As usual Hindu%u2019s are again facing attack of pseudo secular forces. And hindus%u2019s beloved mandir has once again become the target of of secular controversy. here the anger is misplaced, and derives not from a sense of dharma violated, but from embarrassment at what others will think and say about believing Hindus. This is nothing but a hangover of the inferiority complex instilled in Hindus during the colonial period when Christian missionaries unleashed a barrage of propaganda against the tradition, in their quest for converts.
To understand the issue in its proper perspective, we must understand the difference between the Hindu mandir and monotheistic houses of worship. The mandir is literally god%u2019s palace; it is built according to shastric specifications, and once the images are consecrated it means the gods have accepted the invitation to reside in the respective temples. This is what gave temples their power and sanctity in all ancient traditions.
In monotheistic traditions, the synagogue, church and mosque are houses of congregation where the respective gods are remembered in community worship. But monotheistic gods do not descend from their heavenly abodes to dwell with the believers, even during the hour of worship. This is an important distinction, because the congregation itself has no special sanctity, and can meet anywhere. Hindu tradition, on the other hand, shares divinity with the believers, because man is made of the same atman as Parambrahman. Hindus
