/GlobalNetwork/North-America/LosAngeles.aspx 2nd largest Hindu temples in the U.S. - highly recommend for its beautiful architecture Diorama-Museum of Bhagavad-gita 3764 Watseka Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034 (310) 845-9333, info@bgmuseum.com https://www.bgmuseum.com/Sri Ashta Pasadena Shiva Temple 46 N Lotus Ave, Pasadena, CA 91107 Phone: (626) 304-0794 http://www.losangeleshindusociety.org/ Hindu Temple and Indian Cultural Center 21213 Devonshire St Ste 219, Chatsworth, CA, 91311 (818) 772-6020 Shri Nand Shiv Durga Mandir 3412 W Beverly Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640 Phone: (626) 808-5457 https://shivmandirca.org/ Sanatan Dharma Hindu Temple 15311 Pioneer Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650 Phone: (562) 484-0822 Sdtemplela@gmail.com https://www.sdtemple.org/ Shree Swaminarayan Temple 15213 Pioneer Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650 Phone: (562) 864-8801 http://www.issola.com/ Shree Swami Narayan Temple 12147 Lakewood Blvd, Downey, CA 90242 Phone: (562) 622-0554 https://www.sssmla.org/ Radha Govind Dham Los Angeles 5530 Donna Ave, Tarzana, CA 91356 Phone: (818) 403-3270 Phone: (562) 425-3970 http://www.gayatrimandir.com/ https://www.rgdla.org/ Sri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple 3555 Lomita Blvd Unit A, Torrance, CA 90505 Phone: (310) 561-8082 https://www.hanumantemplela.org/ Kali Mandir 20371 Sun Valley Dr Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Phone:(949) 494-1906 http://www.kalimandir.org Shri Siddhivinayak (Ganesha) Temple 201 West Ash Street, Brea, CA 92821 https://siddhivinayakla.org/ Bharat Sevashram Sangha 5600 Carbon Canyon Rd Brea, CA 92823 Phone: (714) 494-4531 http://www.bsswest.org Los Angeles Hindu Temple & Cultural Center 5306 S Normandie Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90037 Phone: 213-820-2671 https://losangeleshindutemple.org/ Bengali Hindu Temple established in 2018 KAILASA Los Angeles: Nithyanandeshwara Hindu Temple 9720 Central Ave, Montclair CA 91763 Phone: 909-625-1400 info@nithyanandavedictemple.org https://www.latemple.org/ Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan 144 S 4th St Montebello, CA 90640 Phone: (323) 721-1772 http://www.shirdisaila.org Shree Ramkabir Mandir 530 E 231st St, Carson, CA 90745 Phone: (310) 549-4492 https://kabirtemple.org/ Please note: For all visits, please wear regular, conservative "church/temple" clothing. In most Hindu Temples, shoes are not allowed inside the temple, so be prepared. Please bring at least one dollar to all sites as an offering. As a guest, please show humbleness, patience, and respect at all times. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 Justin Javaherian CSUN RS385 11-16-2024 2 Hindu Site Visitation Research Project Proposal Site Name and Address: I propose undertaking a site visit to Malibu Hindu Temple, situated at 1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Road, Calabasas, Los Angeles, California. The website of the temple is https:// malibuhindutemple.org. Event or Service: I will be able to attend a Puja in the temple on a weekend when the temple conducts religious activities in conjunction with congregational gatherings. I will try to visit next week or the following week, whichever is feasible. The required information of the schedule would be obtained from the temple itself prior to the visit. Research Topic: My focus is on how rituals create this sense of togetherness and spiritual growth within the Southern California Hindu diaspora. More narrowly, I have in mind an examination of how ceremonies like Abhishekam work to create cultural memory and reinforce religious identities within diaspora communities. This will provide a context for analyzing just how the performance of Puja ceremonies within a temple binds individual spirituality to communal tradition. Depending on how this plays out in my observations, I may also extend my focus to examine how diaspora temples balance traditional practices with modern amenities reflective of the unique needs within their communities. Academic Sources: Sharma, A. (2019). Modern Hinduism in Global Perspective: Ritual, Culture, and Identity. Routledge. Singh, K., & Mohan, R. (2021). "The Impact of Rituals on Social Cohesion in Diaspora Communities." Journal of Hindu Studies, 14(2), 134-156. 3
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OUTLINEIntroductionOverview of the exploration of Hinduism through a visit to the Malibu Hindu TemplePurpose of the visit: To understand the significance of Hindu rituals, particularly the Abhishekam ceremony, in shaping spiritual and communal identityStructure of the discussion: Ethnographic account of the visit and a research-based exploration of rituals' role in cultural memory and religious identityObservations and ReflectionsSite DescriptionLocation and dedication to Lord Venkateswara, with shrines to other deitiesDravidian architectural style: Gopurams, murals, and sculpturesSensory elements: Devotional music, incense, atmosphere of sacrednessAttendance and DemographicsVisitor diversity: Indian families, solo worshippers, and non-Hindu guestsTemple's role as a cultural hub: Spiritual practices and community eventsImportance of the temple for second-generation immigrants and its role in fostering community connectionsThe Abhishekam CeremonyDetailed description of the ritual: Bathing the deity’s idol with milk, honey, ghee, sandalwood paste, and chanting of Vedic hymnsSensory immersion and its emotional and communal impact: Prayers, bhajans, vibrant colors, and divine energyThe ceremony as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realmsReflections on the ExperienceTransformation of understanding: From academic knowledge to emotional and communal dimensions of ritualsThe temple's role as a cultural bridge, adapting traditional practices for contemporary diaspora needsResearch Analysis: Rituals and Community in the Hindu DiasporaRituals as a Foundation of Cultural MemoryRole of rituals like Abhishekam in preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of continuity and belongingSignificance for diaspora communities in reconnecting with cultural roots despite geographical separationSocial Cohesion through Ritual PracticesHow communal participation in rituals like Abhishekam fosters unity and social bondsThe role of the temple in building social cohesion within the diasporaAdaptation of Rituals in Diaspora SettingsBalancing tradition with modernity: Use of technology (online schedules, donation portals) and bilingual resources to engage the younger generation and non-Hindu visitorsThe dynamic nature of Hinduism and its ability to adapt to globalized contextsThe Role of Temples in Diaspora IdentityTemples as cultural epicenters where diaspora communities connect with their heritageImportance of temples in preserving religious practices and cultural customs, fostering a sense of belonging in a multicultural societyConclusionSummary of the insights gained from the visit and research analysisReflection on the interplay between rituals, spirituality, and community in the Hindu diasporaRecognition of Hinduism’s adaptability and capacity to preserve cultural identity while navigating contemporary challenges

