Religious Iconography

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Religion Iconography

1. Stained Glass

5. Music in Christianity and Hinduism

4. Celtic Cross

3. Lord Ganesha Statue

2.Hanuman Paintings

Hanuman temple

Hanuman temple

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In Christianity and Hinduism the utilization of music, imagery, and idoltry figures symbolize the importance of icongraphy in religion and encourage consistent worship within both religions.

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While Ganesha is vastly different than Hanuman, the both are often regarded to and worshipped together. Many idols of both Gods can be found in most Hindu households and are praised highly. Hanuman represents strength and is often prayed to on Tuesdays. However, Ganesha is mostly prayed to before embarking on a new journey.

The Celtic Cross and pipe organ are both icons of Christianity symbolizing strength and love. Because these are two important values of many Christians, the representation of both in physicality and musicality hold an extensive significance.

The vibrant stained glass placed throughout the walls of the church highlights Jesus' life including The Last Supper story and Jesus surrounded by lambs. These biblical scenes represent Jesus as a saving grace and being a sacrificial lamb. Likewise, paintings of Hanuman's story decorate the inner walls of the Hindu temple focusing on his achievments. Similar to The Last Supper, the painting to the right expresses evidence of Hanuman's bravery. Sita Mata sits upon Hanuman's shoulder while firing an arrow to kill Shatakantha (the 100 faced) Ravansura. While The Last Supper does focus on Jesus' sacrifice, the painting details Hanuman's bravery seen multiple times throughout Hindu mythology. However, both are still two very celebrated icons today in their respective religions

Lord Ganesha represents the values of intellect and wisdom, and is known as the remover of obstacles in Hinduism. Ganesha is mainly worshipped to for these values, but also because he is known to bring good luck. In parallel, the Celtic Cross symbolizes knowledge and strength, and can even depict the compassion to overcome life's obstacles. Both symbols are not only physical, but spiritual representations of good will and knowledge in the lives of their worshippers.

Bhajans and Chanting

Pipe Organs

Chanting prayers and listening to Bhajans are some common ways for Hindus to worship in their religion. This practice allows for them to focus and strengthen their spiritual connection with God. Additionally, the playing of the Hanuman Chalisa in the temple, a devotional Hindu hymn, is vital as it allows for the divine intervention of Hanuman within the practioners of the temple.

While Hindu hymns and Bhajans aim to deeper the spiritual connections of their devotees, the music from the pipe organs strive to elicit stronger emotional feelings. During the prayer in the church it is common to feel powerful emotions of joy, pain, and prayer. The organ players capitalize on these feelings and accompany them with a spiritual prescence and perspective. Hinduism and Christianity utlize the power of music in their worship, and while the intended result may differ, the effective impact is synonymous in both religions.

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