1

Rituals of Reverence and Identity: Exploring the Role of the Abhishekam Ceremony at
the Malibu Hindu Temple
Introduction
Overview of the exploration of Hinduism through a visit to the Malibu Hindu Temple
Purpose of the visit: To understand the significance of Hindu rituals, particularly the
Abhishekam ceremony, in shaping spiritual and communal identity
Structure of the discussion: Ethnographic account of the visit and a research-based
exploration of rituals' role in cultural memory and religious identity
Observations and Reflections
Site Description
Location and dedication to Lord Venkateswara, with shrines to other deities
Dravidian architectural style: Gopurams, murals, and sculptures
Sensory elements: Devotional music, incense, atmosphere of sacredness
Attendance and Demographics
Visitor diversity: Indian families, solo worshippers, and non-Hindu guests
Temple's role as a cultural hub: Spiritual practices and community events
Importance of the temple for second-generation immigrants and its role in fostering
community connections
The Abhishekam Ceremony
Detailed description of the ritual: Bathing the deity’s idol with milk, honey, ghee,
sandalwood paste, and chanting of Vedic hymns
Sensory immersion and its emotional and communal impact: Prayers, bhajans, vibrant colors,
and divine energy
The ceremony as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms
Reflections on the Experience

2

Transformation of understanding: From academic knowledge to emotional and communal
dimensions of rituals
The temple's role as a cultural bridge, adapting traditional practices for contemporary
diaspora needs
Research Analysis: Rituals and Community in the Hindu Diaspora
Rituals as a Foundation of Cultural Memory
Role of rituals like Abhishekam in preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of
continuity and belonging
Significance for diaspora communities in reconnecting with cultural roots despite
geographical separation
Social Cohesion through Ritual Practices
How communal participation in rituals like Abhishekam fosters unity and social bonds
The role of the temple in building social cohesion within the diaspora
Adaptation of Rituals in Diaspora Settings
Balancing tradition with modernity: Use of technology (online schedules, donation portals)
and bilingual re...

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